Royal Caribbean
Brilliance of the Seas
- Cruises
- 37
- From
- $229
Ship comparison
Brilliance of the Seas vs MSC Musica
MSC Cruises
MSC Musica
- Cruises
- 66
- From
- $79
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Brilliance of the Seas is a large Royal Caribbean ship carrying 2,400 passengers, in service since 2002. MSC Musica is a large MSC Cruises ship carrying 2,550 passengers, in service since 2006.
Choose Brilliance of the Seas if you want a more family-friendly ship, better-rated entertainment or a more active cruise: it outscores MSC Musica for family friendly (8.0 vs 6.5), entertainment (7.5 vs 6.2) and active (6.0 vs 5.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Choose MSC Musica if you want a lower starting fare or a more romantic trip: it outscores Brilliance of the Seas for romantic (6.0 vs 4.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its cruises start from $79 (vs $229).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Brilliance of the Seas | MSC Musica | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Royal Caribbean | MSC Cruises |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2002 | 2006 (better) |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | 2015 | — |
| Gross tonnage | 90,090 | 89,600 |
| Passengers | 2,400 | 2,550 |
| Crew | 848 | 987 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.8 | 2.6 (better) |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 37.5 (better) | 35.1 |
| Decks | 12 | 13 |
| Length | 962 ft | 961 ft |
| Beam | 131 ft | 106 ft |
| Speed | 29 mph | 26 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 6 / 10 | 7 / 10 (better) |
| Cruises on sale | 37 | 66 |
| Upcoming sailings | 91 | 417 |
| Cruise lengths | 3 to 15 nights | 1 to 25 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $229 | $79 (better) |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Brilliance of the Seas leads on 4 of the ten, MSC Musica on 1, with 5 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
Royal Caribbean
Brilliance of the Seas
Part of Royal Caribbean's Radiance class of ships, Brilliance of the Seas features acres of glass that enclose the nine-story central atrium, elevators facing the sea and floor-to-ceiling windows throughout — all of which flaunt ocean views.
Highlights
- Recreational activities such as a rock-climbing wall and a mini-golf course
- Adults-only Solarium pool
- Vegas-style gaming in the Casino Royale
- Complimentary Broadway-style entertainment
Sailing now
37 cruises on sale, from $229.
About Brilliance of the Seas Plan my cruise on Brilliance of the Seas
MSC Cruises
MSC Musica
MSC Musica is the first of MSC Cruises' Musica-class vessels. She became the belle of the ball in Venice in mid-2006 when a display of lights and colors celebrated her inauguration. With Sophia Loren as her godmother, MSC Musica is designed with sophistication and luxury in mind.
Highlights
- The central foyer, aglow with a three-tier waterfall and piano suspended over a crystal floor
- The tennis court, jogging track and two swimming pools, plus a pool and play area for kids
- Delicious sushi prepared by hand at Kaito Sushi Bar
Sailing now
66 cruises on sale, from $79.
Questions
Brilliance of the Seas or MSC Musica?
Which is bigger, Brilliance of the Seas or MSC Musica?
Brilliance of the Seas is bigger at 90,090 gross tons, against 89,600 gross tons for MSC Musica. Brilliance of the Seas carries 2,400 passengers and MSC Musica carries 2,550.
Which ship is newer, Brilliance of the Seas or MSC Musica?
MSC Musica is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2006 against 2002 for Brilliance of the Seas.
Which has more space per passenger?
Brilliance of the Seas, with 37.5 gross tons per passenger against 35.1 on MSC Musica. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
MSC Musica, with one crew member for every 2.6 passengers against one for every 2.8 on Brilliance of the Seas.
Which is better for families?
Brilliance of the Seas scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 8.0 out of 10, against 6.5 for MSC Musica.
Still deciding?
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