Cruiseable Plan my cruise

Ship comparison

MSC Fantasia vs MSC Magnifica

The verdict

Which should you choose?

MSC Fantasia is a large MSC Cruises ship carrying 3,274 passengers, in service since 2007. MSC Magnifica is a large MSC Cruises ship carrying 2,518 passengers, in service since 2010.

Choose MSC Fantasia if you want better-rated entertainment or a better-rated spa and gym: it outscores MSC Magnifica for entertainment (7.4 vs 6.2) and spa & fitness (8.0 vs 7.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.

Choose MSC Magnifica if you want a lower starting fare, a more family-friendly ship or more culture: it outscores MSC Fantasia for family friendly (8.0 vs 6.0) and cultural (6.0 vs 4.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its cruises start from $79 (vs $269).

Side by side

Specifications

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

MSC FantasiaMSC Magnifica
Cruise line MSC Cruises MSC Cruises
Ship size Large Large
Maiden voyagenewer highlighted 2007 2010 (better)
Gross tonnage 137,936 95,128
Passengers 3,274 2,518
Crew 1,332 1,027
Passengers per crew memberfewer is better 2.5 2.5
Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier 42.1 (better) 37.8
Decks 18 13
Length 1,092 ft 963 ft
Beam 125 ft 106 ft
Speed 26 mph 26 mph
Cruiseable ratingout of 10 7 / 10 8 / 10 (better)
Cruises on sale 42 129
Upcoming sailings 474 301
Cruise lengths 3–13 nights 1–132 nights
Fares fromlower highlighted $269 $79 (better)

Bliss scores

How they rate, out of 10

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

  • Active MSC Fantasia: 5.0 MSC Magnifica: 5.0
  • Adventure & nature MSC Fantasia: 4.0 MSC Magnifica: 4.0
  • Cultural MSC Fantasia: 4.0 MSC Magnifica: 6.0
  • Dining MSC Fantasia: 6.9 MSC Magnifica: 6.0
  • Entertainment MSC Fantasia: 7.4 MSC Magnifica: 6.2
  • Family friendly MSC Fantasia: 6.0 MSC Magnifica: 8.0
  • Party MSC Fantasia: 5.0 MSC Magnifica: 5.0
  • Romantic MSC Fantasia: 5.0 MSC Magnifica: 5.0
  • Spa & fitness MSC Fantasia: 8.0 MSC Magnifica: 7.0
  • Staterooms MSC Fantasia: 8.0 MSC Magnifica: 8.0

MSC Cruises

MSC Fantasia

MSC Fantasia is the largest cruise ship ever built for a European ship owner. Greater in length than the height of the Eiffel Tower, it has 1,637 staterooms, 80% of them with an ocean view, many with private balconies. This winning ship from MSC Cruises features advanced technology, elegant furnishings and exclusive services.

Highlights

  • Nearly 300,000 square feet of public space
  • She is big, greater in length than the height of the Eiffel Tower
  • Use the interactive digital television system service and watch movies, buy excursions, check your onboard account, order room service or shop without leaving your stateroom
  • A Willy Wonka-style chocolate factory of delights awaits you onboard

Sailing now

42 cruises on sale, from $269.

MSC Cruises

MSC Magnifica

As its name would suggest, MSC Magnifica is a true jewel within the MSC Cruises family — you are welcomed aboard with Italian style, Mediterranean luxury and an atmosphere infused with energy.

Highlights

  • One of the most stylish ships within the MSC Cruises fleet
  • Ideal family choice
  • Drinks package options are available
  • Oriental Plaza Chinese and Asian Fusion speciality restaurant

Sailing now

129 cruises on sale, from $79.

Questions

MSC Fantasia or MSC Magnifica?

Which is bigger, MSC Fantasia or MSC Magnifica?

MSC Fantasia is bigger at 137,936 gross tons, against 95,128 gross tons for MSC Magnifica. MSC Fantasia carries 3,274 passengers and MSC Magnifica carries 2,518.

Which ship is newer, MSC Fantasia or MSC Magnifica?

MSC Magnifica is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2010 against 2007 for MSC Fantasia.

Which has more space per passenger?

MSC Fantasia, with 42.1 gross tons per passenger against 37.8 on MSC Magnifica. 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?

MSC Magnifica scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 8.0 out of 10, against 6.0 for MSC Fantasia.

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 Fantasia, MSC Magnifica or a ship that suits you better.

Plan my cruise

Compare different ships