Staterooms

Staterooms are small at 140 sq.ft. but well appointed with a mini-bar, safe, 110 and 220 outlets, bright lighting and plenty of mirrors, wardrobe and drawer space for a one week cruise in all categories. Suites are oceanview with sitting area and balcony and measure 279.7 sq.ft. There are two, two-room family suites measuring 236.8 ft. Unlike sister ship MSC Lirica, MSC Opera has an additional category of staterooms oceanview with balcony - which measure 140 sq.ft. with no indoor sitting area, a rarity in this category type. Showers are small for the size of the bathrooms and the beds are hard. MSC is aware of these shortcomings and while they can't change the showers immediately, a new mattress system is being designed.

Keeping things simple, there are only four cabin categories: insides, outsides, balconies and mini-suites. The inside cabins, outsides and those with verandahs are all the same size - in a word, small (at 140 square ft.). The clever use of mirrors and ingeniously designed storage areas mitigate the petite size of the accommodations, as do the cheerful spreads, bedskirts, pillows and bolsters used in the rooms.

I was in a standard balcony room that had a small but cozy feeling, especially with the real lamps at the bedside and the fact that the table on the balcony was really a table.

The shower-only bathrooms are small but quite functional, with great water pressure and plenty of hot water. Shampoo, shower gel, soap, a sewing kit and a shower cap are included amenities.

The mini-suites are larger tt 270 square ft. (including the balcony) and feature a seating area, entry foyer and a bathroom with a tub. But book ahead for these - there are just 28 mini-suites on MSC Opera.

All staterooms have mini-fridges (stocked; check the prices before you munch), remote-control satellite television, nice closet areas with plenty of hangers (mini-suites have walk-in closets) and several drawers.

One important note: The standard balcony cabins, located on Decks 9 and 10, aren't necessarily kid-friendly because the verandahs are enclosed only by widely spaced metal bars. Make sure you ask the staff for a custom-made netting which can be stretched across.

Ship-of-Shame Note: There are only four handicap-accessible rooms and they are all insides. The ship otherwise has made few concessions to the physically challenged.

Relax in your ocean-view cabin aboard the MSC Cruise ship Opera as you watch the sunrise through a large window; or better yet, walk out onto your private balcony and feel the ocean breeze. A very good value is offered by the interior cabins, which are surprisingly spacious and comfortable. No matter which cabin style you choose, you'll feel as if you're in a home away from home. All cabins have a satellite, TV, mini bar, a room safe for valuables, and a radio. And you may be surprised by how much spaciousness and comfort the cabins offer you.

Suite with Balcony
Each suite is furnished with a convertible queen size bed, bathroom, living room, spacious wardrobe, coffee table and desk. Amenities include satellite television and radio, availability of internet connection by your own lap top (on payment), full-service mini bar, room safe and hairdryer.

Cabin outside with balcony
Each cabin with balcony stateroom is furnished with a convertible queen size bed, bath and common area with desk. Amenities include satellite television and radio, full-service mini bar, room safe and hairdryer.

Cabin outside
Each cabin is furnished with a convertible queen size bed, bath and common area with desk. Amenities include satellite television and radio, full-service mini bar, room safe and hairdryer

Inside cabin
Each inside stateroom is furnished with two lowers convertible to queen size bed, and a bath with shower. Amenities include satellite television and radio, full-service mini bar, room safe and hairdryer, TV and telephone.

Suite with Balcony Deck: La Boheme Deck Suites with Balcony 11 feature a queen-sized bed, a private bathroom with tub and shower, living room, spacious wardrobe, hair dryer, private verandah with sofa bed, satellite television with radio, refrigerator, safe, coffee table, desk, internet connection from your own laptop (on payment) and 24-hour room service. Approximately 245 -sq.-ft. suite. 38-sq.-ft. balcony.

Oceanview Stateroom Deck: Norma Deck, Turandot Deck Oceanview Staterooms 9 feature a queen-sized bed that can convert into two lower beds, a private bathroom with shower, hair dryer, satellite television with radio, full-service minibar, safe, common area with desk and 24-hour room service. Approximately 144-sq.-ft. stateroom.

Interior Stateroom Deck: Turandot Deck Interior Staterooms 5 feature two twin beds that can convert into a queen-sized bed, a private bathroom with shower, hair dryer, satellite television with radio, full-service minibar, safe and common area with desk. Approximately 144-sq.-ft. stateroom.