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 Panorama
MSC Poesia
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Panorama
133,500 GT
MSC Poesia
92,627 GT
Length
Carnival Panorama
323 m
MSC Poesia
293 m
Beam
Carnival Panorama
37 m
MSC Poesia
32 m
Passengers
Carnival Panorama
4,008
MSC Poesia
2,550
Crew
Carnival Panorama
1,450
MSC Poesia
987
Decks
Carnival Panorama
—
MSC Poesia
—
Year Built
Carnival Panorama
2,019
MSC Poesia
2,008
Space Ratio
Carnival Panorama
33.3 GT/pax
MSC Poesia
36.3 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Panorama
2.76 :1
MSC Poesia
2.58 :1
| Specification | Carnival Panorama | MSC Poesia |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | MSC Cruises |
| Class | Vista Class | Musica Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,019Winner | 2,008 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 133,500 GTWinner | 92,627 GT |
| Length | 323 mWinner | 293 m |
| Beam | 37 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 4,008Winner | 2,550 |
| Crew | 1,450Winner | 987 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 33.3 GT/pax | 36.3 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.76:1 | 2.58:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Aker Yards |
| Flag | Panama | Panama |
| IMO Number | 9802384 | 9320086 |
Carnival Panorama is the significantly larger vessel at 133,500 GT — 44% more than MSC Poesia's 92,627 GT. Built in 2019, Carnival Panorama is 11 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 Panorama |
| Capacity | Carnival Panorama |
| Modernity | Carnival Panorama |
| Service | MSC Poesia |
| Spaciousness | MSC Poesia |
Bottom line: Carnival Panorama wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Carnival Panorama
Built in 2019 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Large 4,008-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
4,008 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 | 8.6 mWinner | 7.7 m |
| Decks | — | — |
