MSC Lirica: Complete Ship Guide

MSC Lirica represents a very different side of MSC Cruises.

At just over 65,000 gross tons with a maximum capacity of roughly 2,650 passengers, Lirica is one of the smallest ships in the current MSC fleet. She is dramatically smaller than MSC World America, the Seaside Class, the Fantasia Class and even the mid-sized Musica Class.

For some cruisers, that will immediately make her less appealing.

For others, it may be exactly the reason to consider her.

MSC Lirica offers a much more traditional cruise experience centered around dining, lounges, live music, theater shows, outdoor pools, family activities and destination-focused itineraries.

There is no enormous indoor promenade.

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There is no MSC Yacht Club.

There is no giant waterpark or neighborhood-style entertainment district.

Instead, passengers get a ship that is relatively easy to learn, easier to walk around and designed around roughly 2,600 passengers rather than 5,000 or 6,000.

Lirica also holds an important place in MSC history.

She entered service in 2003 and became the namesake of what would eventually become the four-ship Lirica Class, joined by MSC Opera, MSC Armonia and MSC Sinfonia.

And in 2015, MSC literally cut the ship apart and inserted a new 24-meter section as part of its massive Renaissance Program.

The result is a small ship that offers more cabins, family facilities and public space than her original design.

Quick Facts About MSC Lirica

MSC currently lists Lirica at 65,591 gross tons with 988 staterooms, approximately 721 crew members and a maximum capacity of 2,648 passengers.

That makes her one of the smallest ships in the current MSC fleet.

What Makes MSC Lirica Different?

The biggest difference is size.

Lirica carries fewer than 2,700 passengers even at maximum capacity.

That has a major impact on the onboard experience.

There are fewer restaurants.

There are fewer bars.

The pool deck is simpler.

There are fewer headline attractions.

And it takes much less time to understand where everything is located.

For passengers who love having dozens of restaurants and activities available around the clock, Lirica may feel limited.

For passengers who think today’s mega ships are simply too large, she may feel refreshingly manageable.

The cruise experience also tends to revolve more heavily around the destinations.

That works especially well in the Mediterranean, where passengers may spend most of the day exploring a port before returning to the ship for dinner, a show, drinks and a comfortable place to sleep.

Lirica also has one interesting dining advantage over some of her sister ships.

MSC currently lists Kaito Sushi Bar aboard Lirica, giving passengers a genuine specialty-dining option in addition to the main dining rooms and buffet.

MSC Lirica’s Renaissance Refurbishment

MSC Lirica underwent one of the most extensive types of cruise ship refurbishment possible.

In 2015, she became the fourth and final Lirica Class ship to complete MSC’s approximately €200 million Renaissance Program.

Rather than simply replacing carpeting or updating furniture, Fincantieri physically separated the ship and inserted a new 24-meter midship section.

The project increased the ship from roughly 251 meters to 275 meters in length and added approximately 193 additional passenger cabins along with new crew accommodations.

MSC also used the project to improve significant parts of the onboard experience.

Across the Lirica Class, the Renaissance Program added or expanded areas such as:

• Balcony cabins
• Baby Club
• Mini Club
• Young Club
• Teen Club
• Family facilities
• Spray Park
• Dining areas
• Buffet capacity
• Lounge space
• MSC Aurea Spa
• Additional public areas

Lirica entered dry dock in August 2015 and became the final ship to complete the Renaissance transformation later that year.

That history matters when looking at very old reviews of the ship.

Today’s Lirica is longer, carries more passengers and offers more family and public space than the original vessel.

MSC Lirica Layout

MSC Lirica has a straightforward layout with passenger areas concentrated across Decks 5 through 13.

The passenger decks are:

• Deck 5 – Verdi
• Deck 6 – Puccini
• Deck 7 – Scarlatti
• Deck 8 – Paganini
• Deck 9 – Albinoni
• Deck 10 – Bellini
• Deck 11 – Vivaldi
• Deck 12 – Rossini
• Deck 13 – Sun Deck and Mini Golf

MSC’s current deck plan uses this layout and places most major public venues on the lower decks, cabins through the middle of the ship and recreation areas higher up.

Decks 5 and 6 contain many of the main indoor public areas.

These include:

• Broadway Theatre
• Main dining rooms
• Bars
• Lounges
• Casino
• Shops
• Guest services

Decks 7 through 10 contain much of the passenger accommodation.

Deck 11 contains several of the busiest daytime spaces, including pools, buffet areas, kids facilities, spa and fitness spaces.

Deck 12 adds more upper-deck facilities.

Deck 13 is primarily outdoor recreation and sun-deck space.

There is no giant interior promenade to learn and no collection of districts or neighborhoods.

