MSC Lirica arrives in Dover for summer season

MSC Lirica arrived in Dover on Saturday 9 May to start her summer season of cruising to Northern Europe. And in recognition that UK passengers have specific tastes and requirements that may differ to those of its other international guests on board, MSC Cruises has made some special additions to the food and beverage offerings available on all Dover departures on MSC Lirica.

UK passengers will recognise more British favourites at meal times, such as shepherd’s pie, Irish stew, and full roast dinners. Guests can also request water carafes at lunch and dinner, and complimentary brewed coffee or hot tea is served at the end of each meal in the main restaurants.

For those who prefer to eat at the buffet, coffee and decaffeinated coffee is available, plus hot and cold water, with a wide range of tea blends from renowned London brand Twinings. These drinks are available 24 hours a day at the beverage stations and are also complimentary.

The very British tradition of afternoon tea is observed every day on board MSC Lirica. Each afternoon, on the pool deck, a wide range of teas is served, accompanied by a selection of sandwiches – including cucumber ones - cakes and biscuits, all freshly prepared on board.

On each sailing, there is also a special Musical Tea served on board in the lounges, where guests can take high tea while listening to music and songs. This follows the tradition of Musical Tea which was started by Queen Victoria in the sitting rooms of Buckingham Palace on her coronation day in 1838.

In addition, passengers can attend two sessions of wine tasting with international wines and two culinary demonstrations of special recipes prepared by the chef. There is also a cocktail demonstration with one of MSC Cruises’ skilled barmen, plus fruit and vegetable carving lessons to show guests how they can embellish their tables - and even an event dedicated to the art of ice carving.

When relaxing on board, guests can choose from a new selection of board games in the Card Room and Library, or on the PCs in the Cyber Café, specially chosen for UK passengers, such as Monopoly, Trivial Pursuit, Pictionary and Sudoku.

MSC Lirica will be based in Dover sailing to Northern Europe until the end of August. She has 780 cabins, including 370 outside cabins and 132 suites with a private balcony, and can accommodate a total of 1,560 passengers. Entertainment facilities include mini golf, casino, children’s area and video games room, theatre, cinema, gym, sauna, beauty salon, shopping area and Shuffleboard.

For more information, visit msccruises.co.uk.