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Ship comparison

MSC Divina vs Norwegian Breakaway

The verdict

Which should you choose?

MSC Divina is a large MSC Cruises ship carrying 3,478 passengers, in service since 2012. Norwegian Breakaway is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 3,959 passengers, in service since 2013.

Choose MSC Divina if you want a better-rated spa and gym, a lower starting fare or better-rated entertainment: it outscores Norwegian Breakaway for spa & fitness (10.0 vs 8.0) and entertainment (10.0 vs 8.2) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its cruises start from $79 (vs $379).

Choose Norwegian Breakaway if you want a more active cruise, more culture or more of a party: it outscores MSC Divina for active (8.0 vs 6.0), cultural (4.0 vs 2.0) and party (10.0 vs 9.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.

Side by side

Specifications

marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.

MSC DivinaNorwegian Breakaway
Cruise line MSC Cruises Norwegian Cruise Line
Ship size Large Large
Maiden voyagenewer highlighted 2012 2013 (better)
Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted — 2018
Gross tonnage 139,400 144,017
Passengers 3,478 3,959
Crew 1,410 1,595
Passengers per crew memberfewer is better 2.5 2.5
Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier 40.1 (better) 36.4
Decks 18 18
Length 1,094 ft 1,062 ft
Beam 125 ft 170 ft
Speed 26 mph 25 mph
Cruiseable ratingout of 10 9 / 10 (better) 8 / 10
Cruises on sale 55 23
Upcoming sailings 240 111
Cruise lengths 1 to 22 nights 4 to 14 nights
Fares fromlower highlighted $79 (better) $379

Bliss scores

How they rate, out of 10

Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. MSC Divina leads on 5 of the ten, Norwegian Breakaway on 3, with 2 level.

  • Active MSC Divina: 6.0 Norwegian Breakaway: 8.0
  • Adventure & nature MSC Divina: 4.0 Norwegian Breakaway: 3.0
  • Cultural MSC Divina: 2.0 Norwegian Breakaway: 4.0
  • Dining MSC Divina: 6.9 Norwegian Breakaway: 6.2
  • Entertainment MSC Divina: 10.0 Norwegian Breakaway: 8.2
  • Family friendly MSC Divina: 7.0 Norwegian Breakaway: 7.0
  • Party MSC Divina: 9.0 Norwegian Breakaway: 10.0
  • Romantic MSC Divina: 8.0 Norwegian Breakaway: 7.0
  • Spa & fitness MSC Divina: 10.0 Norwegian Breakaway: 8.0
  • Staterooms MSC Divina: 8.0 Norwegian Breakaway: 8.0

MSC Cruises

MSC Divina

Named after godmother Sophia Loren, MSC Divina — the first of MSC Cruises’ ships dedicated to North Americans — is one of the line’s most luxurious ships, with sailings from Miami to the Caribbean.

Highlights

  • 18 bars and lounges
  • 5 swimming pools
  • Exclusive partnerships with brands like Eataly, Segafredo Zanetti and Venchi.
  • State-of-the-art theater with entertainment galore.

Sailing now

55 cruises on sale, from $79.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Breakaway

They call Norwegian Breakaway New York's cruise ship, and it's clear why once you arrive at the port and see the Statue of Liberty painted on the hull. The original work of art is by Peter Max, and the renowned artist did a great job setting the tone for the Big Apple's year-round cruise ship from Norwegian Cruise Line.

Highlights

  • The Aqua Park with two pools and four whirlpools
  • Adventure seekers will enjoy the five waterslides
  • Adults-only areas for those seeking peace and quiet
  • Famed New York City celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian brings his restaurant to sea

Sailing now

23 cruises on sale, from $379.

Questions

MSC Divina or Norwegian Breakaway?

Which is bigger, MSC Divina or Norwegian Breakaway?

Norwegian Breakaway is bigger at 144,017 gross tons, against 139,400 gross tons for MSC Divina. MSC Divina carries 3,478 passengers and Norwegian Breakaway carries 3,959.

Which ship is newer, MSC Divina or Norwegian Breakaway?

Norwegian Breakaway is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2013 against 2012 for MSC Divina.

Which has more space per passenger?

MSC Divina, with 40.1 gross tons per passenger against 36.4 on Norwegian Breakaway. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.

Which has more crew per passenger?

They are level, with one crew member for every 2.5 passengers.

Which is better for families?

They score the same for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 7.0 out of 10.

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