12 Differences between big and small MSC cruise ships

Thinking of taking an MSC cruise but not sure what type of ship to book? There is no right or wrong answer – much of it boils down to personal preference.

The cruise line has a wide variety of ships, including its newest and biggest to date -  MSC World Europa, along with 20 plus others.

As with many other cruise lines, MSC’s newer ships are bigger; however, they have six classes of ships providing a wide range of options. Starting with the smallest such as Lirica, and Musica classes, moving on to Fantasia, Meraviglia, Seaside, and the newest, World Class.

Here is what you need to know about the differences between the largest and smallest ships in MSC’s fleet.

1. Size

One of the most obvious differences between the larger and smaller ships within the MSC fleet is size. How do you measure the size of a cruise ship? It is evaluated based on their gross tonnage, which despite the name, is not the weight but rather a measurement of inside space.

The largest MSC ship is the newly christened MSC World Europa, with a gross tonnage of 215,863. It is 1092 feet in length and 151 feet wide. This contrasts with the Lirica class of ships, the smallest in the fleet, which is roughly 1/3 of the size (around 65,000 gross tonnage) and approximately 900 feet long. So even the “smallest” of ships are not that small.

What does this mean for cruisers? The extra space on larger ships translates to more of almost everything - more cabins, amenities, restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, cabin types, pools, and sports activities, to name a few.

2. Number of passengers

Not surprisingly, bigger cruise ships hold more passengers than smaller ships. Many in the cruise industry could not have predicted how large cruise ships have become. Some ships holding nearly 10,000 people, more than many small towns.  

Even with more people on a cruise ship, it does not follow that it is more crowded, as there is also more space for guests. With extra venues, restaurants, bars, pools, and a wide range of activities, guests become more spread out throughout the ship. Although certain times and popular venues like boarding and lunchtime can be busy.

The smaller ships, which are still not that small with around 2500 passengers, provide a little more intimacy with fewer venues. Guests get to know the staff better and may run into fellow passengers more frequently. Fewer bells and whistles, slides, bumper cars, and activities also mean less noise. If you can do without all these extras and prefer a more traditional cruise experience, a smaller ship is a great option to lay in the sun and relax.

3. Price

Cruising has become one of the best value options for travelers, competing against land based vacations, such as hotels and resorts, which have seen a significant increase in price in 2022.

The brand new mega cruise ships tend to have higher demand, and with price tags in the billion dollar range, cruise lines charge a premium. After all, they need to recoup their investment in these sizable floating cities. In addition to this, many of these new cruise ships have more add-on activities, such as specialty restaurants and some activities, that can pile up on your final cruise bill.  

The good news for those who are happy on smaller ships, they are often times cheaper. This can also be advantageous for budget cruisers, who want to spend their money elsewhere, such as shore excursions or cruising more often.

4. Itineraries and ports

MSC Cruises is known for sailing to an extensive range of destinations worldwide, and many international ports have modified their piers to accommodate many of the new mega-ships, but some are tender only or cater to smaller ships.

For cruisers, MSC’s diverse fleet means a variety of options to choose from. Those who consider the ship as important as the destination can cruise while enjoying all that these behemoth-sized vessels have to offer.

Smaller ships can be a great option for those more interested in the itinerary -visiting unique ports that larger ships cannot. Case in point, MSC’s smaller ships are more often used on MSC Grand Voyages, multi- week cruises throughout the world, providing more immersive, cultural experiences.

A world cruise is the ultimate cruise experience, and if this is your dream, a smaller ship will be your magic carpet as you circle the globe. For 2024, MSC Poesia will spend 120 nights visiting 56 amazing destinations in 31 countries. A genuinely unparalleled adventure for those who want to see the world.  

5. Food and Beverages

Great food and fruity cocktails are a staple of cruise vacations, and MSC delivers plenty of tasty food and beverage options.

The newer, larger ships have more dining options. MSC World Europa has 13, in fact, with six being specialty restaurants. Cruisers have come to expect a wide range of dining venues, including popular experiences such as Japanese, seafood and steakhouses. MSC continues to push the envelope welcoming new concepts such as the Chef’s Garden Kitchen, with the first hydroponic garden at sea on MSC World Europa.

This is complemented by a variety of bars, such as an onboard microbrewery; and a gin bar where guests can try their hands at mixology. MSC World Europa features a tea room and coffee emporium, so no one ever needs to go far to find their favorite drink.

This isn’t to say that passengers will starve on more modest sized ships. There are still great food options, such as a traditional main dining room along with a buffet and a few additional venues. This may suit some cruisers, especially if they don’t want the extra fees associated with these options. Many guests enjoy classic dining experiences, getting to know the wait staff, and making new friends as they gather each evening.

6. Technology

MSC continues to incorporate technology to improve the cruising experience. A prime example of this is MSC for Me, the cruise line's app, which is available on “smart ships” in the fleet. This free enhancement provides guests with a more seamless, connected, carefree holiday at no extra charge. The easy to use interactive touchscreens around the ship and the app are all designed to help guests better relax and make the most of their holidays. It also includes free chat features that lets passengers communicate with one another while onboard.

Other technological advancements include features such as a system that assigns elevators or in-room switches that tell attendants if they want service. And, of course, multiple electrical outlets and USB ports are handy with all of the electronic devices we travel with nowadays.

