MSC Cruises
MSC Lirica
- Cruises
- 36
- From
- $130
Ship comparison
MSC Lirica vs Zuiderdam
Holland America Line
Zuiderdam
- Cruises
- 111
- From
- $429
The verdict
Which should you choose?
MSC Lirica is a large MSC Cruises ship carrying 1,984 passengers, in service since 2003. Zuiderdam is a large Holland America Line ship carrying 1,916 passengers, in service since 2002.
Choose MSC Lirica if you want a lower starting fare, more of a party or a more active cruise: it outscores Zuiderdam 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 $429).
Choose Zuiderdam if you want a better-rated spa and gym, better-rated staterooms or a more romantic trip: it outscores MSC Lirica for spa & fitness (8.0 vs 6.0), staterooms (8.0 vs 6.0) and romantic (6.8 vs 5.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| MSC Lirica | Zuiderdam | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | MSC Cruises | Holland America Line |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2003 (better) | 2002 |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | — | 2017 |
| Gross tonnage | 65,591 | 82,305 |
| 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 | 15 |
| Length | 902 ft | 936 ft |
| Beam | 95 ft | 105 ft |
| Speed | 24 mph | 28 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 7 / 10 | 8 / 10 (better) |
| Cruises on sale | 36 | 111 |
| Upcoming sailings | 249 | 128 |
| Cruise lengths | 2 to 13 nights | 4 to 28 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $130 (better) | $429 |
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, Zuiderdam 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
Zuiderdam
The first ship in Holland America's Vista class series, the ms Zuiderdam uses the latest industry and environmental technologies, such as her use of a diesel-electric power plant for optimal energy efficiency and an Azipod propulsion system.
Highlights
- The Waterford crystal seahorse greets visitors and introduces them to the art throughout the ship.
- The Lido Deck pool offers a retractable roof for colder days, along with a large polar bear statue to keep you company.
- The Greenhouse Spa offers a full hydrotherapy pool.
- Le Cirque at Pinnacle Grill brings the famous New York restaurant to life on the ship.
Sailing now
111 cruises on sale, from $429.
Questions
MSC Lirica or Zuiderdam?
Which is bigger, MSC Lirica or Zuiderdam?
Zuiderdam is bigger at 82,305 gross tons, against 65,591 gross tons for MSC Lirica. MSC Lirica carries 1,984 passengers and Zuiderdam carries 1,916.
Which ship is newer, MSC Lirica or Zuiderdam?
MSC Lirica is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2003 against 2002 for Zuiderdam.
Which has more space per passenger?
Zuiderdam, 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?
Zuiderdam, 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?
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, Zuiderdam or a ship that suits you better.