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Aug 22, 2023

MSC Cruises vs. Royal Caribbean: Which big

MSC Cruises vs. Royal Caribbean — how do they compare? Both cruise lines are known for offering affordable cruise fares and onboard fun for passengers of all ages, although Royal Caribbean's prices

MSC Cruises vs. Royal Caribbean — how do they compare? Both cruise lines are known for offering affordable cruise fares and onboard fun for passengers of all ages, although Royal Caribbean's prices can be considerably higher on its newer, more popular ships. Each has an extensive fleet that includes splashy megaships carrying more than 6,000 guests at full capacity and a wide range of itineraries in top cruise destinations such as the Caribbean and Europe.

There are, however, key differences in the onboard experience. Both cruise lines offer thrilling activities (just not the same kind), and each has its own approach to entertainment, kids clubs and dining.

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Which cruise line should you choose? Read on for a head-to-head comparison of MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean. We'll cover each brand's onboard experience, itineraries and passenger profile to help you decide.

Royal Caribbean has better name recognition than MSC Cruises among Americans. The Miami-based cruise line, known for its groundbreaking innovations, operates 26 vessels, including the five largest cruise ships in the world. Two more megaships will join the fleet in 2024, when Icon of the Seas, the first in a new class for the cruise line, and Utopia of the Seas, the line's sixth Oasis-class ship, will claim the first and second largest ship titles from two other Royal Caribbean vessels.

Italian-owned, Geneva, Switzerland-based MSC Cruises is part of MSC Group, the world's largest container shipping company. This fast-growing cruise brand has launched a dozen cruise ships since 2012.

The U.S. market was largely introduced to MSC between 2017 and 2022 when it debuted four Seaside-class ships designed primarily to sail to the Caribbean from Miami. One of its sales strategies? Kids under age 17 can frequently sail for free when staying in the same cabin with accompanying adults.

In 2025, the cruise line will christen MSC World America, a Miami-based megaship sibling of 2022's MSC World Europa. Both use cleaner-burning liquified natural gas (LNG) as fuel.

Related: The ultimate guide to MSC Cruises | The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean

Neither Royal Caribbean nor MSC Cruises has a ship that carries fewer than 2,000 passengers at double occupancy — and their biggest ships accommodate more than three times that at full capacity.

Royal Caribbean's older ships (Vision, Radiance, Voyager and Freedom classes) carry 2,000 to 3,900 guests at double occupancy, while its newest (Oasis and Quantum class) accommodate 4,000 to almost 6,000.

The five Oasis-class vessels, to be joined by Utopia of the Seas in 2024, are the largest cruise ships in the world. They carry 5,700 guests at double occupancy and just over 7,000 at full capacity. They are distinctive for their split-hull design, allowing for interior-facing cabins, and themed neighborhoods, which help disperse foot traffic and make it easier for guests to navigate the ships' 18 decks.

Royal Caribbean's Quantum-class vessels, introduced between 2014 and 2021, accommodate 4,180 guests at double occupancy and 5,500 at capacity. These five ships are distinguishable by the North Star sightseeing capsule that rises 300 feet above the sea.

Related: The 6 classes of Royal Caribbean cruise ships, explained

When Icon of the Seas sets sail, it will become the world's largest, as well as Royal Caribbean's first LNG-powered ship. Able to carry 5,600 guests at double occupancy and up to 7,600 at capacity, Icon of the Seas will feature eight neighborhoods and offer more cabins and suites that can accommodate four or more passengers than any other ship in the fleet.

Royal Caribbean's Freedom-class ships, which carry about 3,900 passengers at double occupancy, and its Voyager-class ships, which accommodate 3,100, offer some of the thrilling activities of its larger ships. Its Vision-class ships, which date to the 1990s and accommodate 2,400 to 2,500 guests, feature notably fewer onboard attractions. Radiance-class ships are the smallest in the fleet, carrying 2,100 guests at double occupancy.

Those who prefer a ship that's not mega-size might want to consider Royal Caribbean's good-value Mediterranean, Caribbean and Alaska itineraries on its refreshed Radiance- and Voyager-class vessels.

MSC Cruises likes big ships, too. It has six vessels ranked among the Top 20 largest cruise ships in the world, including MSC World Europa, which comes in just behind Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class vessels. It accommodates 5,252 guests at double occupancy and 6,762 at capacity. World Europa features a Y-shaped design with a dramatic open-air atrium. It will be joined by sister MSC World America in 2025.

The next largest ships in MSC's fleet are its five Meraviglia-class ships, all introduced beginning in 2017. They carry 4,438 guests at double occupancy and as many as 6,327 at capacity. Both MSC Meraviglia and MSC Divina are sailing U.S. itineraries out of New York and Miami, respectively.

