MSC Sinfonia deck plans

MSC Sinfonia (2002-built/2015-stretched, last refurbished in March 2024) is the second of the Lirica-class MSC cruise ships, together with Armonia, Lirica, and Opera. Sinfonia joined the MSC fleet in 2005. Prior to that, she sailed as “MS European Stars” for Festival Cruises (1992-founded, 2004-defunct).

The MSC Sinfonia deck plan shows a total of 975 staterooms accommodating 1950 passengers (maximum capacity 2340), served by 770 crew. Before stretching, the ship had 777 cabins for 1554 passengers (maximum 2223). The vessel has 13 decks (9 passenger-accessible, 5 with cabins), 4 restaurants, 10 lounges and bars, 2 swimming pools, 2 Jacuzzis (outdoor whirlpool hot tubs), and 9 elevators.

MSC Sinfonia’s decks are named after famous composers.

MSC Sinfonia deck plan changes: 2015 refurbishment review

The ship underwent a major refit and refurbishment in 2015 (dry dock from January 12 to March 16). Significant deck plan changes followed the project, as the vessel was stretched by 25 m / 82 ft. Key 2015 upgrades included:

• Renovation and upgrade of all passenger cabins.
• Introduction of new stateroom categories.
• Addition of 193 new cruise cabins and suites (on decks 9-Tchaikovski, 10-Sibelius, 12-Bizet) plus 59 new crew cabins.
• Installation of an Aqua Park (Spray Park) with waterfalls and interactive slides.
• Upgraded boutique shops with new designs.
• Addition of a new luxury perfumes shop.
• Upgraded supervised kids’ clubs and play areas with equipment and toys by Chicco and LEGO.

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

"MSC for Me" Digital Innovation Program 2017–2018

All MSC cruise ships are being fitted with thousands of connectivity points, digital access points, iBeacons (Bluetooth), and hundreds of interactive digital screens throughout the vessel. All staterooms will feature RFID (radio-frequency identification) and NFC (near-field communication) access technology.

The new program will be implemented fleetwide, with the first installation 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 entry-door systems), 3050 iBeacons, 700 WAPs (wireless access points), and 1200 CCTV cameras.

Main features of MSC’s digitalization program include:

• Facial recognition and Samsung interactive/smart bracelet technology.
• Digital Concierge app for real-time booking of onboard services, restaurants, and shore excursions, providing 24-hour access to MSC support staff.
• Capture – a virtual-reality tool to preview itineraries, create personal photo galleries, and share content online.
• Organizer – a cruise-planning tool for mobile devices, providing detailed information and allowing pre-cruise and onboard booking (tours, theater seating, dining, etc.).
• Navigation – an interactive wayfinding map offering event schedules, opening hours, directions, and real-time kids’ monitoring (via bracelets).
• TailorMade – a digital advisor offering personalized recommendations based on passenger preferences (gaming, culinary, recreation, entertainment, etc.).
• Passengers may opt out of all “Internet of Things” (IoT) connected services at any time.