We have been on MSC's ships in the past, however we have never really considered them for incentive due to age and longer itineraries. This year the new Lirica has been operating 10 and 11 night Caribbean itineraries so again is not really of interest. However, this spring MSC launches a new sister ship to the Lirica, the MSC Opera, that will be doing 7 night eastern and western Caribbean itineraries from Ft Lauderdale and with even more ships on the horizon its time to really take a serious look at MSC.

With all of the new ships in the market why should you consider MSC? The first obvious reason is actually their size. The Lirica carries 1,590 passengers and the Opera will carry 1,756 passengers. In today's market that makes them small ships and attractive for charter opportunities. Secondly the Licira is very tastefully done and sure to please any guest. Finally MSC also seems to provide a lot of value with numerous small touches that are no longer included on many cruise lines.

The Lirica has a total of 765 cabins, 132 with balconies and 357 outside cabins the balance being inside cabins. The Opera will have 878 cabins with 28 suites, 172 balcony and 487 outside cabins. All of the cabins are of an adequate size, bright and very cheerfully decorated. The extra touches include fresh fruit and flowers in all of the staterooms and all cabins have mini bars.  All balcony cabins are actually mini-suites. Every cabin is equipped with a safe, a television (there are no interactive features) and a fridge. The mini-suites have larger bathrooms with a bathtub

Each ship has a total of 8 decks with 5 decks contain public rooms. The decor is Italian Contemporary and very pleasing to the eye. Lots of brass, soft color fabrics, complimenting wood work and of course a lot of Italian marble and tile. The ship is full of numerous publics of varying sizes that allow you to find private rooms for most groups.

Of particular interest is the ship having two main dining rooms and two casual dining areas, the Open Restaurant La Pergola and the pool Restaurant - La Canzone del Mare as well as the poolside Pizzeria / Grill. The largest restaurant is La Bussola which seats 618 while to the smaller L'Ippocampo seats 380 giving you several options for private dining based on group size. There are lounges that bar up with these rooms to hold your private functions in as well. If you like Italian Ices and Ice Cream you will find both available most of the day at no additional charge. I think many men might appreciate the fact they have a bar located right out side of the numerous shops onboard.

One thing that we all commented on are the number of lounges that offer live entertainment of some sort. Of course you have the standard main show room but the Lirica features eight different bars/lounges. Very rare and extensive for a ship of this size.  Most of them are located on decks 5 and 6  connected by a marble staircase, although there is a large "secondary" lounge on deck 7 and a huge disco surrounded by glass walls on deck 12. The high number of public rooms helps to keep passengers spread throughout the ship. 

The Lord Nelson Pub and the Beverly Hills Bar with the  Rodeo Drive shops on deck 5 are just before the entrance to the dining room.  Fitted out with a lot of marble and shining brass, these are favorite spot for pre- and post-dinner drinks, and an excellent place to dance to the tunes of slow music.  There is also an Internet cafe with 10 stations and a Coffee Corner.

It is honestly next to impossible to rate the food on a ship doing a port side luncheon. The menus are limited and you are never quite sure if this is standard fare or a special menu and presentation. Dining staff are mostly Italian and the luncheon we experience was quite nice, especially the salad and pasta selection.

On-board entertainment centers around the Broadway Theatre, which normally has two seatings  at 9:15 and 10:45 p.m. The show lounge itself, two decks high, is adequate with its theatre-style seating.  Music  can be found at the Beverly Hills Bar and the Lirica Lounge with piano favorites at the popular L'Atmosphere.  Dance music with a live band is found in Le Cabaret Lounge and disco music nightly in the Blue Disco Club.

The Lirica Health Center is located on deck 11, and offers truly magnificent views to three sides through the floor-to-ceiling windows - along with the usual workout equipment. The spa is operated by an Italian spa company and offers traditional treatments, such as facials and massages.

In the main pool area on deck 11, there are two swimming pools and two whirlpools. The pool area is surrounded by open deck space and lounge chairs. More space and lounge chairs can be found on deck 13, which is protected from the winds by windscreens. As a European ship, topless sunbathing for ladies is accepted in secluded areas.

The Lirica will be operating 11 night cruises in winter 05. The Opera on the other hand will be operating 7 night cruises in the winter season and 7 night cruises in the Med for 2005.