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Ship comparison

MSC Fantasia vs MSC Preziosa

The verdict

Which should you choose?

MSC Fantasia is a large MSC Cruises ship carrying 3,274 passengers, in service since 2007. MSC Preziosa is a large MSC Cruises ship carrying 3,502 passengers, in service since 2013.

Choose MSC Preziosa if you want a lower starting fare or a newer ship: its cruises start from $179 (vs $269) and its maiden voyage was in 2013 (vs 2007).

MSC Fantasia does not lead by a clear margin on any measure we track, so pick it for its itinerary or its dates.

Side by side

Specifications

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

MSC FantasiaMSC Preziosa
Cruise line MSC Cruises MSC Cruises
Ship size Large Large
Maiden voyagenewer highlighted 2007 2013 (better)
Gross tonnage 137,936 139,400
Passengers 3,274 3,502
Crew 1,332 1,388
Passengers per crew memberfewer is better 2.5 2.5
Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier 42.1 (better) 39.8
Decks 18 18
Length 1,092 ft 1,093 ft
Beam 125 ft 125 ft
Speed 26 mph 27 mph
Cruiseable ratingout of 10 7 / 10 8 / 10 (better)
Cruises on sale 42 78
Upcoming sailings 474 238
Cruise lengths 3–13 nights 2–14 nights
Fares fromlower highlighted $269 $179 (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 0 of the ten, MSC Preziosa on 1, with 9 level.

  • Active MSC Fantasia: 5.0 MSC Preziosa: 5.0
  • Adventure & nature MSC Fantasia: 4.0 MSC Preziosa: 4.0
  • Cultural MSC Fantasia: 4.0 MSC Preziosa: 4.0
  • Dining MSC Fantasia: 6.9 MSC Preziosa: 6.9
  • Entertainment MSC Fantasia: 7.4 MSC Preziosa: 7.6
  • Family friendly MSC Fantasia: 6.0 MSC Preziosa: 6.0
  • Party MSC Fantasia: 5.0 MSC Preziosa: 5.0
  • Romantic MSC Fantasia: 5.0 MSC Preziosa: 5.0
  • Spa & fitness MSC Fantasia: 8.0 MSC Preziosa: 8.0
  • Staterooms MSC Fantasia: 8.0 MSC Preziosa: 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 Preziosa

MSC Cruises' MSC Preziosa will appeal to families, as children under 18 can share a cabin with their parents and sail free (except for port taxes). There are quality kids clubs, special family excursions as well as traditional-style, family-friendly entertainment.

Highlights

  • Vertigo Water Slide, the longest at sea
  • Yacht Club, the "ship within a ship" premium suites area with concierge, lounge, private pool deck and restaurant
  • Mediterranean-inspired food and service
  • Good value fares; children under 18 sharing a cabin with their parents travel for free

Sailing now

78 cruises on sale, from $179.

Questions

MSC Fantasia or MSC Preziosa?

Which is bigger, MSC Fantasia or MSC Preziosa?

MSC Preziosa is bigger at 139,400 gross tons, against 137,936 gross tons for MSC Fantasia. MSC Fantasia carries 3,274 passengers and MSC Preziosa carries 3,502.

Which ship is newer, MSC Fantasia or MSC Preziosa?

MSC Preziosa is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2013 against 2007 for MSC Fantasia.

Which has more space per passenger?

MSC Fantasia, with 42.1 gross tons per passenger against 39.8 on MSC Preziosa. 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: 6.0 out of 10.

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