MSC Lirica

The MSC Lirica was the first vessel in the MSC Cruises fleet to be specifically built for the company. It was launched in 2003 and - along with its sister ship the MSC Opera - was designed to be a modern, comfortable and well-appointed vessel that could easily compete with the other cruise ships currently at sea.

And it's safe to say that the Lirica achieved its goals. Even though it's no longer a brand new liner, it still holds its own in the fiercely competitive cruise market. This is thanks to the ship's sophisticated decor (with plenty of rich wood panelling and sparkling brass) and state-of-the-art amenities, not to mention excellent cuisine and top-quality service.

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Voyages on the Lirica travel to various destinations. Mediterranean cruises are popular options and they call at ports including Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Tunis, Genoa, Rome and Marseille. Other itineraries venture further afield, travelling along the Suez Canal to locations like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat and Al Fujayrah.

Ship stats and features

Passenger capacity: 2,065
Year entered service: 2003
Beam (ship width): 94.4 feet
Draught (ship depth): 22.4 feet
Length: 830.7 feet
Tonnage: 59,058
Crew: 701
Maximum speed: 21 knots
Number of passenger decks: 10
Number of lifts: 9
Number of swimming pools: 2
Number of cabins: 780

Food, cuisine and dining

Meal time on the Lirica is a special treat and guests will have a choice of formal and casual dining options.

The two main restaurants - called the La Bussola and L'Ippocampo - are the most popular venues. Both serve three meals a day in elegant surroundings. Menus are varied, with plenty of British and American dishes, as well as international cuisine, and Italian fare is a specialty.

Alternative options include La Pergola, an outdoor eatery, and Le Bistrot is the buffet. A cafe is available, which serves warm drinks and delicious pastries throughout the day - perfect whether you're looking for an afternoon snack or a morning pick-me-up. Room service is also available.

On-board entertainment and activities

While many passengers on the Lirica will enjoy simply lounging on a sun bed and working on their tan - with a cocktail or other cold drink, of course - there is much more to do on the ship if you wish.

For example, quizzes, karaoke and bingo are held regularly throughout the voyage. There's a fabulous enrichment programme, too, and Italian cooking lessons are one of the most popular options.

There are several bars scattered around the vessel, many of which host live music in styles ranging from classical piano to jazz, rock and Latin. The main show lounge is called the Broadway Theatre - it's not an especially large venue, but it offers some fun entertainment most nights.

If you're looking to dance into the early hours, head to the Blue Club discotheque. There's also a casino, a number of shops, a library, internet cafe and a kids' club and play area.

Spas and fitness facilities

Cruises are all about unwinding and forgetting about your troubles, and guests on the Lirica will have plenty of options when it comes to relieving stress and improving their wellbeing.

Massages and other luxurious treatments are available in the Lirica Spa. The space is also home to a full-service beauty salon, thermal suite and a gymnasium with exercise machines and aerobics classes.

Two pools are available, perfect if you want a leisurely dip or to swim a few laps, and there's also a jogging area, sports court and miniature golf course.

Cabins

The 782 rooms on the Lirica are categorised into 11 different price ranges, so there's sure to be something to suit any requirements - from cruise deals to indulgent accommodation.

More than 130 cabins are suites with private balconies, while other options include interior view rooms, ocean view rooms and standard balcony rooms. All offer comfortable furnishings and plenty of space, as well as a private bathroom, mini bar and television with satellite reception.