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
Symphony of the Seas
Gross Tonnage
MSC World Europe
215,863 GT
Symphony of the Seas
228,081 GT
Length
MSC World Europe
333 m
Symphony of the Seas
362 m
Beam
MSC World Europe
47 m
Symphony of the Seas
66 m
Passengers
MSC World Europe
6,774
Symphony of the Seas
6,680
Crew
MSC World Europe
2,138
Symphony of the Seas
2,200
Decks
MSC World Europe
—
Symphony of the Seas
18
Year Built
MSC World Europe
2,024
Symphony of the Seas
2,018
Space Ratio
MSC World Europe
31.9 GT/pax
Symphony of the Seas
34.1 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
MSC World Europe
3.17 :1
Symphony of the Seas
3.04 :1
| Specification | MSC World Europe | Symphony of the Seas |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | MSC Cruises | Royal Caribbean International |
| Class | World Class | Oasis Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,024Winner | 2,018 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 215,863 GT | 228,081 GTWinner |
| Length | 333 m | 362 mWinner |
| Beam | 47 m | 66 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 6,774Winner | 6,680 |
| Crew | 2,138 | 2,200Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 31.9 GT/pax | 34.1 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 3.17:1 | 3.04:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Chantiers de l'Atlantique | STX France |
| Flag | Malta | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9908134 | 9744001 |
Symphony of the Seas is the larger vessel at 228,081 GT — 6% more than MSC World Europe's 215,863 GT. Built in 2024, MSC World Europe is 6 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 Europe |
| Modernity | MSC World Europe |
| 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 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
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
We may earn a commission from partner bookings at no extra cost to you.
| Draft | — | 9.3 m |
| Decks | — | 18 |
.jpg%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)
