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 Seaside
Gross Tonnage
MSC Bellissima
171,598 GT
MSC Seaside
153,516 GT
Length
MSC Bellissima
315 m
MSC Seaside
323 m
Beam
MSC Bellissima
43 m
MSC Seaside
41 m
Passengers
MSC Bellissima
5,686
MSC Seaside
5,179
Crew
MSC Bellissima
1,536
MSC Seaside
1,413
Decks
MSC Bellissima
—
MSC Seaside
—
Year Built
MSC Bellissima
2,019
MSC Seaside
2,017
Space Ratio
MSC Bellissima
30.2 GT/pax
MSC Seaside
29.6 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
MSC Bellissima
3.70 :1
MSC Seaside
3.67 :1
| Specification | MSC Bellissima | MSC Seaside |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | MSC Cruises | MSC Cruises |
| Class | Meraviglia Class | Seaside Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,019Winner | 2,017 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 171,598 GTWinner | 153,516 GT |
| Length | 315 m | 323 mWinner |
| Beam | 43 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 5,686Winner | 5,179 |
| Crew | 1,536Winner | 1,413 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 30.2 GT/paxWinner | 29.6 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 3.70:1 | 3.67:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Chantiers de l'Atlantique | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Malta | Malta |
| IMO Number | 9647458 | 9695600 |
MSC Bellissima is the larger vessel at 171,598 GT — 12% more than MSC Seaside's 153,516 GT. Built in 2019, MSC Bellissima is 2 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | MSC Bellissima |
| Capacity | MSC Bellissima |
| Modernity | MSC Bellissima |
| Service | MSC Seaside |
| Spaciousness | MSC Bellissima |
Bottom line: MSC Bellissima wins more categories (4 vs 1), 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 Seaside
Large 5,179-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
5,179 passengers means tons of activities
Built in 2017 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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41 m |
| Draft | 8.6 mWinner | 8.5 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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