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 World Europe
Sun Princess
Gross Tonnage
MSC World Europe
215,863 GT
Sun Princess
175,500 GT
Length
MSC World Europe
333 m
Sun Princess
345 m
Beam
MSC World Europe
47 m
Sun Princess
47 m
Passengers
MSC World Europe
6,774
Sun Princess
4,300
Crew
MSC World Europe
2,138
Sun Princess
1,500
Decks
MSC World Europe
—
Sun Princess
—
Year Built
MSC World Europe
2,024
Sun Princess
2,024
Space Ratio
MSC World Europe
31.9 GT/pax
Sun Princess
40.8 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
MSC World Europe
3.17 :1
Sun Princess
2.87 :1
| Specification | MSC World Europe | Sun Princess |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | MSC Cruises | Princess Cruises |
| Class | World Class | Sphere Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,024 | 2,024 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 215,863 GTWinner | 175,500 GT |
| Length | 333 m | 345 mWinner |
| Beam | 47 m | 47 m |
| Draft | ||
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 6,774Winner | 4,300 |
| Crew | 2,138Winner | 1,500 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 31.9 GT/pax | 40.8 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 3.17:1 | 2.87:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Chantiers de l'Atlantique | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Malta | Bermuda |
| IMO Number | 9908134 | 9863118 |
MSC World Europe is the significantly larger vessel at 215,863 GT — 23% more than Sun Princess's 175,500 GT. Sun Princess offers more personal space with a space ratio of 40.8 GT per passenger versus 31.9. Sun Princess edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.9:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | MSC World Europe |
| Capacity | MSC World Europe |
| Modernity | Tie |
| Service | Sun Princess |
| Spaciousness | Sun Princess |
Bottom line: MSC World Europe and Sun Princess are closely matched — your best pick depends on which qualities matter most to you.
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
Sun Princess
Built in 2024 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
4,300 passengers means tons of activities
Large 4,300-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
41 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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— |
8.6 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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