Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated January 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)
MSC Bellissima
MSC Preziosa
Gross Tonnage
MSC Bellissima
171,598 GT
MSC Preziosa
139,072 GT
Length
MSC Bellissima
315 m
MSC Preziosa
333 m
Beam
MSC Bellissima
43 m
MSC Preziosa
38 m
Passengers
MSC Bellissima
5,686
MSC Preziosa
4,345
Crew
MSC Bellissima
1,536
MSC Preziosa
1,370
Decks
MSC Bellissima
—
MSC Preziosa
—
Year Built
MSC Bellissima
2,019
MSC Preziosa
2,013
Space Ratio
MSC Bellissima
30.2 GT/pax
MSC Preziosa
32.0 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
MSC Bellissima
3.70 :1
MSC Preziosa
3.17 :1
| Specification | MSC Bellissima | MSC Preziosa |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | MSC Cruises | MSC Cruises |
| Class | Meraviglia Class | Fantasia Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,019Winner | 2,013 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 171,598 GTWinner | 139,072 GT |
| Length | 315 m | 333 mWinner |
| Beam | 43 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 5,686Winner | 4,345 |
| Crew | 1,536Winner | 1,370 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 30.2 GT/pax | 32.0 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 3.70:1 | 3.17:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Chantiers de l'Atlantique | STX France |
| Flag | Malta | Panama |
| IMO Number | 9647458 | 9502519 |
MSC Bellissima is the significantly larger vessel at 171,598 GT — 23% more than MSC Preziosa's 139,072 GT. Built in 2019, MSC Bellissima is 6 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. MSC Preziosa edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 3.2:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | MSC Bellissima |
| Capacity | MSC Bellissima |
| Modernity | MSC Bellissima |
| Service | MSC Preziosa |
| Spaciousness | MSC Preziosa |
Bottom line: MSC Bellissima wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
MSC Bellissima
Large 5,686-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
5,686 passengers means tons of activities
Built in 2019 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Comfortable atmosphere for two
MSC Preziosa
Large 4,345-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
4,345 passengers means tons of activities
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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38 m |
| Draft | 8.6 m | 8.7 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
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