Cruise Wonderland >> Virtual Ship Tours >> MSC Opera


Christened 2004 June 26th (by Sophia Loren)  

Making her debut in 2004, MSC Opera was the second new ship delivered for MSC Cruises, one year younger than her sister MSC Lirica. Both ships are slightly refined versions of European Vision and European Stars of the now-defunct Festival Cruises (currently being MSC Armonia and MSC Sinfonia), which have more curved lines in the superstructure and a sleeker funnel.

Similar to other ships in the fleet, MSC Opera reflects MSC Cruises' rich Italian heritage by having clean lines, minimal furniture design and soft furnishings. Marble and real wood are used extensively in the interior decor. Moreover, all decks are named after the operas by famous Italian composers such as Puccini, Verdi and Bellini.

A wide range of onboard facilities are provided to meet the needs of different passenger age groups. There are four restaurants, eleven bars and lounges, a large showlounge, discotheque, library, Internet centre, video games room, casino, many shops, two pools with whirlpools, golf course, as well as spa and fitness centre.

The ship offers a truly Italian-oriented cruising experience which is quite different from other mainstream vessels. She is suitable for younger passengers and first-time cruisers who enjoy big city life, constant entertainment and late night parties in a lively ambience.

Entered Service 2004 June 27th
Builder Chantiers de l'Atlantique, St. Nazaire (France)
Original Cost US$266 million
Registry Panama City, Panama
Gross Tonnage 59058 tons
Length x Beam x Draft 251.3 x 28.8 x 6.9 (m), 824.3 x 94.5 x 22.6 (ft)
Speed 21 knots
Passenger Decks 9
Number of Cabins
(Inside / Oceanview / Balcony)
856 (359, 297, 200)
Passengers
(Standard Occupancy /
Full Occupancy)
1712 / 2199
Total Crew 728
Navigation Officers Italian
IMO Number, Call Sign 9250464, H3FV
Sister Ships MSC Lirica (MSC Cruises)
History 2004- : MSC Opera (MSC Cruises)

(Unless otherwise specified, information about MSC Opera in this virtual ship tour was correct at the time of publishing after the author visited the ship in June 2012. Cruise Wonderland would like to express our gratitude to MSC Cruises in organizing the ship tour for us.)

Click on different decks to view the details:
Deck 4 / Deck 5 / Deck 6 / Deck 7 / Deck 8 / Deck 9 / Deck 10 / Deck 11 / Deck 12 / Deck 13


Deck 4 (Nabucco Deck)
Deck 4 has the tender platforms which can be accessed from the forward staircase and lifts. Other area on this deck is for crew only.


Deck 5 (Aida Deck)
Deck 5 is the lowest passenger deck which is completely composed of public rooms, including the main showroom, two lounges, passenger service desks, several shops and the main restaurant. The two-deck-high foyer is positioned amidships which is the focal point of the ship, featuring a T-shaped grand staircase and marble inlays.

Teatro dell'Opera:
Located in the forward section of Deck 5 and Deck 6, the 713-seats Teatro dell'Opera is the ship's main showlounge which offers great sightlines from its tiered seating on a sloping floor. European-style production shows are performed in this theatre twice every evening. It also serves as a venue for large social functions and conferences.

Sotto Vento:
Sotto Vento has 172 seats and is nestled just forward of the foyer. The purplish pub is a popular place for pre-dinner drinks under the gentle music.

Reception:
The Reception in the foyer area is the purser's office which provides guest services 24 hours a day.

Shore Excursion:
Shore Excursion in the foyer area is the tours office
in which the staff will answer any queries and handle the bookings on excursions before each port of call.

Sotto Vento Sotto Vento Reception
     
Foyer Foyer Shore Excursion

Via Condotti:
Via Condotti is the shopping arcade positioned amidships of Deck 5. It includes a number of shops such as Duty Free Shop (tobaccos, liquors, snacks), Gallery (sunglasses, watches, jewellery), Beauty & Cosmetics (perfumes and cosmetics), Gioielleria (jewellery and deluxe accessories) and Lei & Lui Boutique (fashion boutique).

