Ship Comparison
MSC Lirica vs MSC Opera
Choose MSC Lirica for a classic European cruise with intimate spaces, or MSC Opera for a livelier, updated experience across more diverse itineraries.
The verdict
Both MSC Lirica and MSC Opera offer a distinct European-influenced cruise experience, with Lirica leaning into a more traditional and intimate charm, while Opera, thanks to its extensive refurbishment, presents a more contemporary and energetic atmosphere. Lirica, a medium-sized Mistral-class ship launched in 2003 and refurbished in 2014-2015, provides a relaxed ambiance with elegant Italian-designed interiors. MSC Opera, launched in 2004 and also significantly refurbished in 2015, emerged with expanded facilities, including additional balcony cabins, making it a vibrant choice for families and those seeking active entertainment. Your preference will largely come down to whether you seek quieter, classic elegance or a more bustling, modern, and activity-rich environment.
Choose MSC Lirica if…
Travelers seeking a classic, elegant cruise with an intimate European atmosphere, who appreciate traditional dining and a multi-cultural environment.
Best for
- Travelers who enjoy a classic, traditional cruise experience with Italian flair.
- Guests who prefer intimate public spaces and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Cruisers interested in Mediterranean itineraries with cultural immersion.
- Those seeking value-oriented fares without compromising on elegance.
Avoid if
- You prefer a very quiet ship; some cabins might have soundproofing issues.
- You expect extensive casual dining options in the evenings.
- You are looking for the latest, most cutting-edge cruise ship amenities.
Choose MSC Opera if…
Families and guests looking for a vibrant, fun-filled cruise with modern amenities, diverse entertainment, and extensive children's programs, particularly in the Caribbean.
Best for
- Families looking for a fun-filled ship with dedicated kids' facilities and a water park.
- Guests who enjoy a lively, energetic atmosphere with plenty of music and dancing.
- Travelers interested in diverse itineraries, particularly in the Caribbean.
- Those who appreciate a refreshed, contemporary feel on a mid-sized ship.
Avoid if
- You dislike crowded buffets during peak dining hours.
- You prefer a more subdued and tranquil onboard experience.
- You are sensitive to multilingual announcements that can be lengthy.
Overall Vibe
MSC Lirica
MSC Lirica embodies a sleek and traditional charm, characteristic of its Mistral-class heritage. Launched in 2003 and thoughtfully refurbished between 2014 and 2015, the ship maintains an elegant Italian design throughout its nine decks. The overall feel is one of relaxed spaciousness, with magnificent internal vistas and floor-to-ceiling windows offering unimpeded ocean views. It cultivates an ambiance that is refined yet accessible, catering to guests who appreciate classic cruising without the overwhelming scale of larger vessels, creating a tasteful and comfortable environment.
MSC Opera
MSC Opera presents a contemporary and lively atmosphere, a testament to its significant 'stretching' refurbishment in 2015 following its 2004 launch. Despite its origins, the ship feels refreshed, offering a fun-filled experience with top-notch entertainment and modern facilities across its nine decks. The design is elegant, utilizing precious materials and attention to detail, but with a more energetic pulse. It’s built along classic lines, yet its updates allow it to appeal to a dynamic crowd while retaining the ability to access destinations larger ships cannot.
Atmosphere & Crowd
MSC Lirica
Aboard MSC Lirica, you'll find a welcoming, multi-lingual European ambiance, drawing 1,976 passengers served by a dedicated crew of 671. The atmosphere is generally more subdued, fostering intimate social interactions within its smaller public rooms. Guests often appreciate the opportunity for cultural immersion, with announcements and activities reflecting diverse European languages. It's a ship where quiet conversations in the Lord Nelson Pub or enjoying classical music in L'Atmosphere Piano Bar are favored, creating a relaxed and convivial setting for those who enjoy a more laid-back cruise experience.
MSC Opera
MSC Opera cultivates a lively and energetic atmosphere, attracting a predominantly European, fun-loving crowd of 2,142 passengers supported by 800 crew members. The ship is known for its party-oriented vibe, with celebrations often extending late into the night, driven by an enthusiastic entertainment team. While multilingual announcements are common, reflecting its diverse passenger base, the focus remains on engaging activities and social interaction. This creates a bustling environment ideal for guests who thrive on constant activity and a vibrant international energy throughout their voyage.
Dining
MSC Lirica
MSC Lirica offers a mix of traditional and casual dining. Complimentary options include the elegant La Bussola Restaurant and the more relaxed La Pergola, which serves American fare like hamburgers, pizza, and pasta in an outdoor cafeteria setting. For those seeking variety, the ship also features specialty venues like the Kaito Sushi Bar, the L'Ippocampo Italian restaurant, a Vitamin Bar for healthy drinks, and The Italian Ice Cream Bar, all available for an additional charge. Room service offers complimentary cold sandwiches and continental breakfast, with pizza available for a fee.
MSC Opera
On MSC Opera, guests can enjoy complimentary meals in the main dining rooms, L'Approdo Restaurant (Italian) and La Caravella Restaurant (Mediterranean), known for their traditional fixed seating and attentive service, sometimes even featuring dancing waiters. The casual Il Patio Bar provides alfresco pizza and fast-food style dishes as an included option. For additional charges, guests can explore the Le Vele Self Service Buffet for a broader selection, or indulge in treats from the Venchi Ice Cream Bar and healthy options at the Vitamin Bar. Room service offers complimentary lighter fare, with pizza for an extra cost.
