MSC Cruises
MSC Opera
- Cruises
- 37
- From
- $179
Ship comparison
MSC Opera vs Pride of America
Norwegian Cruise Line
Pride of America
- Cruises
- 2
- From
- $1,102
The verdict
Which should you choose?
MSC Opera is a large MSC Cruises ship carrying 2,142 passengers, in service since 2004. Pride of America is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 2,138 passengers, in service since 2005.
Choose MSC Opera if you want a lower starting fare, a more active cruise or more cruises to choose from: it outscores Pride of America for active (5.0 vs 4.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores, its cruises start from $179 (vs $1,102) and it has 37 cruises on sale (vs 2).
Choose Pride of America if you want more adventure and nature, more culture or a better-rated spa and gym: it outscores MSC Opera for adventure & nature (7.0 vs 4.0), cultural (4.0 vs 2.0) and spa & fitness (8.0 vs 6.5) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| MSC Opera | Pride of America | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | MSC Cruises | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2004 | 2005 (better) |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | 2015 | 2016 (better) |
| Gross tonnage | 65,591 | 80,439 |
| Passengers | 2,142 | 2,138 |
| Crew | 750 | 935 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.9 | 2.3 (better) |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 30.6 | 37.6 (better) |
| Decks | 9 | 15 |
| Length | 902 ft | 920 ft |
| Beam | 94 ft | 106 ft |
| Speed | 25 mph | 26 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 8 / 10 (better) | 7 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 37 | 2 |
| Upcoming sailings | 278 | 184 |
| Cruise lengths | 3 to 14 nights | 7 to 10 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $179 (better) | $1,102 |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. MSC Opera leads on 5 of the ten, Pride of America on 5.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
MSC Cruises
MSC Opera
MSC Opera certainly lives up to its name — classic, grand, opulent. It's a cruise ship with something to sing about! A true sense of grandeur and spaciousness prevails on MSC Opera, one of the most welcoming ships in the fleet of Italy-based MSC Cruises.
Highlights
- Chic and contemporary public areas
- Some of the best staterooms at sea
- Drinks package options available
- Will be "stretched" in 2015 with the addition of new cabins and a new water park
Sailing now
37 cruises on sale, from $179.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Pride of America
Aloha! Come aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America for the best way to island hop Hawaii. From the moment you step into the Capitol Atrium, with its soaring Tiffany-glass dome and grand staircase, you'll know this is a spectacular cruise ship.
Highlights
- 8 complimentary dining options, from three-course dining to buffets
- Seasonal whale watching along the Napali Coast
Sailing now
2 cruises on sale, from $1,102.
Questions
MSC Opera or Pride of America?
Which is bigger, MSC Opera or Pride of America?
Pride of America is bigger at 80,439 gross tons, against 65,591 gross tons for MSC Opera. MSC Opera carries 2,142 passengers and Pride of America carries 2,138.
Which ship is newer, MSC Opera or Pride of America?
Pride of America is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2005 against 2004 for MSC Opera.
Which has more space per passenger?
Pride of America, with 37.6 gross tons per passenger against 30.6 on MSC Opera. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
Pride of America, with one crew member for every 2.3 passengers against one for every 2.9 on MSC Opera.
Which is better for families?
Pride of America scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 8.0 out of 10, against 7.5 for MSC Opera.
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 Opera, Pride of America or a ship that suits you better.