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The MSC Lirica, with a passenger capacity of 1,976, is one of four ships in the Mistral class. Originally launched in 2003, the ship underwent a significant transformation during a $200 million refurbishment program in 2014–2015. This extensive upgrade involved adding a 79-foot-long section to the middle of the ship, increasing its cabin count by nearly 200, including 94 balcony cabins. Along with this "stretching," the ship's spa and childcare facilities were updated, and a new interactive water feature, the Spray Park, was added to the top deck.
With its sleek, traditional design, the MSC Lirica reflects Italian craftsmanship, courtesy of renowned Italian architect Giuseppe de Jorio. The decor features marble and brass, prioritizing elegance over flashiness, and creating intimate, welcoming public spaces.
During the summer months, MSC Lirica primarily caters to European guests, with multilingual staff speaking Italian, German, French, and Spanish, ensuring a truly international experience for passengers. In the winter, the ship relocates to Rio, offering four-night cruises to Uruguay. The crew is predominantly Italian, with a blend of Eastern European and a few Far Eastern hotel staff members completing the team.
On a seven-night cruise, passengers can expect two formal nights, though some guests opt for more casual attire, including jeans in the dining rooms. Outside of those formal nights, the dress code is casual, making for a relaxed cruising experience.
Evening entertainment on MSC Lirica offers a variety of options tailored to the tastes of its international European passengers, with some adjustments for North American guests in the Caribbean. The main venue is the Broadway Theatre, where performances take place in two seatings, typically at 9:15 p.m. and 10:45 p.m. The show lounge spans two decks, though the seating can feel compact during performances.
Music is available in several venues, including slow tunes in the Beverly Hills Bar, Latin dance rhythms in the Lirica Lounge, and classic piano favourites in L'Atmosphere. For a more upbeat atmosphere, there are live band performances in the Le Cabaret Lounge and disco music at the Blue Disco Club each evening.
Daytime activities include contests, such as the men's sexy legs competition, and enrichment classes, including Italian cooking lessons and language courses. The Lirica Health Center, located on deck 11, features workout equipment and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows offering views across three sides of the ship. The spa, managed by an Italian company, offers traditional treatments including facials and massages.
The pool area on deck 11 features two swimming pools and two whirlpools, surrounded by open deck space and lounge chairs. More lounge chairs are available on deck 13, which is shielded from the wind by protective windscreens. Topless sunbathing for women is permitted in certain secluded areas of the ship.
MSC Lirica has a range of public rooms and lounges with various designs and entertainment options. Most of these are located on decks 5 and 6, connected by a marble staircase. There is also a secondary lounge on deck 7 and a large disco on deck 12 with glass walls. The ship has eight bars and lounges in total.
The Lord Nelson Pub is located along the path to the show lounge, offering a quieter space for drinks. The Beverly Hills Bar, located near the dining room on deck 5, features marble and brass fittings and is a spot for pre- and post-dinner drinks, with occasional classical music performances. This area is next to a selection of duty-free shops offering souvenirs and luxury items.
MSC Italian Cruises follows a traditional dining concept, focusing primarily on Italian cuisine, with specialities such as risotto made tableside, fresh fish like cuttlefish, veal stew, and penne al 'arrabiata, among others.
There are four main dining areas onboard: La Bussola Restaurant on deck 5 and L'Ippocampo on deck 6 both serve sit-down meals, though L'Ippocampo is typically used for overflow. Le Bistrot Cafeteria on deck 11 offers informal buffet-style breakfasts and lunches. The fourth dining venue, La Pergola Restaurant, is an outdoor dining area that serves casual fare including pizza, pasta, and burgers. The outdoor seating is protected from the elements under a large canvas.
Meal times are based on European preferences. Buffet-style breakfast and lunch are available at the Le Bistrot Cafeteria from 6:30 to 10 a.m. and noon to 2 p.m., respectively. La Bussola serves breakfast from 7 to 9:30 a.m. and lunch from 12:30 to 2 p.m. There are two seatings for dinner at 6:45 p.m. and 8:45 p.m., with no casual alternative dining available in the evening. MSC Italian Cruises also offers a midnight buffet, which changes each night, featuring different themes such as fruit spreads or gala-style meals.
For guests who miss breakfast and do not wish to use room service, croissants are available at the Coffee Corner located around the atrium on deck 6.
The passenger cabins on Lirica are all located above the ship's mid-level public rooms. The cabins are average in size and have a typical layout and decor.
Of the 780 cabins, 64 percent offer outside views, with 132 cabins featuring balconies. All balcony cabins are classified as mini-suites. Each cabin is equipped with a safe, a television (without interactive features), and a fridge. The mini-suites include larger bathrooms with a bathtub.