If Lirica is your first MSC cruise, the MSC for Me app can help you keep track of activities, schedules and onboard information. MSC currently lists MSC for Me digital channels as available aboard Lirica.

Cabins on MSC Lirica

MSC Lirica offers a relatively simple cabin lineup.

Current categories include:

• Junior Interior
• Junior Ocean View
• Junior Ocean View with Obstructed View
• Premium Ocean View
• Junior Balcony
• Junior Suite Aurea

There is no MSC Yacht Club.

There are also far fewer suite categories than you will find aboard MSC’s newest ships.

Interior Cabins

Junior Interior cabins range from approximately 129 to 140 square feet.

They are located primarily on Decks 7 and 8.

These cabins are compact, but they can make sense for passengers who plan to spend most of the cruise exploring ports or public areas.

Ocean View Cabins

Junior Ocean View cabins range from approximately 129 to 140 square feet.

Premium Ocean View cabins are considerably larger at approximately 237 square feet.

Lirica also has Junior Ocean View cabins with obstructed views, so checking the exact deck-plan location before booking is important.

Balcony Cabins

Balcony accommodations are much less common aboard Lirica than on newer MSC ships.

Junior Balcony cabins measure approximately 140 square feet with balconies around 32 square feet.

They are located on Decks 9 and 10.

This is one of the biggest differences between Lirica Class and more modern MSC ships.

Private balconies were not as central to cruise ship design when Lirica was originally built.

If having a balcony is important, booking early may be worthwhile because inventory is much more limited.

Junior Suite Aurea

Junior Suite Aurea is the highest current accommodation category aboard MSC Lirica.

These suites measure approximately 248 square feet with balconies around 54 square feet and are located on Deck 10.

They include:

• Sitting area
• Sofa
• Larger closet
• Balcony
• Bathtub
• Minibar
• Television

Aurea provides additional booking benefits, but it is not the same thing as MSC Yacht Club.

There is no private Yacht Club restaurant, Top Sail Lounge, butler service or exclusive Yacht Club pool area aboard Lirica.

Our MSC Experience Levels Guide explains how Bella, Fantastica and Aurea differ.

Dining on MSC Lirica

MSC Lirica has a somewhat more interesting dining lineup than you might expect from one of MSC’s smallest ships.

Current venues include:

• La Bussola Restaurant
• L’Ippocampo Restaurant
• La Pergola
• Le Bistrot
• Kaito Sushi Bar

MSC currently lists all five as part of Lirica’s restaurant and buffet lineup.

The main dining experience still revolves around included dining and buffet service.

But Kaito gives Lirica something that helps separate her from several of the other Lirica Class ships.

Our MSC Dining Guide explains how included dining, specialty dining and casual food work across the fleet.

La Bussola and L’Ippocampo

La Bussola and L’Ippocampo provide the traditional main dining experience.

Menus change throughout the cruise and generally combine Mediterranean and international dishes.

Your specific dining time and restaurant assignment can depend on your booking.

Breakfast or lunch may also be offered in a main dining room depending on the daily schedule.

Our MSC Main Dining Room Guide explains dining times, menus and what first-time MSC passengers should expect.

La Pergola and Le Bistrot

La Pergola and Le Bistrot provide more casual dining options.

MSC currently describes La Pergola as a relaxed venue where passengers can watch chefs prepare Mediterranean dishes while enjoying sea views.

These casual venues help supplement the main dining rooms and provide more flexibility throughout the day.

For more information about casual dining, hours, pizza and included drinks, see our MSC Buffet Guide.

Kaito Sushi Bar

Kaito Sushi Bar is one of Lirica’s most interesting features.

The venue provides freshly prepared sushi and other Asian dishes in a dedicated specialty-dining setting. MSC currently lists Kaito as part of Lirica’s restaurant lineup.

That gives Lirica an extra-cost restaurant option that is not available in the same form aboard every Lirica Class ship.

Our Kaito Sushi and Teppanyaki Guide provides a broader look at MSC’s Kaito concept, menus and specialty-dining experience.

Lirica’s venue is the sushi-bar format rather than the full teppanyaki setup found on many newer ships.

Room Service

MSC also offers room service aboard Lirica.

Charges depend on the item ordered and your Experience level.

Continental breakfast is one of the most common uses, while other menu items or deliveries can have additional charges.

Our MSC Room Service Guide explains current fees, breakfast service and what passengers should expect.

Bars and Lounges on MSC Lirica

Lirica has a good collection of bars and lounges for a ship of her size.

Current venues include:

• L’Atmosphere
• The Beverly Hills Bar
• The Coffee Corner
• La Canzone del Mare Bar
• Lord Nelson Pub
• Il Lido Bar
• Starlight Disco
• Cigar Room
• Armonia Lounge & Library
• Palm Beach Casino Bar
• Gelateria Italiana
• Vitamin Bar

MSC currently lists these venues aboard the ship.

