MSC Cruises
MSC Lirica
- Cruises
- 37
- From
- $130
Ship comparison
MSC Lirica vs Zaandam
Holland America Line
Zaandam
- Cruises
- 28
- From
- $329
The verdict
Which should you choose?
MSC Lirica is a mid-size MSC Cruises ship carrying 1,560 passengers, in service since 2003. Zaandam is a mid-size Holland America Line ship carrying 1,432 passengers, in service since 2000.
Choose MSC Lirica if you want a lower starting fare, more of a party or a more active cruise: it outscores Zaandam 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 $329).
Choose Zaandam 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 | Zaandam | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | MSC Cruises | Holland America Line |
| Ship size | Medium | Medium |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2003 (better) | 2000 |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | — | 2015 |
| Gross tonnage | 59,058 | 61,396 |
| Passengers | 1,560 | 1,432 |
| Crew | 700 | 615 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.2 (better) | 2.3 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 37.9 | 42.9 (better) |
| Decks | 13 | 10 |
| Length | 251 ft | 781 ft |
| Beam | 95 ft | 106 ft |
| Speed | 24 mph | 26 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 7 / 10 | 8 / 10 (better) |
| Cruises on sale | 37 | 28 |
| Upcoming sailings | 260 | 66 |
| Cruise lengths | 2–13 nights | 4–90 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $130 (better) | $329 |
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, Zaandam 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
37 cruises on sale, from $130.
Holland America Line
Zaandam
Since its launch in 2000, ms Zaandam from Holland America Line has been trying to help make cruising go younger. Combining rock and roll memorabilia with traditional art pieces and baroque-style decoration, this mid-size ship is attempting to bring luxury cruising to the millennial set.
Highlights
- Greenhouse Spa offers grotto spaces with wet and dry options, as well as sauna and massage
- Pinnacle Grill offers high-end Northwestern favorites.
- The Culinary Arts Center offers state-of-the-art cooking classes with culinary specialists.
- Rock and roll memorabilia, including from the Rolling Stones, Queen and Iggy Pop, are scattered throughout the ship.
Sailing now
28 cruises on sale, from $329.
Questions
MSC Lirica or Zaandam?
Which is bigger, MSC Lirica or Zaandam?
Zaandam is bigger at 61,396 gross tons, against 59,058 gross tons for MSC Lirica. MSC Lirica carries 1,560 passengers and Zaandam carries 1,432.
Which ship is newer, MSC Lirica or Zaandam?
MSC Lirica is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2003 against 2000 for Zaandam.
Which has more space per passenger?
Zaandam, with 42.9 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?
MSC Lirica, with one crew member for every 2.2 passengers against one for every 2.3 on Zaandam.
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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