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)
Carnival Horizon
MSC Poesia
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Horizon
133,500 GT
MSC Poesia
92,627 GT
Length
Carnival Horizon
323 m
MSC Poesia
293 m
Beam
Carnival Horizon
37 m
MSC Poesia
32 m
Passengers
Carnival Horizon
3,954
MSC Poesia
2,550
Crew
Carnival Horizon
1,450
MSC Poesia
987
Decks
Carnival Horizon
—
MSC Poesia
—
Year Built
Carnival Horizon
2,018
MSC Poesia
2,008
Space Ratio
Carnival Horizon
33.8 GT/pax
MSC Poesia
36.3 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Horizon
2.73 :1
MSC Poesia
2.58 :1
| Specification | Carnival Horizon | MSC Poesia |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | MSC Cruises |
| Class | Vista Class | Musica Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,018Winner | 2,008 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 133,500 GTWinner | 92,627 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 | 36.3 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.73:1 | 2.58:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Aker Yards |
| Flag | Panama | Panama |
| IMO Number | 9767091 | 9320086 |
Carnival Horizon is the significantly larger vessel at 133,500 GT — 44% more than MSC Poesia's 92,627 GT. Built in 2018, Carnival Horizon is 10 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. MSC Poesia 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 Poesia |
| Spaciousness | MSC Poesia |
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 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 | 8.5 mWinner | 7.7 m |
| Decks | — | — |
