MSC Cruises, the Geneva based cruise shipping company, says it is introducing a system that allows passengers to book a seat at the theatre on its four Lirica class ships.

"The innovative technology will allow guests on board MSC Armonia, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Opera and MSC Lirica to guarantee a spot to see their favourite evening shows at the performance of their choice, rather than take a chance in the current ‘first-come, first-served’ arrangement," the company said.

Guests will be able to book their seats in the theatre on 10 large touch screens situated around the ships, or by using their smartphones/tablets and tapping in to the shipboard Wi-Fi at no charge. Entry to the theatre will be linked to each guests’ cruise card.

The new technology will be introduced as part of the current £160 million ‘renaissance project’ to lengthen and refit each ship. MSC Armonia has already been completed, with work currently continuing on MSC Sinfonia. MSC Opera and MSC Lirica will begin their transformations in May and August respectively.

MSC Cruises will also tailor the number of performances on board depending on the occupancy level of each sailing – adding extra shows to cater for high demand.

Information about how to book theatre spaces will be available via the Daily Programme distributed to each cabin, while the Guest Relations desk will be available to help with any queries.