Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated February 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 Europe
Gross Tonnage
MSC Virtuosa
181,541 GT
MSC World Europe
215,863 GT
Length
MSC Virtuosa
331 m
MSC World Europe
333 m
Beam
MSC Virtuosa
43 m
MSC World Europe
47 m
Passengers
MSC Virtuosa
6,334
MSC World Europe
6,774
Crew
MSC Virtuosa
1,704
MSC World Europe
2,138
Decks
MSC Virtuosa
19
MSC World Europe
—
Year Built
MSC Virtuosa
2,021
MSC World Europe
2,024
Space Ratio
MSC Virtuosa
28.7 GT/pax
MSC World Europe
31.9 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
MSC Virtuosa
3.72 :1
MSC World Europe
3.17 :1
| Specification | MSC Virtuosa | MSC World Europe |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | MSC Cruises | MSC Cruises |
| Class | Meraviglia Plus Class | World Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,021 | 2,024Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 181,541 GT | 215,863 GTWinner |
| Length | 331 m | 333 mWinner |
| Beam | 43 m | 47 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 6,334 | 6,774Winner |
| Crew | 1,704 | 2,138Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 28.7 GT/pax | 31.9 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 | 9908134 |
MSC World Europe is the larger vessel at 215,863 GT — 19% more than MSC Virtuosa's 181,541 GT. MSC World Europe offers more personal space with a space ratio of 31.9 GT per passenger versus 28.7. Built in 2024, MSC World Europe is 3 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | MSC World Europe |
| Capacity | MSC World Europe |
| Modernity | MSC World Europe |
| Service | MSC World Europe |
| Spaciousness | MSC World Europe |
Bottom line: MSC World Europe 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 Europe
Large 6,774-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
6,774 passengers means tons of activities
Built in 2024 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 | 8.75 m | — |
| Decks | 19 | — |
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