Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Radiance
- Cruises
- 6
- From
- $207
Ship comparison
Carnival Radiance vs MSC Orchestra
MSC Cruises
MSC Orchestra
- Cruises
- 14
- From
- $125
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Carnival Radiance is a large Carnival Cruise Line ship carrying 2,984 passengers, in service since 2000. MSC Orchestra is a large MSC Cruises ship carrying 3,013 passengers, in service since 2007.
Choose Carnival Radiance if you want more of a party, a more family-friendly ship or a more active cruise: it outscores MSC Orchestra for party (8.0 vs 5.0), family friendly (8.0 vs 6.0) and active (6.0 vs 5.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Choose MSC Orchestra if you want a better-rated spa and gym, a lower starting fare or a newer ship: it outscores Carnival Radiance for spa & fitness (8.0 vs 6.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores, its cruises start from $125 (vs $207) and its maiden voyage was in 2007 (vs 2000).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Carnival Radiance | MSC Orchestra | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Carnival Cruise Line | MSC Cruises |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2000 | 2007 (better) |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | 2021 | — |
| Gross tonnage | 101,509 | 92,409 |
| Passengers | 2,984 | 3,013 |
| Crew | 1,108 | 987 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.7 (better) | 3.1 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 34.0 (better) | 30.7 |
| Decks | 13 | 13 |
| Length | 893 ft | 964 ft |
| Beam | 125 ft | 106 ft |
| Speed | 24 mph | 26 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 8 / 10 (better) | 7 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 6 | 14 |
| Upcoming sailings | 223 | 224 |
| Cruise lengths | 3 to 14 nights | 2 to 8 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $207 | $125 (better) |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Carnival Radiance leads on 7 of the ten, MSC Orchestra on 2, with 1 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Radiance
Carnival Radiance, formerly Carnival Victory, has been reengineered and reimagined from stem to stern for short jaunts out of Long Beach, Calif., to Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico, where cruisers can enjoy beaches, shopping and excursions. The ship debuted in November 2021.
Sailing now
6 cruises on sale, from $207.
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
Carnival Radiance or MSC Orchestra?
Which is bigger, Carnival Radiance or MSC Orchestra?
Carnival Radiance is bigger at 101,509 gross tons, against 92,409 gross tons for MSC Orchestra. Carnival Radiance carries 2,984 passengers and MSC Orchestra carries 3,013.
Which ship is newer, Carnival Radiance or MSC Orchestra?
MSC Orchestra is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2007 against 2000 for Carnival Radiance.
Which has more space per passenger?
Carnival Radiance, with 34.0 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?
Carnival Radiance, with one crew member for every 2.7 passengers against one for every 3.1 on MSC Orchestra.
Which is better for families?
Carnival Radiance scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 8.0 out of 10, against 6.0 for MSC Orchestra.
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