Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated January 2026
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across 5 categories
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)
Brilliant Lady
MSC Seaside
Gross Tonnage
Brilliant Lady
110,000 GT
MSC Seaside
153,516 GT
Length
Brilliant Lady
278 m
MSC Seaside
323 m
Beam
Brilliant Lady
38 m
MSC Seaside
41 m
Passengers
Brilliant Lady
2,770
MSC Seaside
5,179
Crew
Brilliant Lady
1,150
MSC Seaside
1,413
Decks
Brilliant Lady
—
MSC Seaside
—
Year Built
Brilliant Lady
2,025
MSC Seaside
2,017
Space Ratio
Brilliant Lady
39.7 GT/pax
MSC Seaside
29.6 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Brilliant Lady
2.41 :1
MSC Seaside
3.67 :1
| Specification | Brilliant Lady | MSC Seaside |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Virgin Voyages | MSC Cruises |
| Class | Virgin Class | Seaside Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,025Winner | 2,017 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 110,000 GT | 153,516 GTWinner |
| Length | 278 m | 323 mWinner |
| Beam | 38 m | 41 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,770 | 5,179Winner |
| Crew | 1,150 | 1,413Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 39.7 GT/paxWinner | 29.6 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.41:1Winner | 3.67:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Bahamas | Malta |
| IMO Number | 9915547 | 9695600 |
MSC Seaside is the significantly larger vessel at 153,516 GT — 40% more than Brilliant Lady's 110,000 GT. Brilliant Lady offers more personal space with a space ratio of 39.7 GT per passenger versus 29.6. Built in 2025, Brilliant Lady is 8 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | MSC Seaside |
| Capacity | MSC Seaside |
| Modernity | Brilliant Lady |
| Service | Brilliant Lady |
| Spaciousness | Brilliant Lady |
Bottom line: Brilliant Lady wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Brilliant Lady
Built in 2025 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Good value for money
Good range of onboard options
MSC Seaside
Large 5,179-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
5,179 passengers means tons of activities
Built in 2017 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
We may earn a commission from partner bookings at no extra cost to you.
| Draft | 8 m | 8.5 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
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