Lirica class · MSC · In service since 2004
MSC Opera
MSC Opera is a Lirica class cruise ship operated by MSC, in service since 2004. At about 65,591 gross tons and ranks #20 by size in the 23-ship MSC fleet we cover.
- 65,591 gross tons
- 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
- 2004 (22 years ago)
- Gross tonnage
- 65,591
- Length
- 824 ft (251.3 m)
- Speed
- 22 knots
- Builder
- Chantiers de l'Atlantique
- Flag
- Panama
- IMO number
- 9250464
About MSC Opera
MSC Opera, from 2004, was one of MSC’s first new builds, following MSC Lirica, and it reflects the line’s early style: compact, traditional and very Italian in tone. A 2015 stretch, part of the Renaissance Program, spliced in a new section amidships, adding cabins and public rooms. With a modest guest count, it handles tender ports and smaller harbors more easily than MSC’s mega-ships. Families will find a kids’ club, but there are no headline thrill rides, and cabins are compact compared with newer ships.
Best for: Travelers who want a simple, classic cruise with an Italian accent on a small ship.
MSC Opera highlights
- One of MSC’s earliest new builds
- Lengthened with a new midsection in 2015
- Small size for easier tender days
- Italian-leaning menus in the main dining room
How MSC Opera 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 Opera FAQs
How big is MSC Opera?
MSC Opera measures about 65,591 gross tons and is about 824 feet (251 m) long. That makes it #20 of 23 MSC ships we cover by tonnage, and #191 among all 255 ocean cruise ships in our guide.
When was MSC Opera built?
MSC Opera entered service in 2004 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 Opera?
MSC Opera belongs to MSC's Lirica class, alongside MSC Armonia, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Lirica. Ships in the same class share a layout and most signature features.
Is MSC Opera 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 Opera 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.