We're writing this review because we struggled to find info about this ship prior to our sailing.

The MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Cruises) Lirica is a beautiful Italian ship. I repeat: Italian. Passengers with strictly American lines in mind should adjust their thinking accordingly and, may I say, "Viva la difference!" Our review is written from the perspective of myself (American, now residing in the UK, age 46, cruised the Caribbean (3 times) as well as the Med) and my husband (Englishman, age 71, cruised on European river cruises). We could both be considered fairly seasoned travellers (business and pleasure).

I booked this cruise a year ago having only heard about MSC from some general literature from a British travel firm who used the MSC Melody and Rhapsody in their brochures. Melody and Rhapsody? I thought I knew a fair amount about cruise ships; never heard of 'em! So, I did some research. Read more