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 Orchestra
MSC Splendida
Gross Tonnage
MSC Orchestra
92,409 GT
MSC Splendida
137,936 GT
Length
MSC Orchestra
293 m
MSC Splendida
333 m
Beam
MSC Orchestra
32 m
MSC Splendida
38 m
Passengers
MSC Orchestra
2,550
MSC Splendida
4,363
Crew
MSC Orchestra
987
MSC Splendida
1,313
Decks
MSC Orchestra
—
MSC Splendida
—
Year Built
MSC Orchestra
2,007
MSC Splendida
2,009
Space Ratio
MSC Orchestra
36.2 GT/pax
MSC Splendida
31.6 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
MSC Orchestra
2.58 :1
MSC Splendida
3.32 :1
| Specification | MSC Orchestra | MSC Splendida |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | MSC Cruises | MSC Cruises |
| Class | Musica Class | Fantasia Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,007 | 2,009Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 92,409 GT | 137,936 GTWinner |
| Length | 293 m | 333 mWinner |
| Beam | 32 m | 38 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,550 | 4,363Winner |
| Crew | 987 | 1,313Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 36.2 GT/paxWinner | 31.6 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.58:1Winner | 3.32:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Aker Yards | Aker Yards |
| Flag | Panama | Panama |
| IMO Number | 9320062 | 9359791 |
MSC Splendida is the significantly larger vessel at 137,936 GT — 49% more than MSC Orchestra's 92,409 GT. MSC Orchestra offers more personal space with a space ratio of 36.2 GT per passenger versus 31.6. Built in 2009, MSC Splendida is 2 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | MSC Splendida |
| Capacity | MSC Splendida |
| Modernity | MSC Splendida |
| Service | MSC Orchestra |
| Spaciousness | MSC Orchestra |
Bottom line: MSC Splendida wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
MSC Orchestra
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Good value for money
Good range of onboard options
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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| Draft | 8 m | 8.6 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
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