MSC Lirica

MSC Lirica entered service in 2003 as the first newbuild ship for MSC Cruises. She is a mid-sized ship operated by MSC Cruises and carries around 1,560 guests in her original configuration. The ship was significantly lengthened in 2015, stretched by 25 metres, which expanded her capacity considerably and added new deck space. She was christened by Sophia Loren, a tradition that has continued for all but one of MSC's newbuilds.

Lirica sits at the heart of the Lirica class, a four-ship family that also includes MSC Opera and sister vessels Armonia and Sinfonia. The lengthening programme brought substantial updates to the ship. A total of 193 new cabins were added along with 59 new crew cabins, and an Aqua Park featuring waterfalls and interactive slides was installed. The kids' clubs were enhanced with Chicco and LEGO equipment.

Onboard, the ship carries a classic elegance. Magnificent internal vistas from the foyer and unimpeded ocean views from the lounges contribute to a sense of relaxed spaciousness. The main dining room seats 950 guests, with a second aft restaurant of 406 seats, and there is an indoor buffet and outdoor alfresco dining area with pizzeria and grill. Meals feature international varieties of culinary specialities, from classic Mediterranean cuisine to Asian delicacies.

For entertainment, the Broadway Theatre seats 713 guests for grand-style productions, concerts and acrobatics, and the ship offers multiple bars and lounges ranging from an English pub to a piano bar. The ship has a panoramic gym and MSC Aurea Spa with beauty treatments and massages.

Staterooms run across nine grades including 130 suites, 94 balcony cabins, 409 sea-view rooms, and 355 inside cabins. During the European summer season, Lirica draws an international mix of passengers, with Italian, German, French and Spanish commonly heard onboard. The ship suits families and couples looking for a well-established mid-sized ship with balanced amenities across dining, entertainment and relaxation.