The ships that U.S.-based cruisers are probably most familiar with are MSC's four Seaside-class vessels, which accommodate 4,132 passengers at double occupancy and 5,119 at capacity. They're almost identical (with close-to-identical names: Seaside, Seaview, Seashore and Seascape) and have a high-energy vibe and a dazzling, multi-deck central atrium.

MSC's 12 older ships are divided among three classes — Lirica, Musica and Fantasia — and accommodate 2,000 to 3,500 guests at double occupancy. The Fantasia class's MSC Divina, launched in 2012, is perhaps best known to U.S. cruisers because it often sails itineraries to the Caribbean from Miami. The other ships are mainly based in Europe, South America and Asia.

Related: The 6 types of MSC Cruises ships, explained

Traveling with kids? Perhaps even Grandma and Grandpa? Both Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises are leaders in family cruising, with passengers ranging from young parents with preschool children to multigenerational families. Both lines also attract couples and groups of friends who prefer a lively cruise ship ambience and don't mind sharing their vacation with several thousand other passengers.

MSC and Royal Caribbean primarily appeal to value-focused guests seeking affordable cruise fares, but more-affluent cruisers can also book higher-priced suites featuring elevated amenities.

While both cruise lines attract travelers from around the globe, especially on Mediterranean and Asian itineraries, MSC's passenger base is more international, even on ships cruising to the Caribbean from Miami. MSC cruise ships make important safety and disembarkation announcements in multiple languages (English, Italian, Spanish, French and German), although all staff and crew speak English.

Figuring out which vibe appeals most to you — more North Americans (Royal Caribbean) or a predominantly international crowd (MSC Cruises) — can help you choose between these two megaship cruise brands.

Cabins on most mainstream cruise lines are designed more with functionality than flashy design in mind. Both lines feature windowless inside, ocean-view, balcony and suite accommodations.

Royal Caribbean has an enormous selection of room and suite categories — as many as 34 types on its newer ships — offering some pretty slick amenities. These range from interior staterooms with "Virtual Balcony" LED screens displaying views from outside the ship to two-level Loft Suites and even an Ultimate Family Suite featuring a gaming area and a slide from the sleeping area to the living room.

Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class ships feature balcony cabins without ocean views. That's because they overlook the bustling Boardwalk, an open-air interior dining and entertainment neighborhood, or the quieter Central Park.

Related: Royal Caribbean cruise ship cabin and suite guide: Everything you want to know

Newer Royal Caribbean ships feature more balcony cabins and fewer ocean-view cabins than older ships. If booking an ocean-view, the aft- or rear-facing cabins on many ships are generally the most spacious.

Six Royal Caribbean ships (Brilliance of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas and Spectrum of the Seas) offer cabins designed for solo travelers. These range from a 101-square-foot Inside Studio Stateroom to a 199-square-foot Studio Oceanview Stateroom with Balcony.

Top-tier accommodations are known as Royal Suite Class and rank among some of the most spectacular suites in the mainstream cruise line sector. They are available on Oasis- and Quantum-class ships and range from relatively modest 290-square-foot Junior Suites to two-level, 1,800-square-foot Royal Loft Suites that rival a contemporary penthouse apartment. Priced well above other staterooms, these concierge-serviced suites appeal to wealthy travelers, especially those cruising with their families, who prefer the lively ambience of a large ship to a smaller luxury vessel.

The two-level Ultimate Family Suite — a more playful and colorful option for families with younger kids and a very generous budget — is available on Wonder of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas and Spectrum of the Seas.

All Royal Suite Class guests enjoy access to exclusive venues, such as the Coastal Kitchen restaurant and a private lounge and/or sun deck. Additional amenities and VIP perks vary by Royal Suite Class category booked.

When Icon of the Seas debuts in early 2024, it will offer 28 different cabin and suite categories, including 14 completely new room types. This ship was designed with families in mind, and 80% of its staterooms will be able to be connected or offer enough space to accommodate larger families.

The closest MSC comes to matching Royal Caribbean's stateroom and suite offerings is aboard MSC World Europa, which debuted in late 2022 and features 19 stateroom categories, including seven new designs. The most impressive non-MSC-Yacht-Club accommodation on World Europa is the 377-square-foot Grand Suite Aurea with Terrace and Whirlpool.

