Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated January 2026
.jpg%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)
_in_Hamburg.jpg%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)
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 Grandiosa
MSC Meraviglia
Gross Tonnage
MSC Grandiosa
181,541 GT
MSC Meraviglia
171,598 GT
Length
MSC Grandiosa
331 m
MSC Meraviglia
315 m
Beam
MSC Grandiosa
43 m
MSC Meraviglia
43 m
Passengers
MSC Grandiosa
6,334
MSC Meraviglia
5,686
Crew
MSC Grandiosa
1,704
MSC Meraviglia
1,536
Decks
MSC Grandiosa
—
MSC Meraviglia
—
Year Built
MSC Grandiosa
2,019
MSC Meraviglia
2,017
Space Ratio
MSC Grandiosa
28.7 GT/pax
MSC Meraviglia
30.2 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
MSC Grandiosa
3.72 :1
MSC Meraviglia
3.70 :1
| Specification | MSC Grandiosa | MSC Meraviglia |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | MSC Cruises | MSC Cruises |
| Class | Meraviglia Plus Class | Meraviglia Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,019Winner | 2,017 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 181,541 GTWinner | 171,598 GT |
| Length | 331 mWinner | 315 m |
| Beam | 43 m | 43 m |
| Draft | ||
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 6,334Winner | 5,686 |
| Crew | 1,704Winner | 1,536 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 28.7 GT/pax | 30.2 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 3.72:1 | 3.70:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Chantiers de l'Atlantique | Chantiers de l'Atlantique |
| Flag | Malta | Malta |
| IMO Number | 9765482 | 9647446 |
MSC Grandiosa is the larger vessel at 181,541 GT — 6% more than MSC Meraviglia's 171,598 GT. Built in 2019, MSC Grandiosa is 2 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | MSC Grandiosa |
| Capacity | MSC Grandiosa |
| Modernity | MSC Grandiosa |
| Service | MSC Meraviglia |
| Spaciousness | MSC Meraviglia |
Bottom line: MSC Grandiosa wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
MSC Grandiosa
Large 6,334-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
6,334 passengers means tons of activities
Built in 2019 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
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.
8.6 m |
8.7 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
.jpg%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)
