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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)
EXPLORA II
MSC Poesia
Gross Tonnage
EXPLORA II
64,000 GT
MSC Poesia
92,627 GT
Length
EXPLORA II
248 m
MSC Poesia
293 m
Beam
EXPLORA II
32 m
MSC Poesia
32 m
Passengers
EXPLORA II
922
MSC Poesia
2,550
Crew
EXPLORA II
680
MSC Poesia
987
Decks
EXPLORA II
—
MSC Poesia
—
Year Built
EXPLORA II
2,024
MSC Poesia
2,008
Space Ratio
EXPLORA II
69.4 GT/pax
MSC Poesia
36.3 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
EXPLORA II
1.36 :1
MSC Poesia
2.58 :1
| Specification | EXPLORA II | MSC Poesia |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Explora Journeys | MSC Cruises |
| Class | Explora Class | Musica Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,024Winner | 2,008 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 64,000 GT | 92,627 GTWinner |
| Length | 248 m | 293 mWinner |
| Beam | 32 m | 32 m |
| Draft | ||
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 922 | 2,550Winner |
| Crew | 680 | 987Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 69.4 GT/paxWinner | 36.3 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 1.36:1Winner | 2.58:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Aker Yards |
| Flag | Malta | Panama |
| IMO Number | 9879557 | 9320086 |
MSC Poesia is the significantly larger vessel at 92,627 GT — 45% more than EXPLORA II's 64,000 GT. EXPLORA II offers more personal space with a space ratio of 69.4 GT per passenger versus 36.3. Built in 2024, EXPLORA II is 16 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | MSC Poesia |
| Capacity | MSC Poesia |
| Modernity | EXPLORA II |
| Service | EXPLORA II |
| Spaciousness | EXPLORA II |
Bottom line: EXPLORA II wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
EXPLORA II
69 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
1.4:1 passenger-crew ratio means exceptional service
Built in 2024 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Good range of onboard options
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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7.7 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
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