MSC Cruises
MSC Lirica
- Cruises
- 36
- From
- $130
Ship comparison
MSC Lirica vs Westerdam
Holland America Line
Westerdam
- Cruises
- 36
- From
- $769
The verdict
Which should you choose?
MSC Lirica is a large MSC Cruises ship carrying 1,984 passengers, in service since 2003. Westerdam is a large Holland America Line ship carrying 1,916 passengers, in service since 2004.
Choose MSC Lirica if you want a lower starting fare, more of a party or a more active cruise: it outscores Westerdam for party (5.0 vs 3.0) and active (5.0 vs 4.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its cruises start from $130 (vs $769).
Choose Westerdam if you want a better-rated spa and gym, better-rated staterooms or better-rated entertainment: it outscores MSC Lirica for spa & fitness (8.0 vs 6.0), staterooms (8.0 vs 6.0) and entertainment (7.1 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 | Westerdam | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | MSC Cruises | Holland America Line |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2003 | 2004 (better) |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | — | 2017 |
| Gross tonnage | 65,591 | 82,348 |
| Passengers | 1,984 | 1,916 |
| Crew | 700 | 817 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.8 | 2.3 (better) |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 33.1 | 43.0 (better) |
| Decks | 13 | 11 |
| Length | 902 ft | 936 ft |
| Beam | 95 ft | 106 ft |
| Speed | 24 mph | 25 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 7 / 10 | 9 / 10 (better) |
| Cruises on sale | 36 | 36 |
| Upcoming sailings | 249 | 77 |
| Cruise lengths | 2 to 13 nights | 7 to 49 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $130 (better) | $769 |
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 2 of the ten, Westerdam on 7, with 1 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.
Holland America Line
Westerdam
The ms Westerdam is the third in Holland America Line's series of Vista class ships. As such, it embraces the latest industry and environmental technologies such as its use of a diesel-electric power plant for optimal energy efficiency and an Azipod propulsion system. Most staterooms have ocean views and many have private verandas.
Highlights
- Andy Warhol, Dutch classics and pre-Columbian and Ecuadorian art dazzle the senses on board.
- Learn to cook or pick up some new techniques at America's Culinary Arts Center Program
Sailing now
36 cruises on sale, from $769.
Questions
MSC Lirica or Westerdam?
Which is bigger, MSC Lirica or Westerdam?
Westerdam is bigger at 82,348 gross tons, against 65,591 gross tons for MSC Lirica. MSC Lirica carries 1,984 passengers and Westerdam carries 1,916.
Which ship is newer, MSC Lirica or Westerdam?
Westerdam is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2004 against 2003 for MSC Lirica.
Which has more space per passenger?
Westerdam, with 43.0 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?
Westerdam, with one crew member for every 2.3 passengers against one for every 2.8 on MSC Lirica.
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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