Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated January 2026
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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 World America
Symphony of the Seas
Gross Tonnage
MSC World America
215,863 GT
Symphony of the Seas
228,081 GT
Length
MSC World America
333 m
Symphony of the Seas
362 m
Beam
MSC World America
47 m
Symphony of the Seas
66 m
Passengers
MSC World America
6,762
Symphony of the Seas
6,680
Crew
MSC World America
2,138
Symphony of the Seas
2,200
Decks
MSC World America
—
Symphony of the Seas
18
Year Built
MSC World America
2,025
Symphony of the Seas
2,018
Space Ratio
MSC World America
31.9 GT/pax
Symphony of the Seas
34.1 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
MSC World America
3.16 :1
Symphony of the Seas
3.04 :1
| Specification | MSC World America | Symphony of the Seas |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | MSC Cruises | Royal Caribbean International |
| Class | World Class | Oasis Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,025Winner | 2,018 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 215,863 GT | 228,081 GTWinner |
| Length | 333 m | 362 mWinner |
| Beam | 47 m | 66 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 6,762Winner | 6,680 |
| Crew | 2,138 | 2,200Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 31.9 GT/pax | 34.1 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 3.16:1 | 3.04:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Chantiers de l'Atlantique | STX France |
| Flag | Malta | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9871645 | 9744001 |
Symphony of the Seas is the larger vessel at 228,081 GT — 6% more than MSC World America's 215,863 GT. Built in 2025, MSC World America is 7 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Symphony of the Seas edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 3.0:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Symphony of the Seas |
| Capacity | MSC World America |
| Modernity | MSC World America |
| Service | Symphony of the Seas |
| Spaciousness | Symphony of the Seas |
Bottom line: Symphony of the Seas wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
MSC World America
Large 6,762-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
6,762 passengers means tons of activities
Built in 2025 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Symphony of the Seas
6,680 passengers means tons of activities
Large 6,680-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
Built in 2018 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 | 9.4 mWinner | 9.3 m |
| Decks | — | 18 |
