Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated January 2026
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 Seaview
Gross Tonnage
Brilliant Lady
110,000 GT
MSC Seaview
153,516 GT
Length
Brilliant Lady
278 m
MSC Seaview
323 m
Beam
Brilliant Lady
38 m
MSC Seaview
41 m
Passengers
Brilliant Lady
2,770
MSC Seaview
5,179
Crew
Brilliant Lady
1,150
MSC Seaview
1,413
Decks
Brilliant Lady
—
MSC Seaview
—
Year Built
Brilliant Lady
2,025
MSC Seaview
2,018
Space Ratio
Brilliant Lady
39.7 GT/pax
MSC Seaview
29.6 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Brilliant Lady
2.41 :1
MSC Seaview
3.67 :1
| Specification | Brilliant Lady | MSC Seaview |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Virgin Voyages | MSC Cruises |
| Class | Virgin Class | Seaside Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,025Winner | 2,018 |
| 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 | 9695612 |
MSC Seaview 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 7 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | MSC Seaview |
| Capacity | MSC Seaview |
| 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 Seaview
Large 5,179-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
5,179 passengers means tons of activities
Built in 2018 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 m | 8.5 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
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