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 Virtuosa
Gross Tonnage
MSC Meraviglia
171,598 GT
MSC Virtuosa
181,541 GT
Length
MSC Meraviglia
315 m
MSC Virtuosa
331 m
Beam
MSC Meraviglia
43 m
MSC Virtuosa
43 m
Passengers
MSC Meraviglia
5,686
MSC Virtuosa
6,334
Crew
MSC Meraviglia
1,536
MSC Virtuosa
1,704
Decks
MSC Meraviglia
—
MSC Virtuosa
19
Year Built
MSC Meraviglia
2,017
MSC Virtuosa
2,021
Space Ratio
MSC Meraviglia
30.2 GT/pax
MSC Virtuosa
28.7 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
MSC Meraviglia
3.70 :1
MSC Virtuosa
3.72 :1
| Specification | MSC Meraviglia | MSC Virtuosa |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | MSC Cruises | MSC Cruises |
| Class | Meraviglia Class | Meraviglia Plus Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,017 | 2,021Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 171,598 GT | 181,541 GTWinner |
| Length | 315 m | 331 mWinner |
| Beam | 43 m | 43 m |
| Draft | ||
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 5,686 | 6,334Winner |
| Crew | 1,536 | 1,704Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 30.2 GT/paxWinner | 28.7 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 3.70:1Winner | 3.72:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Chantiers de l'Atlantique | Chantiers de l'Atlantique |
| Flag | Malta | Malta |
| IMO Number | 9647446 | 9803613 |
MSC Virtuosa is the larger vessel at 181,541 GT — 6% more than MSC Meraviglia's 171,598 GT. Built in 2021, MSC Virtuosa is 4 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | MSC Virtuosa |
| Capacity | MSC Virtuosa |
| Modernity | MSC Virtuosa |
| Service | MSC Meraviglia |
| Spaciousness | MSC Meraviglia |
Bottom line: MSC Virtuosa 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 Virtuosa
6,334 passengers means tons of activities
Large 6,334-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
Built in 2021 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
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8.75 mWinner |
| Decks | — | 19 |
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