MSC Cruises
MSC Lirica
- Cruises
- 36
- From
- $130
The verdict
Which should you choose?
MSC Lirica is a large MSC Cruises ship carrying 1,984 passengers, in service since 2003. MSC Opera is a large MSC Cruises ship carrying 2,142 passengers, in service since 2004.
Choose MSC Lirica if you want more culture or a lower starting fare: it outscores MSC Opera for cultural (6.0 vs 2.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its cruises start from $130 (vs $179).
Choose MSC Opera if you want better-rated entertainment, a more family-friendly ship or better-rated staterooms: it outscores MSC Lirica for entertainment (7.5 vs 5.5), family friendly (7.5 vs 6.0) and staterooms (7.0 vs 6.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| MSC Lirica | MSC Opera | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | MSC Cruises | MSC Cruises |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2003 | 2004 (better) |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | — | 2015 |
| Gross tonnage | 65,591 | 65,591 |
| Passengers | 1,984 | 2,142 |
| Crew | 700 | 750 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.8 (better) | 2.9 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 33.1 (better) | 30.6 |
| Decks | 13 | 9 |
| Length | 902 ft | 902 ft |
| Beam | 95 ft | 94 ft |
| Speed | 24 mph | 25 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 7 / 10 | 8 / 10 (better) |
| Cruises on sale | 36 | 37 |
| Upcoming sailings | 249 | 278 |
| Cruise lengths | 2 to 13 nights | 3 to 14 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $130 (better) | $179 |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. MSC Lirica leads on 2 of the ten, MSC Opera on 6, with 2 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
MSC Cruises
MSC Lirica
The MSC Lirica offers cozy comfort in a traditional, elegant setting. Her timeless design and ambiance features gleaming marble, plush fabrics and fine artwork. If you are looking for a more casual resort ambiance, decorated in an opulent yet relaxed style, the MSC Lirica cruise ship is your ideal choice.
Highlights
- Catching a Broadway-style show in the 713-seat Broadway Theatre
- Tasting fresh-baked bread from the boulangerie
- Testing your luck at the onboard casino
Sailing now
36 cruises on sale, from $130.
MSC Cruises
MSC Opera
MSC Opera certainly lives up to its name — classic, grand, opulent. It's a cruise ship with something to sing about! A true sense of grandeur and spaciousness prevails on MSC Opera, one of the most welcoming ships in the fleet of Italy-based MSC Cruises.
Highlights
- Chic and contemporary public areas
- Some of the best staterooms at sea
- Drinks package options available
- Will be "stretched" in 2015 with the addition of new cabins and a new water park
Sailing now
37 cruises on sale, from $179.
Questions
MSC Lirica or MSC Opera?
Which is bigger, MSC Lirica or MSC Opera?
They are the same size, 65,591 gross tons each. MSC Lirica carries 1,984 passengers and MSC Opera carries 2,142.
Which ship is newer, MSC Lirica or MSC Opera?
MSC Opera is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2004 against 2003 for MSC Lirica.
Which has more space per passenger?
MSC Lirica, with 33.1 gross tons per passenger against 30.6 on MSC Opera. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
MSC Lirica, with one crew member for every 2.8 passengers against one for every 2.9 on MSC Opera.
Which is better for families?
MSC Opera scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 7.5 out of 10, against 6.0 for MSC Lirica.
Still deciding?
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