The largest suites on most MSC ships are in the MSC Yacht Club, an exclusive enclave on newer MSC ships offering private spaces and added amenities. This includes the MSC Yacht Club Owner's Suite with Whirlpool Bath, offering 840 to 1,119 square-feet of interior space with an 840-square-foot balcony, and the 495-square-foot MSC Yacht Club Duplex Suite with Whirlpool Bath, featuring a 301-to-334-square-foot balcony. MSC Yacht Club perks include a private lounge and restaurant, a private sundeck and butler service.

Because of World Europa's design, the ship also features four balcony cabin categories with a view of its interior promenade, similar to Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class ships.

Unlike World Europa, MSC's other newcomer, Euribia, doesn't feature any suites larger than 700 square feet, but its MSC Yacht Club Duplex Suite with Whirlpool does offer 635 square feet of living space with a 248-square-foot balcony. For more outdoor space, choose the 624-square-foot MSC Yacht Club Royal Suite with a 753-square-foot balcony.

For family-friendly accommodation, both ships offer a 269-square-foot Premium Balcony Aurea cabin, which features stationary bunk beds just inside the entry, a king-size bed, a pull-out double sofa and a larger bathroom with a bathtub and shower combo. This makes it ideal for a family of up to six. Some also feature a private whirlpool on the balcony.

Related: Everything you need to know about MSC Cruises cabins and suites

For solo travelers, all five Meraviglia-class ships offer 129-square-foot Studio Balcony suites, which have the benefit of balcony access without a required single supplement.

Seaside-class vessels feature 16 stateroom and suite categories. The largest option is the 1,055-square-foot MSC Yacht Club Owner's Suite.

MSC Cruises' dining program is pretty basic. Passengers can expect to dine most nights in one of the complimentary main dining rooms. Most ships have several, and guests are assigned to one with dining times dependent on the "experience" guests purchase when they book. Bella and Fantastica passengers can request early or late seating, which will remain the same throughout the cruise, while Aurea guests can dine any time during open hours in their designated dining room with My Choice dining.

Guests on World Europa and Seaside- and Meraviglia-class ships can expect dining room menus to change each night and offer a good selection of globally inspired selections. MSC's food quality, presentation and portion sizes have improved with each new ship as the cruise line has adapted to U.S. customer feedback. Still, guests should plan to spend more time at the table, since MSC's service tends toward a slower European pace.

Marketplace, MSC's bustling buffet option, which on its newer ships can accommodate more than 1,300 guests at a time, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It features a selection of familiar yet often uninspiring hot and cold dishes and global specialties, with some of the best options being salads, pastas, pizza (mozzarella is made fresh daily) and desserts.

Related: Best cruise food: These are the 6 cruise lines with the best food at sea

Unfortunately, those are the only complimentary dining options onboard MSC ships. It's also worth noting that while the food quality is notably better in the restaurants on its newer ships, the free food options on older vessels, most of which offer cheap cruise fares, can be inconsistent and not very good.

MSC Cruises' specialty dining venues vary by ship, but typically there are three to five options. These can include Butcher's Cut for steaks and seafood, Kaito Sushi Bar and Kaito Teppanyaki for Japanese specialties, Hola! Tacos & Cantina for Latin-American-inspired street food, Ocean Cay for Mediterranean-style seafood and Indochine for Vietnamese classic with a twist. On MSC's newest ship, Euribia, French-bistro-inspired steakhouse Le Grill has replaced Butcher's Cut.

Guests can pre-purchase dining packages ranging from one specialty meal to unlimited specialty dining, although some menu items will incur a surcharge.

A note to chocoholics: MSC has partnered with both Italian chocolatier Venchi and U.S.-based French chocolatier Jean-Philippe Maury to offer a wide selection of freshly made chocolates, baked goods, crepes and gelato. MSC World Europa and Seaside- and Fantasia-class ships feature Venchi while Meraviglia-class ships offer Jean-Philippe Maury. All these sweets, however, are available at an extra cost.

Royal Caribbean's dining scene, in contrast, offers plenty of choices. The cruise line has been a pioneer in onboard specialty restaurants and some of its ships, especially its newer ones, feature as many as 12 extra-cost specialty dining options. On a budget? Don't worry. Royal Caribbean also offers terrific complimentary casual dining venues in addition to its main dining room and Windjammer buffet.

Specialty restaurants vary from ship class to ship class, although a few such as Chops Grille (for steaks and seafood) are aboard most vessels. Other options include Giovanni's Italian Kitchen for family-style classics, Playmakers Sports Bar for casual snacks like burgers and chicken wings, Izumi for sushi and Japanese specialties, 150 Central Park for modern American fine dining and the recently introduced The Mason Jar for southern cuisine.

Passengers can purchase specialty dining packages at a discounted price prior to sailing.

