Princess Cruises
Caribbean Princess
- Cruises
- 99
- From
- $399
Ship comparison
Caribbean Princess vs MSC Fantasia
MSC Cruises
MSC Fantasia
- Cruises
- 42
- From
- $269
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Caribbean Princess is a large Princess Cruises ship carrying 3,082 passengers, in service since 2003. MSC Fantasia is a large MSC Cruises ship carrying 3,274 passengers, in service since 2007.
Choose Caribbean Princess if you want a more romantic trip, a more active cruise or a more family-friendly ship: it outscores MSC Fantasia for romantic (8.0 vs 5.0), active (7.0 vs 5.0) and family friendly (8.0 vs 6.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Choose MSC Fantasia if you want more adventure and nature, a lower starting fare or more space per passenger: it outscores Caribbean Princess for adventure & nature (4.0 vs 2.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores, its cruises start from $269 (vs $399) and it has 42.1 gross tons per passenger (vs 36.6).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Caribbean Princess | MSC Fantasia | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Princess Cruises | MSC Cruises |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2003 | 2007 (better) |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | 2019 | — |
| Gross tonnage | 112,861 | 137,936 |
| Passengers | 3,082 | 3,274 |
| Crew | 1,163 | 1,332 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.7 | 2.5 (better) |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 36.6 | 42.1 (better) |
| Decks | 15 | 18 |
| Length | 952 ft | 1,092 ft |
| Beam | 118 ft | 125 ft |
| Speed | 25 mph | 26 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 8 / 10 (better) | 7 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 99 | 42 |
| Upcoming sailings | 118 | 474 |
| Cruise lengths | 6–49 nights | 3–13 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $399 | $269 (better) |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Caribbean Princess leads on 6 of the ten, MSC Fantasia on 1, with 3 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
Princess Cruises
Caribbean Princess
Until Royal Princess came on the scene, Caribbean Princess was the largest ship in the Princess Cruises fleet. When she launched in 2004, this ship was a game changer for Princess and it helped define the brand. Now, it stands as a standard in cruising.
Highlights
- 881 cabins with private balconies
- Five pools, plus two splash pools
- Family-friendly cruising with supervised youth programs
- Adults-only retreat at the Sanctuary
Sailing now
99 cruises on sale, from $399.
About Caribbean Princess Plan my cruise on Caribbean Princess
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
Caribbean Princess or MSC Fantasia?
Which is bigger, Caribbean Princess or MSC Fantasia?
MSC Fantasia is bigger at 137,936 gross tons, against 112,861 gross tons for Caribbean Princess. Caribbean Princess carries 3,082 passengers and MSC Fantasia carries 3,274.
Which ship is newer, Caribbean Princess or MSC Fantasia?
MSC Fantasia is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2007 against 2003 for Caribbean Princess.
Which has more space per passenger?
MSC Fantasia, with 42.1 gross tons per passenger against 36.6 on Caribbean Princess. 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 2.7 on Caribbean Princess.
Which is better for families?
Caribbean Princess scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 8.0 out of 10, against 6.0 for MSC Fantasia.
Still deciding?
Tell us what matters and we will match the sailing
Send your dates, budget and who is travelling, and our partner travel agency will come back to you about Caribbean Princess, MSC Fantasia or a ship that suits you better.