MSC Opera deck plans

MSC Opera (2004-built / 2015-stretched, last refurbished in 2022) is the fourth and last of the Lirica-class MSC cruise ships, together with Armonia, Lirica, and Sinfonia.

The MSC Opera deck plan shows a total of 1,071 staterooms accommodating 2,142 passengers (max capacity 2,570), served by 730 crew. The vessel has 13 decks (9 passenger-accessible, 5 with cabins), 4 restaurants, 10 lounges/bars, 2 swimming pools, 2 Jacuzzis (outdoor whirlpools), and 9 elevators.

MSC Opera’s decks are named after famous Italian operas.

MSC Opera deck plan changes – 2015 refurbishment review

The ship underwent a major refit and refurbishment in 2015 (dry-dock from May 2 to July 4). As part of the project, MSC Opera was stretched by 25 m / 82 ft, resulting in extensive deck plan modifications. The 2015 refurbishment introduced the following upgrades:

• All cruise cabins were renovated and upgraded.
• 197 new cabins and suites were added (including 30 with balconies) across decks 9 Norma, 10 Turandot, and 12 La Bohème, along with 59 new crew cabins.
• New stateroom categories were introduced.
• A new Aqua Park (Spray Park) with waterfalls and interactive slides was installed.
• All onboard boutiques were redesigned and upgraded.
• A new luxury perfumes shop was added.
• Supervised kids’ clubs and play areas were upgraded with Chicco and LEGO equipment and toys.

The ship’s passenger capacity increased from 1,712 (max 2,000) to 2,142 (max 2,570).

The 10-week 2015 drydock was valued at nearly EUR 50 million.

"MSC for Me" Digital Innovation Program 2017-2018

All MSC cruise ships are equipped with thousands of connectivity points, digital access points, Bluetooth iBeacons, and hundreds of interactive digital screens throughout the vessel. RFID (radio-frequency identification) and NFC (near-field communication) access technologies are implemented in all staterooms.

The program was first introduced on MSC Meraviglia, launched in June 2017. Meraviglia was fitted with 114 interactive screens, 244 info screens, 31 virtual screens, 81 video-wall monitors, 2,244 cabins with NFC entry-door systems, 3,050 iBeacons, 700 WAPs (wireless access points), and 1,200 CCTV cameras.

Main features of MSC’s digitalization program include:

• Apps using facial recognition technology and Samsung smart interactive bracelets.
• Digital Concierge app – enables real-time, 24-hour booking of onboard services, restaurants, and shore excursions.
• Capture – a virtual reality tool for itinerary previews, personal photo galleries, and social sharing.
• Organizer – a cruise planning tool for mobile devices, enabling detailed information access and pre-cruise/onboard reservations (tours, theater seating, dining, etc.).
• Navigation – an interactive wayfinding map providing directions, event schedules, and opening hours, also offering real-time kids' monitoring via bracelets.
• TailorMade – a digital advisor providing personalized recommendations based on passenger preferences (entertainment, recreation, gaming, dining, etc.).
• Passengers may opt out of all IoT (“Internet of Things”) services at any time.