MSC Cruises has made significant investments in shipbuilding over the past 20 years, resulting in today’s diverse fleet that sails around the world.
Whether it’s a smaller ship that travels to scenic ports or a mega ship with all the bells and whistles, MSC offers something for every cruiser, including visits to their private island in Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas.
By the end of 2022, they will have 21 cruise ships, including its first new ship in the World Class series. MSC plans to build 3 more world-class ships between 2024 and 2027.
Cruise ship size is rated by gross tonnage, which despite the name, is not weight but rather a measure of interior space. Here’s how MSC cruise ships rank by size.
MSC World Class
The new series of MSC World Class ships are among the largest to date, with a capacity of nearly 7,000 passengers. MSC World Europa, the first ship in the series, is due to launch later this year and will be the 6th largest in the world. Only Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class ships are larger.
MSC World Europa’s larger size offers more amenities and activities, including upgraded entertainment venues, shopping, adults-only areas and family zones.
In line with MSC’s strategy to improve sustainability and reduce environmental impacts, MSC World Class ships are powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and feature a new generation of wastewater treatment systems.
1. MSC World Europe
Length: 1,092 feet
Width: 151 feet
Number of passengers 6,774
Launch year: 2022
Meraviglia-class
MSC’s mighty Meraviglia class brought the company into the realm of mega ships, accommodating over 6,000 passengers. The largest class of ships currently sailing, the Meraviglia and the slightly larger Meraviglia Plus ships feature a spectacular promenade with LED ceilings.
Cirque de Soleil shows, a wide range of dining options, theaters and a water park are some of its delights. The ships also feature environmental upgrades such as a state-of-the-art water purification system and noise reduction technology to reduce impact on marine life.
2. MSC Grandiosa
Gross tonnage: 181,541
Length: 1,094 feet
Width: 141 feet
Number of passengers 6,334
Launch year: 2019
3. MSC Virtuoso
Gross tonnage: 181,541
Length: 1,087 feet
Width: 141 feet
Number of passengers 6,334
Launch year: 2021
4. MSC Meraviglia
Gross tonnage: 171,598
Length: 1,036 feet
Width: 141 feet
Number of passengers 5,642
Launch year 2017
5. MSC Bellissima
Gross tonnage: 171,598
Length: 1,034 feet
Width: 141 feet
Number of passengers 5,655
Launch year: 2019
seaside class
Bigger isn’t the only way forward for MSC. With its new Seaside class, MSC has designed ships designed to sail in warmer climates like the Caribbean. As MSC describes, they follow the sun.
These ships feature more outdoor places to eat and relax as well as a unique waterfront promenade. The launch of MSC Seashore in 2021, a subclass of Seaside called EVO, has further improved environmental technologies as well as MSC for Me guest technology.
6.MSC Seashore
Gross tonnage: 169,400
Length: 1,112 feet
Width: 134 feet
Number of passengers 5,632
Launch year: 2021
7. MSC Seascape
Gross tonnage: 169,400
Length: 1,060 feet
Width: 135 feet
Number of passengers 5,877
Launch year: 2022
8. MSC sea view
Gross tonnage: 153,516
Length: 1,060 feet
Width: 135 feet
Number of passengers 5,079
Launch year: 2018
9. MSC Seaside
Gross tonnage: 153,516
Length: 1,060 feet
Width: 135 feet
Number of passengers 5,079
Launch year: 2017
Fantasy Class
Although mid-sized ships by today’s standards, the Fantasia class, when launched, was a new generation of larger ships for MSC Cruises. Notably, MSC Fantasia was the first ship to have the MSC Yacht Club.
Considered the concept of a ship within a ship, it offers guests the ultimate in luxury with a butler, private restaurant, lounge, swimming pool and unlimited drinks.
10. MSC Preziosa
Gross tonnage: 139,072
Length: 1,094 feet
Width: 124 feet
Number of passengers: 4,345
Launch year: 2013
11. MSC Divina
Gross tonnage: 139,072
Length: 1,093 feet
Width: 124 feet
Number of passengers: 4,345
Launch year: 2012
12. MSC Fantasia
Gross tonnage: 137,936
Length: 1,094 feet
Width: 124 feet
Number of passengers: 4,363
Launch year: 2008
13.MSC Splendida
Gross tonnage: 137,936
Length: 1,093 feet
Width: 134 feet
Number of passengers: 4,363
Launch year: 2009
music class
With just over 3,000 passengers, Musica Class ships are still large enough to provide cruisers with the amenities they desire such as spas and large outdoor areas, as well as a good selection of dining options.
These ships mainly serve the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, in addition to a world tour in 2023.
14. MSC Magnifica
Gross tonnage: 95,128
Length: 964 feet
Width: 106 feet
Number of passengers: 3,013
Launch year: 2010
15. MSC Poesia
Gross tonnage: 92,627
Length: 964 feet
Width: 106 feet
Number of passengers: 3,013
Launch year: 2008
16.MSC Music
Gross tonnage: 92,409
Length: 964 feet
Width: 106 feet
Number of passengers: 3,013
Launch year: 2006
17. MSC Orchestra
Gross tonnage: 92,409
Length: 964 feet
Width: 106 feet
Number of passengers: 3,013
Launch year: 2007
Lirica-class
These small cruise ships combine both European elegance and modern comfort.
Serving both Mediterranean routes and Grand Voyage itineraries, their size allows them to visit ports inaccessible to larger ships.
18. MSC Lirica
Gross tonnage: 65,591
Length: 902 feet
Width: 94 feet
Number of passengers: 2,548
Launch year: 2003
19. MSC Opera
Gross tonnage: 65,591
Length: 902 feet
Width: 94 feet
Number of passengers: 2,579
Launch year: 2004
20. MSC Armonia
Gross tonnage: 65,542
Length: 902 feet
Width: 104 feet
Number of passengers: 2,520
Launch year: 2001
21. MSC Sinfonia
Gross tonnage: 65,542
Length: 902 feet
Width: 94 feet
Number of passengers: 2,546
Launch year: 2002
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