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Ship comparison

MSC Orchestra vs MSC Preziosa

The verdict

Which should you choose?

MSC Orchestra is a large MSC Cruises ship carrying 3,013 passengers, in service since 2007. MSC Preziosa is a large MSC Cruises ship carrying 3,502 passengers, in service since 2013.

Choose MSC Preziosa if you want more space per passenger, better-rated entertainment or a newer ship: it outscores MSC Orchestra for entertainment (7.6 vs 6.2) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores, it has 39.8 gross tons per passenger (vs 30.7) and its maiden voyage was in 2013 (vs 2007).

MSC Orchestra does not lead by a clear margin on any measure we track, so pick it for its itinerary or its dates.

Side by side

Specifications

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

MSC OrchestraMSC Preziosa
Cruise line MSC Cruises MSC Cruises
Ship size Large Large
Maiden voyagenewer highlighted 2007 2013 (better)
Gross tonnage 92,409 139,400
Passengers 3,013 3,502
Crew 987 1,388
Passengers per crew memberfewer is better 3.1 2.5 (better)
Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier 30.7 39.8 (better)
Decks 13 18
Length 964 ft 1,093 ft
Beam 106 ft 125 ft
Speed 26 mph 27 mph
Cruiseable ratingout of 10 7 / 10 8 / 10 (better)
Cruises on sale 14 70
Upcoming sailings 224 222
Cruise lengths 2 to 8 nights 2 to 14 nights
Fares fromlower highlighted $125 (better) $129

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 0 of the ten, MSC Preziosa on 2, with 8 level.

  • Active MSC Orchestra: 5.0 MSC Preziosa: 5.0
  • Adventure & nature MSC Orchestra: 4.0 MSC Preziosa: 4.0
  • Cultural MSC Orchestra: 4.0 MSC Preziosa: 4.0
  • Dining MSC Orchestra: 6.0 MSC Preziosa: 6.9
  • Entertainment MSC Orchestra: 6.2 MSC Preziosa: 7.6
  • Family friendly MSC Orchestra: 6.0 MSC Preziosa: 6.0
  • Party MSC Orchestra: 5.0 MSC Preziosa: 5.0
  • Romantic MSC Orchestra: 5.0 MSC Preziosa: 5.0
  • Spa & fitness MSC Orchestra: 8.0 MSC Preziosa: 8.0
  • Staterooms MSC Orchestra: 8.0 MSC Preziosa: 8.0

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 Preziosa

MSC Cruises' MSC Preziosa will appeal to families, as children under 18 can share a cabin with their parents and sail free (except for port taxes). There are quality kids clubs, special family excursions as well as traditional-style, family-friendly entertainment.

Highlights

  • Vertigo Water Slide, the longest at sea
  • Yacht Club, the "ship within a ship" premium suites area with concierge, lounge, private pool deck and restaurant
  • Mediterranean-inspired food and service
  • Good value fares; children under 18 sharing a cabin with their parents travel for free

Sailing now

70 cruises on sale, from $129.

Questions

MSC Orchestra or MSC Preziosa?

Which is bigger, MSC Orchestra or MSC Preziosa?

MSC Preziosa is bigger at 139,400 gross tons, against 92,409 gross tons for MSC Orchestra. MSC Orchestra carries 3,013 passengers and MSC Preziosa carries 3,502.

Which ship is newer, MSC Orchestra or MSC Preziosa?

MSC Preziosa is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2013 against 2007 for MSC Orchestra.

Which has more space per passenger?

MSC Preziosa, with 39.8 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 Preziosa, with one crew member for every 2.5 passengers against one for every 3.1 on MSC Orchestra.

Which is better for families?

They score the same for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 6.0 out of 10.

Still deciding?

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