The ultimate guide to MSC Cruise ship classes

MSC Cruises has an impressive 22 cruise ships in service, with several more on the way. This is a result of their aggressive growth plans, which have seen them become the third-largest cruise brand in the world. 

So which is the best ship and class to pick? That depends on several things. The type of cruise experience, travel preferences, destination, cabin options, and onboard amenities all play a role in picking the right cruise ship.

Some people prefer smaller ships that voyage to quaint ports, while others love the big ship experience with all the bells and whistles. MSC offers options for both and everything in between. 

The Swiss-based cruise line sails to over 250 destinations worldwide, with classic Caribbean and Mediterranean cruises as well as voyages to Asia, South America, Africa, and beyond. Guests can sail for as little as 1-day to 100+ days. The sky's the limit!

This guide will break down each class, explaining the major features of the ships, onboard amenities, itineraries,  and everything else you need to know to pick the right ship for your cruise vacation. 

Overview of the fleet 

MSC ships fall into six different classes, which range significantly in size.   MSC's older ships welcome around 2,500 guests. These senior ships of the fleet do have their advantages, though, as they can explore smaller ports and often provide good value. Contrasting this is their newest World Class series, true mega-ships full of the latest of everything, welcoming nearly 7,000 guests.

The cruiseline's newest ships, the World Class series, are the largest to date and rival many of the largest vessels out there. In fact, this class are larger than Carnival’s latest ship Carnival Celebration, and just slightly smaller than Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships.

Even within a class, not all the ships are identical, and some have subclasses as a result of changes in design and features. While MSC’s smaller ships may appeal to couples/ adults,  MSC welcomes families, including kids of all ages. In fact, MSC Cruises was recently named by Forbes as being the Best Overall Cruise for families. 

MSC World Series

Highlights of this class

Launched in 2022, the MSC World Class series of ships are amongst the biggest to date, with a capacity for nearly 7,000 passengers, and are 18% bigger than the largest Meraviglia class ships. MSC has announced plans to build another three World Class ships between 2024 and 2027. 

Fans of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships will notice the familiar design which has opened up the center of the ship. This change allows for a spacious promenade area with shops and restaurants as well as a new cabin category overlooking this central area. 

Its revolutionary structure is Y-shaped in design and has a bow like an arrow. A major advancement in the fleet, MSC World Class ships are powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and have a new generation of wastewater treatment systems.

Ship features and amenities

MSC World Europa’s larger size provides for more amenities and activities, including enhanced dining and entertainment venues, shopping, adult-only spots, and family zones. Some notable additions: 

• Promenade with entertainment, shops, bars and restaurants 
• Luna Park Studio multi-event venue that can transform for different theatre productions and shows  
• Adult-only Zen District with pool and bar
• 6 pools and 14 whirlpools 
• MSC Sports Plex with bumper cars and rollerblade arena

MSC seems to have addressed some of the issues with a lack of dining venues, a complaint about some of its other classes of ships. MSC World Europa has 13 dining venues, including three buffets and 6 specialty dining restaurants in addition to the main dining room. New eateries include healthy options like Chef’s Garden Kitchen and Pescaderia (seafood). There is also Pizza & Burger, a casual stop. There are also a number of new lounges and bars, including a Masters of the Sea Pub, a 2-floor bar with craft beer made onboard, Elixir Mixology Bar, a coffee emporium, and a tea house.

There are some new suite options onboard this class of ships 7 new room types, with 65% of all rooms having balconies. Other changes include: 

• Redesigned statements with views of the promenade
• Spacious two-story MSC Yacht Club suites with large balcony, private hot tub, and living/dining room area
• Aurea Suites with balcony and private hot tub
• Infinite Ocean view cabins with a panoramic sliding window

What to know about MSC World Class ships

They are the biggest MSC ships with a whole host of amenities and activities not seen in other classes. While MSC World Europa is currently sailing in Europe, MSC World America will debut in Miami in 2025:

• New dining and beverage concepts not found elsewhere in the fleet
• Lots of fun with 7 swimming pools, the largest waterpark in the fleet,  and an 11-story dry slide, “Venom Drop” along with plenty of other activities 
• New promenade cabins, thanks to the open design
• This class is well suited to multigenerational families who want something for everyone 
•  A 10 thousand square foot MSC Aurea Spa, Balinese in style, it includes a gym, beauty salon, barbershop, and an array of wellness and beauty treatments 
• Uses Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), and other green technologies

