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 Meraviglia
MSC Preziosa
Gross Tonnage
MSC Meraviglia
171,598 GT
MSC Preziosa
139,072 GT
Length
MSC Meraviglia
315 m
MSC Preziosa
333 m
Beam
MSC Meraviglia
43 m
MSC Preziosa
38 m
Passengers
MSC Meraviglia
5,686
MSC Preziosa
4,345
Crew
MSC Meraviglia
1,536
MSC Preziosa
1,370
Decks
MSC Meraviglia
—
MSC Preziosa
—
Year Built
MSC Meraviglia
2,017
MSC Preziosa
2,013
Space Ratio
MSC Meraviglia
30.2 GT/pax
MSC Preziosa
32.0 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
MSC Meraviglia
3.70 :1
MSC Preziosa
3.17 :1
| Specification | MSC Meraviglia | MSC Preziosa |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | MSC Cruises | MSC Cruises |
| Class | Meraviglia Class | Fantasia Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,017Winner | 2,013 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 171,598 GTWinner | 139,072 GT |
| Length | 315 m | 333 mWinner |
| Beam | 43 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 5,686Winner | 4,345 |
| Crew | 1,536Winner | 1,370 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 30.2 GT/pax | 32.0 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 3.70:1 | 3.17:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Chantiers de l'Atlantique | STX France |
| Flag | Malta | Panama |
| IMO Number | 9647446 | 9502519 |
MSC Meraviglia is the significantly larger vessel at 171,598 GT — 23% more than MSC Preziosa's 139,072 GT. Built in 2017, MSC Meraviglia is 4 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. MSC Preziosa edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 3.2:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | MSC Meraviglia |
| Capacity | MSC Meraviglia |
| Modernity | MSC Meraviglia |
| Service | MSC Preziosa |
| Spaciousness | MSC Preziosa |
Bottom line: MSC Meraviglia wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
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
MSC Preziosa
Large 4,345-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
4,345 passengers means tons of activities
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.
38 m |
| Draft | 8.7 m | 8.7 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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