MSC Magnifica is a Musica-class cruise ship operated by MSC Cruises. Constructed by STX Europe in Saint-Nazaire, the ship was launched in January 2009, completed in January 2010, and entered service in March 2010. The cruise ship is initially operating in the western Mediterranean.

Design and construction

The fourth ship to be built to the Musica class design, Magnifica was constructed by STX Europe in their shipyard at Saint-Nazaire, France. She was built at a cost of $547 million.

The vessel is 293.8 metres (964 ft) long, with a beam of 32.2 metres (106 ft). The 93,330-gross ton vessel can reach a maximum speed of 23 knots (43 km/h). Magnifica has 1,259 cabins - 2,550 passengers can be carried at double occupancy, while 3,605 can be carried at full capacity. The ship has 1,027 crew.

Magnifica was identified by the shipyard hull number T32 during construction. In fact, Magnifica's onboard disco is named after her shipyard hull number. The IMO ship identification number 9387085 will remain associated with the ship throughout her life, even if she changes names or operating companies.

Magnifica was floated out of her dry dock in a launching ceremony in January 2009. A 72-hour sea trial period was successfully completed on 17 January 2010, despite poor weather and 50-knot (93 km/h) winds. A flag-changing ceremony was held on 25 February 2010 in Saint-Nazaire. The ship was christened on 6 March 2010 at a ceremony in Hamburg by the godmother to the MSC Cruises fleet, Italian actress Sophia Loren.

Facilities

The ship has 13 passenger accessible decks, three swimming pools, a gymnasium, spa and wellness centre, a 1,250-seat Art Deco-style theatre, casino, cinema, bowling alley and a number of dining areas and bars.

Operational history

The ships regular itineraries position her in South America during the winter season and Northern Europe in the summer months.

On 5 January 2019, Magnifica started her first World Cruise. It started from Genoa and will be 119 days long. Magnifica will visit 6 continents, 32 countries, 49 destinations. The ship will return to Genoa on 3 May 2019.

She is due into dry dock on December 2, 2019.

Magnifica will be undertaking a second World Cruise leaving in January 2020. The 116-night cruise will start at Genoa on 5 January 2020 and call at 43 ports in 23 countries. She will end her World Cruise in Genoa on 30 April 2020.