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)
Celebrity Apex
MSC Grandiosa
Gross Tonnage
Celebrity Apex
129,500 GT
MSC Grandiosa
181,541 GT
Length
Celebrity Apex
306 m
MSC Grandiosa
331 m
Beam
Celebrity Apex
39 m
MSC Grandiosa
43 m
Passengers
Celebrity Apex
2,910
MSC Grandiosa
6,334
Crew
Celebrity Apex
1,320
MSC Grandiosa
1,704
Decks
Celebrity Apex
—
MSC Grandiosa
—
Year Built
Celebrity Apex
2,020
MSC Grandiosa
2,019
Space Ratio
Celebrity Apex
44.5 GT/pax
MSC Grandiosa
28.7 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Celebrity Apex
2.20 :1
MSC Grandiosa
3.72 :1
| Specification | Celebrity Apex | MSC Grandiosa |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Celebrity Cruises | MSC Cruises |
| Class | Edge Class | Meraviglia Plus Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,020Winner | 2,019 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 129,500 GT | 181,541 GTWinner |
| Length | 306 m | 331 mWinner |
| Beam | 39 m | 43 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,910 | 6,334Winner |
| Crew | 1,320 | 1,704Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 44.5 GT/paxWinner | 28.7 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.20:1Winner | 3.72:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Chantiers de l'Atlantique | Chantiers de l'Atlantique |
| Flag | Malta | Malta |
| IMO Number | 9774892 | 9765482 |
MSC Grandiosa is the significantly larger vessel at 181,541 GT — 40% more than Celebrity Apex's 129,500 GT. Celebrity Apex offers more personal space with a space ratio of 44.5 GT per passenger versus 28.7. Celebrity Apex edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.2:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | MSC Grandiosa |
| Capacity | MSC Grandiosa |
| Modernity | Celebrity Apex |
| Service | Celebrity Apex |
| Spaciousness | Celebrity Apex |
Bottom line: Celebrity Apex wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Celebrity Apex
Built in 2020 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
45 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Good range of onboard options
Good value for money
MSC Grandiosa
Large 6,334-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
6,334 passengers means tons of activities
Built in 2019 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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| Draft | 8 m | 8.6 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
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