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Ship comparison

MSC Magnifica vs MSC Poesia

The verdict

Which should you choose?

MSC Magnifica is a large MSC Cruises ship carrying 2,518 passengers, in service since 2010. MSC Poesia is a large MSC Cruises ship carrying 2,550 passengers, in service since 2008.

Choose MSC Magnifica if you want a more family-friendly ship, a lower starting fare or more cruises to choose from: it outscores MSC Poesia for family friendly (8.0 vs 4.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores, its cruises start from $268 (vs $419) and it has 116 cruises on sale (vs 41).

Choose MSC Poesia if you want a better-rated spa and gym: it outscores MSC Magnifica for spa & fitness (8.0 vs 7.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.

Side by side

Specifications

marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.

MSC MagnificaMSC Poesia
Cruise line MSC Cruises MSC Cruises
Ship size Large Large
Maiden voyagenewer highlighted 2010 (better) 2008
Gross tonnage 95,128 93,300
Passengers 2,518 2,550
Crew 1,027 987
Passengers per crew memberfewer is better 2.5 (better) 2.6
Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier 37.8 (better) 36.6
Decks 13 13
Length 963 ft 964 ft
Beam 106 ft 106 ft
Speed 26 mph 26 mph
Cruiseable ratingout of 10 8 / 10 (better) 7 / 10
Cruises on sale 116 41
Upcoming sailings 283 99
Cruise lengths 1 to 121 nights 5 to 29 nights
Fares fromlower highlighted $268 (better) $419

Bliss scores

How they rate, out of 10

Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. MSC Magnifica leads on 1 of the ten, MSC Poesia on 2, with 7 level.

  • Active MSC Magnifica: 5.0 MSC Poesia: 5.0
  • Adventure & nature MSC Magnifica: 4.0 MSC Poesia: 4.0
  • Cultural MSC Magnifica: 6.0 MSC Poesia: 6.0
  • Dining MSC Magnifica: 6.0 MSC Poesia: 6.0
  • Entertainment MSC Magnifica: 6.2 MSC Poesia: 6.2
  • Family friendly MSC Magnifica: 8.0 MSC Poesia: 4.0
  • Party MSC Magnifica: 5.0 MSC Poesia: 5.0
  • Romantic MSC Magnifica: 5.0 MSC Poesia: 5.0
  • Spa & fitness MSC Magnifica: 7.0 MSC Poesia: 8.0
  • Staterooms MSC Magnifica: 8.0 MSC Poesia: 8.7

MSC Cruises

MSC Magnifica

As its name would suggest, MSC Magnifica is a true jewel within the MSC Cruises family — you are welcomed aboard with Italian style, Mediterranean luxury and an atmosphere infused with energy.

Highlights

  • One of the most stylish ships within the MSC Cruises fleet
  • Ideal family choice
  • Drinks package options are available
  • Oriental Plaza Chinese and Asian Fusion speciality restaurant

Sailing now

116 cruises on sale, from $268.

MSC Cruises

MSC Poesia

Poetry is like the sea, lulling with gentle swells and stirring the emotions. Just as poetry brings pleasure, MSC Poesia from MSC Cruises introduces a new dimension of enjoyment on the high seas with all the eloquence of a finely crafted poem.

Highlights

  • Find inner peace, or at least fruitful contemplation in the onboard Zen garden
  • 16 bars, 4 jacuzzis and a giant state of the art theater!
  • MSC Poesia is an eco-friendly ship dedicated to creating a green and natural ambiance on board with waterfalls, bridges, gardens and plenty of balcony space to view the stars and the horizon.

Sailing now

41 cruises on sale, from $419.

Questions

MSC Magnifica or MSC Poesia?

Which is bigger, MSC Magnifica or MSC Poesia?

MSC Magnifica is bigger at 95,128 gross tons, against 93,300 gross tons for MSC Poesia. MSC Magnifica carries 2,518 passengers and MSC Poesia carries 2,550.

Which ship is newer, MSC Magnifica or MSC Poesia?

MSC Magnifica is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2010 against 2008 for MSC Poesia.

Which has more space per passenger?

MSC Magnifica, with 37.8 gross tons per passenger against 36.6 on MSC Poesia. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.

Which has more crew per passenger?

MSC Magnifica, with one crew member for every 2.5 passengers against one for every 2.6 on MSC Poesia.

Which is better for families?

MSC Magnifica scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 8.0 out of 10, against 4.0 for MSC Poesia.

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