MSC Cruises
MSC Lirica
- Cruises
- 37
- From
- $130
Ship comparison
MSC Lirica vs Viking Sea
Viking Ocean Cruises
Viking Sea
- Cruises
- 67
- From
- $2,999
The verdict
Which should you choose?
MSC Lirica is a mid-size MSC Cruises ship carrying 1,560 passengers, in service since 2003. Viking Sea is a mid-size Viking Ocean Cruises ship carrying 930 passengers, in service since 2016.
Choose MSC Lirica if you want a lower starting fare, a more family-friendly ship or a bigger ship: it outscores Viking Sea for family friendly (6.0 vs 4.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores, its cruises start from $130 (vs $2,999) and it carries 1,560 passengers (vs 930).
Choose Viking Sea if you want a more romantic trip, a newer ship or a better-rated spa and gym: it outscores MSC Lirica for romantic (7.5 vs 5.0) and spa & fitness (8.0 vs 6.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its maiden voyage was in 2016 (vs 2003).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| MSC Lirica | Viking Sea | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | MSC Cruises | Viking Ocean Cruises |
| Ship size | Medium | Medium |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2003 | 2016 (better) |
| Gross tonnage | 59,058 | 47,800 |
| Passengers | 1,560 | 930 |
| Crew | 700 | 550 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.2 | 1.7 (better) |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 37.9 | 51.4 (better) |
| Decks | 13 | 14 |
| Length | 251 ft | 745 ft |
| Beam | 95 ft | 95 ft |
| Speed | 24 mph | 23 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 7 / 10 | 10 / 10 (better) |
| Cruises on sale | 37 | 67 |
| Upcoming sailings | 260 | 141 |
| Cruise lengths | 2–13 nights | 7–28 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $130 (better) | $2,999 |
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 1 of the ten, Viking Sea on 7, with 2 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
37 cruises on sale, from $130.
Viking Ocean Cruises
Viking Sea
Viking Ocean Cruises launched its second ocean cruise ship in April 2016. Nearly identical to its sister ship, Viking Star (see review), the 930-passenger Viking Sea focuses on destination immersion, giving guests ample time to explore ports large and small.
Highlights
- Local musicians playing regional music in three-deck atrium
- Offshore excursions introducing local culture
- All-veranda staterooms
- Afternoon tea service in the Wintergarten
Sailing now
67 cruises on sale, from $2,999.
Questions
MSC Lirica or Viking Sea?
Which is bigger, MSC Lirica or Viking Sea?
MSC Lirica is bigger at 59,058 gross tons, against 47,800 gross tons for Viking Sea. MSC Lirica carries 1,560 passengers and Viking Sea carries 930.
Which ship is newer, MSC Lirica or Viking Sea?
Viking Sea is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2016 against 2003 for MSC Lirica.
Which has more space per passenger?
Viking Sea, with 51.4 gross tons per passenger against 37.9 on MSC Lirica. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
Viking Sea, with one crew member for every 1.7 passengers against one for every 2.2 on MSC Lirica.
Which is better for families?
MSC Lirica scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 6.0 out of 10, against 4.0 for Viking Sea.
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 Lirica, Viking Sea or a ship that suits you better.