On 20th December MSC Cruises formally announced a program that will involve stretching all four of its Lirica class ships over the next two years. The almost €200 million Renaissance Programme has been commissioned from Fincantieri in Italy and will be complete by 2015.

The renaissance of the MSC Armonia, MSC Lirica, MSC Sinfonia and MSC Opera will add new entertainment options, technological advancements, extended shops and up to nearly 200 new cabins per ship. The ships will boast a completely new water park, with a pathway of water features and water cannons. When the Lirica class ships return to sea after a total of 38 weeks in dry dock, they will be entirely new ships with additional amenities and comfort for passengers. The refurbishment dates are as follows: MSC Armonia (58,625gt/2004), 31st August-17th November 2014, MSC Sinfonia (58,625gt/2005), 12th January-16th March 2015, MSC Opera (59,058gt/2004), 2nd May-4th July 2015 and MSC Lirica (59,058gt/2003), 31st August-9th November 2015.

The quartet of ships were all built at what is now the STX France yard in Saint-Nazaire, France. Each ship will be lengthened by 24 metres which will increase the gross tonnage to almost 65,000gt. The passenger capacity will increase by 611 to 2,680 thanks to an additional 193 cabins (plus 59 new cabins for crew members).