MSC Cruises
MSC Bellissima
- Cruises
- 49
- From
- $239
Ship comparison
MSC Bellissima vs Star Princess
Princess Cruises
Star Princess
- Cruises
- 59
- From
- $369
The verdict
Which should you choose?
MSC Bellissima is a mega MSC Cruises ship carrying 4,500 passengers, in service since 2019. Star Princess is a mega Princess Cruises ship carrying 4,320 passengers, in service since 2025.
Choose MSC Bellissima if you want more of a party or a lower starting fare: it outscores Star Princess for party (7.0 vs 5.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its cruises start from $239 (vs $369).
Choose Star Princess if you want a more romantic trip, better-rated staterooms or a newer ship: it outscores MSC Bellissima for romantic (8.0 vs 6.0) and staterooms (8.0 vs 6.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its maiden voyage was in 2025 (vs 2019).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| MSC Bellissima | Star Princess | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | MSC Cruises | Princess Cruises |
| Ship size | Mega | Mega |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2019 | 2025 (better) |
| Gross tonnage | 171,598 | 175,500 |
| Passengers | 4,500 | 4,320 |
| Crew | 1,400 | 1,550 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 3.2 | 2.8 (better) |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 38.1 | 40.6 (better) |
| Decks | 18 | 21 |
| Length | 1,036 ft | 1,132 ft |
| Beam | 141 ft | 150 ft |
| Speed | 25 mph | 25 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 8 / 10 | 8 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 49 | 59 |
| Upcoming sailings | 96 | 162 |
| Cruise lengths | 2 to 13 nights | 4 to 23 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $239 (better) | $369 |
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 1 of the ten, Star Princess on 4, with 5 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
49 cruises on sale, from $239.
Princess Cruises
Star Princess
Star Princess, the second Sphere Class ship from Princess Cruises, is built for travelers who want a modern mega-ship experience without losing the classic Princess mood.
Sailing now
59 cruises on sale, from $369.
Questions
MSC Bellissima or Star Princess?
Which is bigger, MSC Bellissima or Star Princess?
Star Princess is bigger at 175,500 gross tons, against 171,598 gross tons for MSC Bellissima. MSC Bellissima carries 4,500 passengers and Star Princess carries 4,320.
Which ship is newer, MSC Bellissima or Star Princess?
Star Princess is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2025 against 2019 for MSC Bellissima.
Which has more space per passenger?
Star Princess, with 40.6 gross tons per passenger against 38.1 on MSC Bellissima. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
Star Princess, with one crew member for every 2.8 passengers against one for every 3.2 on MSC Bellissima.
Which is better for families?
They score the same for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 7.0 out of 10.
Still deciding?
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