Mediterranean Shipping Company Cruises Fleet Observation
MSC Cruises operates one of the world’s largest cruise fleets. The company has six distinct ship classes. Each offers unique features, sizes, routes, and sometimes controversy. This guide covers the Lirica, Musica, Fantasia, Meraviglia, Seaside, Meraviglia‑Plus, and World Class ships. It includes details on technical specs, cruising areas, and notable incidents.
🛳️ Ship Class Breakdown
Lirica Class
Includes MSC Lirica (2003), MSC Opera (2004), MSC Sinfonia (2002), and MSC Armonia (2001).
Built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique. Each vessel is ~65,500 GT and holds ~1,000–1,100 passengers. (fleet stats)
Interesting fact: In 2014–2015, many Lirica ships were stretched to add cabins during renovation programs, boosting capacity and giving Armonia suite cabins. (fleet overview)
Incident: MSC Lirica experienced a fire in March 2021 while laid up in Corfu. It happened in an added section from its 2015 renovation. No injuries were reported. The fire was quickly repaired in dry dock. The ship also suffered minor bow damage at Civitavecchia in 2007 due to high winds. (fire report)
Musica Class
Ships include MSC Musica (2006), MSC Orchestra (2007), MSC Poesia (2008), and MSC Magnifica (2010).
Each measures ~92,000–95,000 GT and carries ~2,500 passengers. Built by Aker/STX in Saint-Nazaire. (fleet data)
Notable incident: MSC Orchestra had a cocaine smuggling scandal in 2010—eight passengers arrested in Dover. In 2019, Orchestra collided with another ship and a dock in Buenos Aires. Damage was minor. (incident details)
Fantasia Class
Includes MSC Fantasia (2008), MSC Splendida (2009), MSC Divina (2012), and MSC Preziosa (2013).
These are ~138,000–139,400 GT with ~1,700 cabins, around 3,500 passengers onboard. (fleet table)
Fun fact: Fantasia Class ships introduced the exclusive MSC Yacht Club, a ship‑within‑a‑ship experience with private lounges and butler service. Splendida debuted Vertigo, a thrill waterslide spiral. Preziosa added Doremi Castle Aqua Park and MSC’s first Eataly restaurant. (feature guide)
Meraviglia Class
Ships: MSC Meraviglia (2017) and MSC Bellissima (2019).
~171,598 GT and ~4,488 passengers. They feature two‐deck indoor promenades with LED sky domes and central entertainment venues. Built in Saint‑Nazaire. (fleet overview)
Special feature: central promenade with Cirque du Soleil‑style shows. Bellissima also operates year-round in New York to Caribbean and New England routes. (design details)
Meraviglia Plus (Meraviglia‑Plus) Class
Includes MSC Grandiosa (2019), MSC Virtuosa (2021), and MSC Euribia (2023).
Each ~181,000 GT and ~4,800–4,900 passengers. Built at Chantiers de l’Atlantique. (fleet sizes)
Innovation highlight: MSC Virtuosa showcases the Starship Club, featuring “Rob”—the first humanoid robotic bartender at sea. (innovation article)
Seaside & Seaside EVO Class
Seaside class includes MSC Seaside (2017) and MSC Seaview (2018). Seaside EVO subclass: MSC Seashore (2021) and MSC Seascape (2022).
Sizes range from ~153,516 GT to ~170,412 GT, carrying up to 5,877 guests. Designed by Fincantieri for warm‑weather itineraries. (class breakdown)
Features: broad outdoor decks, zip lines, 360° waterfront promenades, VR maze, and F1 racing simulators. Seashore & Seascape offer expanded space and enhanced eco‑tech. (class guide)
Issue: MSC Seaside scored low on CDC sanitation in April 2023 (67/100) due to cleanliness issues. After corrections, it improved to 92. (sanitation report)
World Class
The newest and largest class: MSC World Europa (2022), MSC World America (2025), plus World Asia (2026) and another planned in 2027.
Hold 6,700+ guests; ~215,863–216,638 GT; built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique. These ships use LNG fuel and feature a “Y‑shape” hull for stability and fuel efficiency. Europa introduced MSC’s first fuel cell demonstrator to reduce emissions. (World class data)
Highlights: Europe-focused itineraries with entertainment districts, hydroponic gardens, multiple pools, and microbrewery at sea.
🚩 Recent Incidents & Scandals
- MSC Virtuosa fatal altercation (May 2025): A 60‑year‑old man died aboard after an altercation. Initially treated as murder, later suspects released on bail. Authorities continue investigating. MSC Cruises cooperated fully. (news report)
- Family complaint aboard Virtuosa (July 2025): A British family described excessive drunkenness, soot exposure, and poor service. Their children developed hives. MSC offered minimal compensation and apologized. (passenger ordeal)
- Overboard mystery (MSC Euribia, 2024): A 72-year-old passenger went missing. Reddit threads highlight confusion and suspect coverage; maritime authorities have yet to fully clarify the incident. (passenger thread)
📋 Fleet Comparison Table
| Class | Ships | Built | Gross Tonnage | Capacity | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lirica | Lirica, Opera, Sinfonia, Armonia | 2001–2004 | ~65,500 GT | ~1,000–1,100 | Budget-friendly, first MSC builds |
| Musica | Musica, Orchestra, Poesia, Magnifica | 2006–2010 | ~92,000–95,000 GT | ~2,500 passengers | Classic mid-size comfort |
| Fantasia | Fantasia, Splendida, Divina, Preziosa | 2008–2013 | ~138,000–139,400 GT | ~3,500 | Yacht Club luxury, waterslides |
| Meraviglia | Meraviglia, Bellissima | 2017–2019 | ~171,600 GT | ~4,488 | LED promenades, family innovations |
| Meraviglia‑Plus | Grandiosa, Virtuosa, Euribia | 2019–2023 | ~181,000 GT | ~4,800–4,900 | Robobar, high‑tech entertainment |
| Seaside / EVO | Seaside, Seaview, Seashore, Seascape | 2017–2022 | ~153,500–170,400 GT | ~4,132–5,877 | Outdoor living, VR, zip lines |
| World | World Europa, World America, Asia | 2022–2027 | 215,800–216,600 GT | 6,700+ | LNG fuel, green tech, mega-ship scale |
🌐 Why MSC Cruises Stands Out
MSC Cruises is a global leader with a diverse fleet. Each class targets different markets, from intimate Med sailings to Caribbean megaships. The World Class ships demonstrate MSC’s commitment to eco‑innovation. Meanwhile, Meraviglia Plus offers futuristic entertainment including robotic bartenders. The Seaside series focuses on outdoor experience. Even older classes like Lirica deliver value for budget cruisers.
Still, news events remind us that as fleets grow, safety and reputation challenges follow. MSC’s continued growth through 2027 positions it at the forefront of modern cruising—but incidents demand vigilance.
