3-night
From $215
MSC Cruises
MSC Opera
Oct 29, 2026 · Civitavecchia-Rome, Italy
→ Mediterranean
MSC Opera: Classic Cruising to the Caribbean & Beyond
Explore the world aboard this elegant 2,570-passenger ship offering exceptional value and authentic Mediterranean hospitality.
CruiseHuddle Snapshot
188
Upcoming Sailings
2
Active Listings
$149
From
The Story
MSC Opera brings classic elegance and Italian hospitality to ocean cruising. Built in 2004 as part of MSC Cruises' popular Lirica class, this 65,591-ton vessel carries 2,570 passengers to some of the world's most beautiful destinations. With its mid-sized profile, MSC Opera strikes an ideal balance between intimate atmosphere and comprehensive onboard amenities.
The ship sails primarily to the Caribbean and Mediterranean, departing from ports including La Romana in the Dominican Republic, Fort-de-France in Martinique, and Bridgetown in Barbados. Whether you're island-hopping through turquoise Caribbean waters or exploring historic Mediterranean coastlines, MSC Opera provides a comfortable home base for your adventures. The ship's design reflects MSC's European heritage, with elegant public spaces, diverse dining venues, and entertainment options that cater to international travelers.
MSC Opera appeals to cruisers seeking authentic European-style cruising at exceptional value. With sailings starting from just $179, it's an accessible option for first-time cruisers, families, and experienced travelers who appreciate straightforward cruising without unnecessary frills. The ship's passenger capacity creates a welcoming community atmosphere where it's easy to meet fellow travelers and make lasting connections. Browse the 195 upcoming MSC Opera sailings on CruiseHuddle to find your perfect voyage and connect with others planning similar adventures.
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Read the guide Onboard Highlights
🍝
L'Olivo Specialty Restaurant
Savor authentic Italian dishes and fine wines in an elegant à la carte setting.
🎭
Teatro La Scala Theater
Enjoy West End-style musicals and live performances in the ship's main showroom.
🏊
Sun Deck Pools
Relax by two outdoor pools surrounded by loungers and open-air deck space.
🍹
Sunset Bar
Sip cocktails while taking in ocean views from this scenic aft-facing lounge.
🎰
Casino Gaming Floor
Try your luck at slot machines and table games in the onboard casino.
💆
MSC Aurea Spa
Unwind with massages, a sauna, and thermal treatments at the ship's wellness center.
Departures
Upcoming Sailings
188 total · showing 12
4-night
From $396
MSC Cruises
MSC Opera
Oct 29, 2026 · Civitavecchia-Rome, Italy
→ Mediterranean
18-night
From $948
MSC Cruises
MSC Opera
Oct 29, 2026 · Civitavecchia-Rome, Italy
→ Mediterranean
25-night
From $2,761
MSC Cruises
MSC Opera
Oct 29, 2026 · Civitavecchia-Rome, Italy
→ Mediterranean
17-night
From $834
MSC Cruises
MSC Opera
Oct 30, 2026 · Genoa, Milan, Italy Riviera
→ Mediterranean
24-night
From $1,477
MSC Cruises
MSC Opera
Oct 30, 2026 · Genoa, Milan, Italy Riviera
→ Mediterranean
16-night
From $1,045
MSC Cruises
MSC Opera
Oct 31, 2026 · Livorno, Florence-Pisa, Italy
→ Mediterranean
15-night
From $778
MSC Cruises
MSC Opera
Nov 1, 2026 · Marseille, France Riviera
→ Mediterranean
19-night
From $1,359
MSC Cruises
MSC Opera
Nov 1, 2026 · Marseille, France Riviera
→ Mediterranean
14-night
From $800
MSC Cruises
MSC Opera
Nov 2, 2026 · Barcelona, Spain
→ Mediterranean
17-night
From $1,278
MSC Cruises
MSC Opera
Nov 2, 2026 · Barcelona, Spain
→ Mediterranean
4-night
From $349
MSC Cruises
MSC Opera
Nov 16, 2026 · La Romana, Dominicana
→ Mediterranean
More departures
Active Listings
Find Your Crew
2 active
By the Numbers
Ship Specifications
📅 Year Built
2004
👥 Passengers
2,570
👨✈️ Crew
728
🏢 Decks
13
🛏️ Cabins
1,071
⚖️ Gross Tonnage
65591 gt
📏 Length
275 m / 902 ft
↔️ Beam
32 m / 105 ft
⚡ Speed
22 kn / 41 km/h / 25 mph
🏳️ Flag
Panama
🔧 Builder
Chantiers de l’Atlantique (Saint-Nazaire, STX France)
🏷️ Ship Class
MSC LIRICA
🎀 Christened By
Sophia Loren
⚓ Sister Ships
MSC ArmoniaMSC LiricaMSC Sinfonia
Questions
MSC Opera is a mid-sized ship with a capacity of 2,570 passengers and 65,591 gross tons. This makes it smaller than mega-ships but larger than boutique vessels, offering a nice balance of amenities and a more intimate cruising atmosphere where you won't feel lost in the crowd.
MSC Opera primarily sails to the Caribbean and Mediterranean regions. Caribbean itineraries often depart from ports like La Romana, Fort-de-France, and Bridgetown, while Mediterranean cruises showcase coastal destinations across Southern Europe. The ship's size allows access to a variety of ports.
Yes, MSC Opera welcomes families and offers dedicated kids' clubs and family-friendly entertainment. The mid-sized ship creates a comfortable environment where families can enjoy amenities without the overwhelming crowds of larger vessels, while still having plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained.
MSC Opera was built in 2004, making it over 20 years old. MSC Cruises has maintained and updated the ship over the years to keep facilities current. While it may not have the newest innovations of recently built ships, it offers proven reliability and classic cruise ship charm.
MSC Opera offers excellent value, with sailings starting from $179. The best deals often come from booking early, traveling during shoulder seasons, or taking advantage of promotional periods. CruiseHuddle lets you compare prices across different dates and connect with experienced cruisers for booking tips.
Beyond the fare
What MSC Cruises actually costs
These rates apply fleetwide across MSC Cruises.
Gratuities
$16
per person, per day
Couple, 7 nights
$224
before a single drink
Service charge
18%
bar · dining · spa
Wi-Fi from
$15
per device, per day
Drink packages run roughly $55–$80 per person, per day — and on most lines every adult in the cabin must buy one if anybody does.
Rates vary by itinerary and currency — roughly $16/day on Caribbean sailings, around EUR12/night on Mediterranean ones. Yacht Club is $23/day and bundles most extras. Aurea includes some inclusions above a standard fare.
Published rates, not a quote. Cruise pricing changes frequently — confirm with the cruise line before booking.
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