Complete Guide to MSC Orchestra Cruise Ship with prices, cabin and more
Like a well-tuned ensemble, the MSC Orchestra has the perfect combination of elegant interior design and quiet places to unwind. The MSC Orchestra will be departing from Durban for the 2022/2023 South African Season.
Built in 2007 by Les Chantiers de l'Atlantique (France), she carries 3,223 passengers, 1,054 crew members and is 92,409 tons.
Her space ratio is 30 and passenger/crew ratio is 3 passengers for every crew member, which is considered good for a large ship.
MSC Orchestra is owned by MSC Cruises and is the sister ship to MSC Musica, MSC Poesia and MSC Magnifica.
She has some wonderful restaurant options - choose from Dim Sum at the Shanghai Chinese Restaurant or top-notch pizza at La Piazzetta.
My trip to Portuguese Island on the MSC Musica was out of this world. We travelled together as a group of 18 ladies, the staff onboard the ship was super helpful, the food was great and the cabin steward went beyond his way to assist us. We will be back!
My trip to Portuguese Island on the MSC Musica was out of this world. We travelled together as a group of 18 ladies, the staff onboard the ship was super helpful, the food was great and the cabin steward went beyond his way to assist us. We will be back!
Cabins on MSC Orchestra
MSC Orchestra features a total of 1275 cabins: 18 suites each with a private balcony and a couch; 809 balcony cabins including 62 family cabins; 173 ocean view cabins including 104 cabins with partial view; and 275 interior cabins.
MSC Orchestra has also 17 wheelchair-accessible cabins that are spread throughout the categories.
-
Inside CabinCabin size: ≈13 m2 to 17 m2
Occupancy: 1 - 4 guests
275 Interior Cabins -
Outside CabinCabin size: ≈16m2 to ≈17m2
Occupancy: 1 - 4 guests
173 Ocean Cabins -
Balcony CabinCabin size: ≈15m2 to 18m2
Occupancy: 1 - 4 guests
809 Balcony Cabins -
SuiteCabin size: ≈26m2 with balcony ≈4m2
Occupancy: 1 - 3 guests
18 Suites -
Family CabinCabin size: varies
Occupancy: 1 - 4 guests
81 Family Cabins** -
Included in all MSC Orchestra CabinsAll amenities that are included in each cabin
Inside Cabin (no window)
275 Interior Cabins (≈14 m2)
- A double bed can convert into two singles
- Available in Bella and Fantastica Experiences
Cabins available on Deck 05 (Pianoforte), Deck 08 (Arpa), Deck 09 (Viola), Deck 10 (Lira), Deck 11 (Flauto), Deck 12 (Clarinetto), Deck 14 (Chitarra) and Deck 15 (Xilofono)
Interior Cabin on MSC Musica with a Pullman bed for 1 passenger (Bunk Bed)
Outside Cabin (window)
173 Ocean View Cabins (from ≈16 m2 to ≈18 m2)
- Double bed can convert into two singles
- Available on Bella and Fantastica Experiences
Available on Deck 05 (Pianoforte) and Deck 8 (Arpa)
Be aware that 104 of these cabins have partially obstructed windows.
Balcony Cabin
809 Balcony Cabins (from ≈17 m2)
- Double bed can convert into two singles
- Available in Bella, Fantastica and Aurea Experiences
The Balcony Cabins are available on Deck 08 (Arpa), Deck 09 (Viola), Deck 10 (Lira), Deck 11 (Flauto), Deck 12 (Clarinetto), Deck 14 (Chitarra) and Deck 15 (Xilofono)
Balcony Cabin
18 Suites (from ≈27 m2 to from ≈31 m2)
- Double bed can convert into two singles
- Available in Aurea Experience
Available on Deck 15 (Xilofono)
Family Cabins (Balcony)
81 Family Cabins
These family cabins are comprised of two connecting balcony cabins. Each cabin has its own door to the passageway, but there are interleading doors between the cabins. There is a bathroom in each cabin.
What is included in all MSC Orchestra Cabins
-
Private Air Conditioning
-
Spacious wardrobe
-
Bathroom with Showers or Bathtub
-
Interactive TV
-
Telephone (€)
-
Mini-Bar (€)
-
Wi-Fi Connection (€)
-
Safe-deposit box
The mini-bar is stocked with non-alcoholic drinks, alcoholic drinks and snacks, which are at an extra charge. The air-conditioning is individually thermostat-controlled and the air is 100% new.
All the power outlets (220v/110v) and USB ports are located on top of the desk - make sure you take a multi-plug if you have a lot of items to charge. The mattress is very firm, so if you like a softer mattress, you may find it too firm for you. Some cabins come with bunk beds or sofa beds for a 3rd/4th person.
The bathroom is functional but fairly small in all non-suite cabins. All showers and basins have shampoo/conditioner and body wash mounted to the wall, as well as a wire rack to hold toiletries.
