MSC Cruises completes 20 years of service with its first newbuild

A newbuild, the MSC Lirica, was delivered to MSC Cruises on March 24, 2003, and will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2023.

An original Mediterranean debut was had by this 65,000-ton ship, built in France by Chantiers de l’Atlantique.

The Lirica was also christened by Sophia Loren before its inaugural program in the region began.

A special ceremony took place in the Italian port of Naples to name the vessel after the Italian actress, who is now the godmother of all of the company’s newbuilds.

Aside from sailing in the Mediterranean, the MSC Lirica made stops in the Caribbean, Northern Europe, as well as U.S.-based cruises from Fort Lauderdale.

As the first MSC ship to sail a complete season in 2010, the vessel debuted in South America in 2009.

A series of year-round cruises will be operated out of China by the MSC Lirica in 2016, another first for MSC Cruises.

Upon returning to Europe in 2018, the 2,160-guest ship sailed additional seasons in the Middle East as well as the Eastern Mediterranean.

In 2015, the Renaissance Program enlarged and modernized the Lirica as part of a €275-million refit.

A new 24-meter-long midsection was added to the ship following its halves being cut in half at an Italian drydock, allowing 194 extra cabins, a new lounge and a kid’s water park to be added.

The MSC Lirica offers more than just new features. It includes a theatre with two decks, a casino, a spa, four restaurants, two pools, and more.