Thinking of taking a cruise? Check out what makes the MSC Lirica a great choice for an upscale onboard experience for the whole family.
Pack lots of fun gear, toss in some chic party clothes, stir up lots of imagination, and mix in a beautiful ship for an unforgettable family escape onboard the “Italian Signature” MSC Lirica, a cruise offering understated European ambience mixed with elements of NCL’s splashy Norwegian Dawn, classy Pride of America and the sophisticated Costa Line.
Glittering with classic elegance, there’s a vast array of accommodations with more than 795 family-friendly staterooms and seaview suites. The Lirica sets sail in winter and spring from Fort Lauderdale to the sun drenched seas, white powder beaches and fairytale rainbows of the Caribbean coast with rates comparable to other lines serving the Caribbean.
Activities for All
Expect a mix of young families, intergenerational families and younger active seniors comprised mostly of Americans, with a sprinkling of British, French and German guests. If you’re traveling with your family group, there are programs that blend generations together, along with time apart for age appropriate choices. On sea days you can just soak up the sun alongside the ship’s two awesome swimming pools and whirlpools, or get involved in ongoing Olympic games, water volleyball and the aquagym.
Laugh along with the pagliacchi (clowns) and mimes that stroll the area sprinkling impromptu fun for all, and keep all eyes open and binoculars on hand to spot flying fish and dolphins that frolic alongside the ship. Also available for everyone’s pleasure are an array of activities featuring an the Internet Café, board games, dancing, arts and crafts, art auctions, and a mini golf course.
Adults can participate in a fitness program with state of the art exercise equipment, and an aerobic room offering yoga, spinning and toning classes. Then head over to the Balinese Spa and enjoy the pampering of the latest natural aromatherapy treatments, massages, facials and a full complement of beauty services. In general, the atmosphere is much more sophisticated and toned down than on a Carnival cruise, with a majority of the guests – rather than being at a bar – enjoying afternoon high tea, while listening to the soft tinkling of the piano or a harp.
For kids-only fun, the I Pirati Children’s Club, supervised by large trained staff, is an impressive play area offering a vividly colorful and open space, designed with the freedom to play, laugh and just have fun. The Club caters to ages 3-8, with separate programs to entertain ages 9 and over. Kids also love having their own pool and water equipment. Teens (13-17) can head to the video games and Virtual Reality Center whenever they feel the need for their own space. Nightly babysitting is available and is arranged privately.
Dining & Evenings Onboard
Meals are the perfect place to bring everyone together to share the excitement of the day, while enjoying the best flavors from throughout the world. The Lirica’s signature restaurant presents a range from Italian regional specialties to international delights, and more traditional All-American favorites. In addition to a variety of freshly made pasta and risotto dishes, each evening’s seven-course menu features a specialty dish from a different region of Italy. Healthy Choice and vegetarian dishes are always available. Additional options throughout the day include pizza with a variety of toppings and a gelato bar. Adults can take the time to enjoy their favorite wine or cocktails at dinner or at one of the many beautiful lounges onboard.
After dinner, enjoy a different type of entertainment nightly in the Teatro Broadway Theatre, with each performance appropriate for all ages. Featured are international acts, variety shows with expressive acrobatics, dancers, and spectacular magic shows. Some performances highlight operatic stylists and classical music featuring the piano and violin. For the adult revelers, it’s on to the disco and late night entertainment, or a game of chance in the Las Vegas Casino.
Ports of Call & Shore Excursions
Fun in the great outdoors just doesn’t get any better than in the Caribbean with places, sights and experiences for all generations to share. The ocean is home to almost every watersport conceivable, including swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, paragliding, water skiing and sailing over aquamarine waves, while the coastlines are riddled with soft surf-kissed coves.
Shore Excursions include dozens of tours and activities geared to every age group ranging from kayak, scuba and ATV adventures, to several historic walking tours, and breathtaking horseback rides for families to enjoy.
The MSC Lirica sails round trip from Fort Lauderdale on two different 11-night Caribbean itineraries. The Deep Caribbean ports include Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, Grenada, Barbados, Antigua, Tortola and Cayo Levantado, MSC’s small ‘postcard perfect’ island with white sand and palm- fringed beaches, where chaises line the beach in the open and under palapas for your relaxation. A sumptuous beach barbeque tops a day of pure pleasure for all the generations.
Another 11-night itinerary includes Ocho Rios, Cartegena, San Blas, Cristobal, Puerto Limon and Roatan Island. The Lirica’s sister ship, MSC Opera sails roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale on 7-night Caribbean sailings for San Juan, St. Maarten, La Romana and Cayo Levantado.
MSC ships sail the Caribbean, Mediterranean, South America and Europe. For more information on the entire fleet and a variety of itineraries, visit the website at: www.msccruises.com. For brochures or more information phone 800/666-9333 or contact your travel agent.
Photos by Mel Greenberg
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