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 Europe
Gross Tonnage
Iona
184,700 GT
MSC World Europe
215,863 GT
Length
Iona
345 m
MSC World Europe
333 m
Beam
Iona
42 m
MSC World Europe
47 m
Passengers
Iona
5,200
MSC World Europe
6,774
Crew
Iona
1,800
MSC World Europe
2,138
Decks
Iona
—
MSC World Europe
—
Year Built
Iona
2,020
MSC World Europe
2,024
Space Ratio
Iona
35.5 GT/pax
MSC World Europe
31.9 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Iona
2.89 :1
MSC World Europe
3.17 :1
| Specification | Iona | MSC World Europe |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | P&O Cruises | MSC Cruises |
| Class | Excellence Class | World Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,020 | 2,024Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 184,700 GT | 215,863 GTWinner |
| Length | 345 mWinner | 333 m |
| Beam | 42 m | 47 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 5,200 | 6,774Winner |
| Crew | 1,800 | 2,138Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 35.5 GT/paxWinner | 31.9 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.89:1Winner | 3.17:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Meyer Werft | Chantiers de l'Atlantique |
| Flag | United Kingdom | Malta |
| IMO Number | 9808037 | 9908134 |
MSC World Europe 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 2024, MSC World Europe is 4 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | MSC World Europe |
| Capacity | MSC World Europe |
| Modernity | MSC World Europe |
| Service | Iona |
| Spaciousness | Iona |
Bottom line: MSC World Europe 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 Europe
Large 6,774-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
6,774 passengers means tons of activities
Built in 2024 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 | 8.8 m | — |
| Decks | — | — |
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