FORT LAUDERDALE — MSC Cruises is undertaking a multi-million dollar program that will involve all four of its Lirica class ships over the next two years.

The $273 million renaissance has been commissioned from Fincantieri in Italy, one of the world’s leading shipbuilding companies, and will be completed by 2015. The upgrades of MSC Armonia, MSC Lirica, MSC Sinfonia and MSC Opera will add new entertainment options, technological advancements, expanded shopping options and up to nearly 200 new cabins per ship.

The ships will boast a completely new splash park, with an exhilarating pathway of water features and water cannons. The impressive onboard boutiques will be enhanced with new interiors, more space and an all-new perfumery with display corners dedicated to leading brands, such as Dior, Lancôme and Dolce & Gabbana.

“When our four Lirica class ships return to the seas after a total of 38 weeks in dry dock, they will be entirely new ships with additional amenities and comfort for our travellers, allowing them to reach sophisticated and refined destinations around the world,” said MSC Cruises’ Chief Executive Officer, Gianni Onorato, during a press conference in Rome.

“The extensive renovations represent a huge investment, and reaffirms, once again, our company’s dedication to high standards, cutting-edge technology and continuous product innovation. MSC Cruises’ ships are works of art in their own right.”

The MSC Lirica class renaissance program will follow the dry dock schedule below: MSC Armonia – Aug. 31 to Nov. 17, 2014; MSC Sinfonia – Jan. 12 to March 16, 2015; MSC Opera – May 2 to July 4 2015; MSC Lirica – Aug. 21 to Nov. 9, 2015.

The four Lirica class ships were built between 2003 and 2005 at the STX yards in Saint-Nazaire, France. They are currently 251 metres long, weigh 60,000 tons and carry 2,069 travellers. After the renovations, the ships will be 275 metres long, weigh 65,000 tons and carry 2,680 travellers, boasting 193 additional cabins (plus 59 new cabins for crew members).