Royal Caribbean
Independence of the Seas
- Cruises
- 45
- From
- $363
Ship comparison
Independence of the Seas vs MSC Preziosa
MSC Cruises
MSC Preziosa
- Cruises
- 70
- From
- $129
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Independence of the Seas is a large Royal Caribbean ship carrying 3,634 passengers, in service since 2008. MSC Preziosa is a large MSC Cruises ship carrying 3,502 passengers, in service since 2013.
Choose Independence of the Seas if you want a more active cruise, more culture or more of a party: it outscores MSC Preziosa for active (8.0 vs 5.0), cultural (6.0 vs 4.0) and party (6.5 vs 5.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Choose MSC Preziosa if you want a lower starting fare, a more romantic trip or a newer ship: it outscores Independence of the Seas for romantic (5.0 vs 4.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores, its cruises start from $129 (vs $363) and its maiden voyage was in 2013 (vs 2008).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Independence of the Seas | MSC Preziosa | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Royal Caribbean | MSC Cruises |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2008 | 2013 (better) |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | 2018 | — |
| Gross tonnage | 160,000 | 139,400 |
| Passengers | 3,634 | 3,502 |
| Crew | 1,360 | 1,388 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.7 | 2.5 (better) |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 44.0 (better) | 39.8 |
| Decks | 18 | 18 |
| Length | 1,112 ft | 1,093 ft |
| Beam | 184 ft | 125 ft |
| Speed | 26 mph | 27 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 8 / 10 | 8 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 45 | 70 |
| Upcoming sailings | 75 | 222 |
| Cruise lengths | 4 to 9 nights | 2 to 14 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $363 | $129 (better) |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Independence of the Seas leads on 6 of the ten, MSC Preziosa on 2, with 2 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
Royal Caribbean
Independence of the Seas
Meet Independence of the Seas, packed with a long list of onboard activities typical of Royal Caribbean's Freedom class of ships. Highlights include the FlowRider surf simulator, a rock-climbing wall, ice-skating rink, cantilevered whirlpools, Royal Promenade, mini golf course, and more.
Highlights
- Relaxing spa treatments at Vitality Spa
- Four pools in adults-only Solarium
- 30 types of cupcakes from the Cupcake Cupboard
- Broadway-style entertainment in the Main Theater
Sailing now
45 cruises on sale, from $363.
About Independence of the Seas Plan my cruise on Independence of the Seas
MSC Cruises
MSC Preziosa
MSC Cruises' MSC Preziosa will appeal to families, as children under 18 can share a cabin with their parents and sail free (except for port taxes). There are quality kids clubs, special family excursions as well as traditional-style, family-friendly entertainment.
Highlights
- Vertigo Water Slide, the longest at sea
- Yacht Club, the "ship within a ship" premium suites area with concierge, lounge, private pool deck and restaurant
- Mediterranean-inspired food and service
- Good value fares; children under 18 sharing a cabin with their parents travel for free
Sailing now
70 cruises on sale, from $129.
Questions
Independence of the Seas or MSC Preziosa?
Which is bigger, Independence of the Seas or MSC Preziosa?
Independence of the Seas is bigger at 160,000 gross tons, against 139,400 gross tons for MSC Preziosa. Independence of the Seas carries 3,634 passengers and MSC Preziosa carries 3,502.
Which ship is newer, Independence of the Seas or MSC Preziosa?
MSC Preziosa is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2013 against 2008 for Independence of the Seas.
Which has more space per passenger?
Independence of the Seas, with 44.0 gross tons per passenger against 39.8 on MSC Preziosa. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
MSC Preziosa, with one crew member for every 2.5 passengers against one for every 2.7 on Independence of the Seas.
Which is better for families?
Independence of the Seas scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 6.5 out of 10, against 6.0 for MSC Preziosa.
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 Independence of the Seas, MSC Preziosa or a ship that suits you better.