MSC Lirica deck plans

MSC Lirica (2003-built / 2015-stretched, last refurbished in 2021) is the third Lirica-class MSC cruise ship, together with Armonia, Opera, and Sinfonia.

The MSC Lirica deck plan shows a total of 992 staterooms accommodating 1984 passengers (max capacity 2548), served by 720 crew. The vessel has 13 decks (9 accessible to passengers, 5 with cabins), 4 restaurants, 10 lounges and bars, 2 swimming pools, 2 Jacuzzis (outdoor whirlpool hot tubs), and 9 elevators.

MSC Lirica’s decks are named after Italian composers.

MSC Lirica Deck Plan Changes – 2015 Refurbishment Review

During the major 2015 dry-dock refit (August 31–November 9), MSC Lirica was fully refurbished and also stretched (elongated by 25 m / 82 ft). Key deck plan changes introduced after the refit include:

• All passenger cabins were renovated and upgraded.
• A total of 193 new cabins and suites were added (on decks 9-Albinoni, 10-Bellini, and 12-Rossini), along with 59 new crew cabins. The ship’s capacity increased from 795 cabins (1560 passengers / 2070 max) to 988 cabins (1976 passengers / 2371 max).
• New stateroom categories were introduced.
• An Aqua Park (Spray Park), featuring waterfalls and interactive slides, was installed.
• Boutique shops were redesigned and upgraded, with new upmarket brands added. A luxury perfume shop was also introduced.
• The supervised kids’ clubs and play areas were enhanced with Chicco and LEGO equipment and toys.
• NEWS: As part of MSC Cruises’ China deployment program, MSC Lirica received new features tailored for the Chinese market, including Mandarin signage, a revised color scheme, additional Asian dining options, and entertainment program adjustments. The casino was expanded with new games popular in China, including a private gaming room for baccarat and sic bo (tai sai / 3-dice game).
• The onboard children’s program was expanded to 5 age-group clubs.
• The pool deck received new shaded canopy areas and a children’s water park.
• Boutiques now offer luxury European brands such as Gucci (handbags), Bulgari (jewelry), Longines (Swiss watches), and TAG Heuer (watches).
• Most of the ship’s personnel are now Mandarin-speaking. Designated Cruise Ambassadors (guest assistants) speak both Mandarin and English.
• MSC’s China cruise bookings and program management (activities, entertainment, amenities, gaming) are overseen by the company’s local partner CAISSA Touristic.

The 2015 dry dock, lasting 10 weeks, was valued at nearly EUR 50 million.

"MSC for Me" Digital Innovation Program (2017–2018)

All MSC ships are being fitted with extensive connectivity infrastructure, including thousands of connectivity points, digital access points, iBeacons (Bluetooth), and hundreds of interactive digital screens. Staterooms are being equipped with RFID (radio-frequency identification) and NFC (near-field communication) access technology.

The program is being rolled out fleetwide, with the first implementation on MSC Meraviglia, launched in June 2017. Meraviglia was fitted with 114 interactive screens, 244 info screens, 31 virtual screens, 81 video wall monitors, 2244 cabins (with NFC door entry), 3050 iBeacons, 700 WAPs (wireless access points), and 1200 CCTV cameras.

Main features of MSC’s digitalization program include:

• Apps integrating facial recognition technology and Samsung smart bracelets.
• Digital Concierge – passengers can reserve or book onboard services, restaurants, and shore excursions in real time.
• Capture – a virtual reality tool for previewing itineraries, creating personal photo galleries, and sharing content online.
• Organizer – a mobile planning tool providing detailed information and allowing pre-booking of tours, theater seats, dinner tables, and more, both pre-cruise and onboard.
• Navigation – an interactive way-finding map with real-time advice (events, opening hours, directions), including real-time kids’ tracking via bracelets.
• TailorMade – a digital advisor providing personalized recommendations based on passenger preferences (gaming, dining, recreation, entertainment, etc.).
• Passengers may opt out of all IoT (Internet of Things) connected services at any time.