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 Magnifica
MSC Orchestra
Gross Tonnage
MSC Magnifica
95,128 GT
MSC Orchestra
92,409 GT
Length
MSC Magnifica
293 m
MSC Orchestra
293 m
Beam
MSC Magnifica
32 m
MSC Orchestra
32 m
Passengers
MSC Magnifica
2,518
MSC Orchestra
2,550
Crew
MSC Magnifica
1,038
MSC Orchestra
987
Decks
MSC Magnifica
—
MSC Orchestra
—
Year Built
MSC Magnifica
2,010
MSC Orchestra
2,007
Space Ratio
MSC Magnifica
37.8 GT/pax
MSC Orchestra
36.2 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
MSC Magnifica
2.43 :1
MSC Orchestra
2.58 :1
| Specification | MSC Magnifica | MSC Orchestra |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | MSC Cruises | MSC Cruises |
| Class | Musica Class | Musica Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,010Winner | 2,007 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 95,128 GTWinner | 92,409 GT |
| Length | 293 m | 293 m |
| Beam | 32 m | 32 m |
| Draft | 7.8 m | 8 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,518 | 2,550Winner |
| Crew | 1,038Winner | 987 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 37.8 GT/paxWinner | 36.2 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.43:1Winner | 2.58:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | STX France | Aker Yards |
| Flag | Panama | Panama |
| IMO Number | 9320074 | 9320062 |
Built in 2010, MSC Magnifica is 3 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. MSC Magnifica edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.4:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | MSC Magnifica |
| Capacity | MSC Magnifica |
| Modernity | MSC Magnifica |
| Service | MSC Magnifica |
| Spaciousness | MSC Magnifica |
Bottom line: MSC Magnifica wins more categories (5 vs 0), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
MSC Magnifica
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Good value for money
Good range of onboard options
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
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| Decks | — | — |
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