MSC Cruises
MSC Armonia
- Cruises
- 30
- From
- $82
Ship comparison
MSC Armonia vs Zuiderdam
Holland America Line
Zuiderdam
- Cruises
- 111
- From
- $429
The verdict
Which should you choose?
MSC Armonia is a large MSC Cruises ship carrying 1,950 passengers, in service since 2001. Zuiderdam is a large Holland America Line ship carrying 1,916 passengers, in service since 2002.
Choose MSC Armonia if you want a lower starting fare, more of a party or a more active cruise: it outscores Zuiderdam for party (5.0 vs 3.0) and active (5.0 vs 4.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its cruises start from $82 (vs $429).
Choose Zuiderdam if you want more culture, a more romantic trip or better-rated entertainment: it outscores MSC Armonia for cultural (7.0 vs 4.0), romantic (6.8 vs 5.0) and entertainment (7.1 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 | Zuiderdam | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | MSC Cruises | Holland America Line |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2001 | 2002 (better) |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | — | 2017 |
| Gross tonnage | 65,542 | 82,305 |
| Passengers | 1,950 | 1,916 |
| Crew | 700 | 817 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.8 | 2.3 (better) |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 33.6 | 43.0 (better) |
| Decks | 9 | 15 |
| Length | 902 ft | 936 ft |
| Beam | 95 ft | 105 ft |
| Speed | 24 mph | 28 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 7 / 10 | 8 / 10 (better) |
| Cruises on sale | 30 | 111 |
| Upcoming sailings | 204 | 128 |
| Cruise lengths | 1 to 31 nights | 4 to 28 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $82 (better) | $429 |
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, Zuiderdam 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
30 cruises on sale, from $82.
Holland America Line
Zuiderdam
The first ship in Holland America's Vista class series, the ms Zuiderdam uses the latest industry and environmental technologies, such as her use of a diesel-electric power plant for optimal energy efficiency and an Azipod propulsion system.
Highlights
- The Waterford crystal seahorse greets visitors and introduces them to the art throughout the ship.
- The Lido Deck pool offers a retractable roof for colder days, along with a large polar bear statue to keep you company.
- The Greenhouse Spa offers a full hydrotherapy pool.
- Le Cirque at Pinnacle Grill brings the famous New York restaurant to life on the ship.
Sailing now
111 cruises on sale, from $429.
Questions
MSC Armonia or Zuiderdam?
Which is bigger, MSC Armonia or Zuiderdam?
Zuiderdam is bigger at 82,305 gross tons, against 65,542 gross tons for MSC Armonia. MSC Armonia carries 1,950 passengers and Zuiderdam carries 1,916.
Which ship is newer, MSC Armonia or Zuiderdam?
Zuiderdam is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2002 against 2001 for MSC Armonia.
Which has more space per passenger?
Zuiderdam, with 43.0 gross tons per passenger against 33.6 on MSC Armonia. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
Zuiderdam, with one crew member for every 2.3 passengers against one for every 2.8 on MSC Armonia.
Which is better for families?
Zuiderdam scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 6.0 out of 10, against 5.0 for MSC Armonia.
Still deciding?
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