MSC Cruises
MSC Musica
- Cruises
- 74
- From
- $79
Ship comparison
MSC Musica vs Norwegian Gem
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Gem
- Cruises
- 44
- From
- $339
The verdict
Which should you choose?
MSC Musica is a large MSC Cruises ship carrying 2,550 passengers, in service since 2006. Norwegian Gem is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 2,394 passengers, in service since 2006.
Choose MSC Musica if you want a lower starting fare, better-rated staterooms or a more active cruise: it outscores Norwegian Gem for staterooms (8.0 vs 6.0) and active (5.0 vs 4.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its cruises start from $79 (vs $339).
Choose Norwegian Gem if you want a more family-friendly ship, more culture or more crew per passenger: it outscores MSC Musica for family friendly (9.0 vs 6.5) and cultural (4.0 vs 2.0) 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 Gem | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | MSC Cruises | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2006 | 2006 |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | — | 2017 |
| Gross tonnage | 89,600 | 93,530 |
| Passengers | 2,550 | 2,394 |
| Crew | 987 | 1,101 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.6 | 2.2 (better) |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 35.1 | 39.1 (better) |
| Decks | 13 | 15 |
| Length | 961 ft | 965 ft |
| Beam | 106 ft | 32 ft |
| Speed | 26 mph | 26 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 7 / 10 | 8 / 10 (better) |
| Cruises on sale | 74 | 44 |
| Upcoming sailings | 423 | 89 |
| Cruise lengths | 1–25 nights | 4–19 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $79 (better) | $339 |
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 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 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 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
44 cruises on sale, from $339.
Questions
MSC Musica or Norwegian Gem?
Which is bigger, MSC Musica or Norwegian Gem?
Norwegian Gem is bigger at 93,530 gross tons, against 89,600 gross tons for MSC Musica. MSC Musica carries 2,550 passengers and Norwegian Gem carries 2,394.
Which ship is newer, MSC Musica or Norwegian Gem?
Both made their maiden voyage in 2006.
Which has more space per passenger?
Norwegian Gem, with 39.1 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 Gem, with one crew member for every 2.2 passengers against one for every 2.6 on MSC Musica.
Which is better for families?
Norwegian Gem scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 9.0 out of 10, against 6.5 for MSC Musica.
Still deciding?
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