Foyer Via Condotti (Duty Free Shop) Via Condotti (Gallery)
     
Via Condotti (Beauty & Cosmetics) Via Condotti (Gioielleria) Via Condotti (Lei & Lui Boutique)

Piazza di Spagna:
Piazza di Spagna is a midship lounge next to the shopping concourse which seats 259 guests. Live classical music by the piano and violin provides a relaxing environment for an after-dinner drink.

La Caravella:
The main dining room, known as La Caravella, is situated aft with large oceanview picture windows. It serves breakfast and lunch in free seatings, and dinner in two seatings. Tables for two, four, six and eight are available, making up the total capacity to 618 guests.

Piazza di Spagna Piazza di Spagna La Caravella


Deck 6 (Otello Deck)
Deck 6 comprises some more indoor amenities, such as three bars, the casino, Internet centre, photo shop and gallery, and another main restaurant. The Promenade is situated at two sides on this deck, but it is not wrap-around as in many other ships.

Teatro dell'Opera:
The main showlounge can also be entered from Deck 6 forward.

Teatro dell'Opera Teatro dell'Opera Teatro dell'Opera

Aroma:
Just aft of the
Teatro dell'Opera and at the upper level of the foyer, Aroma is a 91-seat speciality coffee bar and café. One can get a cup of latte, espresso, cappuccino as well as assorted pastries at a small extra charge throughout the day.

Cotton Club:
The midship Cotton Club is a lounge with bar which has a capacity of 155 guests. It has a small dance floor and is the place for dancing, art auctions and many other daytime events.

Foyer Aroma Aroma
     
Cotton Club Cotton Club Cotton Club

Monte Carlo:
The Monte Carlo casino occupies the midship section of Deck 6 which can house 119 people. There are ample gaming tables and slot machines together with a casino bar.

La Cabala:
La Cabala is a 102-seat piano bar. Soft and romantic music creates an intimate environment which makes the spot popular for drinking at night.

Monte Carlo Monte Carlo Monte Carlo
     
La Cabala La Cabala Otello Deck Midship Elevators

Cyber Café:
The Cyber Café at the port side is the ship's Internet centre. Passengers can use the 7 computers here for Internet connection at a moderate charge.

Photo Gallery and Photo Shop:
The Photo Gallery at the starboard side aft displays photographs of various onboard functions, which can be purchased at the Photo Shop nearby. Camera items and accessories are also available.

L'approdo:
Having 422 seats, L'approdo on Deck 6 aft is another dining room which offers dinner only, having the same menu as La Caravella. The tables are generally allocated to passengers from higher grade cabins, but other passengers can also request to dine here on a reservation basis.

Cyber Café Photo Gallery Photo Shop
     
L'approdo L'approdo Promenade


Deck 7 (Rigoletto Deck)
Deck 7 is the lowest deck with passenger cabins, which are the inside and outside staterooms at the aft end. On the other hand, a smaller performing lounge, the library and card room, as well as the Medical Center are positioned forward.

Caruso Lounge:
Other than the
Teatro dell'Opera, another smaller performing venue called Caruso Lounge is located forward of Deck 7. This 334-seat lounge and bar is used for cabaret acts, small-scale music shows and social dancing with the moderately large dance floor and a live band.

Caruso Lounge Caruso Lounge Caruso Lounge

The Card Room & The Library:
The Card Room & The Library is situated at the starboard side forward which can accommodate 33 people. It has a selection of books and magazines in a quiet and comfortable setting.

Medical Center:
The well-equipped Medical Center at Deck 7 forward is supervised by a doctor and medical personnel. It is open at times advertised in the ship's daily programme, and charges will be made for the services.

The Card Room & The Library The Card Room The Library


Deck 8 (La Traviata Deck)
Deck 8 is a cabin-only deck with inside and outside staterooms.

Inside Cabins:
Inside Cabins (13 square meters) can be found on Deck 7, Deck 8, Deck 9 and Deck 10. Each of them has a double bed or two single beds, bathroom with shower, vanity desk, closet and drawers, television, telephone, air conditioning, refrigerator, mini bar, safe deposit box and hair dryer. Many cabins also offer triple or quadruple accommodation in the form of upper berths.

Oceanview Cabins:
Oceanview Cabins (13 square meters) are located on Deck 7, Deck 8, Deck 9 and Deck 10. They offer the sea view through the picture windows, plus the same amenities available in Inside Cabins.


Deck 9 (Norma Deck)
Deck 9 is also a cabin deck which houses inside, outside and balcony staterooms.