In its main dining room, Royal Caribbean recently rolled out seven nights of new themed menus (French, Italian, Caribbean, Mexican, Mediterranean, etc.). The Classics section, offering selections such as grilled chicken breast and herb-crusted salmon every night, has been removed, although some of these favorites do appear at times on the new menus. This revamped format, with fewer choices, can limit options for picky eaters.

When booking, Royal Caribbean passengers must choose between traditional dining (either early or late seating for the entire cruise) or more flexible My Time Dining. With the latter, passengers can reserve a table of any configuration or show up at the main dining room and wait in line for a table.

Families with kids love Royal Caribbean's free casual eateries. These vary by ship, with Oasis- and Quantum-class vessels having the most. Options include Boardwalk Dog House for grilled frankfurters, Sorrento's for pizza, El Loco Fresh for tacos and burritos, Park Café for grab-and-go sandwiches and Vitality Café for healthy salads and wraps.

Big ships offer big thrills, and in the case of Royal Caribbean, these include some of the most memorable adrenaline rushes at sea.

On its Oasis-class ships, guests can scream their way down 10 decks of corkscrew spirals on the Ultimate Abyss slide, get soaked on The Perfect Storm waterslides or try simulated surfing with the FlowRider. Those without a fear of heights can tackle the rock climbing wall or zoom high above the Boardwalk neighborhood on a zip line. Other activities include ice skating, escape rooms, mini-golf, a carousel and pickleball.

Quantum-class ships offer an almost entirely different roster of exciting attractions, although the FlowRider and the rock climbing wall are consistent across the fleet. On board Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas, active thrills include the sky-dive simulator RipCord by iFly, a two-level Seaplex with a sports court/bumper car rink and areas dedicated to Xbox, virtual reality gaming and laser tag. Quantum-class ships also have the North Star, a pod-like sightseeing capsule. But if you're looking for thrills on a waterslide, you won't find any on ships in this class.

Related: The 10 wildest attractions you'll find on a cruise ship

Royal Escape Rooms (available on seven ships) are fun for the entire family (kids, however, must be 12 or older). A number of ships also feature Battle for Planet Z, a laser-tag game appropriate for kids ages 5 and older.

MSC's biggest thrills include Robotron, a top deck amusement park-style ride on Seascape that sends riders tumbling and swooping in seats attached to a moving "arm," and The Venom Drop @ The Spiral, a stainless-steel dry slide with a looping 11-deck drop on World Europa.

Most MSC ships have an arcade-style complex with some cool games and attractions, including Formula 1 race car simulators and an exhilarating XD Interactive Theatre where viewers strapped into hydraulic seats battle zombies, clowns and other menaces. All games cost extra.

MSC's ships are also known for their top-deck attractions, which include the longest zip line at sea (on Seaside and Seaview), elaborate Himalayan Bridge ropes courses (on Meraviglia-class ships) and an Aquapark with multiple waterslides (on both Seaside- and Meraviglia-class ships).

Related: The best cruise ship waterslides and watery fun zones

Both brands' megaships also feature all the usual things designed for relaxation and fitness: lively casinos, spacious spas, fully equipped gyms and jogging tracks and multiple pools. They also host lively themed parties, such as the White Party on MSC and assorted decade-themed celebrations on Royal Caribbean.

As for bars and lounges, both offer a wide selection, including pool bars, piano and karaoke bars and sophisticated lounges. MSC's World Europa and Euribia have more than 20 places to imbibe, while Royal Caribbean's 10 largest ships each have a dozen or more — and Icon of the Seas will feature 15, including a few new concepts.

Both MSC and Royal Caribbean are family-friendly cruise lines offering plenty to keep junior cruisers occupied. Their ships have colorful and inviting kids clubs with dedicated staff as well as teen hangouts, gaming areas and organized activities.

Royal Caribbean's Adventure Ocean youth program features expansive play spaces for kids ages 3-12 (the bigger the ship, the larger the kids' facilities). They can enjoy activities such as art and science projects, games and themed parties. The program is free during the day and early evening, but an hourly rate applies after 10 p.m.

The Royal Babies & Tots nursery accommodates little ones ages 6 to 36 months for drop-off (for an hourly fee).

Teens cruising with Royal Caribbean have plenty of options. They can hang out in The Living Room, dance or chill with new friends at the Fuel teen club or compete for the highest score at the arcade (at an added cost).

MSC's kids club, called Doremi, also focuses on games and activities by age group — Mini Club for ages 3 to 6, Junior Club for ages 7 to 11, Young Club for ages 12 to 14 and Teen Club for ages 15 to 17 — but its Baby Club (for kids under age 3) is complimentary.

