MSC Lirica Cruises & Sailings | CruiseHuddle - CruiseHuddle

MSC Lirica Cruises: Your Ocean Adventure Awaits

Explore the Mediterranean and beyond aboard this 2,548-passenger ship with 216 sailings to discover.

CruiseHuddle Snapshot

240

Upcoming Sailings

1

Active Listings

$219

From

MSC Lirica

The Story

The MSC Lirica brings classic ocean cruising to life with a perfect balance of size and intimacy. Built in 2003, this 65,591-ton vessel carries up to 2,548 passengers across some of the world's most captivating ocean routes. As the namesake ship of MSC Cruises' Lirica class, she offers a welcoming atmosphere where you can truly connect with both destinations and fellow travelers.

The MSC Lirica specializes in Mediterranean voyages, with popular departures from Venice and Ancona in Italy. Her itineraries showcase the region's legendary ports, allowing you to wake up in a new destination while enjoying the comfort of your floating home. Beyond the Mediterranean, she also ventures to South American waters with sailings from Rio de Janeiro, giving passengers diverse options for their ocean adventures. With 216 upcoming sailings and prices starting at just $219, there's plenty of opportunity to find the perfect voyage for your schedule and budget.

This ship appeals to travelers who appreciate a more traditional cruising experience without overwhelming crowds. The passenger capacity creates a friendly community feel while still offering the amenities and entertainment you expect from a modern ocean cruise. Whether you're a first-time cruiser testing the waters or a seasoned sailor looking for excellent value, the MSC Lirica delivers authentic ocean voyaging with MSC Cruises' distinctive European flair.

Ready to set sail? Browse the available MSC Lirica sailings on CruiseHuddle and connect with other cruisers who've experienced this ship firsthand.

Onboard Highlights

🍕

Authentic Italian Specialty Restaurant

Savor made-to-order Italian dishes at the ship's dedicated specialty dining venue.

🎭

MSC Theatre Live Shows

Enjoy nightly musicals, acrobatics and cabaret-style performances in the main theatre.

🌊

Sun Deck Pools

Relax at multiple outdoor pools with surrounding sun loungers on the top decks.

🍹

Sunset Pool Bar

Sip cocktails poolside at the outdoor bar while soaking up Mediterranean sun.

🎰

Onboard Casino Lounge

Try your luck with slot machines and table games in the ship's casino.

💆

MSC Aurea Spa

Unwind with massages, saunas and thermal suite access at the onboard spa.

Departures

Upcoming Sailings

Active Listings

Find Your Crew

By the Numbers

Ship Specifications

📅 Year Built

2003

👥 Passengers

2,548

👨‍✈️ Crew

721

🏢 Decks

13

🛏️ Cabins

992

⚖️ Gross Tonnage

65591 gt

📏 Length

275 m / 902 ft

↔️ Beam

32 m / 105 ft

⚡ Speed

22 kn / 41 km/h / 25 mph

🏳️ Flag

Panama

🔧 Builder

Chantiers de l’Atlantique (Saint-Nazaire, STX France)

🏷️ Ship Class

MSC LIRICA

🎀 Christened By

Sophia Loren

⚓ Sister Ships

MSC ArmoniaMSC OperaMSC Sinfonia

Questions

The MSC Lirica was built in 2003 and measures 65,591 gross tons. She accommodates up to 2,548 passengers, making her a mid-sized ship that offers a comfortable balance between intimate cruising and having plenty of fellow travelers to meet.
The MSC Lirica primarily sails Mediterranean itineraries, departing from Italian ports including Venice and Ancona. She also operates sailings from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, offering passengers the chance to explore different ocean regions depending on the season.
MSC Lirica cruises start at $219, making her one of the more affordable options for ocean cruising. Prices vary based on cabin type, sailing date, itinerary length, and booking timing, so it's worth comparing multiple sailings to find the best value.
The MSC Lirica is the namesake vessel of the Lirica class of ships. As the lead ship in this class, she established the design and experience that defined this particular series of vessels for MSC Cruises.
Yes, the MSC Lirica's mid-sized capacity makes it less overwhelming than mega-ships while still offering full cruise amenities. The affordable pricing and variety of Mediterranean itineraries also make it an accessible choice for those new to ocean cruising.
Beyond the fare

What MSC Cruises actually costs

These rates apply fleetwide across MSC Cruises.

Verified July 2026
Gratuities
$16
per person, per day
Couple, 7 nights
$224
before a single drink
Service charge
18%
bar · dining · spa
Wi-Fi from
$15
per device, per day
Drink packages run roughly $55–$80 per person, per day — and on most lines every adult in the cabin must buy one if anybody does.

Rates vary by itinerary and currency — roughly $16/day on Caribbean sailings, around EUR12/night on Mediterranean ones. Yacht Club is $23/day and bundles most extras. Aurea includes some inclusions above a standard fare.

Published rates, not a quote. Cruise pricing changes frequently — confirm with the cruise line before booking.

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