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Ship comparison

MSC Orchestra vs Navigator of the Seas

The verdict

Which should you choose?

MSC Orchestra is a large MSC Cruises ship carrying 3,013 passengers, in service since 2007. Navigator of the Seas is a large Royal Caribbean ship carrying 3,114 passengers, in service since 2002.

Choose MSC Orchestra if you want a lower starting fare, a more romantic trip or a newer ship: it outscores Navigator of the Seas for romantic (5.0 vs 4.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores, its cruises start from $125 (vs $301) and its maiden voyage was in 2007 (vs 2002).

Choose Navigator of the Seas if you want a more active cruise, more space per passenger or a more family-friendly ship: it outscores MSC Orchestra for active (8.0 vs 5.0) and family friendly (8.0 vs 6.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and it has 44.3 gross tons per passenger (vs 30.7).

Side by side

Specifications

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

MSC OrchestraNavigator of the Seas
Cruise line MSC Cruises Royal Caribbean
Ship size Large Large
Maiden voyagenewer highlighted 2007 (better) 2002
Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted — 2019
Gross tonnage 92,409 138,000
Passengers 3,013 3,114
Crew 987 1,185
Passengers per crew memberfewer is better 3.1 2.6 (better)
Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier 30.7 44.3 (better)
Decks 13 15
Length 964 ft 1,020 ft
Beam 106 ft 157 ft
Speed 26 mph 25 mph
Cruiseable ratingout of 10 7 / 10 8 / 10 (better)
Cruises on sale 14 27
Upcoming sailings 224 109
Cruise lengths 2 to 8 nights 2 to 17 nights
Fares fromlower highlighted $125 (better) $301

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 2 of the ten, Navigator of the Seas on 5, with 3 level.

  • Active MSC Orchestra: 5.0 Navigator of the Seas: 8.0
  • Adventure & nature MSC Orchestra: 4.0 Navigator of the Seas: 4.0
  • Cultural MSC Orchestra: 4.0 Navigator of the Seas: 4.0
  • Dining MSC Orchestra: 6.0 Navigator of the Seas: 5.6
  • Entertainment MSC Orchestra: 6.2 Navigator of the Seas: 7.5
  • Family friendly MSC Orchestra: 6.0 Navigator of the Seas: 8.0
  • Party MSC Orchestra: 5.0 Navigator of the Seas: 6.0
  • Romantic MSC Orchestra: 5.0 Navigator of the Seas: 4.0
  • Spa & fitness MSC Orchestra: 8.0 Navigator of the Seas: 8.5
  • Staterooms MSC Orchestra: 8.0 Navigator of the Seas: 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.

Royal Caribbean

Navigator of the Seas

As the fourth ship in Royal Caribbean’s Voyager class, the 3,114-passenger Navigator of the Seas has plenty to offer. Refurbished in 2019, the ship features the longest waterslide at sea, a revamped pool area, new nightlife venues and updated dining options. The best way to enjoy this ship is to take advantage of the amenities.

Highlights

  • Duty-free shopping on the Royal Promenade
  • Recreational facilities such as the ice-skating rink and rock-climbing wall
  • More than 100 treatments at Vitality Spa
  • Solarium pool, an adults-only retreat

Sailing now

27 cruises on sale, from $301.

Questions

MSC Orchestra or Navigator of the Seas?

Which is bigger, MSC Orchestra or Navigator of the Seas?

Navigator of the Seas is bigger at 138,000 gross tons, against 92,409 gross tons for MSC Orchestra. MSC Orchestra carries 3,013 passengers and Navigator of the Seas carries 3,114.

Which ship is newer, MSC Orchestra or Navigator of the Seas?

MSC Orchestra is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2007 against 2002 for Navigator of the Seas.

Which has more space per passenger?

Navigator of the Seas, with 44.3 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?

Navigator of the Seas, with one crew member for every 2.6 passengers against one for every 3.1 on MSC Orchestra.

Which is better for families?

Navigator of the Seas scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 8.0 out of 10, against 6.0 for MSC Orchestra.

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