MSC Cruises
MSC Opera
- Cruises
- 37
- From
- $179
Ship comparison
MSC Opera vs Radiance of the Seas
Royal Caribbean
Radiance of the Seas
- Cruises
- 24
- From
- $298
The verdict
Which should you choose?
MSC Opera is a large MSC Cruises ship carrying 2,142 passengers, in service since 2004. Radiance of the Seas is a large Royal Caribbean ship carrying 2,139 passengers, in service since 2001.
Choose MSC Opera if you want a lower starting fare: its cruises start from $179 (vs $298).
Choose Radiance of the Seas if you want a better-rated spa and gym, more space per passenger or a more active cruise: it outscores MSC Opera for spa & fitness (9.0 vs 6.5) and active (6.0 vs 5.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and it has 42.1 gross tons per passenger (vs 30.6).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| MSC Opera | Radiance of the Seas | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | MSC Cruises | Royal Caribbean |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2004 (better) | 2001 |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | 2015 | 2015 |
| Gross tonnage | 65,591 | 90,090 |
| Passengers | 2,142 | 2,139 |
| Crew | 750 | 869 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.9 | 2.5 (better) |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 30.6 | 42.1 (better) |
| Decks | 9 | 12 |
| Length | 902 ft | 962 ft |
| Beam | 94 ft | 131 ft |
| Speed | 25 mph | 25 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 8 / 10 (better) | 7 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 37 | 24 |
| Upcoming sailings | 278 | 100 |
| Cruise lengths | 3 to 14 nights | 4 to 8 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $179 (better) | $298 |
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 2 of the ten, Radiance of the Seas on 5, with 3 level.
- 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.
Royal Caribbean
Radiance of the Seas
Hungry for an at-sea experience that combines panoramic vistas and an array of delicious new dining options? Look no further than the Radiance of the Seas. With acres of glass enclosing the nine-story central atrium, elevators facing the sea and floor-to-ceiling windows throughout, you'll never be at a loss for an incredible view.
Highlights
- Complimentary Adventure Ocean Youth Program
- Rock-climbing wall and mini-golf course
- Poolside movie screen showing first-run movies
- Complimentary Broadway-style entertainment in the three-story Main Theater
Sailing now
24 cruises on sale, from $298.
About Radiance of the Seas Plan my cruise on Radiance of the Seas
Questions
MSC Opera or Radiance of the Seas?
Which is bigger, MSC Opera or Radiance of the Seas?
Radiance of the Seas is bigger at 90,090 gross tons, against 65,591 gross tons for MSC Opera. MSC Opera carries 2,142 passengers and Radiance of the Seas carries 2,139.
Which ship is newer, MSC Opera or Radiance of the Seas?
MSC Opera is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2004 against 2001 for Radiance of the Seas.
Which has more space per passenger?
Radiance of the Seas, with 42.1 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?
Radiance of the Seas, with one crew member for every 2.5 passengers against one for every 2.9 on MSC Opera.
Which is better for families?
Radiance of the Seas scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 8.0 out of 10, against 7.5 for MSC Opera.
Still deciding?
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