Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated January 2026
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)
Independence of the Seas
MSC Euribia
Gross Tonnage
Independence of the Seas
154,407 GT
MSC Euribia
205,700 GT
Length
Independence of the Seas
339 m
MSC Euribia
331 m
Beam
Independence of the Seas
56 m
MSC Euribia
47 m
Passengers
Independence of the Seas
4,370
MSC Euribia
6,327
Crew
Independence of the Seas
1,360
MSC Euribia
2,140
Decks
Independence of the Seas
—
MSC Euribia
—
Year Built
Independence of the Seas
2,008
MSC Euribia
2,023
Space Ratio
Independence of the Seas
35.3 GT/pax
MSC Euribia
32.5 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Independence of the Seas
3.21 :1
MSC Euribia
2.96 :1
| Specification | Independence of the Seas | MSC Euribia |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Royal Caribbean International | MSC Cruises |
| Class | Freedom Class | World Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,008 | 2,023Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 154,407 GT | 205,700 GTWinner |
| Length | 339 mWinner | 331 m |
| Beam | 56 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 4,370 | 6,327Winner |
| Crew | 1,360 | 2,140Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 35.3 GT/paxWinner | 32.5 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 3.21:1 | 2.96:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Aker Yards | Chantiers de l'Atlantique |
| Flag | Bahamas | Malta |
| IMO Number | 9349681 | 9901544 |
MSC Euribia is the significantly larger vessel at 205,700 GT — 33% more than Independence of the Seas's 154,407 GT. Built in 2023, MSC Euribia is 15 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. MSC Euribia edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 3.0:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | MSC Euribia |
| Capacity | MSC Euribia |
| Modernity | MSC Euribia |
| Service | MSC Euribia |
| Spaciousness | Independence of the Seas |
Bottom line: MSC Euribia wins more categories (4 vs 1), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Independence of the Seas
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Large 4,370-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
4,370 passengers means tons of activities
Comfortable atmosphere for two
MSC Euribia
Large 6,327-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
6,327 passengers means tons of activities
Built in 2023 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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47 m |
| Draft | 9 mWinner | 8.6 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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