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)
Carnival Horizon
MSC Orchestra
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Horizon
133,500 GT
MSC Orchestra
92,409 GT
Length
Carnival Horizon
323 m
MSC Orchestra
293 m
Beam
Carnival Horizon
37 m
MSC Orchestra
32 m
Passengers
Carnival Horizon
3,954
MSC Orchestra
2,550
Crew
Carnival Horizon
1,450
MSC Orchestra
987
Decks
Carnival Horizon
—
MSC Orchestra
—
Year Built
Carnival Horizon
2,018
MSC Orchestra
2,007
Space Ratio
Carnival Horizon
33.8 GT/pax
MSC Orchestra
36.2 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Horizon
2.73 :1
MSC Orchestra
2.58 :1
| Specification | Carnival Horizon | MSC Orchestra |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | MSC Cruises |
| Class | Vista Class | Musica Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,018Winner | 2,007 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 133,500 GTWinner | 92,409 GT |
| Length | 323 mWinner | 293 m |
| Beam | 37 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,954Winner | 2,550 |
| Crew | 1,450Winner | 987 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 33.8 GT/pax | 36.2 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.73:1 | 2.58:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Aker Yards |
| Flag | Panama | Panama |
| IMO Number | 9767091 | 9320062 |
Carnival Horizon is the significantly larger vessel at 133,500 GT — 44% more than MSC Orchestra's 92,409 GT. Built in 2018, Carnival Horizon is 11 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. MSC Orchestra edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.6:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Carnival Horizon |
| Capacity | Carnival Horizon |
| Modernity | Carnival Horizon |
| Service | MSC Orchestra |
| Spaciousness | MSC Orchestra |
Bottom line: Carnival Horizon wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Carnival Horizon
Built in 2018 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Large 3,954-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
3,954 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 | 8.5 mWinner | 8 m |
| Decks | — | — |
