MSC Opera
“A Venice homeport strengthening MSC's Eastern Mediterranean lineup, alongside classic Western routes.”
MSC Opera entered service in 2004 as the second purpose-built Lirica-class ship, sister to MSC Lirica. MSC has homeported her in Venice specifically to strengthen the line's Eastern Mediterranean offering, running Adriatic and Greek Isles itineraries from there, while other seasons see her sail 10-night Western Mediterranean routes from Genoa, calling at Portofino, Marseille, Malaga, and Lisbon. Like her sister ships, she keeps an intimate, single-class Italian design rather than megaship scale, with 2,679 guests across 9 passenger decks.
Homeported in Venice specifically to strengthen MSC's Eastern Mediterranean network — one of the few MSC ships based directly in the city, alongside longer 10-night Western Mediterranean voyages from Genoa in other seasons.
What’s Onboard
Dining
- ✓Two main restaurants offering formal and informal dining
- ✓Al fresco buffet restaurant with outdoor seating
- ✓Marketplace buffet for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night snacks
- ✓English-style pub
- ✓Italian café with espresso and pastries
- ✓Themed bars and lounges
Pools & Recreation
- ✓Two outdoor pools and whirlpools
- ✓MSC Aurea Spa with thermal suite
- ✓Gym with sea views
- ✓Open-air power walking track
- ✓Sauna and relaxation areas
- ✓Sun deck with loungers
Entertainment
- ✓Main theatre with production shows
- ✓Casino with table games and slots
- ✓Piano bar and themed lounges
- ✓Nightclub with DJ sets
- ✓Karaoke nights
- ✓Evening cabaret and live music
Cabins
- ✓Interior, Oceanview, Balcony & Suite categories
- ✓Family-friendly balcony staterooms
- ✓Accessible cabins across categories
- ✓Compact, classic Lirica-class layouts
- ✓Refreshed decor fleet-wide
- ✓Connecting cabin options
Family & Kids
- ✓MSC Doremi kids' club (ages 3–6)
- ✓MSC Explorers (7–11) and Teens Club (12–17)
- ✓Dedicated children's pool area
- ✓Family staterooms and connecting cabins
- ✓Kids-eat-free policy on select sailings
- ✓Family game shows and themed nights
Video Tour
MSC Opera Full Ship Tour 2026 — Complete 4K Walkthrough
- ✦Venice-based Eastern Mediterranean itinerary seekers
- ✦Western Mediterranean cruisers wanting a Genoa departure
- ✦Travellers wanting a smaller, classic-style MSC ship
- ✦Value-focused cruisers prioritising fare over cutting-edge features
Travellers wanting an MSC Yacht Club, waterslides, or megaship scale — Opera is one of MSC's oldest and smallest active ships and keeps a simple, single-class layout.
7–10 night Mediterranean from ~$450/pp (interior) to $1,200+/pp (suite)