Lirica class · MSC · In service since 2002
MSC Sinfonia
MSC Sinfonia is a Lirica class cruise ship operated by MSC, in service since 2002. At about 65,542 gross tons, it carries roughly 1,566 guests and ranks #23 by size in the 23-ship MSC fleet we cover.
- 65,542 gross tons
- 1,566 guests
- 824 ft long
Photo: Gerd Fahrenhorst, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Ship facts
- Cruise line
- MSC Cruises
- Ship class
- Lirica class
- Entered service
- 2002 (24 years ago)
- Gross tonnage
- 65,542
- Guests
- 1,566
- Length
- 824 ft (251.3 m)
- Speed
- 21 knots
- Builder
- Chantiers de l'Atlantique
- Flag
- Panama
- IMO number
- 9210153
About MSC Sinfonia
MSC Sinfonia started out as European Stars for Festival Cruises and joined MSC in 2004 after Festival’s collapse. Like the rest of the Lirica class, it was cut in half and lengthened in the Renaissance Program in the mid-2010s, gaining cabins and public space. The result is a small, simple ship by today’s standards, without waterslides or big production venues on the scale of MSC’s newer ships. It suits travelers who see the ship mainly as comfortable transport between ports, with dinner and a show at the end of the day.
Best for: Value-focused travelers who want a straightforward small-ship cruise and plan to spend most of their time ashore.
MSC Sinfonia highlights
- Lengthened in the Renaissance Program
- Smaller, traditional layout
- Main dining room with Italian specialties
- Port-intensive itineraries suited to its size
How MSC Sinfonia 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 Sinfonia FAQs
How big is MSC Sinfonia?
MSC Sinfonia measures about 65,542 gross tons and is about 824 feet (251 m) long. That makes it #23 of 23 MSC ships we cover by tonnage, and #194 among all 255 ocean cruise ships in our guide.
How many passengers does MSC Sinfonia carry?
About 1,566 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 Sinfonia built?
MSC Sinfonia entered service in 2002 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 Sinfonia?
MSC Sinfonia belongs to MSC's Lirica class, alongside MSC Armonia, MSC Opera, MSC Lirica. Ships in the same class share a layout and most signature features.
Is MSC Sinfonia 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 Sinfonia 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.