Size
Based on gross tonnage and length
Capacity
Based on passengers and crew
Modernity
Based on year built
Service
Based on passenger-to-crew ratio (lower is better)
Spaciousness
Based on gross tonnage per passenger (higher is better)
AIDAprima
MSC Virtuosa
Gross Tonnage
AIDAprima
125,572 GT
MSC Virtuosa
181,541 GT
Length
AIDAprima
300 m
MSC Virtuosa
331 m
Beam
AIDAprima
38 m
MSC Virtuosa
43 m
Passengers
AIDAprima
3,300
MSC Virtuosa
6,334
Crew
AIDAprima
900
MSC Virtuosa
1,704
Decks
AIDAprima
—
MSC Virtuosa
19
Year Built
AIDAprima
2,016
MSC Virtuosa
2,021
Space Ratio
AIDAprima
38.0 GT/pax
MSC Virtuosa
28.7 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
AIDAprima
3.67 :1
MSC Virtuosa
3.72 :1
| Specification | AIDAprima | MSC Virtuosa |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | AIDA Cruises | MSC Cruises |
| Class | Hyperion Class | Meraviglia Plus Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,016 | 2,021Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 125,572 GT | 181,541 GTWinner |
| Length | 300 m | 331 mWinner |
| Beam | 38 m | 43 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,300 | 6,334Winner |
| Crew | 900 | 1,704Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 38.0 GT/paxWinner | 28.7 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 3.67:1Winner | 3.72:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | MHI Nagasaki | Chantiers de l'Atlantique |
| Flag | Italy | Malta |
| IMO Number | 9636574 | 9803613 |
MSC Virtuosa is the significantly larger vessel at 181,541 GT — 45% more than AIDAprima's 125,572 GT. AIDAprima offers more personal space with a space ratio of 38.0 GT per passenger versus 28.7. Built in 2021, MSC Virtuosa is 5 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | MSC Virtuosa |
| Capacity | MSC Virtuosa |
| Modernity | MSC Virtuosa |
| Service | AIDAprima |
| Spaciousness | AIDAprima |
Bottom line: MSC Virtuosa wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
AIDAprima
Built in 2016 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Large 3,300-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
3,300 passengers means tons of activities
Comfortable atmosphere for two
MSC Virtuosa
6,334 passengers means tons of activities
Large 6,334-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
Built in 2021 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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| Draft | 8.4 m | 8.75 mWinner |
| Decks | — | 19 |
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