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 Splendida
MSC Virtuosa
Gross Tonnage
MSC Splendida
137,936 GT
MSC Virtuosa
181,541 GT
Length
MSC Splendida
333 m
MSC Virtuosa
331 m
Beam
MSC Splendida
38 m
MSC Virtuosa
43 m
Passengers
MSC Splendida
4,363
MSC Virtuosa
6,334
Crew
MSC Splendida
1,313
MSC Virtuosa
1,704
Decks
MSC Splendida
—
MSC Virtuosa
19
Year Built
MSC Splendida
2,009
MSC Virtuosa
2,021
Space Ratio
MSC Splendida
31.6 GT/pax
MSC Virtuosa
28.7 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
MSC Splendida
3.32 :1
MSC Virtuosa
3.72 :1
| Specification | MSC Splendida | MSC Virtuosa |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | MSC Cruises | MSC Cruises |
| Class | Fantasia Class | Meraviglia Plus Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,009 | 2,021Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 137,936 GT | 181,541 GTWinner |
| Length | 333 mWinner | 331 m |
| Beam | 38 m | 43 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 4,363 | 6,334Winner |
| Crew | 1,313 | 1,704Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 31.6 GT/paxWinner | 28.7 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 3.32:1Winner | 3.72:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Aker Yards | Chantiers de l'Atlantique |
| Flag | Panama | Malta |
| IMO Number | 9359791 | 9803613 |
MSC Virtuosa is the significantly larger vessel at 181,541 GT — 32% more than MSC Splendida's 137,936 GT. MSC Splendida offers more personal space with a space ratio of 31.6 GT per passenger versus 28.7. Built in 2021, MSC Virtuosa is 12 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | MSC Virtuosa |
| Capacity | MSC Virtuosa |
| Modernity | MSC Virtuosa |
| Service | MSC Splendida |
| Spaciousness | MSC Splendida |
Bottom line: MSC Virtuosa wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
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
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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| Draft | 8.6 m | 8.75 mWinner |
| Decks | — | 19 |
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