MSC Cruises

MS MSC Orchestra

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Operator: MSC Cruises
Year Built / Last Refurbished: 2007 / 2007
Length / Tonnage: 964 / 89,600
Number of Cabins / Passengers: 1,257 / 2,550
Officers / Crew: Greek / European
Operating Area: Mediterranean and Caribbean

MSC Orchestra entered service in Spring of 2007. She was the second of three Musica-class sisters. Like her sister ships, MSC Poesia and MSC Musica, MSC Orchestra is 89,600 gross registered tons, 961 feet long and 108 feet wide and can host 2,550 guests (double occupancy). She has more than 236,800 square feet of public space and 80% of the outside staterooms have balconies.

Onboard, guests will find a 13,000-square-foot spa/beauty facility, three pools, four Jacuzzis, well-equipped fitness center, 7,000-square-foot casino, Cigar Bar, Wine Tasting Bar, Art Gallery, expanded shopping opportunities, a 1,200-seat theater, Music Hall, Conference Hall, Panoramic Disco and four restaurants (including a Sushi Bar) offering international and traditional Italian cuisine. In the grand central foyer, which features a waterfall and three bridges, guests can enjoy piano music while seated on transparent flooring suspended over the water.

For entertainment, passengers onboard MSC Orchestra can stop by one of 10 clubs or bars, such as L’enoteca wine bar or Havana Club cigar room. Other onboard facilities include an Internet Café, library, casino and shopping arcade. And for more active pursuits, she offers a tennis court, jogging track and two swimming pools, plus a pool and play area for kids.

MSC Orchestra offers passengers a choice of dining options. In addition to the traditional Le Maxim dining room, there are casual venues ranging from the only Chinese restaurant at sea, to a sushi bar, a lively Tex Mex restaurant, and of course, an authentic pizzeria. You can also savor a taste of heavenly delights at the midnight buffet. Then sleep in and enjoy a private breakfast on your balcony

The onboard menu features traditional Italian cuisine, as well as dishes of international flavours. There are also a la carte options, with exotic foods such as sushi available, upon reserving a table. You will also get to savour dishes typical of the countries you visit.

MSC Cruises has put much effort into the choice and preparation of the meals served onboard our ships. From breakfast to lunch and spectacular dinners under the stars, you will find that the signature MSC Cruises' style oozes through our specially prepared dishes, offering you a unique taste and flavour experience!

The 1,257 cabins include the following categories:

Balcony Suite: (269 sq ft)
Each suite is furnished with a double bed that can be converted into 2 single beds (on request), bathroom with bathtub, living room, spacious wardrobe. Amenities include satellite and interactive television, availability of internet connection by your own lap top (on payment), full-service mini bar, room safe and hairdryer.

Oceanview Balcony Stateroom: (192 sq ft)
Each stateroom with balcony is furnished with single beds that can be converted into double bed, bathroom with shower. Amenities include satellite and interactive television, full-service mini bar, room safe and hairdryer.

Inside Stateroom: (152 sq ft)
Each stateroom is furnished with single beds that can be converted into double bed (except for the 5 cabins for disabled people), bathroom with shower. Amenities include satellite and interactive television, full-service mini bar, room safe and hairdryer.

Your fellow passengers will be mostly Europeans of all ages. The atmosphere on board is lively and active with most passengers happy to party, swim in the sun, and explore the various ports. During summer and school holidays she attracts lots of families with lots of children.

MSC Orchestra will sail 11-night Eastern/Western winter itineraries from Genoa and 7-night summer itineraries from Barcelona or Genoa, visiting Naples, Palermo, Tunis, Palma and Marseille.

Overall she provides a good quality product and the staff on board aim to please. She can feel a bit crowded when the weather turns bad but if you open to mixing with a variety of passengers and languages, she is a comfortable ship to sail on.