Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated February 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)
Carnival Firenze
MSC Orchestra
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Firenze
135,156 GT
MSC Orchestra
92,409 GT
Length
Carnival Firenze
323.6 m
MSC Orchestra
293 m
Beam
Carnival Firenze
37.2 m
MSC Orchestra
32 m
Passengers
Carnival Firenze
4,126
MSC Orchestra
2,550
Crew
Carnival Firenze
1,425
MSC Orchestra
987
Decks
Carnival Firenze
14
MSC Orchestra
—
Year Built
Carnival Firenze
2,020
MSC Orchestra
2,007
Space Ratio
Carnival Firenze
32.8 GT/pax
MSC Orchestra
36.2 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Firenze
2.90 :1
MSC Orchestra
2.58 :1
| Specification | Carnival Firenze | MSC Orchestra |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | MSC Cruises |
| Class | Costa Smeralda Class | Musica Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,020Winner | 2,007 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 135,156 GTWinner | 92,409 GT |
| Length | 323.6 mWinner | 293 m |
| Beam | 37.2 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 4,126Winner | 2,550 |
| Crew | 1,425Winner | 987 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 32.8 GT/pax | 36.2 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.90:1 | 2.58:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Aker Yards |
| Flag | Panama | Panama |
| IMO Number | 9871757 | 9320062 |
Carnival Firenze is the significantly larger vessel at 135,156 GT — 46% more than MSC Orchestra's 92,409 GT. MSC Orchestra offers more personal space with a space ratio of 36.2 GT per passenger versus 32.8. Built in 2020, Carnival Firenze is 13 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Carnival Firenze |
| Capacity | Carnival Firenze |
| Modernity | Carnival Firenze |
| Service | MSC Orchestra |
| Spaciousness | MSC Orchestra |
Bottom line: Carnival Firenze wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Carnival Firenze
Built in 2020 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Large 4,126-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
4,126 passengers means tons of activities
Comfortable atmosphere for two
MSC Orchestra
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Good value for money
Good range of onboard options
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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32 m |
| Draft | 4.2 m | 8 mWinner |
| Decks | 14 | — |
