MSC Cruises
MSC Magnifica
- Cruises
- 116
- From
- $268
Ship comparison
MSC Magnifica vs Norwegian Pearl
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Pearl
- Cruises
- 32
- From
- $599
The verdict
Which should you choose?
MSC Magnifica is a large MSC Cruises ship carrying 2,518 passengers, in service since 2010. Norwegian Pearl is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 2,394 passengers, in service since 2006.
Choose MSC Magnifica if you want a lower starting fare, better-rated staterooms or more culture: it outscores Norwegian Pearl for staterooms (8.0 vs 6.0) and cultural (6.0 vs 4.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its cruises start from $268 (vs $599).
Choose Norwegian Pearl if you want more of a party, more adventure and nature or a better-rated spa and gym: it outscores MSC Magnifica for party (10.0 vs 5.0), adventure & nature (7.0 vs 4.0) and 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 Magnifica | Norwegian Pearl | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | MSC Cruises | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2010 (better) | 2006 |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | — | 2015 |
| Gross tonnage | 95,128 | 93,530 |
| Passengers | 2,518 | 2,394 |
| Crew | 1,027 | 1,084 |
| 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 | 105 ft |
| Speed | 26 mph | 26 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 8 / 10 | 8 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 116 | 32 |
| Upcoming sailings | 283 | 89 |
| Cruise lengths | 1 to 121 nights | 5 to 14 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $268 (better) | $599 |
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 3 of the ten, Norwegian Pearl on 5, with 2 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 Pearl
Whether cruising to Bermuda, New England or through the Panama Canal, you can experience the wonders of the world aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Pearl.
Highlights
- Watch glaciers calve from a private balcony while on an Alaska cruise.
- Enjoy a fantastic steak in Cagneys while sailing through the Caribbean.
- Relax in the hydrotherapy room after a couples massage at the South Pacific Spa.
- Summer Palace Main Dining Room is right out of a Dr. Zhivago, inspired by the grand palaces of St. Petersburg and the era of the great Tsars of Russia.
Sailing now
32 cruises on sale, from $599.
Questions
MSC Magnifica or Norwegian Pearl?
Which is bigger, MSC Magnifica or Norwegian Pearl?
MSC Magnifica is bigger at 95,128 gross tons, against 93,530 gross tons for Norwegian Pearl. MSC Magnifica carries 2,518 passengers and Norwegian Pearl carries 2,394.
Which ship is newer, MSC Magnifica or Norwegian Pearl?
MSC Magnifica is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2010 against 2006 for Norwegian Pearl.
Which has more space per passenger?
Norwegian Pearl, 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 Pearl, with one crew member for every 2.2 passengers against one for every 2.5 on MSC Magnifica.
Which is better for families?
They score the same for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 8.0 out of 10.
Still deciding?
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