MSC Lirica is definitely a family-oriented ship, with amenities that will appeal to a wide range of guests. She is also a warm-weather ship, dividing her time between the sunny Mediterranean and Caribbean waters. During the day, many of her guests will find the way to the huge Sun Deck, appropriately called Le Piscine. Actually, there is not one, but two nicely-sized pools complete with separate kid's wading pool, plus numerous Jacuzzis. On sea days, this is the place to see and be seen, with pool games and music galore.  

MSC should be applauded for bringing in the most original lounge chairs afloat - they just cannot be more Italian! Forward of the main pool is the La Canzone del Mare Pool Bar, which in my opinion would have looked better if the standard plastic furniture would be replaced by something a little more substantial. One deck higher is another prime sunbathing spot, overlooking the action on the Pool Deck, topped by an expansive, more quiet sun deck at the base of the mast. All the way aft, next to her funnel,  MSC Lirica even offers a miniature golf course and golf putting nets.  

Guests on board MSC Lirica dine in two sittings in either the L'Ippocampo Restaurant or the La Bussola Restaurant, both offering the same food and service. L'Ippocampo is located all the way aft on Puccini Deck and is surrounded by windows on three sides. However, the low ceiling and the fact that tables are quite close together make this restaurant feel rather cramped. Entrance to the L 'Ippocampo is by means of a long marble arcade with tables and booths on both sides - not the perfect setting for a festive dinner if you ask me! My tip: ask for a window table in the aft section. 

Far better is the huge 628 seat La Bussola, located on Verdi Deck. With the engine casing dividing the room in half, the restaurant does not feel half as large as it actually is. The decor is "splendido" and the room feels airy and bright by day and should look very elegant at night with its burnt orange and burgundy color scheme. And is it me, or are tables a little further apart here?  

Last but not least we have a look at MSC Lirica's casual dining areas. There is both an indoor and outdoor cafe area up on Vivaldi Deck. The indoor buffet area is called Le Bistrot and looks like a cross between a Paris brasserie and Raffles with its wicker chairs and polished wooden floors. The result is very pleasing, not in the least because of the huge wall of windows that line the whole room. If the weather is right, you can head out outside to La Pergola, a fantastic outdoor eating and entertainment area at the base of the funnel. A huge white canopy takes some of the burning sun away, while large buffet tables and a very nice open air bar serve up food and drink most of the day. However, I am sure La Pergola would be even more spectacular with teak flooring and some more imaginative furniture.