MSC Cruises
MSC Fantasia
- Cruises
- 42
- From
- $269
Ship comparison
MSC Fantasia vs MSC Orchestra
MSC Cruises
MSC Orchestra
- Cruises
- 26
- From
- $119
The verdict
Which should you choose?
MSC Fantasia is a large MSC Cruises ship carrying 3,274 passengers, in service since 2007. MSC Orchestra is a large MSC Cruises ship carrying 3,013 passengers, in service since 2007.
Choose MSC Fantasia if you want more space per passenger, better-rated entertainment or more crew per passenger: it outscores MSC Orchestra for entertainment (7.4 vs 6.2) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores, it has 42.1 gross tons per passenger (vs 30.7) and it has a crew member for every 2.5 passengers (vs 3.1).
Choose MSC Orchestra if you want a lower starting fare: its cruises start from $119 (vs $269).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| MSC Fantasia | MSC Orchestra | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | MSC Cruises | MSC Cruises |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2007 | 2007 |
| Gross tonnage | 137,936 | 92,409 |
| Passengers | 3,274 | 3,013 |
| Crew | 1,332 | 987 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.5 (better) | 3.1 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 42.1 (better) | 30.7 |
| Decks | 18 | 13 |
| Length | 1,092 ft | 964 ft |
| Beam | 125 ft | 106 ft |
| Speed | 26 mph | 26 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 7 / 10 | 7 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 42 | 26 |
| Upcoming sailings | 474 | 257 |
| Cruise lengths | 3–13 nights | 1–10 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $269 | $119 (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 2 of the ten, MSC Orchestra on 0, with 8 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
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 Orchestra
The second of the Musica-class line of cruise ships, MSC Orchestra offers an inviting blend of design, comfort and safety. Airy open spaces and MSC Cruises' distinctive style make MSC Orchestra a stylish pioneer for the cruise line. The ship offers upscale accommodations, most of which feature private balconies.
Highlights
- Delicious Chinese fare at Shanghai Chinese Restaurant
- Vegas-style gaming at Palm Beach Casino
- Watching movies on the outdoor movie screen
Sailing now
26 cruises on sale, from $119.
Questions
MSC Fantasia or MSC Orchestra?
Which is bigger, MSC Fantasia or MSC Orchestra?
MSC Fantasia is bigger at 137,936 gross tons, against 92,409 gross tons for MSC Orchestra. MSC Fantasia carries 3,274 passengers and MSC Orchestra carries 3,013.
Which ship is newer, MSC Fantasia or MSC Orchestra?
Both made their maiden voyage in 2007.
Which has more space per passenger?
MSC Fantasia, with 42.1 gross tons per passenger against 30.7 on MSC Orchestra. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
MSC Fantasia, with one crew member for every 2.5 passengers against one for every 3.1 on MSC Orchestra.
Which is better for families?
They score the same for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 6.0 out of 10.
Still deciding?
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