Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated February 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)
Carnival Firenze
MSC Poesia
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Firenze
135,156 GT
MSC Poesia
92,627 GT
Length
Carnival Firenze
323.6 m
MSC Poesia
293 m
Beam
Carnival Firenze
37.2 m
MSC Poesia
32 m
Passengers
Carnival Firenze
4,126
MSC Poesia
2,550
Crew
Carnival Firenze
1,425
MSC Poesia
987
Decks
Carnival Firenze
14
MSC Poesia
—
Year Built
Carnival Firenze
2,020
MSC Poesia
2,008
Space Ratio
Carnival Firenze
32.8 GT/pax
MSC Poesia
36.3 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Firenze
2.90 :1
MSC Poesia
2.58 :1
| Specification | Carnival Firenze | MSC Poesia |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | MSC Cruises |
| Class | Costa Smeralda Class | Musica Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,020Winner | 2,008 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 135,156 GTWinner | 92,627 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 | 36.3 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.90:1 | 2.58:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Aker Yards |
| Flag | Panama | Panama |
| IMO Number | 9871757 | 9320086 |
Carnival Firenze is the significantly larger vessel at 135,156 GT — 46% more than MSC Poesia's 92,627 GT. MSC Poesia offers more personal space with a space ratio of 36.3 GT per passenger versus 32.8. Built in 2020, Carnival Firenze is 12 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Carnival Firenze |
| Capacity | Carnival Firenze |
| Modernity | Carnival Firenze |
| Service | MSC Poesia |
| Spaciousness | MSC Poesia |
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 Poesia
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 | 7.7 mWinner |
| Decks | 14 | — |