The experience is very different from newer ships with massive promenades.

Instead of walking along one corridor lined with themed bars, passengers move among smaller individual venues.

That can give Lirica a more traditional cruise-ship feel.

If you plan to spend a lot of time at the bars, our MSC Drink Packages Guide explains current packages, drink limits and what is included.

Lord Nelson Pub

Lord Nelson Pub provides one of the more casual drinking environments aboard the ship.

For passengers who prefer beer and a relaxed pub atmosphere over a cocktail lounge, this may become a favorite spot.

The Coffee Corner

The Coffee Corner is Lirica’s dedicated coffee venue.

Expect espresso, cappuccino and other specialty coffee drinks.

Our MSC Coffee Guide explains where to find coffee across MSC ships and what is included in drink packages.

L’Atmosphere

L’Atmosphere is one of Lirica’s primary lounge environments.

Like many older MSC ships, lounges can serve several purposes throughout the day, moving from quieter daytime seating into music and evening entertainment.

Starlight Disco

Starlight Disco gives Lirica a dedicated late-night venue.

That gives passengers somewhere to continue the evening after the theater shows and other lounges begin to wind down.

Entertainment on MSC Lirica

MSC Lirica follows a traditional cruise entertainment model.

Broadway Theatre is the primary show venue.

MSC uses the theater for production shows and other performances throughout the cruise.

Exact entertainment varies by sailing, so the daily schedule and MSC for Me app are the best sources once onboard.

Other entertainment includes:

• Live music
• Dancing
• Casino gaming
• Starlight Disco
• Virtual-reality games
• Shopping
• Trivia
• Karaoke
• Theme parties
• Organized games
• Pool activities

MSC currently highlights Broadway Theatre, Las Vegas Casino, Blue Club Disco, virtual-reality gaming, shopping and live entertainment among Lirica’s onboard features.

There are no giant attraction complexes.

There are no bumper cars.

There are no ropes courses or enormous waterparks.

Evenings are more likely to revolve around dinner, a theater show, music, drinks and the casino.

Pools, Hot Tubs and Outdoor Spaces

MSC Lirica has a traditional open-air pool deck.

The central pool area includes swimming pools, whirlpools, sun loungers and nearby bar service.

This becomes the main daytime gathering point when the weather is good.

Passengers can expect:

• Swimming pools
• Whirlpool areas
• Sun loungers
• Poolside drinks
• Music
• Organized activities

Lirica does not have several dramatically different pool environments.

There is no MSC Yacht Club pool.

There is no giant covered indoor pool complex.

There is no large aft infinity pool.

The experience is simpler and more traditional.

Spray Park

Lirica received improved family facilities during the Renaissance Program, including the type of water-play areas MSC added across the Lirica Class.

These upgrades were designed to make the ships more attractive to families even without the huge waterparks found aboard newer vessels.

For younger children, water-play areas and the dedicated kids clubs provide an alternative to the main swimming pools.

Family Activities and Kids Clubs

Family facilities were a major focus of the Renaissance Program.

MSC created age-specific clubs across the Lirica Class, including areas developed with brands such as Chicco and LEGO.

Family amenities can include:

• Baby Club
• Mini Club
• Junior activities
• Young Club
• Teen Club
• Water-play areas
• Video games
• Organized family activities
• Sports

Our MSC Cruises with Kids Guide covers the overall family experience, while our MSC Kids Clubs Guide explains age groups, registration and what parents should know before sailing.

Lirica can work very well for families who plan to spend much of the cruise exploring ports.

Families looking for giant slides and all-day thrill attractions have much better options elsewhere in the MSC fleet.

MSC Aurea Spa and Gym

MSC Lirica has a full MSC Aurea Spa and fitness center.

The spa provides traditional cruise wellness and beauty services.

These can include:

• Massage treatments
• Beauty services
• Sauna
• Steam facilities
• Salon services
• Relaxation areas

The gym offers panoramic sea views along with cardio and strength-training equipment.

MSC specifically highlights the panoramic gym and Aurea Spa among the ship’s primary wellness features.

For a ship this size, the wellness facilities are fairly comprehensive.

Sports and Outdoor Activities

Lirica also has several traditional outdoor recreation options.

Deck 13 includes sun-deck space and mini golf.

Other activities can include walking, outdoor games and organized sports depending on the daily schedule.

There is no huge activity zone.

That fits the overall personality of the ship.

A sea day aboard Lirica is more likely to involve breakfast, a walk around the deck, time by the pool, lunch, trivia, live music and a theater show than racing between major attractions.

