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 Splendida
Gross Tonnage
MSC Meraviglia
171,598 GT
MSC Splendida
137,936 GT
Length
MSC Meraviglia
315 m
MSC Splendida
333 m
Beam
MSC Meraviglia
43 m
MSC Splendida
38 m
Passengers
MSC Meraviglia
5,686
MSC Splendida
4,363
Crew
MSC Meraviglia
1,536
MSC Splendida
1,313
Decks
MSC Meraviglia
—
MSC Splendida
—
Year Built
MSC Meraviglia
2,017
MSC Splendida
2,009
Space Ratio
MSC Meraviglia
30.2 GT/pax
MSC Splendida
31.6 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
MSC Meraviglia
3.70 :1
MSC Splendida
3.32 :1
| Specification | MSC Meraviglia | MSC Splendida |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | MSC Cruises | MSC Cruises |
| Class | Meraviglia Class | Fantasia Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,017Winner | 2,009 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 171,598 GTWinner | 137,936 GT |
| Length | 315 m | 333 mWinner |
| Beam | 43 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 5,686Winner | 4,363 |
| Crew | 1,536Winner | 1,313 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 30.2 GT/pax | 31.6 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 3.70:1 | 3.32:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Chantiers de l'Atlantique | Aker Yards |
| Flag | Malta | Panama |
| IMO Number | 9647446 | 9359791 |
MSC Meraviglia is the significantly larger vessel at 171,598 GT — 24% more than MSC Splendida's 137,936 GT. Built in 2017, MSC Meraviglia is 8 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. MSC Splendida 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 Splendida |
| Spaciousness | MSC Splendida |
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 Splendida
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Large 4,363-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
4,363 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
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38 m |
| Draft | 8.7 mWinner | 8.6 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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