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)
Iona
MSC World America
Gross Tonnage
Iona
184,700 GT
MSC World America
215,863 GT
Length
Iona
345 m
MSC World America
333 m
Beam
Iona
42 m
MSC World America
47 m
Passengers
Iona
5,200
MSC World America
6,762
Crew
Iona
1,800
MSC World America
2,138
Decks
Iona
—
MSC World America
—
Year Built
Iona
2,020
MSC World America
2,025
Space Ratio
Iona
35.5 GT/pax
MSC World America
31.9 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Iona
2.89 :1
MSC World America
3.16 :1
| Specification | Iona | MSC World America |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | P&O Cruises | MSC Cruises |
| Class | Excellence Class | World Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,020 | 2,025Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 184,700 GT | 215,863 GTWinner |
| Length | 345 mWinner | 333 m |
| Beam | 42 m | 47 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 5,200 | 6,762Winner |
| Crew | 1,800 | 2,138Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 35.5 GT/paxWinner | 31.9 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.89:1Winner | 3.16:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Meyer Werft | Chantiers de l'Atlantique |
| Flag | United Kingdom | Malta |
| IMO Number | 9808037 | 9871645 |
MSC World America is the larger vessel at 215,863 GT — 17% more than Iona's 184,700 GT. Iona offers more personal space with a space ratio of 35.5 GT per passenger versus 31.9. Built in 2025, MSC World America is 5 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | MSC World America |
| Capacity | MSC World America |
| Modernity | MSC World America |
| Service | Iona |
| Spaciousness | Iona |
Bottom line: MSC World America wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Iona
Large 5,200-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
5,200 passengers means tons of activities
Built in 2020 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Comfortable atmosphere for two
MSC World America
Large 6,762-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
6,762 passengers means tons of activities
Built in 2025 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
We may earn a commission from partner bookings at no extra cost to you.
| Draft | 8.8 m | 9.4 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
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