Royal Caribbean
Anthem of the Seas
- Cruises
- 37
- From
- $514
Ship comparison
Anthem of the Seas vs MSC Seaside
MSC Cruises
MSC Seaside
- Cruises
- 14
- From
- $159
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Anthem of the Seas is a mega Royal Caribbean ship carrying 4,180 passengers, in service since 2015. MSC Seaside is a mega MSC Cruises ship carrying 4,132 passengers, in service since 2017.
Choose Anthem of the Seas if you want a more family-friendly ship, better-rated entertainment or more of a party: it outscores MSC Seaside for family friendly (10.0 vs 8.0), entertainment (10.0 vs 8.0) and party (10.0 vs 8.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Choose MSC Seaside if you want a more romantic trip, a lower starting fare or a more active cruise: it outscores Anthem of the Seas for romantic (7.0 vs 4.0) and active (9.0 vs 8.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its cruises start from $159 (vs $514).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Anthem of the Seas | MSC Seaside | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Royal Caribbean | MSC Cruises |
| Ship size | Mega | Mega |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2015 | 2017 (better) |
| Gross tonnage | 167,800 | 154,000 |
| Passengers | 4,180 | 4,132 |
| Crew | 1,500 | 1,413 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.8 (better) | 2.9 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 40.1 (better) | 37.3 |
| Decks | 16 | 19 |
| Length | 1,141 ft | 1,060 ft |
| Beam | 134 ft | 135 ft |
| Speed | 25 mph | 25 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 8 / 10 | 8 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 37 | 14 |
| Upcoming sailings | 88 | 262 |
| Cruise lengths | 3 to 18 nights | 3 to 14 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $514 | $159 (better) |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Anthem of the Seas leads on 5 of the ten, MSC Seaside on 5.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
Royal Caribbean
Anthem of the Seas
Royal Caribbean promised newly designed staterooms, game-changing technology, ground-breaking venues and excellent dining — and Anthem of the Seas certainly provides it. Active cruise passengers will love the interior design, sports and fitness options, and entertainment.
Highlights
- Head to the free RipCord by iFly, where you can skydive without the scary jumping-out-of-a-plane part.
- Play basketball, go roller skating and ride bumper cars at the SeaPlex.
- The new stateroom design includes family-friendly modular staterooms that interconnect and the first virtual balconies at sea.
- There are no set dining times, no assigned seats and no required formal nights.
Sailing now
37 cruises on sale, from $514.
About Anthem of the Seas Plan my cruise on Anthem of the Seas
MSC Cruises
MSC Seaside
Swiss-based MSC Cruises launched the next-generation smartship MSC Seaside in December 2017 to cruise the Caribbean. The megaship holds 4,132 passengers at double occupancy and 5,179 at maximum capacity.
Sailing now
14 cruises on sale, from $159.
Questions
Anthem of the Seas or MSC Seaside?
Which is bigger, Anthem of the Seas or MSC Seaside?
Anthem of the Seas is bigger at 167,800 gross tons, against 154,000 gross tons for MSC Seaside. Anthem of the Seas carries 4,180 passengers and MSC Seaside carries 4,132.
Which ship is newer, Anthem of the Seas or MSC Seaside?
MSC Seaside is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2017 against 2015 for Anthem of the Seas.
Which has more space per passenger?
Anthem of the Seas, with 40.1 gross tons per passenger against 37.3 on MSC Seaside. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
Anthem of the Seas, with one crew member for every 2.8 passengers against one for every 2.9 on MSC Seaside.
Which is better for families?
Anthem of the Seas scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 10.0 out of 10, against 8.0 for MSC Seaside.
Still deciding?
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