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Ship comparison

Adventure of the Seas vs MSC Fantasia

The verdict

Which should you choose?

Adventure of the Seas is a large Royal Caribbean ship carrying 3,114 passengers, in service since 2001. MSC Fantasia is a large MSC Cruises ship carrying 3,274 passengers, in service since 2007.

Choose Adventure of the Seas if you want a more family-friendly ship: it outscores MSC Fantasia for family friendly (9.0 vs 6.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.

Choose MSC Fantasia if you want better-rated staterooms, a lower starting fare or a more active cruise: it outscores Adventure of the Seas for staterooms (8.0 vs 6.0) and active (5.0 vs 4.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its cruises start from $269 (vs $406).

Side by side

Specifications

marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.

Adventure of the SeasMSC Fantasia
Cruise line Royal Caribbean MSC Cruises
Ship size Large Large
Maiden voyagenewer highlighted 2001 2007 (better)
Gross tonnage 142,000 137,936
Passengers 3,114 3,274
Crew 1,185 1,332
Passengers per crew memberfewer is better 2.6 2.5 (better)
Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier 45.6 (better) 42.1
Decks 15 18
Length 1,020 ft 1,092 ft
Beam 161 ft 125 ft
Speed 26 mph 26 mph
Cruiseable ratingout of 10 8 / 10 (better) 7 / 10
Cruises on sale 56 42
Upcoming sailings 97 474
Cruise lengths 4–9 nights 3–13 nights
Fares fromlower highlighted $406 $269 (better)

Bliss scores

How they rate, out of 10

Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Adventure of the Seas leads on 2 of the ten, MSC Fantasia on 5, with 3 level.

  • Active Adventure of the Seas: 4.0 MSC Fantasia: 5.0
  • Adventure & nature Adventure of the Seas: 4.0 MSC Fantasia: 4.0
  • Cultural Adventure of the Seas: 3.0 MSC Fantasia: 4.0
  • Dining Adventure of the Seas: 6.0 MSC Fantasia: 6.9
  • Entertainment Adventure of the Seas: 8.0 MSC Fantasia: 7.4
  • Family friendly Adventure of the Seas: 9.0 MSC Fantasia: 6.0
  • Party Adventure of the Seas: 5.0 MSC Fantasia: 5.0
  • Romantic Adventure of the Seas: 4.0 MSC Fantasia: 5.0
  • Spa & fitness Adventure of the Seas: 8.0 MSC Fantasia: 8.0
  • Staterooms Adventure of the Seas: 6.0 MSC Fantasia: 8.0

Royal Caribbean

Adventure of the Seas

Adventure of the Seas from Royal Caribbean is one of the largest cruise ships that call on some of the most desirable islands in the Southern Caribbean.

Highlights

  • The Royal Promenade is the internal hub of the ship with different shopping venues, four themed bars and 24-hour snacks at the Café Promenade.
  • The ship has one of the largest arcades at sea, a plus for families with active kids.
  • Make sure to see the ice show in Studio B; it is definitely a must-do.
  • Climb the rock wall 200 feet above the ocean.

Sailing now

56 cruises on sale, from $406.

MSC Cruises

MSC Fantasia

MSC Fantasia is the largest cruise ship ever built for a European ship owner. Greater in length than the height of the Eiffel Tower, it has 1,637 staterooms, 80% of them with an ocean view, many with private balconies. This winning ship from MSC Cruises features advanced technology, elegant furnishings and exclusive services.

Highlights

  • Nearly 300,000 square feet of public space
  • She is big, greater in length than the height of the Eiffel Tower
  • Use the interactive digital television system service and watch movies, buy excursions, check your onboard account, order room service or shop without leaving your stateroom
  • A Willy Wonka-style chocolate factory of delights awaits you onboard

Sailing now

42 cruises on sale, from $269.

Questions

Adventure of the Seas or MSC Fantasia?

Which is bigger, Adventure of the Seas or MSC Fantasia?

Adventure of the Seas is bigger at 142,000 gross tons, against 137,936 gross tons for MSC Fantasia. Adventure of the Seas carries 3,114 passengers and MSC Fantasia carries 3,274.

Which ship is newer, Adventure of the Seas or MSC Fantasia?

MSC Fantasia is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2007 against 2001 for Adventure of the Seas.

Which has more space per passenger?

Adventure of the Seas, with 45.6 gross tons per passenger against 42.1 on MSC Fantasia. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.

Which has more crew per passenger?

MSC Fantasia, with one crew member for every 2.5 passengers against one for every 2.6 on Adventure of the Seas.

Which is better for families?

Adventure of the Seas scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 9.0 out of 10, against 6.0 for MSC Fantasia.

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