Balcony Cabins:
172 Balcony Cabins (16 square meters) are distributed over Deck 9 and Deck 10. Each has a private balcony with two chairs and a small table, as well as all features provided in Inside Cabins or Oceanview Cabins.

Norma Deck Hallway


Deck 10 (Turandot Deck)
Deck 10 has a similar layout as Deck 9, where inside, outside and balcony staterooms can all be found. The bridge is situated forward.

Turandot Deck Midship Staircase


Deck 11 (Tosca Deck)
Deck 11 has both indoor and outdoor public facilities, including the spa and gymnasium, children centre, two outdoor swimming pools, pool bar, as well as a grill restaurant and a buffet restaurant.

MSC Aurea Spa:
Originally known as the Opera Health Center, the MSC Aurea Spa is positioned completely forward and composed of a gymnasium, steam room, sauna, a beauty parlour, several treatment rooms and a relaxation area. Hairstyling, facials, massages and various body-pampering treatments are offered.

Buffalo Bill:
Buffalo Bill at the port side forward is a children playroom in which the walls are colourfully decorated in amusing cartoons. Kids and teens can enjoy the age-focused daily activities, including arts and crafts, treasure hunts, parties, talent shows and sports tournaments.

MSC Aurea Spa MSC Aurea Spa (Gymnasium) MSC Aurea Spa (Gymnasium)
     
MSC Aurea Spa (Treatment Room) MSC Aurea Spa (Relaxation Area) Buffalo Bill

Lo Spinnaker:
Lo Spinnaker, just aft of the forward elevators, is a pool bar which serves ice cream, beer and other drinks.

Le Piscine:
Le Piscine is the outdoor pool area situated amidships, which is made up of two large swimming pools, two whirlpool baths and a small stage. Many daytime sports classes, tournaments, as well as evening parties are also held around the pool deck.

Lo Spinnaker Lo Spinnaker (Ice Cream Bar) Lo Spinnaker (Vitamin Bar)
     
Le Piscine Le Piscine Le Piscine

Il Patio:
Just aft of the pool area and sheltered under canvas awning, Il Patio is a 402-seat al fresco casual restaurant for breakfast and lunch. One side is a pizzeria while another side offers grilled food.

Le Vele:
Located aft of Deck 11, Le Vele is a cafeteria which has a capacity of 380 guests. It offers self-service buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serving a selection of hot and cold food.

Il Patio Il Patio Il Patio
     
Le Vele Le Vele Le Vele


Deck 12 (La Bohème Deck)
Deck 12 consists of the suites located forward, the outdoor jogging track and shuffleboard, and a disco with video games room at the aft end. A large waterfall descends from the mast near the forward elevators which gives a Roman villa ambience.

Power Walking Track:
The midship jogging track surrounds the two pool areas one deck below, in which one cycle is approximately 200 metres.

Shuffleboard:
Passengers can play shuffleboards just below the funnel at Deck 12 aft.

Le Piscine Le Piscine Le Piscine
     
Power Walking Track Power Walking Track Shuffleboard

Byblos Discoteca:
The 332-seat Byblos Discoteca at the stern of Deck 12 is a night disco, adorned in sharp pink in the walls, sofas and carpets. With a circular dance floor, it is rocked with lively parties in the late hours. During the day it can be used for dancing classes and meetings.

Virtual Reality Games:
The port side entrance of the Byblos Discoteca situates the Virtual Reality Games. It is a room that offers a couple of video games for the young passengers.

Byblos Discoteca Byblos Discoteca Byblos Discoteca
     
Byblos Discoteca Virtual Reality Games Aft Observation Area

Balcony Suites:
28 Balcony Suites (27 square meters) are the largest passenger accommodation onboard which are positioned forward on Deck 12. Each has an additional lounge area, sofa, more closet space, bathroom with bathtub and shower, together with all the amenities available in lower grade cabins.


Deck 13 (Sun Deck)
Deck 13 is the highest deck onboard which is inaccessible by the elevators. The forward section under the mast is the Solarium which has lounge chairs for sunbathing, whilst the aft area is a golf course.

Adventure Golf:
Adventure Golf is a miniature 8-hole golf course which is situated aft, wrapping around the base of the funnel.

Solarium Le Piscine Adventure Golf


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