MSC Opera

2004
274 m
32 m

What does MSC Opera offer?


For those drawn to the specifics of a cruise ship, the MSC Opera offers a universe filled with technical details worth exploring. This ship, part of the MSC Cruises fleet, was built in 2004 and operates under the Panamanian flag. In terms of dimensions, its length is 274.9 meters, and its beam is 32 meters. To give you an idea of its size, its gross tonnage is 65,591 tons, and its height is 54 meters.

This sea giant has the capacity to accommodate 2,679 passengers, distributed in 1,075 cabins, with the support of approximately 728 crew members. The ship is designed with 13 decks, nine of which are intended for passengers. This gives us an idea of how space is distributed and the type of facilities that can be found.

To move vertically throughout the ship, there are 9 elevators available. And when we talk about its power, the MSC Opera can reach a maximum speed of 20.3 knots. This detail might not be something you notice daily, but it's interesting to consider how power and speed come together to maintain the cruise itinerary.

One of the first concerns for someone inexperienced in cruises might be the ship's stability on the open sea. The MSC Opera has two stabilizer fins that significantly improve comfort during navigation. This is especially relevant if you decide, for example, to enjoy dinner in one of the 4 restaurants on board.

If you're traveling from a country with a different electrical system, you'll be delighted to know that the voltage in the cabins is 110/220 volts. So, you won't have to worry about the compatibility of your electronic devices.

Entertainment and well-being are covered with 6 bars, 3 pools with children's areas, and 2 whirlpool baths. The ship also has specific services like a medical center, excursion offices, and customer service to address any questions you may have.

reviews MSC Opera

Choosing the cabin that best suits your needs is essential, as it will be your personal space during the cruise. Cabins are distributed across various categories that vary in size and amenities, depending on the experiences offered on board: Bella, Fantastica, and Aurea.

  • Suites with a balcony are available in the Fantastica and Aurea experiences, with an approximate size of 23 m², plus a balcony of about 5 m².
  • Cabins with a balcony of approximately 13 m² and a balcony of 3 m² are included in the Fantastica experience.
  • Ocean View cabins with a porthole are available in the Bella and Fantastica experiences.
  • Obstructed View cabins with a porthole ranging from 11.5 to 13.5 m² are available in the Bella experience.
  • Interior cabins, including options for passengers with reduced mobility, are available in the Bella and Fantastica experiences.

For art enthusiasts, the Teatro Dell'Opera stands out, with a seating capacity of 713. It's a venue where you can enjoy a variety of high-quality performances. You'll also find the Byblos Disco and the Cotton Club, for those who prefer livelier atmospheres.

The MSC Opera offers numerous common areas designed for comfort and entertainment, including the Medical Center, Excursions Office, and Reception-Guest Service, ensuring that any needs that arise during the cruise can be efficiently addressed.


Technical characteristics


MSC Opera
Year built 2004
Beam 32 m
Length 274 m
Tonnage 65591 tn.
Velocity 20 knots
Passenger capacity 2679
Crew capacity 728
Ratio of crew per passenger 3,68
Decks 13
Cabins 1075
Lifts 9
Nationality Panamá
Class Lirica

List of Restaurants


restaurantes MSC Opera

When it comes to a cruise, aside from the sparkling sea and lush islands, one of the first things that comes to mind is food. On the MSC Opera, culinary diversity is an integral part of the journey. We're not talking about the typical buffet menu seen in many other places; here, there's an authentic and well-thought-out variety that takes into account both quality and quantity. Let's delve into the details, which are quite significant.

On the MSC Opera, there are several restaurants offering different ambiences and menus. The capacity of the restaurants varies, as well as the area they occupy and their location on the ship. Here are the key numbers that help us understand the magnitude of the onboard dining operations: 

Capacity: The total number of seats in all restaurants exceeds 2,000, ensuring that there's space for everyone, even during peak hours.

Utilization: The utilization, meaning the area in square meters, is designed to provide ample space for diners and staff, facilitating a seamless experience.

Deck: The restaurants are strategically located on different decks for easy access from anywhere on the ship.

