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 Venezia
MSC Poesia
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Venezia
135,225 GT
MSC Poesia
92,627 GT
Length
Carnival Venezia
323 m
MSC Poesia
293 m
Beam
Carnival Venezia
37 m
MSC Poesia
32 m
Passengers
Carnival Venezia
4,072
MSC Poesia
2,550
Crew
Carnival Venezia
1,400
MSC Poesia
987
Decks
Carnival Venezia
—
MSC Poesia
—
Year Built
Carnival Venezia
2,019
MSC Poesia
2,008
Space Ratio
Carnival Venezia
33.2 GT/pax
MSC Poesia
36.3 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Venezia
2.91 :1
MSC Poesia
2.58 :1
| Specification | Carnival Venezia | 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 | 135,225 GTWinner | 92,627 GT |
| Length | 323 mWinner | 293 m |
| Beam | 37 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 4,072Winner | 2,550 |
| Crew | 1,400Winner | 987 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 33.2 GT/pax | 36.3 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.91:1 | 2.58:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Aker Yards |
| Flag | Panama | Panama |
| IMO Number | 9801689 | 9320086 |
Carnival Venezia is the significantly larger vessel at 135,225 GT — 46% more than MSC Poesia's 92,627 GT. Built in 2019, Carnival Venezia 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 Venezia |
| Capacity | Carnival Venezia |
| Modernity | Carnival Venezia |
| Service | MSC Poesia |
| Spaciousness | MSC Poesia |
Bottom line: Carnival Venezia wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Carnival Venezia
Built in 2019 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Large 4,072-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
4,072 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 | — | — |
