MSC Cruises
MSC Musica
- Cruises
- 74
- From
- $79
Ship comparison
MSC Musica vs Norwegian Dawn
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Dawn
- Cruises
- 53
- From
- $329
The verdict
Which should you choose?
MSC Musica is a large MSC Cruises ship carrying 2,550 passengers, in service since 2006. Norwegian Dawn is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 2,340 passengers, in service since 2002.
Choose MSC Musica if you want a lower starting fare, a more active cruise or a more romantic trip: it outscores Norwegian Dawn for active (5.0 vs 4.0) and romantic (6.0 vs 5.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its cruises start from $79 (vs $329).
Choose Norwegian Dawn if you want more culture, a more family-friendly ship or more crew per passenger: it outscores MSC Musica for cultural (4.0 vs 2.0) and family friendly (8.0 vs 6.5) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and it has a crew member for every 2.2 passengers (vs 2.6).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| MSC Musica | Norwegian Dawn | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | MSC Cruises | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2006 (better) | 2002 |
| Gross tonnage | 89,600 | 92,250 |
| Passengers | 2,550 | 2,340 |
| Crew | 987 | 1,073 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.6 | 2.2 (better) |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 35.1 | 39.4 (better) |
| Decks | 13 | 15 |
| Length | 961 ft | 965 ft |
| Beam | 106 ft | 125 ft |
| Speed | 26 mph | 29 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 7 / 10 | 7 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 74 | 53 |
| Upcoming sailings | 423 | 104 |
| Cruise lengths | 1–25 nights | 4–15 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $79 (better) | $329 |
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 3 of the ten, Norwegian Dawn on 3, with 4 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
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.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Dawn
As part of the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, Norwegian Dawn was built with freedom in mind, offering a choice of 14 dining options, 12 bars and lounges, the fitness center and spa, casino, pools and more.
Highlights
- The world-class Mandara Spa with full-service beauty salon
- Spectacular stage shows including The Second City comedy
- The largest suites on the sea for ultimate comfort and privacy
Sailing now
53 cruises on sale, from $329.
Questions
MSC Musica or Norwegian Dawn?
Which is bigger, MSC Musica or Norwegian Dawn?
Norwegian Dawn is bigger at 92,250 gross tons, against 89,600 gross tons for MSC Musica. MSC Musica carries 2,550 passengers and Norwegian Dawn carries 2,340.
Which ship is newer, MSC Musica or Norwegian Dawn?
MSC Musica is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2006 against 2002 for Norwegian Dawn.
Which has more space per passenger?
Norwegian Dawn, with 39.4 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?
Norwegian Dawn, with one crew member for every 2.2 passengers against one for every 2.6 on MSC Musica.
Which is better for families?
Norwegian Dawn scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 8.0 out of 10, against 6.5 for MSC Musica.
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 Musica, Norwegian Dawn or a ship that suits you better.