MSC Lirica
MSC Lirica is a Lirica-class cruise ship owned and operated by MSC Cruises, serving as the lead vessel in its class and marking the company's first purpose-built cruise ship when it entered service in April 2003.[1][2] Constructed by STX Europe at its shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, the ship originally measured 251 meters (824 feet) in length with a gross tonnage of 59,058 and a maximum passenger capacity of around 1,600 at double occupancy.[3][4] In 2015, as part of MSC Cruises' €275 million Renaissance Programme—a comprehensive refurbishment initiative for its four Lirica-class vessels—MSC Lirica underwent a significant lengthening by the insertion of a 24-meter midsection at Fincantieri's Palermo shipyard in Italy, increasing its overall length to 275 meters (902 feet), gross tonnage to 65,591, and maximum capacity to 2,648 passengers.[3][4][5] This renovation also added nearly 200 new cabins, a water park with slides, enhanced dining venues, and updated public areas to modernize the ship's facilities while preserving its classic Italian elegance, with a further refurbishment in 2021.[6][7][8] Powered by Wärtsilä engines producing 31.7 megawatts, MSC Lirica achieves a maximum speed of 21.7 knots and accommodates 721 crew members, maintaining a passenger-to-crew ratio of approximately 3.7:1.[9][8] The vessel features 13 decks with key amenities including the Broadway Theatre for shows, a Las Vegas-style casino, the MSC Aurea Spa, a panoramic gym, a spray park for families, multiple swimming pools, and diverse dining options ranging from main restaurants to specialty venues.[9][3] Since its debut, MSC Lirica has primarily sailed Mediterranean itineraries, with seasonal deployments to South America, offering voyages that emphasize comfort, hospitality, and cultural immersion in line with MSC Cruises' family-owned traditions as of 2025.[9][2] Registered in Panama, the ship continues to operate as of 2025, embodying MSC's commitment to fleet renewal and passenger-focused enhancements.[10][11]Construction and technical details
Development and building
In the early 2000s, MSC Cruises pursued an aggressive fleet expansion to establish itself as a major player in the Mediterranean cruise market and to enter the North American sector with purpose-built vessels, marking a shift from acquiring second-hand ships to commissioning new constructions.[2] This strategy led to the ordering of the Lirica-class, a series of mid-sized ships designed with an emphasis on elegant Italian styling, spacious public areas, and a capacity for around 2,000 passengers to offer a refined cruising experience blending luxury and accessibility.[8] MSC Lirica, the lead ship of the class and MSC Cruises' inaugural newbuild, was ordered from Chantiers de l'Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France, with construction commencing in 2001.[8] The keel was laid on July 25, 2001, followed by the ship's launch in August 2002.[12] Delivery occurred on March 1, 2003, after which the vessel was christened on the same day in Naples, Italy, by renowned Italian actress Sophia Loren, who became a longstanding godmother figure for the line.[13] Initially registered under the Panamanian flag, MSC Lirica entered service shortly thereafter, setting the template for the class's focus on sophisticated interiors inspired by Italian artistry and maritime heritage.[8] The Lirica-class comprised four ships in total, with MSC Opera as the direct newbuild sister, constructed at the same shipyard and delivered in 2004.[14] MSC Armonia (built 2001) and MSC Sinfonia (built 2002), originally ordered for Festival Cruises, were acquired by MSC in 2004 following that line's bankruptcy and integrated into the class after minor adaptations to align with the brand's aesthetic.[15]Technical specifications
MSC Lirica is classified as a Lirica-class cruise ship and carries the IMO number 9246102.[16][3] The vessel was originally constructed with a gross tonnage of 59,058 GT, a length of 251.25 meters, a beam of 28.8 meters, and a draft of approximately 6.7 meters.[17][5] Following a major refurbishment in 2015, these dimensions were expanded to a gross tonnage of 65,591 GT, a length of 274.9 meters, a beam of 32 meters, and a draft of 6.60 meters, enhancing the ship's overall capacity and stability.[18][3][19]| Specification | Original (Pre-2015) | Post-2015 Refurbishment |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Tonnage | 59,058 GT | 65,591 GT |
| Length | 251.25 m | 274.9 m |
| Beam | 28.8 m | 32 m |
| Draft | ~6.7 m | 6.60 m |