The cabin size ranges from 13m2 to 24m2. Considering that the itineraries are designed around ports, you spend little time in your cabins, so this should be enough space. 451 cabins come with bunk beds or sofa beds for 3rd (206 cabins) /4th person (245 cabins).
For groups or families, the MSC Orchestra offers 62 inter-leading cabins:
- 18 inter-leading balcony cabins on Deck12 Clarinetto
- 18 inter-leading balcony cabins on Deck 11 Flauto
- 18 inter-leading balcony cabins on Deck 10 Lira
- 23 inter-leading balcony cabins on Deck 9 Viola
- 3 inter-leading balcony cabins on Deck 8 Arpa
Cabins 8803 & 8004 have a balcony balustrade which is made half of glass and half of metal. Cabins 10001 and 10002 have a balcony with a metal balustrade only.
Includes and Excludes in your Cruise Fare
- All meals in the two main dining rooms, the buffet and selected other eateries.
- All shows in the theatre and other venues
- 1 Speciality Restaurant - Shanghai ($/€)
- Duty-Free shopping gallery ($/€)
- Library & game room
- Kids club for all ages
-
Daily service charges/gratuities are included
-
Accommodation in well-appointed cabins
-
Water, coffee and some juices are included in certain areas of the ship
-
Most on-board activities such as group games, competitions, quizzes, and crafts classes are included
-
No entrance fee for the disco / nightclub
-
All evening shows are free to enjoy
- All drinks beyond water, tea, coffee and selected juices in the buffet
- Shore Excursions
- SPA treatments & access to SPA area (Subject to experience)
- Wifi (unless specified otherwise)
- Casino, photos, shops
- Service fees (please check - it is INCLUDED in some markets)
- Aditional Kids activities
Restaurants onboard MSC Orchestra
Villa Borghese
L'Oleandro is the main dining room. Deck 5 | Seats 720 | Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
L'Ibiscus
L'Ibiscus is the second main dining room. Deck 6 | Seats 714 | only Dinner
La Piazzetta Buffet & Four Seasons
La Piazzetta & Four Seasons are the Self-Service Buffet & the Pizzeria on Deck 13 | Seats 349 | 20 Hours a day
Shanghai
Shanghai is an Asian fusion restaurant on Deck 7 | Seats 68 | only Dinner ($)
Room Service
From pizza to breakfast in bed, the room service is a great alternative to the restaurants | 24/7 ($)
Public Areas on MSC Orchestra
No matter what your interests are, the MSC Orchestra has something to keep you entertained. With a wide range of activities available, there is sure to be something for everyone on this cruise ship.
So whether you're looking to stay fit or just relax and take in the sights, the MSC Orchestra has you covered!
For those that need a little more excitement in their life, the MSC Orchestra offers a casino, complete with all of the classic games such as poker, blackjack, roulette and slot machines. If you're feeling lucky, why not try your hand at one of the many jackpots on offer?
-
Lounge
Lounge -
Bar
Bar -
Entertainment
Entertainment -
Fitness & SPA
Fitness & SPA -
Family & Fun
Family & Fun -
Kids Area
Kids Area
Savannah Bar
The Savannah Bar found on deck 6, is the largest show lounge on the ship, with seating for up to 477 people. There is a bar and plenty of space for the entertainment on offer - bingo, games, dance classes and more. If there is inclement weather, the activities scheduled for the deck will often move to this lounge.
The Shaker Lounge
The second show lounge on the ship, there is also a dance floor and live music in this lounge. Situated on deck 7, the lounge is at the stern of the ship - the back for those that get confused by stern and aft! There is seating for 330 guests, where you can sit back with friends and family to watch shows, listen to the live music or get up and join in the dancing.
L'Incontro Bar
Conveniently situated on deck 5 right next to Reception, L'Incontro Bar has space for up to 200 people. Sit back with your drink of choice and relax to the sounds of the live music that is a feature here, then meander through to Villa Borghese for your meal or stroll across to Reception (Guest Services) and have the friendly staff answer any queries you may have.
La Cantinella Wine Bar
If you fancy some wine tasting, stop by at La Cantinella Wine Bar. Experienced sommeliers will take you on a delightful journey of special tastings, paired with tapas to tickle your taste buds and to put food in your tummy for extended wine tasting sessions!
The bar also has large screens to watch sports, so no need to miss a game, whether it is cricket, rugby, football or one of the other sports.
La Cubana Cigar Room
La Cubana Cigar Lounge is a haven for indulging in the slow pleasure of smoking a cigar. Pair it with one of the fine whiskeys or brandies on offer from the bar.
The lounge lends itself to opulence with big comfortable leather couches and armchairs. It is situated midships on deck 7 and can seat up to 33.
Amber bar
The Amber Bar is a mixology bar featuring live music and a dance floor. Located in the shopping area on deck 6, settle in for a cocktail and enjoy the music or practise your dance moves.
It is also a great space for a coffee, which you can enjoy with a complimentary pastry or biscuit (or two!), to take a break from browsing the stores.
