MSC Cruises has made a significant investment in ship construction in the last 20 years, resulting in today’s diverse fleet that sails worldwide.
Whether it be a smaller ship that voyages to quaint ports in Europe or a mega ship with all the bells and whistles, MSC offers something for every cruiser, including visits to their private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, in The Bahamas.
Currently, they have 22 ships in their fleet, sailing to places like Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Caribbean. Their fleet will expand to 25 by 2027, as they have orders placed for more ships.
If you're curious about the different MSC ships, you have come to the right place! Here is a breakdown of all the MSC cruise ships by size.
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MSC World Class
MSC's World Class series of ships are amongst the biggest to date, with a capacity for nearly 7,000 passengers. MSC World Europa, the first ship in the series, launched in 2022 and is the largest MSC ship. In fact, she is actually the 6th largest cruise ship at sea. She will become the 7th when Icon of the Seas launches in January 2024, though.
MSC World Europa’s larger size provides for more amenities and activities, including enhanced entertainment venues, shopping, adults-only spots, and family zones.
Consistent with MSC’s strategy to improve sustainability and lessen environmental impacts, MSC World Class ships are powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and have a new generation of wastewater treatment systems.
MSC World Europa
Gross tonnage: 205,700
Length: 1,092 Feet
Width: 151 feet
Number of passengers: 6,774
Year launched: 2022
Read more: 10 things MSC got right with the MSC World Europa, the cruise line’s biggest ship
MSC World America
Gross tonnage: 215,863
Length: 1,092 Feet
Width: 155 feet
Number of passengers: 6,762
Year launched: Set to debut in 2025
Read more: MSC Cruises opens bookings for new cruise ship to launch in 2025
Meraviglia Class
MSC’s mighty Meraviglia class brought the company into the realm of mega-ships, as they can welcome over 6,000 passengers. The Meraviglia and the slightly larger Meraviglia Plus ships feature a spectacular promenade with LED ceilings.
Cirque de Soleil shows, a wide array of food and beverage options, theatres, and a waterpark are among some of the delights you will find onboard. The ships also feature environmental enhancements such as a state-of-the-art water purification system and noise reduction technology to reduce the impact on marine life.
Read more: The ultimate guide to MSC Cruise ship classes
MSC Euribia
Gross Tonnage: 183,500
Length: 1,085 feet
Width: 141 feet
Number of passengers: 6,327
Year launched: 2023
MSC Grandiosa
Gross Tonnage: 181,541
Length: 1,094 feet
Width: 141 feet
Number of passengers: 6,334
Year launched: 2019
MSC Virtuosa
Gross Tonnage: 181,541
Length: 1,087 feet
Width: 141 feet
Number of passengers: 6,334
Year launched: 2021
MSC Meraviglia
Gross Tonnage: 171,598
Length: 1,036 feet
Width: 141 feet
Number of passengers: 5,642
Year launched: 2017
MSC Bellissima
Gross Tonnage: 171,598
Length: 1,034 feet
Width: 141 feet
Number of passengers: 5,655
Year launched: 2019
Seaside 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, they follow the sun.
These ships feature more outdoor venues for eating and relaxing as well as a unique seafront promenade. The launch of MSC Seashore in 2021, a subclass of Seaside termed EVO, has even more improved environmental technologies, along with MSC for Me guest technology.
MSC Seashore
Gross Tonnage: 169,400
Length: 1,112 feet
Width: 134 feet
Number of passengers: 5,632
Year launched: 2021
Read more: 13 things I loved and hated onboard MSC Seashore
MSC Seascape
Gross Tonnage: 169,400
Length: 1,060 feet
Width: 135 feet
Number of passengers: 5,877
Year launched: 2022
MSC Seaview
Gross Tonnage: 153,516
Length: 1,060 Feet
Width: 135 feet
Number of passengers: 5,079
Year launched: 2018
MSC Seaside
Gross Tonnage: 153,516
Length: 1,060 feet
Width: 135 feet
Number of passengers: 5,079
Year launched: 2017
Read more: 8 things I loved and hated about my MSC Seaside cruise
Fantasia Class
Although medium ships by today’s standards, when launched, the Fantasia Class was a new generation of larger ships for MSC Cruises. Notably, MSC Fantasia was the first ship to have the MSC Yacht Club.
Referred to as the ship-within-ship concept, staying in an MSC Yacht Club cabin provides guests with the ultimate in luxury with a butler, private restaurant, lounge, pool, and unlimited drinks.
MSC Preziosa
Gross Tonnage: 139,072
Length: 1,094 feet
Width: 124 feet
Number of passengers: 4,345
Year launched: 2013
MSC Divina
Gross Tonnage: 139,072
Length: 1,093 feet
Width: 124 feet
Number of passengers: 4,345
Year launched: 2012
13. MSC Fantasia
Gross Tonnage: 137,936
Length: 1,094 feet
Width: 124 feet
Number of passengers: 4,363
Year launched: 2008
MSC Splendida
Gross Tonnage: 137,936
Length: 1,093 feet
Width: 134 feet
Number of passengers: 4,363
Year launched: 2009
Read more: Why are MSC cruises so cheap?
Musica Class
With just over 3,000 passengers, the Musica class ships are 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.
These ships mainly serve the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, in addition to a world cruise.
MSC Magnifica
Gross Tonnage: 95,128
Length: 964 feet
Width: 106 feet
Number of passengers: 3,013
Year launched: 2010
MSC Poesia
Gross Tonnage: 92,627
Length: 964 feet
Width: 106 feet
Number of passengers: 3,013
Year launched: 2008
MSC Musica
Gross Tonnage: 92,409
Length: 964 feet
Width: 106 feet
Number of passengers: 3,013
Year launched: 2006
MSC Orchestra
Gross Tonnage: 92,409
Length: 964 feet
Width: 106 feet
Number of passengers: 3,013
Year launched: 2007
Lirica Class
These smaller cruise ships combine both European elegance and modern comforts.
Serving Mediterranean routes as well as Grand Voyage itineraries, their size allows them to visit ports inaccessible to larger ships.
Of course, they're the oldest in their fleet, so you should not expect to find many modern amenities onboard, like large water parks, robot bartenders, and a wide array of dining options.
MSC Lirica
Gross Tonnage: 65,591
Length: 902 feet
Width: 94 feet
Number of passengers: 2,548
Year launched: 2003
MSC Opera
Gross Tonnage: 65,591
Length: 902 feet
Width: 94 feet
Number of passengers: 2,579
Year launched: 2004
MSC Armonia
Gross Tonnage: 65,542
Length: 902 Feet
Width: 104 feet
Number of passengers: 2,520
Year launched: 2001
MSC Sinfonia
Gross Tonnage: 65,542
Length: 902 feet
Width: 94 feet
Number of passengers: 2,546
Year launched: 2002
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Chantal McPhee
Chantal McPhee has a great passion for travel since first venturing to the Bahamas as a child with her grandparents. Today, she loves cruising with her husband and two daughters to new places and aspires one day to do a world cruise. Living on the east coast of Canada, she shares cruising tips and information with fellow Canucks seeking a reprieve from the great white north. She also teaches business studies at a university, with a focus on strategy