MSC World Class ships

MSC World Europa (2022)
Gross Tonnage: 215,863
Length:  1,094 Feet
Width: 154 feet
Number of passengers 6,762 

MSC World America (2025)
Unnamed ship (2026) 
Unnamed ship (2027) 
 

Meraviglia Class

Highlights of this class

MSC’s mighty Meraviglia class brought the company into the realm of mega-ships, welcoming over 6,000 passengers. With five ships currently sailing, this is the largest class of ships in the fleet and has been instrumental in the cruise line’s growth plans. MSC is the largest privately owned cruise brand in the world, part of the MSC group, which includes shipping and cargo operations as well. 

MSC recently launched MSC Euribia in June of this year with sailings in Northern Europe. It uses Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), a major strategy in achieving MSC goals to reduce their carbon footprint. 

Termed the ship for all seasons, Meraviglia class ships sail in the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and India.   

Ship features and amenities

The inside of these ships provides numerous amenities for guests to enjoy. The ship's hub is a spectacular promenade with a spacious shopping area, restaurants, and bars, covered with a colorful ceiling with LED lights covering an area of 12,000 square feet. 

There are a number of cabin options, including suites and MSC Yacht Club. There are even some solo cabins not commonly found on other ships in the fleet. 

Meraviglia plus ships class are slightly larger (an extra 10,000 in gross tonnage) with room for 700 extra guests. MSC has added more green technologies with the ships, consistent with their focus on sustainability.

What to know about the Meraviglia class of ships

• These ships are good for a variety of regions/seasons, with a number of great amenities both inside and out. MSC Euribia will sail in Northern Europe in the fall and winter of 2024
• They sail a wide variety of itineraries, in addition to popular Caribbean and Mediterranean routes
• Not only bigger in size, but these ships leverage the newest advancements in technology to improve the passenger experience and lessen the environmental impact on the marine environment
• They offer lots of amenities. It has one of the largest pool decks of the fleet, with a giant screen tv, 13 dining venues, and 8 new theatrical productions
• Guests also enjoy the promenade, sportsplex, outdoor pools, and hot tubs, MSC Foundation Centre to learn about environmental causes 
• They have solo cabins, in addition to numerous other cabin options, including MSC Yacht Club
• The ship uses a number of green technologies, such as noise reduction technology, to reduce the impact on marine life and the use of LNG

Meraviglia Class ships

SC Euribia (2023)
Gross Tonnage: 183,500
Length:  1,086 feet
Width: 141 feet
Number of passengers 6,327

MSC Virtuosa (2021)
Gross Tonnage: 181,541
Length:  1,086 feet
Width: 141 feet
Number of passengers 6,334

MSC Grandiosa (2019)
Gross Tonnage: 181,541
Length:  1,094 feet
Width: 141 feet
Number of passengers 6,334

MSC Bellissima (2019)
Gross Tonnage: 171,598 
Length: 1,034 feet
Width: 141 feet
Number of passengers 5,655

MSC Meraviglia (2017)
Gross Tonnage: 171,598
Length:  1,036 feet
Width: 141 feet
Number of passengers 5,642

Seaside Class

Highlights of this class 

Bigger is not the only way forward for MSC. With their newer Seaside Class, MSC has designed ships geared toward sailing in warmer climates like the Caribbean. 

As MSC describes it, these ships follow the sun, and many cruisers love this concept. Welcoming up to 5,877 guests, MSC Seascape, the largest ship in this class, is around 8% smaller than the biggest ship in the Meraviglia class. However, its outward design means that these ships feature more outdoor venues for eating and relaxing as well as a unique seafront promenade. 

The launch of MSC Seashore in 2021 created a subclass of Seaside termed EVO (short for evolution) with even more improved environmental technologies. This change resulted in an additional 15,000 in gross tonnage and space for 800 extra passengers. The ships have 7,500 square feet of kids' space and a 25,000 square foot spa/ thermal area. 

Ship features and amenities 

There is plenty to do with numerous bars, entertainment options, an expansive spa, and a gym area. Bowling alleys, 5-D simulators, a VR maze, and an F1 racing simulator are crowd-pleasers. MSC Seascape has the first Robotron in the fleet, a rollercoaster-style thrill ride. 