Restaurant Listing Below is a list of the restaurants available on the MSC Opera with specific information about each one:

  • il Patio - Located on Deck 11 Tosca, this restaurant offers 402 seats and covers an area of 968 m². It's known for its grill, pizzeria, and bar. It's an ideal spot for those seeking more relaxed yet authentic options.
  • l’approdo - Situated on Deck 6 Otello, it has a capacity for 422 people and an area of 583 m². This is the upper deck restaurant offering a more exclusive atmosphere.
  • La Caravella - This restaurant is on Deck 5 Aida, with a surprising capacity of 981 seats and an area of 1,615 m². It's the lower deck restaurant and offers a varied menu.
  • Le Vele - Also located on Deck 11 Tosca, this restaurant has 380 seats and an area of 710 m². It's known for its buffet and bar, providing a more casual option for diners.

It's relevant to note that distributing the restaurants across different decks allows for better passenger circulation, avoiding congestion and wait times.

The il Patio restaurant, for instance, offers a pizzeria, which can be particularly useful for families with children who prefer more familiar food choices.

In the case of l'approdo, its location on the upper deck makes it an interesting choice for those wishing to enjoy panoramic views while dining.

La Caravella, with its ample capacity, is versatile and suitable for accommodating large groups, making it ideal for celebrations or special events that may arise during the cruise.

For variety lovers, Le Vele offers a buffet that allows you to try different dishes in a single meal, perfect for those days when you can't decide what to eat.

The culinary offering on the MSC Opera is designed to cater to a wide range of preferences and needs. From the location on the ship to the variety of menus and atmospheres, there's something for every type of traveler. And while food is just a part of the overall cruise experience, it's undeniably a very important part that contributes to the overall enjoyment of the journey.

Name Type Food Cost
Marketplace Buffet & Restaurant Autoservicio Buffet
Restaurante Principal (MSC) Mesa Incluido

Bars and Lounges Listings


When it comes to discussing the bars and lounges of the MSC Opera cruise ship by MSC Cruises, the idea is to understand that these spaces are more than just places to enjoy a drink. They are authentic settings for socializing, relaxation, and even culture and entertainment. Here, we'll talk about each of them, highlighting not only their peculiarities but also their uses in the context of a cruise journey.

When on board the MSC Opera, it's important to remember that you're in an environment that has been carefully designed to offer diverse experiences to passengers. And this is notably reflected in the available bars and lounges. You can find everything from spaces dedicated to the purest coffee, to venues where music and dancing take the center stage. And of course, there are also places where you can enjoy a quieter atmosphere accompanied by a piano.

Each of these bars and lounges is located at different points on the cruise ship, specifically on Decks 5 and 6, known as Aida and Otello. This design allows passengers to have access to different atmospheres without having to travel long distances. So yes, while enjoying your stay on the MSC Opera, you can have a coffee in a calm environment in the morning and move to a dance floor in the evening without the need for a separate "journey."

List of MSC Opera Bars and Lounges

Below is a detailed list of the available bars and lounges:

  • Aroma Coffee Bar - Located on Deck 6 Otello, this space has a capacity for 245 people and an area of 87 square meters. It's ideal for coffee lovers seeking a more focused experience with this bean elixir.
  • Cotton Club - Also on Deck 6 Otello, this venue has 345 seats and an area of 139 square meters. The Cotton Club stands out for its musical ambiance and dance floor. Perfect for those looking to move to the rhythm of different genres.
  • La Cabala - This piano bar, also located on Deck 6 Otello, has 300 seats and an area of 91 square meters. If you're looking for a more intimate and tranquil atmosphere, this is the place.
  • Piazza di Spagna - With a capacity for 902 people and an area of 206 square meters, this piano bar is situated on Deck 5 Aida. It offers a different atmosphere with the elegance of the piano as a backdrop.
  • Sottovento Pub - This bar, located on Deck 5 Aida, offers 350 seats and an area of 138 square meters. The Sottovento Pub is known for projecting music videos, providing a relaxed ambiance for those who want to enjoy their favorite drinks.
  • Lo Spinnaker - This space is the most versatile of all. It functions as a pool bar, ice cream parlor, and vitamin bar. Its outdoor location makes it the perfect setting for a more relaxed and refreshing experience.

