MSC Cruises
MSC Magnifica
- Cruises
- 116
- From
- $268
Ship comparison
MSC Magnifica vs Norwegian Gem
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Gem
- Cruises
- 40
- From
- $309
The verdict
Which should you choose?
MSC Magnifica is a large MSC Cruises ship carrying 2,518 passengers, in service since 2010. Norwegian Gem is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 2,394 passengers, in service since 2007.
Choose MSC Magnifica if you want better-rated staterooms, more culture or a more active cruise: it outscores Norwegian Gem for staterooms (8.0 vs 6.0), cultural (6.0 vs 4.0) and active (5.0 vs 4.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Choose Norwegian Gem if you want a better-rated spa and gym or a more family-friendly ship: it outscores MSC Magnifica for spa & fitness (8.0 vs 7.0) and family friendly (9.0 vs 8.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| MSC Magnifica | Norwegian Gem | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | MSC Cruises | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2010 (better) | 2007 |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | — | 2017 |
| Gross tonnage | 95,128 | 93,530 |
| Passengers | 2,518 | 2,394 |
| Crew | 1,027 | 1,101 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.5 | 2.2 (better) |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 37.8 | 39.1 (better) |
| Decks | 13 | 15 |
| Length | 963 ft | 965 ft |
| Beam | 106 ft | 106 ft |
| Speed | 26 mph | 26 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 8 / 10 | 8 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 116 | 40 |
| Upcoming sailings | 283 | 82 |
| Cruise lengths | 1 to 121 nights | 4 to 19 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $268 (better) | $309 |
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 4 of the ten, Norwegian Gem on 3, with 3 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
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.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Gem
While it's true that most cruise ships have a little something for everyone, Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Gem takes that concept to a whole new level. Passengers can choose from activities such as rock climbing and shuffleboard or relax poolside or with a hot-stone massage.
Highlights
- A variety of great dining options, including the hot air balloon-themed Bali Hai Bar & Grill
- Comedy Variety in the Stardust Theater
- Celebrity DJ spinning tunes at the Bliss Lounge
Sailing now
40 cruises on sale, from $309.
Questions
MSC Magnifica or Norwegian Gem?
Which is bigger, MSC Magnifica or Norwegian Gem?
MSC Magnifica is bigger at 95,128 gross tons, against 93,530 gross tons for Norwegian Gem. MSC Magnifica carries 2,518 passengers and Norwegian Gem carries 2,394.
Which ship is newer, MSC Magnifica or Norwegian Gem?
MSC Magnifica is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2010 against 2007 for Norwegian Gem.
Which has more space per passenger?
Norwegian Gem, with 39.1 gross tons per passenger against 37.8 on MSC Magnifica. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
Norwegian Gem, with one crew member for every 2.2 passengers against one for every 2.5 on MSC Magnifica.
Which is better for families?
Norwegian Gem scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 9.0 out of 10, against 8.0 for MSC Magnifica.
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