MSC Cruises
MSC Lirica
- Cruises
- 36
- From
- $130
Ship comparison
MSC Lirica vs Rhapsody of the Seas
Royal Caribbean
Rhapsody of the Seas
- Cruises
- 54
- From
- $353
The verdict
Which should you choose?
MSC Lirica is a large MSC Cruises ship carrying 1,984 passengers, in service since 2003. Rhapsody of the Seas is a large Royal Caribbean ship carrying 1,998 passengers, in service since 1997.
Choose MSC Lirica if you want a lower starting fare or a newer ship: its cruises start from $130 (vs $353) and its maiden voyage was in 2003 (vs 1997).
Choose Rhapsody of the Seas if you want a more active cruise, a better-rated spa and gym or better-rated entertainment: it outscores MSC Lirica for active (8.0 vs 5.0), spa & fitness (8.0 vs 6.0) and entertainment (7.5 vs 5.5) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| MSC Lirica | Rhapsody of the Seas | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | MSC Cruises | Royal Caribbean |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2003 (better) | 1997 |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | — | 2016 |
| Gross tonnage | 65,591 | 78,491 |
| Passengers | 1,984 | 1,998 |
| Crew | 700 | 765 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.8 | 2.6 (better) |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 33.1 | 39.3 (better) |
| Decks | 13 | 11 |
| Length | 902 ft | 915 ft |
| Beam | 95 ft | 117 ft |
| Speed | 24 mph | 25 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 7 / 10 | 7 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 36 | 54 |
| Upcoming sailings | 249 | 115 |
| Cruise lengths | 2 to 13 nights | 4 to 14 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $130 (better) | $353 |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. MSC Lirica leads on 0 of the ten, Rhapsody of the Seas on 7, with 3 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
MSC Cruises
MSC Lirica
The MSC Lirica offers cozy comfort in a traditional, elegant setting. Her timeless design and ambiance features gleaming marble, plush fabrics and fine artwork. If you are looking for a more casual resort ambiance, decorated in an opulent yet relaxed style, the MSC Lirica cruise ship is your ideal choice.
Highlights
- Catching a Broadway-style show in the 713-seat Broadway Theatre
- Tasting fresh-baked bread from the boulangerie
- Testing your luck at the onboard casino
Sailing now
36 cruises on sale, from $130.
Royal Caribbean
Rhapsody of the Seas
Rhapsody of the Seas from Royal Caribbean delivers an unforgettable cruise experience, no matter the hemisphere. Get out to sea and relax away the stress of life on land at the Vitality Spa or glass-canopied Solarium adults-only pool.
Highlights
- Solarium, an adults-only retreat
- Vitality Spa's extensive treatment menu
- Broadway-style entertainment in the Main Theater
- Gaming at the Vegas-style Casino Royale
Sailing now
54 cruises on sale, from $353.
About Rhapsody of the Seas Plan my cruise on Rhapsody of the Seas
Questions
MSC Lirica or Rhapsody of the Seas?
Which is bigger, MSC Lirica or Rhapsody of the Seas?
Rhapsody of the Seas is bigger at 78,491 gross tons, against 65,591 gross tons for MSC Lirica. MSC Lirica carries 1,984 passengers and Rhapsody of the Seas carries 1,998.
Which ship is newer, MSC Lirica or Rhapsody of the Seas?
MSC Lirica is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2003 against 1997 for Rhapsody of the Seas.
Which has more space per passenger?
Rhapsody of the Seas, with 39.3 gross tons per passenger against 33.1 on MSC Lirica. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
Rhapsody of the Seas, with one crew member for every 2.6 passengers against one for every 2.8 on MSC Lirica.
Which is better for families?
Rhapsody of the Seas scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 7.5 out of 10, against 6.0 for MSC Lirica.
Still deciding?
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