MSC Orchestra

MSC Orchestra is a cruise ship operated by MSC Cruises and the second ship of the Musica class. Delivered in 2007 by Aker Yards at Saint-Nazaire, France, she measures about 92,400 gross tons and 294 metres, with 1,275 staterooms across 16 decks.

Her layout follows the class pattern, built around a three-deck atrium with a waterfall and a crystal-topped piano suspended over a pool of water. Public rooms include a two-level main theatre, several specialty restaurants, a large casino, a spa and thermal area, and pool and sports decks above.

Orchestra has ranged more widely than most of the fleet, operating Mediterranean and Northern European seasons alongside winter deployments to South America and to southern Africa, where MSC has maintained a long-standing seasonal presence sailing from South African ports.

In June 2021 the ship became the first large cruise vessel to return to Venice after the pandemic pause in operations. Her departure through the Giudecca Canal was met by protests from campaigners opposed to large ships in the lagoon, and the sailing became a focal point in a long-running debate that led within months to an Italian government decision barring the largest ships from the historic centre.

She continues in service with her three Musica-class sisters, sailing a mix of European and seasonal long-haul itineraries.