The cruise line has a partnership with Lego, so creative kids who love to build will be thrilled. Mini Club participants can also partake in fun, family-inclusive events like the Doremi Disco, while Junior Club attendees can enter Masterchef at Sea Juniors or get in front of the camera with the Kelly & Khloe Onboard Green Screen Experience. Activities for Young Club and Teen Club attendees include sports tournaments, video gaming, dance competitions and karaoke.

Related: I got what I paid for: My cheap family cruise on MSC Seashore

What do Broadway musicals such as "Hairspray" and "Mamma Mia!", cover bands playing top hits of the '70s and '80s, high divers leaping into an onboard pool and multimedia spectacles in a dramatic 270-degree setting have in common? They're all in the entertainment line-up on Royal Caribbean's newest ships.

The cruise line is one of only two (the other being Norwegian Cruise Line) to feature productions of hit Broadway shows on board — but you'll have to book an Oasis-class ship to enjoy one. Other ships offer high-energy production shows with musical and pop-cultural themes nightly. Game shows are also a Royal Caribbean thing, including some hilarious adults-only competitions focused on love and marriage.

Oasis-class ships offer two unique forms of entertainment: Thrilling high-dive performances in their aft AquaTheater and professional ice shows in Studio B. The latter space is also aboard Royal Caribbean's Freedom- and Voyager-class ships.

For something a bit edgier, the cruise line's Quantum-class ships feature Two70, a multi-level performance space where big-screen technology and daring acrobatics combine to create a unique kind of multi-sensory storytelling. These ships also have Music Hall, where cover bands channel the music of legendary rock bands like Bon Jovi and Journey.

Icon of the Seas will offer many passenger favorites plus exciting new venues like AquaDome, home to a next-level AquaTheater featuring state-of-the-art technology.

Related: Which cruise ship activities should you book ahead of time?

MSC certainly doesn't shirk its commitment to onboard entertainment. After dark, its ships' theaters and lounges buzz with vibrant musical productions and even fearless acrobatics. All of its Meraviglia-class ships feature The Carousel Lounge, which on the first four ships is a theater-in-the-round setting originally designed for Cirque du Soleil performances. It now houses themed variations on that genre, such as an illusionist-themed show.

MSC's newest ship, Euribia, however, has swapped high-flying theatrics for retro-inspired kicks with its reimagined Carousel Lounge. The space is now a sophisticated home for Big Band at Sea, a 19-piece orchestra with a genre-spanning playlist (although mid-20th-century crooner classics best match the room).

Seaside-class ships have both a theater and a glittering multi-deck atrium with a stage, where live musical performances take place throughout the cruise.

And World Europa? This megaship features a new 300-seat multifunctional entertainment space call Luna Park Arena that hosts everything from movies and game shows to breakfast raves and stroller disco.

If cruising the world is on your travel agenda, perusing the itineraries offered by Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises will set your wanderlust in motion.

Royal Caribbean is the dominant cruise line in its namesake Caribbean region, cruising there from multiple U.S. ports year-round, but it also offers dozens of itineraries geared toward North Americans in the Mediterranean, Greek Isles, Alaska, Canada and New England, South America, Asia and Australia and New Zealand. In all, Royal Caribbean's ships visit more than 300 ports of call on itineraries spanning three to 14 nights.

MSC Cruises has deep roots in the Mediterranean, where it cruises year-round with a predominantly European passenger base. Its global reach extends to Northern Europe, South America, Asia, Africa and the Arabian Gulf; these cruises also attract mostly international travelers.

The line has made inroads into the Caribbean and Canada and New England cruise markets, with sailings out of U.S. home ports with a higher percentage of American guests, but it doesn't yet cruise to Alaska. Across destinations, MSC's itineraries range from three to 20 nights.

One unique booking feature MSC offers in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe is the option for guests to embark in any port visited on a looping seven-night itinerary as long as they disembark in the same port.

For example, on a World Europa cruise that visits Barcelona, Genoa, Naples, Marseille and Messina, cruise fares are offered round-trip from each port. This offers flexibility, especially for Europeans, but it also means passengers embark and disembark daily. And since MSC makes all important announcements in six languages, hearing daily safety drills can quickly get tiresome.

Either of these cruise lines can be a good option for those seeking an action-packed, value-focused cruise vacation. Royal Caribbean may have the edge on innovative thrills, top-flight entertainment and a greater variety of included dining options, but MSC's newest ships mix budget-friendly fares, an international passenger base and far-reaching itineraries to offer their own recipe for affordable exploration.

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