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Ship comparison

Adventure of the Seas vs MSC Orchestra

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 Orchestra is a large MSC Cruises ship carrying 3,013 passengers, in service since 2007.

Choose Adventure of the Seas if you want a more family-friendly ship, more space per passenger or better-rated entertainment: it outscores MSC Orchestra for family friendly (9.0 vs 6.0) and entertainment (8.0 vs 6.2) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and it has 45.6 gross tons per passenger (vs 30.7).

Choose MSC Orchestra if you want a lower starting fare, better-rated staterooms 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 $125 (vs $299).

Side by side

Specifications

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

Adventure of the SeasMSC Orchestra
Cruise line Royal Caribbean MSC Cruises
Ship size Large Large
Maiden voyagenewer highlighted 2001 2007 (better)
Gross tonnage 142,000 92,409
Passengers 3,114 3,013
Crew 1,185 987
Passengers per crew memberfewer is better 2.6 (better) 3.1
Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier 45.6 (better) 30.7
Decks 15 13
Length 1,020 ft 964 ft
Beam 161 ft 106 ft
Speed 26 mph 26 mph
Cruiseable ratingout of 10 8 / 10 (better) 7 / 10
Cruises on sale 50 14
Upcoming sailings 90 224
Cruise lengths 4 to 9 nights 2 to 8 nights
Fares fromlower highlighted $299 $125 (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 Orchestra on 4, with 4 level.

  • Active Adventure of the Seas: 4.0 MSC Orchestra: 5.0
  • Adventure & nature Adventure of the Seas: 4.0 MSC Orchestra: 4.0
  • Cultural Adventure of the Seas: 3.0 MSC Orchestra: 4.0
  • Dining Adventure of the Seas: 6.0 MSC Orchestra: 6.0
  • Entertainment Adventure of the Seas: 8.0 MSC Orchestra: 6.2
  • Family friendly Adventure of the Seas: 9.0 MSC Orchestra: 6.0
  • Party Adventure of the Seas: 5.0 MSC Orchestra: 5.0
  • Romantic Adventure of the Seas: 4.0 MSC Orchestra: 5.0
  • Spa & fitness Adventure of the Seas: 8.0 MSC Orchestra: 8.0
  • Staterooms Adventure of the Seas: 6.0 MSC Orchestra: 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

50 cruises on sale, from $299.

MSC Cruises

MSC Orchestra

The second of the Musica-class line of cruise ships, MSC Orchestra offers an inviting blend of design, comfort and safety. Airy open spaces and MSC Cruises' distinctive style make MSC Orchestra a stylish pioneer for the cruise line. The ship offers upscale accommodations, most of which feature private balconies.

Highlights

  • Delicious Chinese fare at Shanghai Chinese Restaurant
  • Vegas-style gaming at Palm Beach Casino
  • Watching movies on the outdoor movie screen

Sailing now

14 cruises on sale, from $125.

Questions

Adventure of the Seas or MSC Orchestra?

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

Adventure of the Seas is bigger at 142,000 gross tons, against 92,409 gross tons for MSC Orchestra. Adventure of the Seas carries 3,114 passengers and MSC Orchestra carries 3,013.

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

MSC Orchestra 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 30.7 on MSC Orchestra. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.

Which has more crew per passenger?

Adventure of the Seas, with one crew member for every 2.6 passengers against one for every 3.1 on MSC Orchestra.

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 Orchestra.

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