There are many ways to spend outside with a spacious deck area, al fresco dining, and plenty of pools/ hot tubs and lounging areas. There is even outdoor seating in the buffet. 

Dining venues include a fun teppanyaki restaurant, sushi, a steakhouse, seafood, a casual Mexican eatery, and Venchi -  a chocolate shop by the famed Italian chocolatier. 

What to know about the Seaside Class of ships

• Their emphasis on the outdoors provides for lots of lounging and eating outside and endless ocean views
• It has a good selection of specialty dining options but limited complimentary options that include a large buffet and main dining room
• The ships provide lots of amenities and activities, including waterparks, numerous pools and hot tubs, sports, live music theatre, and more
• With its focus on warmer climates, many stop at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve  (Ocean Cay), the cruise line’s tranquil private island in the Bahamas
• Diverse itineraries include Mediterranean, Caribbean, South America, and Grand Voyages, MSC’s longer sailings. 
• All the ships within this class support the MSC for Me app and have the MSC Yacht Club experience
• There is a wide array of cabins, including an expansive Yacht Club and a range of standard cabins, some of which can accommodate up to 10 guests

Seaside Class ships

MSC Seascape (2022)
Gross Tonnage: 169,400
Length: 1,060 feet
Width: 135 feet
Number of passengers 5,877

MSC Seashore (2021)
Gross Tonnage: 169,400
Length: 1,112 feet
Width: 134 feet
Number of passengers 5,632

MSC Seaview (2018)
Gross Tonnage: 153,516
Length: 1,060 Feet
Width: 135 feet
Number of passengers 5,079

MSC Seaside (2017)

Gross Tonnage: 153,516
Length: 1,060 feet
Width: 135 feet
Number of passengers 5,079

Fantasia Class

Highlights of this class

Although this class of ships welcomes 4,300 guests, it is by no means comparable to the mega-ships of today. However when the Fantasia Class when launched, it was consideration a major upgrade in size for MSC, being almost 50% bigger than the Musica class that preceded it. 

Their larger size (and corresponding amenities) make it popular, especially with its diversity of itineraries that span far and wide. Ports of call include South America, Europe and the Middle East, and the Caribbean, along with Grand Voyages, which gives cruisers lots of choices. 

Notably, this is the first class of ships that has the MSC Yacht Club. Referred to as the ship within ship concept, it provides guests with the ultimate in luxury with a butler, private restaurant, lounge, pool, and unlimited drinks.

Ship features and amenities 

Bigger ships translate to lots of fun activities onboard. Cruisers can cool off in a water park or take a dip in one of the many pools and hot tubs. Another plus is a retractable roof that lets guests enjoy the pool even when it's raining outside. 

A colorful sports bar with bowling lanes is another great addition to this class. There is an array of lounges and bars onboard, including the popular Black and White Lounge which features live music and shows, in addition to other theatre options. The open-air atrium is the heartbeat of the ships with sparkly Swarovski-laden staircases, the perfect place for guests to take some pictures, especially on formal nights. 

The buffet and main dining room are the major food venues onboard; however, there are a couple more food options. Guests can enjoy some free sandwiches and pastries at an Italian-style café set in a stone piazza with shops. This is complemented by a number of specialty restaurants which include sushi, steak, and seafood.

What to know about the Fantasia Class of ships

• These larger ships provide more amenities, activities, and dining options, which may be particularly appealing for multigenerational cruisers and families
• Being slightly older ships, there can be great deals
• Extensive itineraries, as well as sailings to Ocean Cay 
• MSC for ME app is only available on MSC Splendida with limited functionality. All other ships do not support the app
• MSC Yacht Club experience is available in this class for those who value this option.

Fantasia Class ships

MSC Preziosa (2013)
Gross Tonnage: 139,072
Length: 1,094 feet
Width: 124 feet
Number of passengers: 4,345

MSC Divina (2012)
Gross Tonnage: 139,072
Length: 1,093 feet
Width: 124 feet
Number of passengers: 4,345

MSC Splendida (2009)
Gross Tonnage: 137,936
Length: 1,093 feet
Width: 124 feet
Number of passengers: 4,363

MSC Fantasia (2008)
Gross Tonnage: 137,936
Length: 1,094 feet
Width: 124 feet
Number of passengers: 4,363

Musica Class

Highlights of this class

With just over 3,000 passengers, this mid-sized class of ships is still big enough to provide cruisers with desired amenities, such as spas and great outdoor spaces, along with a good selection of food and beverage options.

