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)
MSC Fantasia
MSC Magnifica
Gross Tonnage
MSC Fantasia
137,936 GT
MSC Magnifica
95,128 GT
Length
MSC Fantasia
333 m
MSC Magnifica
293 m
Beam
MSC Fantasia
38 m
MSC Magnifica
32 m
Passengers
MSC Fantasia
4,363
MSC Magnifica
2,518
Crew
MSC Fantasia
1,313
MSC Magnifica
1,038
Decks
MSC Fantasia
—
MSC Magnifica
—
Year Built
MSC Fantasia
2,008
MSC Magnifica
2,010
Space Ratio
MSC Fantasia
31.6 GT/pax
MSC Magnifica
37.8 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
MSC Fantasia
3.32 :1
MSC Magnifica
2.43 :1
| Specification | MSC Fantasia | MSC Magnifica |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | MSC Cruises | MSC Cruises |
| Class | Fantasia Class | Musica Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,008 | 2,010Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 137,936 GTWinner | 95,128 GT |
| Length | 333 mWinner | 293 m |
| Beam | 38 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 4,363Winner | 2,518 |
| Crew | 1,313Winner | 1,038 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 31.6 GT/pax | 37.8 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 3.32:1 | 2.43:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Aker Yards | STX France |
| Flag | Panama | Panama |
| IMO Number | 9359779 | 9320074 |
MSC Fantasia is the significantly larger vessel at 137,936 GT — 45% more than MSC Magnifica's 95,128 GT. MSC Magnifica offers more personal space with a space ratio of 37.8 GT per passenger versus 31.6. Built in 2010, MSC Magnifica is 2 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | MSC Fantasia |
| Capacity | MSC Fantasia |
| Modernity | MSC Magnifica |
| Service | MSC Magnifica |
| Spaciousness | MSC Magnifica |
Bottom line: MSC Magnifica wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
MSC Fantasia
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Large 4,363-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
4,363 passengers means tons of activities
Comfortable atmosphere for two
MSC Magnifica
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Good value for money
Good range of onboard options
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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32 m |
| Draft | 8.6 mWinner | 7.8 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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