MSC Cruises
MSC Armonia
- Cruises
- 30
- From
- $82
The verdict
Which should you choose?
MSC Armonia is a large MSC Cruises ship carrying 1,950 passengers, in service since 2001. MSC Opera is a large MSC Cruises ship carrying 2,142 passengers, in service since 2004.
Choose MSC Armonia if you want a lower starting fare, more culture or a better-rated spa and gym: it outscores MSC Opera for cultural (4.0 vs 2.0) and spa & fitness (8.0 vs 6.5) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its cruises start from $82 (vs $179).
Choose MSC Opera if you want a more family-friendly ship or better-rated entertainment: it outscores MSC Armonia for family friendly (7.5 vs 5.0) and entertainment (7.5 vs 5.5) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| MSC Armonia | MSC Opera | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | MSC Cruises | MSC Cruises |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2001 | 2004 (better) |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | — | 2015 |
| Gross tonnage | 65,542 | 65,591 |
| Passengers | 1,950 | 2,142 |
| Crew | 700 | 750 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.8 (better) | 2.9 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 33.6 (better) | 30.6 |
| Decks | 9 | 9 |
| Length | 902 ft | 902 ft |
| Beam | 95 ft | 94 ft |
| Speed | 24 mph | 25 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 7 / 10 | 8 / 10 (better) |
| Cruises on sale | 30 | 37 |
| Upcoming sailings | 204 | 278 |
| Cruise lengths | 1 to 31 nights | 3 to 14 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $82 (better) | $179 |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. MSC Armonia leads on 3 of the ten, MSC Opera on 4, with 3 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
MSC Cruises
MSC Armonia
MSC Armonia is the first of four MSC Cruises ships to enter the line’s Renaissance Program. Emerging newly refreshed (and bigger due to a "stretching" that added a new 80-foot section to the ship's midship), you can expect an updated ship that has been updated to current industry standards.
Highlights
- Two outdoor pools
- Relaxing in the MSC Armonia spa
- Gaming in the Palm Beach Casino
Sailing now
30 cruises on sale, from $82.
MSC Cruises
MSC Opera
MSC Opera certainly lives up to its name — classic, grand, opulent. It's a cruise ship with something to sing about! A true sense of grandeur and spaciousness prevails on MSC Opera, one of the most welcoming ships in the fleet of Italy-based MSC Cruises.
Highlights
- Chic and contemporary public areas
- Some of the best staterooms at sea
- Drinks package options available
- Will be "stretched" in 2015 with the addition of new cabins and a new water park
Sailing now
37 cruises on sale, from $179.
Questions
MSC Armonia or MSC Opera?
Which is bigger, MSC Armonia or MSC Opera?
MSC Opera is bigger at 65,591 gross tons, against 65,542 gross tons for MSC Armonia. MSC Armonia carries 1,950 passengers and MSC Opera carries 2,142.
Which ship is newer, MSC Armonia or MSC Opera?
MSC Opera is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2004 against 2001 for MSC Armonia.
Which has more space per passenger?
MSC Armonia, with 33.6 gross tons per passenger against 30.6 on MSC Opera. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
MSC Armonia, with one crew member for every 2.8 passengers against one for every 2.9 on MSC Opera.
Which is better for families?
MSC Opera scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 7.5 out of 10, against 5.0 for MSC Armonia.
Still deciding?
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