$571/person
View DealShip comparison
Carnival Sunshine vs MSC Orchestra
Side-by-side cruise ship comparison. MSC Orchestra wins 5 of 7 scored categories.
At a glance
Quick Compare
Category
Carnival Sunshine
MSC Orchestra
Size
102,853 GT
92,409 GT
Passengers
3,002
2,550
Year built
1996
2007
Crew ratio
2.6 guests per crew
2.6 guests per crew
Space ratio
34.3 GT per guest
36.2 GT per guest
Decks
13
No data
Length
272 m
293 m
From price
$571 pp
$125 pp
The verdict
Comparison Verdict
Carnival Sunshine is the larger vessel at 102,853 GT, 11% more than MSC Orchestra's 92,409 GT. Built in 2007, MSC Orchestra is 11 years newer, an advantage for travelers seeking modern amenities and design. Carnival Sunshine accommodates 452 more guests (3,002 vs 2,550), making it the larger resort-at-sea. MSC Orchestra trades capacity for a more intimate atmosphere.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | MSC Orchestra |
| Capacity | Carnival Sunshine |
| Modernity | MSC Orchestra |
| Service | MSC Orchestra |
| Spaciousness | MSC Orchestra |
| Decks | No data |
| Length | MSC Orchestra |
| Fleet Power | Carnival Sunshine |
Bottom line: MSC Orchestra leads 5–2 across our categories, strongest in Size. Choose MSC Orchestra for overall superiority; pick Carnival Sunshine if Capacity matter more to you.
Decide
Which Ship Is Right for You?
Choose Carnival Sunshine if
- Size matters to you (102,853 GT)
- More onboard variety (3,002 guests)
Choose MSC Orchestra if
- You want the newer ship (built 2007, 11 years newer)
- More crew per guest (2.6 guests per crew)
- More space per guest (36.2 GT per guest)
Prices
See Current Prices
You have compared the ships. Now see what they cost.
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Fares
Sailing Prices
| Detail | Carnival Sunshine | MSC Orchestra |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest | $571 pp | $125 pp |
| Per night | No data | $63 pp |
| Departing | Oct 31 | Oct 31 |
| Duration | null nights | 2 nights |
| View sailing | View sailing |
Prices from Cruisebound, per person, for the sailing shown.
Go deeper
Deep Dive
Sailings
Upcoming Sailings
Upcoming Sailings on MSC Orchestra
$375/person$94/night
View Deal
2 Night Mediterranean - Eastern Cruise
MSC Cruises • MSC Orchestra
Oct 31, 2026 · 2 nights
Mediterranean
$125/person$63/night
View Deal
$806/person$115/night
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the comparison score calculated?
We score 8 categories from spec data: size, capacity, modernity, service, spaciousness, decks, length and fleet power. Each category awards one point to the winning ship. A category where either ship has no data is marked No data and left out of the score.
What is the space ratio and why does it matter?
Space ratio is gross tonnage divided by passenger capacity. A higher number means more space per guest. Luxury lines typically score above 40, and mass-market ships often fall between 30 and 40.
What does the passenger-to-crew ratio mean?
It is the number of guests for each crew member, shown as "3.0 guests per crew". Lower is better: more staff per guest usually means more attentive service. Luxury lines aim for fewer than 2 guests per crew, and large mainstream ships often carry 3 to 4.
Are the prices shown accurate?
Prices come from Cruisebound and are per person for the sailing shown. They change with cabin type, date and demand, so open the sailing to see the current fare.
Can I compare more than two ships?
Yes, up to four ships. Use the search tool on the compare hub page to add additional ships.
How current is the ship data?
Specifications come from our database of 380+ ships, and this page refreshes daily. An "Updated" date appears at the top when either ship's record changed in the last 30 days.
