MSC Opera: Classic Cruising to the Caribbean & Beyond

Explore the world aboard this elegant 2,570-passenger ship offering exceptional value and authentic Mediterranean hospitality.

CruiseHuddle Snapshot

181

Upcoming Sailings

Active Listings

$179

From

The Story

MSC Opera brings classic elegance and Italian hospitality to ocean cruising. Built in 2004 as part of MSC Cruises' popular Lirica class, this 65,591-ton vessel carries 2,570 passengers to some of the world's most beautiful destinations. With its mid-sized profile, MSC Opera strikes an ideal balance between intimate atmosphere and comprehensive onboard amenities.

The ship sails primarily to the Caribbean and Mediterranean, departing from ports including La Romana in the Dominican Republic, Fort-de-France in Martinique, and Bridgetown in Barbados. Whether you're island-hopping through turquoise Caribbean waters or exploring historic Mediterranean coastlines, MSC Opera provides a comfortable home base for your adventures. The ship's design reflects MSC's European heritage, with elegant public spaces, diverse dining venues, and entertainment options that cater to international travelers.

MSC Opera appeals to cruisers seeking authentic European-style cruising at exceptional value. With sailings starting from just $179, it's an accessible option for first-time cruisers, families, and experienced travelers who appreciate straightforward cruising without unnecessary frills. The ship's passenger capacity creates a welcoming community atmosphere where it's easy to meet fellow travelers and make lasting connections. Browse the 195 upcoming MSC Opera sailings on CruiseHuddle to find your perfect voyage and connect with others planning similar adventures.

Onboard Highlights

🍝

L'Olivo Specialty Restaurant

Savor authentic Italian dishes and fine wines in an elegant à la carte setting.

🎭

Teatro La Scala Theater

Enjoy West End-style musicals and live performances in the ship's main showroom.

🏊

Sun Deck Pools

Relax by two outdoor pools surrounded by loungers and open-air deck space.

🍹

Sunset Bar

Sip cocktails while taking in ocean views from this scenic aft-facing lounge.

🎰

Casino Gaming Floor

Try your luck at slot machines and table games in the onboard casino.

💆

MSC Aurea Spa

Unwind with massages, a sauna, and thermal treatments at the ship's wellness center.

Departures

Aug 12, 2026 · Marseille, France Riviera

→ Mediterranean

See all 181 sailings

Active Listings

Find Your Crew

1 active

helm-quest

couple

mf4mf Dirty Nights and Salty Delights on MSC Opera

🚢 MSC Opera📅 Sep 5, 2026

By the Numbers

Ship Specifications

📅 Year Built

2004

👥 Passengers

2,570

👨‍✈️ Crew

728

🏢 Decks

🛏️ Cabins

1,071

⚖️ 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 LiricaMSC Sinfonia

Questions

MSC Opera is a mid-sized ship with a capacity of 2,570 passengers and 65,591 gross tons. This makes it smaller than mega-ships but larger than boutique vessels, offering a nice balance of amenities and a more intimate cruising atmosphere where you won't feel lost in the crowd.

MSC Opera primarily sails to the Caribbean and Mediterranean regions. Caribbean itineraries often depart from ports like La Romana, Fort-de-France, and Bridgetown, while Mediterranean cruises showcase coastal destinations across Southern Europe. The ship's size allows access to a variety of ports.

Yes, MSC Opera welcomes families and offers dedicated kids' clubs and family-friendly entertainment. The mid-sized ship creates a comfortable environment where families can enjoy amenities without the overwhelming crowds of larger vessels, while still having plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained.

MSC Opera was built in 2004, making it over 20 years old. MSC Cruises has maintained and updated the ship over the years to keep facilities current. While it may not have the newest innovations of recently built ships, it offers proven reliability and classic cruise ship charm.

MSC Opera offers excellent value, with sailings starting from $179. The best deals often come from booking early, traveling during shoulder seasons, or taking advantage of promotional periods. CruiseHuddle lets you compare prices across different dates and connect with experienced cruisers for booking tips.

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.

Calculate your total What a cruise really costs →

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