Lirica

MSC Cruises traces its roots to 1988 when the privately owned Mediterranean Shipping Company (with a long-standing history on the seas and headed by Captain Gianluigi Aponte) entered the cruise market after acquiring the Starlauro and executing a renewal and re-launch. MSC Cruises blends commitment to fine hospitality, maritime traditions, culture and renowned Mediterranean cuisine to deliver ultime cruise experiences. MSC has made such true Italian hospitality a hallmark for industry differentiation.

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Although MSC Cruises has three other ships sailing the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and South America, the MSC Lirica is the company’s first newbuild, and another sister newbuild, the MSC Opera, enters service in spring 2004. After an inaugural voyage in April, 2003 the Lirica spent the remainder of the year exploring the Mediterranean, crossing the Atlantic for Caribbean adventures through April 2004, before returning to a Mediterranean sailing schedule. MSC Lirica’s Classic charm and amenities compare to finest hotels of Italy, allowing passengers to steep themselves in an elegant environment, truly Italian in style.

About Gratuities
Suggested gratuities are about $7 to $8 per passenger, per day. The amount, of course, should reflect the quality of services rendered. Once on board, guests receive additional information on gratuities. (When cruising in the Mediterranean, the currency on board is the Euro. Guests sign for drinks and purchases aboard, and at the end of the cruise an itemized bill may be settled with cash, Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club or American Express.

Disabled Access
Four cabins accommodate disabled passengers, and there are nine passenger elevators.

Ship Features

While offering luxurious, modern amenities including private balconies and a cyber cafe, MSC Lirica has remained true to a maritime past by maintaining the feel of being aboard ship. Passengers enjoy authentic Italian service and ambiance in an elegant, refined atmosphere.

Staterooms
Among 795 cabins, 272 are inside, 387 are ocean view and 132 have a private balcony.

Stateroom amenities
All cabins have satellite TV, minibar, personal safe, radio, and 24-hour room service.

Kid & Teen Stuff
Deck 11 has a children’s area.

Cruises Specials

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Life Aboard

Dining
Appetites are satisfied at the La Bussola and Ippocampo dining rooms, the La Pergola open seating restaurant, Pool Restaurant La Canzone del Mare, Pizzeria Grill, Lord Nelson English Pub, Le Bistrot Cafeteria, and Coffee Corner. MSC welcomes requests to accommodate special diets at the time of booking. Dining rooms, with early and late sittings, are non-smoking. Breakfast and lunch buffets are served on the pool deck.

Sports / Health / Fitness
Two swimming pools, a pair of whirlpools, a gym and a jogging path await fitness buffs. Passenger can pamper themselves with beauty treatments at the Lirica Health Center or indulge in a Turkish Bath & Sauna of Le Terme.

Entertainment
Broadway Theatre, Music Hall Le Cabaret, and Blue Disco are magnets for enjoyment, as are the Card Room, a gallery for Virtual Reality Games and an Internet Cyber Café. Shops along the Rodeo Drive Shopping Arcade, including Wine & Spirits and the MSC Shop with logo items, are stocked with jewelry, perfumes, cosmetics, and fashion allure. Shore excursions are available at each port of call, and can be purchased on board and paid for with major credit cards.

Casino
Gaming excitement awaits while at sea at Casino Las Vegas, with slot machines, blackjack and roulette, Caribbean poker as well as bingo. Some MSC ports of call also offer casinos.

Bars
Piano Bar L’Atmosphere, Beverly Hills Bar, and the Lirica Lounge are popular watering holes.