Rumours continue emerge in the shipping media that MSC Cruises would lengthen MSC Lirica that was built in 2003.

A German media report says MSC Cruises' officials had said in South America that the 251 metre long 58,825 gross ton vessel would receive a new section with 200 additional cabins, many of which with balconies, at Fincantieri in Italy late next year. It also suggested the ship could replace MSC Opera in Southampton. The ship currently has about 2,000 lower berths.

Cruise Business Online has been unable to obtain a comment from MSC Cruises regardig the rumours.

However, MSC Cruises' officials in the UK have said that they would like to bring in a vessel with more balcony cabins to Southampton at some point.