Lirica class · MSC · In service since 2003
MSC Lirica
MSC Lirica is a Lirica class cruise ship operated by MSC, in service since 2003. At about 65,591 gross tons, it carries roughly 1,560 guests and ranks #21 by size in the 23-ship MSC fleet we cover.
- 65,591 gross tons
- 1,560 guests
- 824 ft long
Photo: VollwertBIT, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons
Ship facts
- Cruise line
- MSC Cruises
- Ship class
- Lirica class
- Entered service
- 2003 (23 years ago)
- Gross tonnage
- 65,591
- Guests
- 1,560
- Length
- 824 ft (251.3 m)
- Speed
- 22 knots
- Builder
- Chantiers de l'Atlantique
- Flag
- Panama
- IMO number
- 9246102
About MSC Lirica
MSC Lirica, from 2003, was the first ship MSC ordered new from a shipyard, the start of the line’s growth into one of the world’s biggest cruise companies. It was lengthened in 2015 under the Renaissance Program, which added a new midsection with more cabins and public space. Lirica remains one of the smallest ships in the fleet, so it’s often used on itineraries with many port calls and smaller harbors. Expect a relaxed, traditional atmosphere with a theater, a casino and a single main pool area rather than water parks.
Best for: Travelers who want a smaller, traditional MSC ship for port-intensive cruises.
MSC Lirica highlights
- The first ship MSC ordered new
- Lengthened with a new midsection in the Renaissance Program
- Smaller size suited to port-heavy itineraries
- Traditional theater and casino
How MSC Lirica compares in size
- MSC World Europa215,863
- MSC World America205,700
- MSC Euribia184,011
- MSC Virtuosa181,541
- MSC Grandiosa181,541
- MSC Meraviglia171,589
- MSC Bellissima171,500
- MSC Seascape169,400
- MSC Seashore169,400
- MSC Seaview154,000
- MSC Seaside154,000
- MSC Preziosa139,072
- MSC Divina139,072
- MSC Splendida137,936
- MSC Fantasia137,936
- MSC Magnifica95,128
- MSC Poesia92,627
- MSC Orchestra92,409
- MSC Musica92,409
- MSC Opera65,591
- MSC Lirica65,591
- MSC Armonia65,542
- MSC Sinfonia65,542
Gross tonnage measures a ship's enclosed volume, not its weight. Source: Wikidata.
Lirica class sister ships
Sailing with MSC
MSC Cruises is a Swiss-Italian line with one of the youngest, fastest-growing fleets at sea, sailing big, glossy ships in the Caribbean from Florida and across Europe. It is known for competitive fares, kids-sail-free deals, the luxurious MSC Yacht Club and Ocean Cay, its private Bahamas island. Expect a European flavor and a multinational crowd, especially in the Mediterranean.
Read our full MSC guide: dining, drinks, tipping and who it suits →
MSC Lirica FAQs
How big is MSC Lirica?
MSC Lirica measures about 65,591 gross tons and is about 824 feet (251 m) long. That makes it #21 of 23 MSC ships we cover by tonnage, and #192 among all 255 ocean cruise ships in our guide.
How many passengers does MSC Lirica carry?
About 1,560 guests, according to Wikidata's record for the ship. Cruise lines usually quote capacity at two guests per cabin; with third and fourth berths filled, the maximum is higher.
When was MSC Lirica built?
MSC Lirica entered service in 2003 and was built by Chantiers de l'Atlantique. Older ships are often refurbished, so ask about recent upgrades when you compare sailings.
What class of ship is MSC Lirica?
MSC Lirica belongs to MSC's Lirica class, alongside MSC Armonia, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Opera. Ships in the same class share a layout and most signature features.
Is MSC Lirica good for families?
Kids clubs are divided by age, from babies and toddlers up to teens 15 to 17, and MSC partners with LEGO for themed activities and play spaces. Many sailings let children under a certain age sail free when sharing a cabin with two adults, though they pay port fees and taxes. Facilities vary by ship, so check what MSC Lirica offers for your kids' ages.
Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.
Sources: Wikidata, Wikipedia, MSC official site.