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Ship comparison

MSC Orchestra vs MSC Poesia

The verdict

Which should you choose?

MSC Orchestra is a large MSC Cruises ship carrying 3,013 passengers, in service since 2007. MSC Poesia is a large MSC Cruises ship carrying 2,550 passengers, in service since 2008.

Choose MSC Orchestra if you want a lower starting fare or a more family-friendly ship: it outscores MSC Poesia for family friendly (6.0 vs 4.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its cruises start from $125 (vs $419).

Choose MSC Poesia if you want more culture, more space per passenger or more crew per passenger: it outscores MSC Orchestra for cultural (6.0 vs 4.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores, it has 36.6 gross tons per passenger (vs 30.7) and it has a crew member for every 2.6 passengers (vs 3.1).

Side by side

Specifications

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

MSC OrchestraMSC Poesia
Cruise line MSC Cruises MSC Cruises
Ship size Large Large
Maiden voyagenewer highlighted 2007 2008 (better)
Gross tonnage 92,409 93,300
Passengers 3,013 2,550
Crew 987 987
Passengers per crew memberfewer is better 3.1 2.6 (better)
Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier 30.7 36.6 (better)
Decks 13 13
Length 964 ft 964 ft
Beam 106 ft 106 ft
Speed 26 mph 26 mph
Cruiseable ratingout of 10 7 / 10 7 / 10
Cruises on sale 14 41
Upcoming sailings 224 99
Cruise lengths 2 to 8 nights 5 to 29 nights
Fares fromlower highlighted $125 (better) $419

Bliss scores

How they rate, out of 10

Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. MSC Orchestra leads on 1 of the ten, MSC Poesia on 2, with 7 level.

  • Active MSC Orchestra: 5.0 MSC Poesia: 5.0
  • Adventure & nature MSC Orchestra: 4.0 MSC Poesia: 4.0
  • Cultural MSC Orchestra: 4.0 MSC Poesia: 6.0
  • Dining MSC Orchestra: 6.0 MSC Poesia: 6.0
  • Entertainment MSC Orchestra: 6.2 MSC Poesia: 6.2
  • Family friendly MSC Orchestra: 6.0 MSC Poesia: 4.0
  • Party MSC Orchestra: 5.0 MSC Poesia: 5.0
  • Romantic MSC Orchestra: 5.0 MSC Poesia: 5.0
  • Spa & fitness MSC Orchestra: 8.0 MSC Poesia: 8.0
  • Staterooms MSC Orchestra: 8.0 MSC Poesia: 8.7

MSC Cruises

MSC Orchestra

The second of the Musica-class line of cruise ships, MSC Orchestra offers an inviting blend of design, comfort and safety. Airy open spaces and MSC Cruises' distinctive style make MSC Orchestra a stylish pioneer for the cruise line. The ship offers upscale accommodations, most of which feature private balconies.

Highlights

  • Delicious Chinese fare at Shanghai Chinese Restaurant
  • Vegas-style gaming at Palm Beach Casino
  • Watching movies on the outdoor movie screen

Sailing now

14 cruises on sale, from $125.

MSC Cruises

MSC Poesia

Poetry is like the sea, lulling with gentle swells and stirring the emotions. Just as poetry brings pleasure, MSC Poesia from MSC Cruises introduces a new dimension of enjoyment on the high seas with all the eloquence of a finely crafted poem.

Highlights

  • Find inner peace, or at least fruitful contemplation in the onboard Zen garden
  • 16 bars, 4 jacuzzis and a giant state of the art theater!
  • MSC Poesia is an eco-friendly ship dedicated to creating a green and natural ambiance on board with waterfalls, bridges, gardens and plenty of balcony space to view the stars and the horizon.

Sailing now

41 cruises on sale, from $419.

Questions

MSC Orchestra or MSC Poesia?

Which is bigger, MSC Orchestra or MSC Poesia?

MSC Poesia is bigger at 93,300 gross tons, against 92,409 gross tons for MSC Orchestra. MSC Orchestra carries 3,013 passengers and MSC Poesia carries 2,550.

Which ship is newer, MSC Orchestra or MSC Poesia?

MSC Poesia is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2008 against 2007 for MSC Orchestra.

Which has more space per passenger?

MSC Poesia, with 36.6 gross tons per passenger against 30.7 on MSC Orchestra. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.

Which has more crew per passenger?

MSC Poesia, with one crew member for every 2.6 passengers against one for every 3.1 on MSC Orchestra.

Which is better for families?

MSC Orchestra scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 6.0 out of 10, against 4.0 for MSC Poesia.

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