Entertainment & Nightlife
MSC Lirica
Entertainment on MSC Lirica centers around its Broadway Theatre, hosting two nightly shows with an international lineup. For evening socializing, guests can choose from the lively Blue Club Disco on deck 12, the popular L'Atmosphere Piano Bar for live music, or the more subdued Beverly Hills Bar for pre- and post-dinner drinks. The Lord Nelson Pub offers a quiet spot for a beer. Daytime activities include poolside fun, Italian cooking and language classes, various 'crazy' contests, and a 24-hour video arcade, ensuring diverse options for all.
MSC Opera
MSC Opera delivers a dynamic entertainment program, highlighted by performances in the Teatro Dell'Opera, featuring tribute shows and revues. For nightlife, the Byblos Discoteca offers late-night dancing, while the Cotton Club Music Hall provides a large dance floor with live bands. The La Cabala Piano Bar & Lounge offers a more intimate setting for music. Daytime activities range from poolside aerobics, dance lessons, and cocktail demonstrations to language lessons and craft creations. The Med Pearl Casino offers traditional games, ensuring a bustling atmosphere throughout the day and evening.
Cabins & Suites
MSC Lirica
MSC Lirica offers 988 cabins, with 132 featuring private balconies, largely categorized as mini-suites. These Junior Suites Aurea are spacious at 23 sqm with a 5 sqm balcony, including a sitting area, walk-in wardrobe, and a bathroom with a bathtub. Standard cabins, such as the 13 sqm Junior Interior and Ocean View options, are average in size and comfortably appointed. It's worth noting that some cabins have been described as 'badly soundproofed,' which is something to consider. Four wheelchair-accessible cabins are available.
MSC Opera
MSC Opera boasts 1070 cabins, with a significant boost in balcony accommodations during its 2015 refurbishment, adding 94 new balcony cabins. Junior Suite Aurea cabins are a generous 23 sqm with a 5 sqm balcony, featuring a sitting area and a bathtub in the bathroom, along with exclusive Aurea perks. Standard categories like the 13 sqm Junior Interior and Ocean View cabins are well-appointed. All cabins include amenities like a safe, minibar, and flat-screen TV. Five wheelchair-accessible cabins are available, offering enhanced accessibility features.
Service & Onboard Style
MSC Lirica
On MSC Lirica, the service reflects MSC Cruises' Italian heritage, with a predominantly European and multi-lingual crew of 671 attending to 1,976 passengers. The onboard style emphasizes elegance and comfort, offering guests a 'Personalized' experience through options like Bella, Fantastica, and Aurea. While not explicitly detailed, the focus on intimate public rooms suggests a service designed to feel more personal and attentive within its traditional setting. Staff are generally focused on providing a hospitable environment, aligning with classic cruising expectations.
MSC Opera
MSC Opera's service is characterized by an attentive and lively crew of 800 for 2,142 passengers, maintaining a strong European influence. Reviews highlight 'excellent service' and even 'dancing waiters' in the main dining rooms, contributing to the ship's fun-filled atmosphere. The ship offers 'Personalized' experiences through Bella, Fantastica, and Aurea packages, with Aurea guests benefiting from 'MyChoice Dining.' This indicates a service style that balances traditional elegance with engaging, friendly interactions, creating a memorable and energetic onboard journey for guests.
Best Itineraries
MSC Lirica
MSC Lirica primarily sails captivating Mediterranean itineraries. Guests can explore the rich history and beautiful coastlines of Italy, Greece, Turkey, Croatia, and Egypt, with popular ports like Ancona, Venice-Marghera, Kotor, Mykonos, and Istanbul featured. The ship also offers Western Mediterranean routes, calling at destinations such as Valencia, Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, and Civitavecchia. These itineraries are well-suited for travelers eager to immerse themselves in diverse European cultures and historical sites, often providing overnight stays to fully experience destinations like Mykonos.
MSC Opera
MSC Opera offers a more globally diverse range of itineraries, appealing to explorers looking for varied experiences. During colder months, it frequently sails the sun-drenched Caribbean, visiting ports like La Romana, Catalina Island, Virgin Gorda, Philipsburg, Basseterre, St. John's, Oranjestad, Willemstad, Kralendijk, Saint George, Fort de France, and Bridgetown. In other seasons, it navigates the Western Mediterranean, including Genoa, Marseille, Malaga, Cadiz, Lisbon, Alicante, Mahon, and Olbia, and even offers voyages to South Africa, including Durban and Cape Town, providing a broad spectrum of destinations.
What reviewers say
MSC Lirica
3/5MSC Lirica is a medium-sized, traditional Mistral-class ship, launched in 2003 and significantly refurbished in 2014-2015. It offers a tasteful Italian-designed interior with intimate public rooms, catering primarily to a European audience.
MSC Opera
4/5MSC Opera offers a contemporary feel despite its age, thanks to a significant refurbishment that added new cabins and facilities. It's a fun-filled ship with top-notch entertainment, great food, and excellent kids' amenities, though guests should be prepared for crowded buffets and limited dining options.
Itineraries to compare
Pick an itinerary on either ship to see all available departure dates.
MSC Lirica
MSC Opera
Compare different ships
Swap either side to generate a new side-by-side comparison.
Ship A
Ship B