MSC Cruises
MSC Bellissima
- Cruises
- 37
- From
- $237
Ship comparison
MSC Bellissima vs MSC Meraviglia
MSC Cruises
MSC Meraviglia
- Cruises
- 94
- From
- $79
The verdict
Which should you choose?
MSC Bellissima is a mega MSC Cruises ship carrying 4,500 passengers, in service since 2019. MSC Meraviglia is a mega MSC Cruises ship carrying 4,500 passengers, in service since 2017.
Choose MSC Bellissima if you want a more romantic trip, a more active cruise or better-rated dining: it outscores MSC Meraviglia for romantic (6.0 vs 3.0), active (7.0 vs 6.0) and dining (7.0 vs 6.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Choose MSC Meraviglia if you want a lower starting fare, better-rated entertainment or a more family-friendly ship: it outscores MSC Bellissima for entertainment (9.0 vs 7.0) and family friendly (8.0 vs 7.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its cruises start from $79 (vs $237).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| MSC Bellissima | MSC Meraviglia | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | MSC Cruises | MSC Cruises |
| Ship size | Mega | Mega |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2019 (better) | 2017 |
| Gross tonnage | 171,598 | 167,600 |
| Passengers | 4,500 | 4,500 |
| Crew | 1,400 | 1,540 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 3.2 | 2.9 (better) |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 38.1 (better) | 37.2 |
| Decks | 18 | 19 |
| Length | 1,036 ft | 1,033 ft |
| Beam | 141 ft | 141 ft |
| Speed | 25 mph | 22 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 8 / 10 | 8 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 37 | 94 |
| Upcoming sailings | 87 | 182 |
| Cruise lengths | 2–13 nights | 1–25 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $237 | $79 (better) |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. MSC Bellissima leads on 5 of the ten, MSC Meraviglia on 3, with 2 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
MSC Cruises
MSC Bellissima
Launched in March 2019, MSC Bellissima is the sleek new megaship from MSC Cruises, following in the steps of its sister, MSC Meraviglia, which debuted in June 2017.
Sailing now
37 cruises on sale, from $237.
MSC Cruises
MSC Meraviglia
Swiss-based MSC Cruises launched its next-generation smart ship, MSC Meraviglia, in the Mediterranean in June 2017. (Meraviglia is the Italian word for amazement or wonder. It is pronounced mair-uh-VEAL-ya.)
Highlights
- Cirque du Soleil at Sea will offer one of the top entertainment options on a cruise ship.
Sailing now
94 cruises on sale, from $79.
Questions
MSC Bellissima or MSC Meraviglia?
Which is bigger, MSC Bellissima or MSC Meraviglia?
MSC Bellissima is bigger at 171,598 gross tons, against 167,600 gross tons for MSC Meraviglia. MSC Bellissima carries 4,500 passengers and MSC Meraviglia carries 4,500.
Which ship is newer, MSC Bellissima or MSC Meraviglia?
MSC Bellissima is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2019 against 2017 for MSC Meraviglia.
Which has more space per passenger?
MSC Bellissima, with 38.1 gross tons per passenger against 37.2 on MSC Meraviglia. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
MSC Meraviglia, with one crew member for every 2.9 passengers against one for every 3.2 on MSC Bellissima.
Which is better for families?
MSC Meraviglia scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 8.0 out of 10, against 7.0 for MSC Bellissima.
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 Bellissima, MSC Meraviglia or a ship that suits you better.