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Ship comparison

MSC Musica vs MSC Preziosa

The verdict

Which should you choose?

MSC Musica is a large MSC Cruises ship carrying 2,550 passengers, in service since 2006. MSC Preziosa is a large MSC Cruises ship carrying 3,502 passengers, in service since 2013.

Choose MSC Musica if you want a lower starting fare or a more romantic trip: it outscores MSC Preziosa for romantic (6.0 vs 5.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its cruises start from $79 (vs $179).

Choose MSC Preziosa if you want more culture, better-rated entertainment or a newer ship: it outscores MSC Musica for cultural (4.0 vs 2.0) and entertainment (7.6 vs 6.2) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its maiden voyage was in 2013 (vs 2006).

Side by side

Specifications

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

MSC MusicaMSC Preziosa
Cruise line MSC Cruises MSC Cruises
Ship size Large Large
Maiden voyagenewer highlighted 2006 2013 (better)
Gross tonnage 89,600 139,400
Passengers 2,550 3,502
Crew 987 1,388
Passengers per crew memberfewer is better 2.6 2.5 (better)
Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier 35.1 39.8 (better)
Decks 13 18
Length 961 ft 1,093 ft
Beam 106 ft 125 ft
Speed 26 mph 27 mph
Cruiseable ratingout of 10 7 / 10 8 / 10 (better)
Cruises on sale 74 78
Upcoming sailings 423 238
Cruise lengths 1–25 nights 2–14 nights
Fares fromlower highlighted $79 (better) $179

Bliss scores

How they rate, out of 10

Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. MSC Musica leads on 2 of the ten, MSC Preziosa on 3, with 5 level.

  • Active MSC Musica: 5.0 MSC Preziosa: 5.0
  • Adventure & nature MSC Musica: 4.0 MSC Preziosa: 4.0
  • Cultural MSC Musica: 2.0 MSC Preziosa: 4.0
  • Dining MSC Musica: 6.0 MSC Preziosa: 6.9
  • Entertainment MSC Musica: 6.2 MSC Preziosa: 7.6
  • Family friendly MSC Musica: 6.5 MSC Preziosa: 6.0
  • Party MSC Musica: 5.0 MSC Preziosa: 5.0
  • Romantic MSC Musica: 6.0 MSC Preziosa: 5.0
  • Spa & fitness MSC Musica: 8.0 MSC Preziosa: 8.0
  • Staterooms MSC Musica: 8.0 MSC Preziosa: 8.0

MSC Cruises

MSC Musica

MSC Musica is the first of MSC Cruises' Musica-class vessels. She became the belle of the ball in Venice in mid-2006 when a display of lights and colors celebrated her inauguration. With Sophia Loren as her godmother, MSC Musica is designed with sophistication and luxury in mind.

Highlights

  • The central foyer, aglow with a three-tier waterfall and piano suspended over a crystal floor
  • The tennis court, jogging track and two swimming pools, plus a pool and play area for kids
  • Delicious sushi prepared by hand at Kaito Sushi Bar

Sailing now

74 cruises on sale, from $79.

MSC Cruises

MSC Preziosa

MSC Cruises' MSC Preziosa will appeal to families, as children under 18 can share a cabin with their parents and sail free (except for port taxes). There are quality kids clubs, special family excursions as well as traditional-style, family-friendly entertainment.

Highlights

  • Vertigo Water Slide, the longest at sea
  • Yacht Club, the "ship within a ship" premium suites area with concierge, lounge, private pool deck and restaurant
  • Mediterranean-inspired food and service
  • Good value fares; children under 18 sharing a cabin with their parents travel for free

Sailing now

78 cruises on sale, from $179.

Questions

MSC Musica or MSC Preziosa?

Which is bigger, MSC Musica or MSC Preziosa?

MSC Preziosa is bigger at 139,400 gross tons, against 89,600 gross tons for MSC Musica. MSC Musica carries 2,550 passengers and MSC Preziosa carries 3,502.

Which ship is newer, MSC Musica or MSC Preziosa?

MSC Preziosa is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2013 against 2006 for MSC Musica.

Which has more space per passenger?

MSC Preziosa, with 39.8 gross tons per passenger against 35.1 on MSC Musica. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.

Which has more crew per passenger?

MSC Preziosa, with one crew member for every 2.5 passengers against one for every 2.6 on MSC Musica.

Which is better for families?

MSC Musica scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 6.5 out of 10, against 6.0 for MSC Preziosa.

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