Built at France's Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in 2004, the midsize MSC Opera is a throwback to the days before gimmicky megaships. This Italian-owned ship emphasizes sociable lounges and a distinct cultural identity. The ambience is designed to recall grand Italian hotels, but such up-to-date amenities as an Internet cafe are available, too. Her modern decor uses lots of blonde woods, solid colors and floral carpets, and a smattering of marble, brass and mirrors.
The 58,600-gross-ton Opera is a sister-ship to MSC's Lirica, Armonia and Sinfonia. She carries 1,756 passengers double-occupancy (2,055 with all third and fourth berths filled). She has a cruising speed of 21 knots and is registered in Panama. Her officers are Italian and her crew is a mix of nationalities, many from Indonesia and other Asian nations.
Opera's passenger mix varies depending on her cruising region. In Europe, she tends to carry about 85% European and 15% mixed nationalities, including North Americans. Her typical passengers are aged mid-40s and up, and many are families traveling with children. Announcements are made in English, Italian and several other languages (which may include French, German or Spanish), depending on the passengers aboard. For shore excursions, passengers are divided up by language, though two language groups may sometimes share a bilingual guide.
Currently, the ship is splitting her year between itineraries in the Mediterranean, northern Europe and South America. Her competition on these routes includes another major Italian line, Costa Cruises, though Costa tends to operate much larger ships.
Opera's layout is simple and easy to navigate, with most public rooms clustered on adjoining lower decks. On Otello Deck forward, the two-deck main theater presents a mix of song-and-dance revues, acrobatics shows and musical performances, all of which can be appreciated in any language. Heading aft, the Aroma Coffee Bar offers specialty coffee drinks in a casual setting that wraps around the central atrium. Just behind is a show lounge for music, karaoke and other entertainment. A casino, piano bar and small Internet center are here, too. Wi-Fi access is also available in several hot spots. On the next deck down, the forward area is occupied by the Sotto Vento Pub, which tends to be the quietest evening spot on board, making it suitable for an intimate drink. Just aft is the main reception area and a cluster of several shops. One deck above the theater is the Caruso Lounge, a venue for small-scale entertainment and dancing. A card room and library adjoin. On the top deck is an observation lounge and disco with several dance floors.
Kids have a small Buffalo Bill's playroom on Tosca deck, where a wild west theme prevails. Dedicated staffers organize activities such as games, arts and crafts, dancing, and treasure hunts. Next door is the ship's small spa and beauty salon. The spa offers a nice relaxation area with comfortable lounges. The tiny gym is completely inadequate for the number of passengers on board. Outside, sandwiched between the spa and gym and the buffet restaurant, the main recreation deck has two pools and two hot tubs, plus row upon row of deck chairs for sun-worshippers, each with its own little sun canopy. A jogging track encircles the deck above.
Dining aboard Opera is absolutely traditional, with all meals served in fixed seatings in the L'Approdo and La Caravella restaurants. Both are restrained, one-story spaces whose tables are packed together a little too tightly. Cuisine isn't distinguished overall, though the daily Italian regional specialties are generally excellent.
Cabins aboard Opera come in four configurations. All standard inside, outside window, and outside balcony cabins are nearly identical, measuring a tight 140 sq ft and outfitted with two beds convertible to kings. They are appointed with a TV, a good amount of storage space, a small makeup desk and a minibar. Baths are badly designed, with one of the smallest shower stalls in the cruise business. Cabin decor favors light woods and simple upholstery patterns. Suites (misnamed, since they are only one room) are small at 236 to 247 sq ft, but they offer larger tub-shower combinations, balconies, and a seating area with sofa. Category 6 cabins have obstructed views.
Opera is a mostly comfortable midsize ship with a few problems: Service is not quite up to the standard set by the major American cruise lines, there are no dining alternatives on board, and the cabin showers are just too tight. Still, the low-key onboard atmosphere, which emphasizes old-fashioned social interaction, has definite appeal for a certain kind of cruiser.
