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 Opera
MSC Orchestra
Gross Tonnage
MSC Opera
65,591 GT
MSC Orchestra
92,409 GT
Length
MSC Opera
275 m
MSC Orchestra
293 m
Beam
MSC Opera
29 m
MSC Orchestra
32 m
Passengers
MSC Opera
2,150
MSC Orchestra
2,550
Crew
MSC Opera
728
MSC Orchestra
987
Decks
MSC Opera
—
MSC Orchestra
—
Year Built
MSC Opera
2,004
MSC Orchestra
2,007
Space Ratio
MSC Opera
30.5 GT/pax
MSC Orchestra
36.2 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
MSC Opera
2.95 :1
MSC Orchestra
2.58 :1
| Specification | MSC Opera | MSC Orchestra |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | MSC Cruises | MSC Cruises |
| Class | Lirica Class | Musica Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,004 | 2,007Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 65,591 GT | 92,409 GTWinner |
| Length | 275 m | 293 mWinner |
| Beam | 29 m | 32 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,150 | 2,550Winner |
| Crew | 728 | 987Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 30.5 GT/pax | 36.2 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.95:1 | 2.58:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Chantiers de l'Atlantique | Aker Yards |
| Flag | Panama | Panama |
| IMO Number | 9250464 | 9320062 |
MSC Orchestra is the significantly larger vessel at 92,409 GT — 41% more than MSC Opera's 65,591 GT. MSC Orchestra offers more personal space with a space ratio of 36.2 GT per passenger versus 30.5. Built in 2007, MSC Orchestra is 3 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | MSC Orchestra |
| Capacity | MSC Orchestra |
| Modernity | MSC Orchestra |
| Service | MSC Orchestra |
| Spaciousness | MSC Orchestra |
Bottom line: MSC Orchestra wins more categories (5 vs 0), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
MSC Opera
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Good value for money
Good range of onboard options
Comfortable atmosphere for two
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
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
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| Draft | 7 m | 8 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
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