Like the Lirica class, these ships sail extensively with cruises in Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, Turkey, South America, and South Africa. 

The “restyled" MSC Magnifica is home base for MSC’s 2023 world cruise. The 117-day journey is visiting 43 destinations on the upgraded ship. 

Ship features and amenities 

Launched between 2006 and 2010, This class of ships does have fewer dining and suite options (there is no MSC Yacht Club onbaord) but does have suites, as well as standard ocean view, interior and balcony cabins. 

Guests can enjoy standard amenities as well as 4 D Cinema, cigar lounges, a range of sports, a gym, and a kid's program.

Of note, MSC Magnifica features a number of new amenities, MSC noting that the magnificent transformation includes more sundeck 215 new cabins, 2 new restaurants, a new Aquapark, a kids area, and shopping venues. This is perfect timing as MSC Magnifica will host the 2025 world cruise.

What to know about the Music Class of ships

• Extensive itineraries, including a world cruise
• MSC Magnifica has been upgraded, providing cruises with more modern amenities 
• MSC for ME app is not available on these ships; however, the app does work on MSC Magnifica with reduced functionality 
• MSC Yacht Club is not offered in this series of ships
• It lacks a lot of bells and whistles, such as slides, waterparks, and simulators seen on newer ships, as well as limited dining options. 

Musica Class ships

MSC Magnifica (2010)
Gross Tonnage: 95,128
Length: 964 feet
Width: 106 feet
Number of passengers: 3,223

MSC Poesia (2008)
Gross Tonnage: 92,627
Length: 964 feet
Width: 106 feet
Number of passengers: 3,223

MSC Orchestra (2007)
Gross Tonnage: 92,409 
Length: 964 feet
Width: 106 feet

Number of passengers: 3,223

MSC Musica (2006)
Gross Tonnage: 92,409  
Length: 964 feet
Width: 106 feet
Number of passengers: 3,223

Lirica Class

Highlights of this class

The smaller cruise ships of this class combine European elegance and modern comforts while venturing far and wide. With a capacity near 2,500 passengers, these ships provide for a more classic cruise experience that focuses on itineraries. 

Lirica Class ships sail classic Mediterranean routes, as well as the Middle East, India, South America, and South Africa, in addition to Grand Voyages. 

Three times smaller than the MSC World Europa, their more “petit” size allows them to visit ports inaccessible to larger ships. While they have only 13 decks, the ships still provide a classic cruise experience with a theatre, gym, spa, shops, casino, pool area, solarium, arcades, kids programs, and more. 

Ship features and amenities 

One of the limitations of a more modest-sized ship is that they don’t have as many food options, relying heavily on the main dining room and the classic cruise staple – the buffet. There is, however, a sushi bar onboard, which provides more choice. 

Another mainstay of the newer ships, MSC Yacht Club, is not available on Lirica Class ships. Guests do have the option of balcony suites as well as standard balcony, ocean view, and interior staterooms. 

Although the oldest ship in the fleet, MSC Armonia has an updated spa and gym along with standard amenities like a theatre, casino, shops, kids clubs, theatre, pool area, and other popular cruise ship amenities. 

What to know about the Lirica Class of ships

• Although the oldest ships in the fleet, they are a good option for cruisers who like a more intimate cruising experience 
• Offers extensive itineraries worldwide 
• MSC Armonia has been upgraded since its initial launch
• There are no MSC Yacht Club cabins  
• The MSC for ME app is not available on these ships
• It lacks a lot of bells and whistles, such as slides, waterparks, and simulators seen on newer ships, as well as having limited dining options. 

Lirica Class ships

MSC Opera (2004)
Gross Tonnage: 65,591
Length: 902 feet
Width: 94 feet 
Number of passengers: 2,658

MSC Lirica (2003)
Gross Tonnage: 65,591
Length: 902 feet
Width: 105 feet
Number of passengers: 2,648

MSC Sinfonia (2002)
Gross Tonnage: 65,591
Length: 902 feet
Width: 94 feet
Number of passengers: 2,646

MSC Armonia (2001)
Gross Tonnage: 65,542
Length: 902 Feet
Width: 104 feet
Number of passengers: 2,620