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 Fantasia
MSC Meraviglia
Gross Tonnage
MSC Fantasia
137,936 GT
MSC Meraviglia
171,598 GT
Length
MSC Fantasia
333 m
MSC Meraviglia
315 m
Beam
MSC Fantasia
38 m
MSC Meraviglia
43 m
Passengers
MSC Fantasia
4,363
MSC Meraviglia
5,686
Crew
MSC Fantasia
1,313
MSC Meraviglia
1,536
Decks
MSC Fantasia
—
MSC Meraviglia
—
Year Built
MSC Fantasia
2,008
MSC Meraviglia
2,017
Space Ratio
MSC Fantasia
31.6 GT/pax
MSC Meraviglia
30.2 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
MSC Fantasia
3.32 :1
MSC Meraviglia
3.70 :1
| Specification | MSC Fantasia | MSC Meraviglia |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | MSC Cruises | MSC Cruises |
| Class | Fantasia Class | Meraviglia Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,008 | 2,017Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 137,936 GT | 171,598 GTWinner |
| Length | 333 mWinner | 315 m |
| Beam | 38 m | 43 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 4,363 | 5,686Winner |
| Crew | 1,313 | 1,536Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 31.6 GT/paxWinner | 30.2 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 3.32:1Winner | 3.70:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Aker Yards | Chantiers de l'Atlantique |
| Flag | Panama | Malta |
| IMO Number | 9359779 | 9647446 |
MSC Meraviglia is the significantly larger vessel at 171,598 GT — 24% more than MSC Fantasia's 137,936 GT. Built in 2017, MSC Meraviglia is 9 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. MSC Fantasia edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 3.3:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | MSC Meraviglia |
| Capacity | MSC Meraviglia |
| Modernity | MSC Meraviglia |
| Service | MSC Fantasia |
| Spaciousness | MSC Fantasia |
Bottom line: MSC Meraviglia 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 Meraviglia
Large 5,686-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
5,686 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
We may earn a commission from partner bookings at no extra cost to you.
| Draft | 8.6 m | 8.7 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
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