MSC for me is available for guests traveling on MSC Seashore, MSC Virtuosa, MSC Bellissima, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Seaside, MSC Seaview, MSC World Europa and MSC Seascape. None of the smallest ships have this functionality.

7. Entertainment and activities

Modern cruise ships provide passengers with limitless choices when it comes to fun activities. Even the smaller ships have a theatre, casino and onboard activities for cruisers' enjoyment; they just may not have the same variety of programming every day, especially on port intensive itineraries.

The big sisters in the fleet have practically everything you could think of – waterparks, bumper cars, cinemas, bowling, world-class shows and productions, live bands, casinos,  theme parties, multiple pools and hot tubs, and the list goes on and on.

The high-energy activities associated with the new mega-ships appeal to many, especially families who want to entertain their kids while not in port. Others may prefer the more quiet, classic cruise experience without any need for extra activities. This can be especially true after spending hours walking in ports visiting the historic wonders of the Mediterranean. A great meal and a glass of wine may be enough for some. 

8. Cabin options

Sitting out on your balcony, enjoying the fresh sea air, is one of the best things about a cruise, and MSC provides its guests with a vast array of cabin options, including a sunny ocean view or a cozy interior room.  

Regardless of the ship's size, guests should expect comfortable cabins as part of their cruising experience. Smaller ships will have the standard options, whereas larger ships have more categories of staterooms, such as suites that have expansive spaces, upgraded finishings and the best locations on ships. These bigger ships also offer more cabin options for larger families and groups who want to share space. Family Plus cabins or connecting rooms can accommodate up to 10 guests, a fantastic option.

For those looking to splurge a little, there is a whole host of suite staterooms with everything from junior suites to grand two bedrooms or the ultimate duplex suites with everything you could want. A larger balcony, sitting area with sofa / separate living area, and more spacious bathrooms and a bathtub, as well as a host of other perks. However, the best of the best of these suites are generally found on larger ships.

9. MSC Yacht Club

Separate from suites, MSC Yacht Club is MSC’s top of the line experience. Referred to as a ship within a ship concept, this is the ultimate luxury for cruisers. It is more than just an upgraded cabin, but a whole host of services pre-cruise, onboard and onshore. Interestingly, this upgrade is even available for some interior cabins, and not every suite falls under this program.

This all-inclusive style of cruising includes enhanced staterooms, personalized service and dedicated venues onboard, such as a private lounge, restaurant and deck area and much more. Priority check-in, a butler, customizes excursions, free drinks and internet packages are some of the inclusive benefits of this program.

The bigger MSC ships: World class, Seaside class, Meraviglia and Fantasia class provide this added value program. The Musica and Lirica, the smallest class of ships, do not have this option.

10. Age

Generally speaking, MSC’s newer ships are the largest, a common industry trend. The cruise line has launched two new ships this year, in both the Seaside and World classes, along with a new Meraviglia class ship next year. These new innovative ships appeal to many cruisers who value spectacular new amenities, incredible entertainment, dining venues and various cabin categories.

While shiny and new are a draw for many, others may not consider this a priority. Although many of the smaller ships are 10-20 years old, MSC continuously updates its fleet, refurbishing and refreshing interiors and exteriors, providing a high quality cruise experience.

Looking ahead to the future, the cruise line is not building smaller ships under the MSC brand but rather is embarking in a new direction, building smaller, new cruise ships through its new sub brand of Explora Journeys.

Small, in this case, means less than around 900 passengers. This premiere line is an upscale brand that will target discerning luxury travelers with customer-centric trips that create memories with more time to relax. They will focus on destination experiences with luxurious, all inclusive packages, which include fine dining, unlimited drinks, wi-fi and gratuities.

11. Environmental impact

Some people love the idea of cruising but worry about the environmental impact of this form of leisure travel. The industry as a whole has responded to this feedback and is striving to improve its business both on land and at sea.

Sustainability is a core value at MSC Cruises, and they have set forth a goal to have net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, as highlighted in their 2021 Sustainability Report. Using the latest technology is a major part of their strategy to achieve this goal. A prime example of this is demonstrated on MSC World Europa, which is fueled by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), the first in the MSC fleet.

MSC Virtuoso and MSC Seashore, both launched in 2021, having been fitted with hybrid exhaust systems which reduce sulfur oxide emissions by 98%. This, along with advanced waste water systems, reduced noise and energy efficiency, serves to minimize its impact on the environment.  

For existing smaller ships, the cruise line has implemented a number of processes as part of the  “decarbonization of their operations" to support their overall sustainability initiatives.

12. Family fun

MSC is a family friendly cruise line and offers cruisers many amenities and services that will make the youngest of sailors love their cruise experience.

While there are kids programs fleet wide, their larger ships have a lot to offer families. Smaller, older ships have some amenities like pools, spas, and gyms, but they do not have the range that the newer ships have. The newer ships also boat colorfully designed kids' areas, where kids can hang out with friends and have plenty of fun as part of the complimentary kids' clubs. With partnerships with companies like LEGO and Chicco, there are various programs and services.

The fun-filled, high-energy areas can also be noisier or of no interest for some cruisers who just want a more traditional cruising experience. Smaller ships may appeal to more to adults, but of course, kids are welcome across the fleet.