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 Orchestra
Gross Tonnage
MSC Fantasia
137,936 GT
MSC Orchestra
92,409 GT
Length
MSC Fantasia
333 m
MSC Orchestra
293 m
Beam
MSC Fantasia
38 m
MSC Orchestra
32 m
Passengers
MSC Fantasia
4,363
MSC Orchestra
2,550
Crew
MSC Fantasia
1,313
MSC Orchestra
987
Decks
MSC Fantasia
—
MSC Orchestra
—
Year Built
MSC Fantasia
2,008
MSC Orchestra
2,007
Space Ratio
MSC Fantasia
31.6 GT/pax
MSC Orchestra
36.2 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
MSC Fantasia
3.32 :1
MSC Orchestra
2.58 :1
| Specification | MSC Fantasia | MSC Orchestra |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | MSC Cruises | MSC Cruises |
| Class | Fantasia Class | Musica Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,008Winner | 2,007 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 137,936 GTWinner | 92,409 GT |
| Length | 333 mWinner | 293 m |
| Beam | 38 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 4,363Winner | 2,550 |
| Crew | 1,313Winner | 987 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 31.6 GT/pax | 36.2 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 3.32:1 | 2.58:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Aker Yards | Aker Yards |
| Flag | Panama | Panama |
| IMO Number | 9359779 | 9320062 |
MSC Fantasia is the significantly larger vessel at 137,936 GT — 49% more than MSC Orchestra's 92,409 GT. MSC Orchestra offers more personal space with a space ratio of 36.2 GT per passenger versus 31.6. MSC Orchestra edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.6:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | MSC Fantasia |
| Capacity | MSC Fantasia |
| Modernity | MSC Fantasia |
| Service | MSC Orchestra |
| Spaciousness | MSC Orchestra |
Bottom line: MSC Fantasia 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 Orchestra
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 | 8 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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