Purple Bar
The Purple Bar is aptly decorated in sumptuous purple and gold. It is conveniently situated on deck 6 outside Villa Borghese Restaurant, perfect for a drink before dinner. It is one of the smaller bars with space for up to 44 people.
Zaffiro Bar
The Zaffiro Bar is just outside L'Ibiscus - the upper main dining room. A great place to meet for a pre-dinner drink, the area seats up to 44.
Barracuda Bar
The Barracuda Bar is on deck 13, servicing the pool area. On good weather days, expect this bar to be very busy!
El Sombrero Pool Bar
The second pool area bar, El Sombrero is also the spot to go for a delicious gelato. It is freshly made on the ship and well-worth the extra charge. There is a wide variety of flavours, as well as a few sorbets, from which to choose. My favourite is stracciatella - vanilla ice-cream with shavings of chocolate - delicious!
Covent Garden Theatre
Head to the theatre for a show every night of your cruise! The performances are typically about 40 minutes long and provide an experience like no other. You can also catch talks, slide shows or anything else that might pique your interest.
R32 Disco
The R32 disco is the place to party all night. With state-of-the-art sound system, lights and laser show plus a live DJ you'll be having fun until dawn!
Sip your morning coffee from one of those floors to ceiling windows while watching ships go by or relax by our infinity pool under blue skies with stunning views out over an ocean filled with colourful clouds
Palm Beach Casino
The Palm Beach Casino is a great place to go if you are looking for some gambling action. You can enjoy poker, roulette and blackjack while sipping away at one of their waiters-service bars with slot machines as well!
There will usually be tournaments every so often that provide even more opportunities than usual - don't miss out because these promotions never last long enough!!
Library
The MSC Orchestra is a beautiful cruise ship that offers plenty of opportunities to relax and unwind. One of the best places to do this is in the library.
Card Room
A great place to enjoy a game of card!
Conference Center
MSC Orchestra has a small conference centre that can accommodate up to 24 guests. The conference centre is equipped with the latest audio-visual equipment and offers a variety of services to make your event a success. For more significant events, organisers can always use the theatre of any of the two main lounges.
Fitness
Deck 13
Thermal SPA
Deck 13
Pool
Deck 13
Whirlpool
Deck 13
Top 16 Exclusive Solarium
Deck 16 - ($) / complementary for Aurea Experiences
Medical Center
Deck 5
Shuffleboard
Decks 14 & 15
Mini Golf
Deck 15
Cyber Cafe
Deck 7
Shops & Photo Gallery
Deck 6 & 7
Baby Club Chicco
Dedicated Area for Babies by Chicco (under 3 years)
Space Trip Mini Club
Play Area for children from 3 to 6 years old
Junior Club Lego
Lego Play Area for children from 7 ot 11 years old
Young & Teen Club
Dedicated Area for Tweens and Teens (12-17 years)
Kids Area
Dedicated pool and slides for children
Virtual Games Arcade
Deck 14
FAQ for MSC Orchestra
Both MSC Orchestra and MSC Musica are the same size with 2,550 passengers.
They are both sister ships, part of the Musica Class, which includes the MSC Magnifica and MSC Poesia as well.
The MSC Orchestra offers 16 decks with 12 accessible by passengers. The ship has a maximum occupancy of 3,223 guests - 2,550 on double occupancy. She has 1,275 cabins with 275 inside, 173 ocean view, 809 balcony cabins and 18 suites.
The MSC Orchestra is a luxurious cruise ship measuring 293,80m in length, 59.64 in height, with a capacity of3.223 guests.
She was built in 2007 (refurbished in 2021) and offers an array of modern amenities and services, including three pools, seven whirlpools, a spa and fitness centre, 4 restaurants, 10 bars, 2 lounges and 1 theatre.
The MSC Orchestra cruise ship has 16 decks including 13 for guests. The top deck (Deck 16) is the Sport deck and features an exclusive solarium and a multifunctional sports centre (with an option to play basketball, tennis or volleyball).
The Main Deck (Deck 5) is where you'll find the Reception, Guest Services, Shops and Photo Gallery. On decks 5 and 6 you will also find most of the restaurants, bars, lounges and the main theatre; Covent Garden.
The Mandolino Deck (Deck 13) is where you'll find the outdoor swimming pool, jacuzzis, buffet restaurant, self-service restaurant and bar. It is also on this deck that you will find the MSC Aurea Spa, a thalassotherapy pool, a hair salon and a beauty parlour.
Most Popular MSC Orchestra Cruises
Get ready for the 2022/2023 season onboard MSC Orchestra - Cruising mainly form Durban, South Africa
Other MSC Cruises Cruise Ships
MSC Splendida
MSC Splendida
MSC Musica
MSC Musica
MSC Sinfonia
MSC Sinfonia
MSC Opera
MSC Opera
Don't know where to start?
We love cruising and want to help you find the perfect cruise for you. So let us do all the work for you – we know everything there is to know about cruising!