Legendary actress Sofia Loren christened MSC's first-ever newbuilding, Lirica, in Naples in April, 2003.
The 58,600-ton Lirica heralded the start of a major expansion by MSC, with the Opera arriving in 2004 and two more new vessels being built to replace the ageing Monterey, Rhapsody and Melody.
MSC founder Gianluigi Aponte's ambition is to make MSC a more high-profile player in the European/Italian cruise market by revitalising the fleet.
Passenger capacity based on lower beds is 1,586, with total capacity of 2,200 all berths. Lirica operatates in the Mediterranean from spring through to autumn and in the Caribbean for the winter season.
The ship boasts 763 cabins including 132 suites with balconies, and a number of excellent facilities including two restaurants with ocean views, two swimming pools, gym, jogging track, two hot tubs, sauna, children's Mini Club, virtual reality centre and an Internet cafe.
