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Ship comparison

MSC Fantasia vs Navigator of the Seas

The verdict

Which should you choose?

MSC Fantasia is a large MSC Cruises ship carrying 3,274 passengers, in service since 2007. Navigator of the Seas is a large Royal Caribbean ship carrying 3,114 passengers, in service since 2001.

Choose MSC Fantasia if you want better-rated dining, a more romantic trip or a newer ship: it outscores Navigator of the Seas for dining (6.9 vs 5.6) and romantic (5.0 vs 4.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its maiden voyage was in 2007 (vs 2001).

Choose Navigator of the Seas if you want a more active cruise, a more family-friendly ship or more of a party: it outscores MSC Fantasia for active (8.0 vs 5.0), family friendly (8.0 vs 6.0) and party (6.0 vs 5.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.

Side by side

Specifications

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

MSC FantasiaNavigator of the Seas
Cruise line MSC Cruises Royal Caribbean
Ship size Large Large
Maiden voyagenewer highlighted 2007 (better) 2001
Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted 2019
Gross tonnage 137,936 138,000
Passengers 3,274 3,114
Crew 1,332 1,185
Passengers per crew memberfewer is better 2.5 (better) 2.6
Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier 42.1 44.3 (better)
Decks 18 15
Length 1,092 ft 1,020 ft
Beam 125 ft 157 ft
Speed 26 mph 25 mph
Cruiseable ratingout of 10 7 / 10 8 / 10 (better)
Cruises on sale 42 29
Upcoming sailings 474 114
Cruise lengths 3–13 nights 2–17 nights
Fares fromlower highlighted $269 $248 (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, Navigator of the Seas on 5, with 3 level.

  • Active MSC Fantasia: 5.0 Navigator of the Seas: 8.0
  • Adventure & nature MSC Fantasia: 4.0 Navigator of the Seas: 4.0
  • Cultural MSC Fantasia: 4.0 Navigator of the Seas: 4.0
  • Dining MSC Fantasia: 6.9 Navigator of the Seas: 5.6
  • Entertainment MSC Fantasia: 7.4 Navigator of the Seas: 7.5
  • Family friendly MSC Fantasia: 6.0 Navigator of the Seas: 8.0
  • Party MSC Fantasia: 5.0 Navigator of the Seas: 6.0
  • Romantic MSC Fantasia: 5.0 Navigator of the Seas: 4.0
  • Spa & fitness MSC Fantasia: 8.0 Navigator of the Seas: 8.5
  • Staterooms MSC Fantasia: 8.0 Navigator of the Seas: 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.

Royal Caribbean

Navigator of the Seas

As the fourth ship in Royal Caribbean’s Voyager class, the 3,114-passenger Navigator of the Seas has plenty to offer. Refurbished in 2019, the ship features the longest waterslide at sea, a revamped pool area, new nightlife venues and updated dining options. The best way to enjoy this ship is to take advantage of the amenities.

Highlights

  • Duty-free shopping on the Royal Promenade
  • Recreational facilities such as the ice-skating rink and rock-climbing wall
  • More than 100 treatments at Vitality Spa
  • Solarium pool, an adults-only retreat

Sailing now

29 cruises on sale, from $248.

Questions

MSC Fantasia or Navigator of the Seas?

Which is bigger, MSC Fantasia or Navigator of the Seas?

Navigator of the Seas is bigger at 138,000 gross tons, against 137,936 gross tons for MSC Fantasia. MSC Fantasia carries 3,274 passengers and Navigator of the Seas carries 3,114.

Which ship is newer, MSC Fantasia or Navigator of the Seas?

MSC Fantasia is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2007 against 2001 for Navigator of the Seas.

Which has more space per passenger?

Navigator of the Seas, with 44.3 gross tons per passenger against 42.1 on MSC Fantasia. 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 2.6 on Navigator of the Seas.

Which is better for families?

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

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