Lastly, it's crucial to understand the utility of these bars and lounges in the context of a cruise. For instance, if you're someone who likes to start the day with a good coffee, the Aroma Coffee Bar is your spot. If you're looking to socialize and make new friends, then the ambiance of the Cotton Club with its music and dance floor can be very fitting. For moments of relaxation, bars like La Cabala and Piazza di Spagna offer the perfect environment to unwind.

Ultimately, the bars and lounges of the MSC Opera have been designed to cater to diverse needs and tastes, thus providing each passenger with the opportunity to find their ideal corner on the ship. Regardless of your mood or interests, you're likely to find a space that aligns with what you're seeking. And that, after all, is an integral part of the cruise experience like this.


What to do in MSC Opera?


listado de servicios MSC Opera

Stepping aboard the MSC Opera is entering a world where entertainment and well-being take on various forms. Here, the word "boredom" simply doesn't exist in the vocabulary. Below, we break down the range of activities offered on board so that every passenger can personalize their cruise experience to their liking.

Shopping and Commercial Areas

On the MSC Opera, the commercial area is much more than just a few shops. It's divided into different spaces based on the type of products they offer:

Accessories Shop on Deck 5 Aida offers a range of bags, belts, and leather goods.

Beauty & Cosmetics on Deck 6 Otello is dedicated to perfumes and cosmetics.

Charms & Bijoux on Deck 5 Aida offers luxury jewelry and accessories.

Duty Free on Deck 6 Otello offers tobacco, spirits, and snacks.

Entertainment and Leisure Options

When it comes to fun, there's a range of options varying from serene to extroverted:

Byblos Disco on Deck 12 La Bohème is perfect for those who want to dance until dawn.

Cotton Club on Deck 6 Otello combines a bar, music, and dance floor in one place.

Teatro Dell'Opera on Decks 5 Aida and 6 Otello is the place to enjoy theatrical shows and lectures.

Med Pearl Casino on Deck 6 Otello offers table games, slot machines, and a bar.

Areas for Children and Teens

Baby Club on Deck 11 Tosca is designed for infants under 3 years old.

Junior Club on Deck 12 La Bohème is a LEGO play area for kids aged 7 to 11.

Teen Club on Deck 12 La Bohème is designed for teenagers aged 15 to 17.

Wellness and Health Services

Beauty Services on Deck 11 Tosca offers a range of beauty treatments such as makeup and depilation.

MSC Gym Powered by Technogym on Deck 11 Tosca features state-of-the-art cardio equipment and weight machines.

Thermal Area on Deck 11 Tosca includes a sauna, steam baths, and relaxation room.

List of Highlighted Activities on the MSC Opera For a quick overview, here are some of the highlighted activities:

  • Teatro Dell'Opera: This multifunctional space not only offers theatrical performances but also a variety of lectures and presentations.
  • Med Pearl Casino: If you're feeling lucky, this is the place to be. Even if you're not a gambling enthusiast, the ambiance is enough to keep you entertained.
  • MSC Gym Powered by Technogym®: For fitness enthusiasts, this gym is equipped with state-of-the-art technology.
  • Thermal Area: After a long day of activities, this is the ideal place to unwind. It offers a sauna, steam baths, and a relaxation room.
  • Junior Club and Teen Club: These clubs offer a safe and fun space for the younger crowd, with a variety of games and activities.
  • Power Walking Track: Located on Deck 12 La Bohème, this 200-meter track is perfect for those who want to stay fit while enjoying panoramic views.
  • Le Piscine: This pool area on Deck 11 Tosca is a great place to relax and soak up the sun.

Activities on the MSC Opera are as diverse as its passengers. From activities for the young ones to options for relaxation or entertainment, this cruise offers a complete range of choices to ensure that every moment on board is memorably enjoyable.


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