MSC Musica

When it launched in 2006, the MSC Musica was the first of the Musica class of vessels. The ships were specifically designed to attract English-speaking guests to the Italian MSC Cruises fleet and therefore featured many ground-breaking amenities that were more commonly found on American liners.

Cruises on the Musica generally depart from Venice during the summer, stopping at ports of call all around the Mediterranean and Adriatic, such as Bari, Santorini, Athens and Dubrovnik.

For the winter months, the vessel crosses the Atlantic and is based in Rio de Janeiro. From there it goes to popular destinations like Buenos Aires, Punta Del Este and Copacabana.

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Ship stats and features

Passenger capacity: 3,013
Year entered service: 2006
Beam (ship width): 105.6 feet
Draught (ship depth): 25.2 feet
Length: 963.9 feet
Tonnage: 92,409
Crew: 987
Maximum speed: 23 knots
Number of passenger decks: 13
Number of lifts: 13
Number of swimming pools: 2
Number of cabins: 1,275

Food, cuisine and dining

It's unlikely that you will ever feel hungry on the Musica and the cuisine, which is a blend of Italian and international fare, is made with fresh, high-quality ingredients to ensure that it's tasty, nutritious and filling.

For breakfast and lunch, most passengers head to the Gli Archi, a buffet that also offers a number of cooked items. Breakfast options include fruit, cereal, juices, cold meats and cheeses, as well as egg dishes. Lunch menus often comprise salads and soups, as well as pizza, burgers, hot dogs and hot entrees.

There are two formal dining rooms, called L'Oleandro and Maxim's. Both serve lunch and offer two dinner services. The evening meal is a multiple-course feast with a number of appetisers, soups, salads, pastas and mouth-watering deserts to choose from. There's also a good selection of wines.

There are two alternative (for-charge) restaurants. Kaito is a sushi bar and many passengers have commented that it serves the best of the Japanese delicacy they have ever eaten. The other option is Il Giardino, which specialises in gourmet Italian cuisine.

There is also a midnight buffet every evening and room service is available 24-hours a day.

On-board entertainment and activities

The Musica is a large resort style ship with a huge range of amenities, activities and entertainment options. The centrepiece is a fabulous foyer, which has a three-tier waterfall and a grand piano situated above an illuminated pool. It's the perfect place to sit back, relax and enjoy your favourite drink, some soothing music and friendly conversation.

If you want to see a show or two during the cruise, then the Teatro La Scala is the place to go. This is a large show lounge that spans two levels and offers soft, comfortable seating. Productions include concerts, cabaret and acrobatics and there are two performances every night.

During the day, various enrichment programmes are available, like cooking demonstrations, lectures, arts and crafts workshops and dance classes. Other activities include bingo, karaoke and quiz games.

Spas and fitness facilities

If you really want to relax on your cruise, a trip to the spa is a must. Called the Aloha Beauty Farm, the space is much more than its name implies and guests can choose from a huge selection of pampering treatments. The ionithermie pod is a popular option, which is claimed to help reduce cellulite.

There's also a large thermal suite decorated with a Middle Eastern theme. It includes saunas and steam rooms, some of which feature aromatherapy.

A gym is available with high-tech equipment, while there are also above-deck activities like swimming, jogging, basketball, shuffleboard and miniature golf.

Cabins

When it comes to accommodation, there are 12 different price grades to consider, meaning that there's easily an option available for any requirements - from low-cost cruise deals to plush cabins with all the amenities.

Of the more than 1,200 rooms, over 800 have private balconies and 17 are wheelchair accessible. Most are designed to sleep two passengers, although a few larger options are available. All include en-suite bathrooms, televisions and desk/vanity units, as well as plenty of storage space.