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 |