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 Virtuosa
MSC World Europa
Gross Tonnage
MSC Virtuosa
181,541 GT
MSC World Europa
205,700 GT
Length
MSC Virtuosa
331 m
MSC World Europa
331 m
Beam
MSC Virtuosa
43 m
MSC World Europa
47 m
Passengers
MSC Virtuosa
6,334
MSC World Europa
6,774
Crew
MSC Virtuosa
1,704
MSC World Europa
2,140
Decks
MSC Virtuosa
19
MSC World Europa
—
Year Built
MSC Virtuosa
2,021
MSC World Europa
2,022
Space Ratio
MSC Virtuosa
28.7 GT/pax
MSC World Europa
30.4 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
MSC Virtuosa
3.72 :1
MSC World Europa
3.17 :1
| Specification | MSC Virtuosa | MSC World Europa |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | MSC Cruises | MSC Cruises |
| Class | Meraviglia Plus Class | World Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,021 | 2,022Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 181,541 GT | 205,700 GTWinner |
| Length | 331 m | 331 m |
| Beam | 43 m | 47 mWinner |
| Draft | ||
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 6,334 | 6,774Winner |
| Crew | 1,704 | 2,140Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 28.7 GT/pax | 30.4 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 3.72:1 | 3.17:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Chantiers de l'Atlantique | Chantiers de l'Atlantique |
| Flag | Malta | Malta |
| IMO Number | 9803613 | 9837420 |
MSC World Europa is the larger vessel at 205,700 GT — 13% more than MSC Virtuosa's 181,541 GT. MSC World Europa edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 3.2:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | MSC World Europa |
| Capacity | MSC World Europa |
| Modernity | MSC World Europa |
| Service | MSC World Europa |
| Spaciousness | MSC World Europa |
Bottom line: MSC World Europa wins more categories (5 vs 0), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
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
MSC World Europa
Large 6,774-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
6,774 passengers means tons of activities
Built in 2022 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
We may earn a commission from partner bookings at no extra cost to you.
8.75 m |
9.3 mWinner |
| Decks | 19 | — |
.jpg%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)
_in_Hamburg.jpg%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)
