MSC Cruises
MSC Armonia
- Cruises
- 32
- From
- $82
Ship comparison
MSC Armonia vs Viking Sea
Viking Ocean Cruises
Viking Sea
- Cruises
- 67
- From
- $2,999
The verdict
Which should you choose?
MSC Armonia is a mid-size MSC Cruises ship carrying 1,554 passengers, in service since 2001. Viking Sea is a mid-size Viking Ocean Cruises ship carrying 930 passengers, in service since 2016.
Choose MSC Armonia if you want a lower starting fare, a more family-friendly ship or better-rated staterooms: it outscores Viking Sea for family friendly (5.0 vs 4.0) and staterooms (8.0 vs 7.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its cruises start from $82 (vs $2,999).
Choose Viking Sea if you want more culture, a more romantic trip or a newer ship: it outscores MSC Armonia for cultural (7.0 vs 4.0) and romantic (7.5 vs 5.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its maiden voyage was in 2016 (vs 2001).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| MSC Armonia | Viking Sea | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | MSC Cruises | Viking Ocean Cruises |
| Ship size | Medium | Medium |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2001 | 2016 (better) |
| Gross tonnage | 58,625 | 47,800 |
| Passengers | 1,554 | 930 |
| Crew | 700 | 550 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.2 | 1.7 (better) |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 37.7 | 51.4 (better) |
| Decks | 9 | 14 |
| Length | 824 ft | 745 ft |
| Beam | 95 ft | 95 ft |
| Speed | 24 mph | 23 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 7 / 10 | 10 / 10 (better) |
| Cruises on sale | 32 | 67 |
| Upcoming sailings | 217 | 141 |
| Cruise lengths | 1–31 nights | 7–28 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $82 (better) | $2,999 |
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 2 of the ten, Viking Sea on 6, with 2 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
32 cruises on sale, from $82.
Viking Ocean Cruises
Viking Sea
Viking Ocean Cruises launched its second ocean cruise ship in April 2016. Nearly identical to its sister ship, Viking Star (see review), the 930-passenger Viking Sea focuses on destination immersion, giving guests ample time to explore ports large and small.
Highlights
- Local musicians playing regional music in three-deck atrium
- Offshore excursions introducing local culture
- All-veranda staterooms
- Afternoon tea service in the Wintergarten
Sailing now
67 cruises on sale, from $2,999.
Questions
MSC Armonia or Viking Sea?
Which is bigger, MSC Armonia or Viking Sea?
MSC Armonia is bigger at 58,625 gross tons, against 47,800 gross tons for Viking Sea. MSC Armonia carries 1,554 passengers and Viking Sea carries 930.
Which ship is newer, MSC Armonia or Viking Sea?
Viking Sea is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2016 against 2001 for MSC Armonia.
Which has more space per passenger?
Viking Sea, with 51.4 gross tons per passenger against 37.7 on MSC Armonia. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
Viking Sea, with one crew member for every 1.7 passengers against one for every 2.2 on MSC Armonia.
Which is better for families?
MSC Armonia scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 5.0 out of 10, against 4.0 for Viking Sea.
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 MSC Armonia, Viking Sea or a ship that suits you better.