MSC Magnifica, the fourth and final ship in MSC Cruises’ Musica class, was launched in 2010. This ship blends classic cruising elegance with a wide range of modern amenities, offering a more intimate experience than the fleet’s larger vessels. In 2021, MSC Magnifica underwent a major refurbishment and lengthening (“stretching”), adding 23 meters (75 ft) to her hull. This transformation not only increased her capacity but also incorporated new facilities such as a water park, an enhanced kids’ area, new restaurants, and more balcony cabins, significantly modernizing the onboard experience.
Attractions
Following her renovation, MSC Magnifica offers a mix of classic and new attractions:
- Royal Theatre: The ship’s main theatre, seating over 1,200 guests, offering varied production shows each evening.
- Themed Lounges: Various lounges like the exotic Tiger Bar or the elegant aft L’Ametista Lounge, offering live music and dancing.
- Pools: Features the “Le Grand Bleu” outdoor pool and the “La Grotta Azzurra” indoor pool with a retractable roof (magrodome), allowing swimming in any weather.
- New Aquapark: Added during the 2021 refurbishment, providing additional water fun on the upper decks.
- New Kids’ Area: An enlarged and redesigned space for children, in partnership with Chicco and LEGO®.
- Other Activities: Casino (Atlantic City), Disco (T3 Domino Disco), L’Olimpiade Sporting Bar (sports bar), 4D Cinema, Bowling Alley (mini-bowling), video arcade, library, MSC Aurea Spa with thermal area, and fitness center.
Capacity (Technical Features)
MSC Magnifica’s specifications reflect her original size and the 2021 lengthening:
- Class: Musica (modified/stretched)
- Gross Tonnage: Originally ~95,128 GT (increased post-refit, exact figure may vary)
- Length: ~316.8 meters (~1,039 ft) (originally 293.8 m + 23 m added)
- Beam (Width): ~32.2 meters (~106 ft)
- Decks: 16 total (13 passenger-accessible)
- Passenger Capacity: Originally ~2,550 (double occupancy) / ~3,223 (max). Increased after adding ~215 cabins (current capacity estimated ~3,000 / ~3,600+).
- Crew: Approximately 1,038 members
- Environmental Technologies: Equipped with systems appropriate for her build year and subsequent upgrades. (Not LNG-powered).
Food & Drink Venues
The dining offer includes traditional options and additions from the refit:
- Main Restaurants: Two main dining rooms, L’Edera and Quattro Venti, serving Mediterranean and international cuisine.
- Buffet: The Sahara Cafeteria, a large buffet restaurant with diverse food stations.
- Specialty Restaurants:
- Oriental Plaza: Asian fusion restaurant.
- Two New Restaurants: Added during the 2021 refurbishment (specific names and cuisine types may vary based on current configuration, could include a steakhouse or similar).
- Bars and Lounges: Around 12 bars and lounges, including:
- Magnifica Bar: In the central atrium.
- Topazio Bar: Cocktail bar.
- Tiger Bar: Large themed lounge.
- L’Olimpiade Sporting Bar.
- La Conchiglia Bar: Outdoor pool bar.
- Cigar Lounge.
Accommodation
MSC Magnifica offers various cabin types, with increased options after the refurbishment:
- Interior Cabins.
- Ocean View Cabins.
- Balcony Cabins: Approximately 150 new balcony cabins were added in the 2021 refit, significantly increasing this popular category.
- Suites: Suite options with more space and amenities.
- Important: This ship does not feature the exclusive MSC Yacht Club section.
In summary, MSC Magnifica is a ship that combines the charm of a more manageable size with refreshed and expanded facilities, offering a comfortable, elegant, and entertaining cruise experience suitable for a wide variety of passengers.