Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated February 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)
Costa Firenze
MSC Orchestra
Gross Tonnage
Costa Firenze
135,225 GT
MSC Orchestra
92,409 GT
Length
Costa Firenze
323 m
MSC Orchestra
293 m
Beam
Costa Firenze
37 m
MSC Orchestra
32 m
Passengers
Costa Firenze
4,232
MSC Orchestra
2,550
Crew
Costa Firenze
1,400
MSC Orchestra
987
Decks
Costa Firenze
—
MSC Orchestra
—
Year Built
Costa Firenze
2,021
MSC Orchestra
2,007
Space Ratio
Costa Firenze
31.9 GT/pax
MSC Orchestra
36.2 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Costa Firenze
3.02 :1
MSC Orchestra
2.58 :1
| Specification | Costa Firenze | MSC Orchestra |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Costa Cruises | MSC Cruises |
| Class | Venezia Class | Musica Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,021Winner | 2,007 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 135,225 GTWinner | 92,409 GT |
| Length | 323 mWinner | 293 m |
| Beam | 37 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 4,232Winner | 2,550 |
| Crew | 1,400Winner | 987 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 31.9 GT/pax | 36.2 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 3.02:1 | 2.58:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Aker Yards |
| Flag | Italy | Panama |
| IMO Number | 9765470 | 9320062 |
Costa Firenze is the significantly larger vessel at 135,225 GT — 46% more than MSC Orchestra's 92,409 GT. MSC Orchestra offers more personal space with a space ratio of 36.2 GT per passenger versus 31.9. Built in 2021, Costa Firenze is 14 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Costa Firenze |
| Capacity | Costa Firenze |
| Modernity | Costa Firenze |
| Service | MSC Orchestra |
| Spaciousness | MSC Orchestra |
Bottom line: Costa Firenze wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Costa Firenze
Built in 2021 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Large 4,232-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
4,232 passengers means tons of activities
Comfortable atmosphere for two
MSC Orchestra
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 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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