If walking or running onboard matters to you, our MSC Running and Walking Tracks Guide compares exercise options across the fleet.

MSC Lirica Itineraries

MSC Lirica is currently heavily focused on Mediterranean cruising.

That deployment is a good match for the ship.

The destinations typically play a much larger role in the vacation than the onboard attraction list.

Eastern Mediterranean Cruises in 2026

During fall 2026, Lirica is sailing seven-night round-trip cruises from Venice-Marghera.

A September 26, 2026 itinerary includes:

• Venice-Marghera, Italy
• Kotor, Montenegro
• Mykonos, Greece
• Syros, Greece
• Ancona, Italy

The itinerary includes two sea days and an extended visit to Mykonos.

This is the type of route where Lirica makes a lot of sense.

You spend much of the cruise exploring interesting destinations, then return to a smaller ship for dinner and evening entertainment.

Longer Mediterranean Cruises in Winter 2026

MSC is also using Lirica for longer Mediterranean itineraries.

An 11-night December 2026 sailing from Venice-Marghera includes destinations such as:

• Katakolon, Greece
• Heraklion, Crete
• Rhodes
• Limassol, Cyprus
• Port Said, Egypt
• Alexandria, Egypt
• Split, Croatia

The cruise also includes several sea days.

Longer itineraries like this are particularly interesting on a small ship.

The tradeoff is obvious.

You get fewer restaurants and attractions during sea days, but also a much more intimate and manageable ship experience.

Mediterranean Cruises in 2027

MSC Lirica continues sailing the Mediterranean in 2027.

Shorter four-night cruises from Venice-Marghera can visit Kotor and Split.

Seven-night cruises later in the year include Venice, Kotor, Mykonos, Syros and Ancona.

By winter 2027, Lirica is also scheduled for Western Mediterranean routes from Valencia visiting ports such as:

• Tarragona
• Marseille
• Genoa
• Livorno
• Civitavecchia

These cruises typically include one sea day.

That variety reinforces Lirica’s role as a destination-focused Mediterranean ship.

Who Is MSC Lirica Best For?

MSC Lirica should be a good fit for:

• Cruisers who prefer smaller ships
• Travelers who dislike mega ships
• Mediterranean cruise passengers
• Travelers who prioritize destinations
• Couples who enjoy traditional cruise entertainment
• Passengers who like lounges and live music
• Families who want kids clubs without huge attractions
• Cruisers who value easy navigation
• Passengers interested in longer Mediterranean itineraries
• Sushi fans who appreciate having Kaito onboard

Lirica may be less appealing for passengers looking primarily for:

• MSC Yacht Club
• Large numbers of balcony cabins
• Numerous specialty restaurants
• Giant waterparks
• Large waterslides
• Ropes courses
• Indoor promenades
• Multiple pool districts
• Cutting-edge entertainment
• A cruise where the ship itself is the main destination

Understanding that distinction is important before booking.

Final Thoughts on MSC Lirica

MSC Lirica represents a style of cruising that is becoming less common.

She is small.

She is relatively simple.

And she is not trying to compete with MSC’s newest ships for the longest list of attractions.

That will make Lirica the wrong ship for some passengers.

If you want to spend your entire vacation exploring restaurants, slides, entertainment districts and massive outdoor attractions, look elsewhere in the MSC fleet.

But there is another way to look at it.

Lirica carries roughly 2,650 passengers rather than 5,000 or 6,000.

She is easy to navigate.

You still get pools, lounges, a theater, casino, kids clubs, spa, gym, included dining and even Kaito Sushi Bar.

The Renaissance Program also gave the ship a substantial second life.

MSC added roughly 193 passenger cabins, new family facilities, expanded dining and additional public spaces while physically lengthening the ship by 24 meters.

And the current itinerary schedule plays directly into Lirica’s strengths.

A Mediterranean cruise visiting Venice, Kotor, Mykonos, Syros or Egypt is primarily about experiencing those destinations.

The ship gives you a comfortable, manageable base between ports.

That may not generate the same headlines as MSC World America.

But for cruisers who value destinations, smaller ships and traditional cruising, MSC Lirica offers something that is increasingly hard to find.

If Lirica will be your first cruise with MSC, check out our MSC Voyagers Club Guide before booking. Travelers with status from another cruise line or hotel loyalty program may also qualify through the MSC Status Match program.

MSC Lirica Reviews

Have you sailed on MSC Lirica?

We would love to hear what you thought about the cabins, dining, Kaito Sushi Bar, bars, pools, entertainment, service and overall ship experience.

Send your MSC Lirica review to:

hello@msccruisefan.com

Your feedback may help other MSC cruisers decide whether MSC Lirica is the right ship for their next vacation.