It’s Cruise Ship Monday!
Today brings us MSC Cruises’ Lirica Class–MSC Armonia (2001), MSC Sinfonia (2002), MSC Lirica (2003), and MSC Opera (2004).
At 65,542 to 65,591 gross tons, MSC Cruises’ Lirica Class of ships are the smallest in the fleet. They have fewer amenities and attractions and are more suited for travellers who are focused more on their destinations than the ship.
Each of the ships have various dining options. The ships have two main dining rooms and a buffet which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests will find a coffee bar as well as casual dining which offers fast food like hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza and more. There is also a Vitamin Bar serving fresh fruit and juices with vitamin booster, and, of course, a Gelateria Italiana serving flavored gelato and chocolate and vanilla soft serve ice cream daily during various hours.
MSC Armonia’s one specialty dining restaurant is Surf & Turf, which serves exactly what the name implies–lobster and steak. MSC Lirica’s specialty dining includes the Kaito Sushi Bar and Jia Yao offering foods from around China.
MSC Armonia’s theater, Teatro La Fenice, features six separate shows each week with two performances nightly and offers daytime entertainment like Master Chef during the day. MSC Sinfonia’s theater, Teatro San Carlo, offers Cirque du Soleil-style shows. MSC Lirica’s theater, Broadway Theatre, offers two seatings nightly. MSC Opera’s theater, Teatro dell’Opera, offers various performances throughout the week, mostly revue-type shows.
Each ship also has multiple bars and lounges, which vary based on the ship. What you will find in common is they serve top shelf wines, beer, cocktails, and more. You might find a Piano Bar or Cigar Bar as well as live music and dance floors.
On the Lido Deck (deck 11), guests will find two swimming pools, two whirlpools, loungers, tables, and a large interactive water spot for the kiddos–Doremi Spray Park. Recreational activities will also depend on which Lirica-class ship guests are on, but can include shuffleboard, Ping Pong, mini golf, and a sports center. Additionally, each ship features a casino on deck 6.
Each ship houses an expansive spa, MSC Aurea Spa, offering various services such as massages, beauty treatments and a thermal suite. The gym, usually within the spa area, is free and offers treadmills, stair climbers, exercise bikes, fitness classes and more.
For the kids, MSC Cruises has partnered with LEGO and Chicco to offer age-appropriate spaces and activities. Kids Around the Clock offers late night babysitting, and the Baby Club is open during specific hours for kids between 1 and 3 years of age. The Mini Club, for kids 3 to 6 years old, and the Junior Club, for kids 7 to 11 years old, both offer LEGO themed play from individual play to team challenges.
Tweens from 12 to 14 years of age will enjoy the Young Club with high-tech games, table games, movies and gaming systems. Teens from 15 to 17 years of age will enjoy the Teens Club with its dance floor, game systems, and night club feel. Both clubs have staff on hand while open and offer organized activities.
MSC Armonia and MSC Lirica are both currently sailing 7-day round trip Greek Isles voyages, while MSC Sinfonia and MSC Opera are both currently sailing 7-day round trip Mediterranean voyages.