MSC Cruises
MSC Seaside
- Cruises
- 14
- From
- $159
Ship comparison
MSC Seaside vs Norwegian Epic
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Epic
- Cruises
- 35
- From
- $389
The verdict
Which should you choose?
MSC Seaside is a mega MSC Cruises ship carrying 4,132 passengers, in service since 2017. Norwegian Epic is a mega Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 4,100 passengers, in service since 2010.
Choose MSC Seaside if you want a lower starting fare, a more active cruise or more culture: it outscores Norwegian Epic for active (9.0 vs 7.0) and cultural (6.0 vs 4.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its cruises start from $159 (vs $389).
Choose Norwegian Epic if you want better-rated entertainment, more of a party or more crew per passenger: it outscores MSC Seaside for entertainment (10.0 vs 8.0) and party (10.0 vs 8.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and it has a crew member for every 2.3 passengers (vs 2.9).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| MSC Seaside | Norwegian Epic | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | MSC Cruises | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Ship size | Mega | Mega |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2017 (better) | 2010 |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | — | 2021 |
| Gross tonnage | 154,000 | 155,873 |
| Passengers | 4,132 | 4,100 |
| Crew | 1,413 | 1,753 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.9 | 2.3 (better) |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 37.3 | 38.0 (better) |
| Decks | 19 | 19 |
| Length | 1,060 ft | 1,080 ft |
| Beam | 135 ft | 133 ft |
| Speed | 25 mph | 25 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 8 / 10 | 8 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 14 | 35 |
| Upcoming sailings | 262 | 90 |
| Cruise lengths | 3 to 14 nights | 4 to 14 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $159 (better) | $389 |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. MSC Seaside leads on 3 of the ten, Norwegian Epic on 5, with 2 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
MSC Cruises
MSC Seaside
Swiss-based MSC Cruises launched the next-generation smartship MSC Seaside in December 2017 to cruise the Caribbean. The megaship holds 4,132 passengers at double occupancy and 5,179 at maximum capacity.
Sailing now
14 cruises on sale, from $159.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Epic
While other cruise lines focus on set itineraries while on board, Norwegian Cruise Line takes the view that everyone has different needs and interests and aims to provide as much choice and as many options as possible. They embrace the concept of choice and build it into every aspect of the onboard offering.
Highlights
- Water parks with three thrill rides are available for all ages, and there is now a SplashGolf experience in the Kids Aqua Park.
- For solo travelers, there is a dedicated area with private access and a lounge.
- The Haven offers a premium suites area with their own deck, concierge and spa access.
- Brand name entertainment shows include the “Burn the Floor” dance show and the Broadway show "Priscilla Queen of the Desert."
Sailing now
35 cruises on sale, from $389.
Questions
MSC Seaside or Norwegian Epic?
Which is bigger, MSC Seaside or Norwegian Epic?
Norwegian Epic is bigger at 155,873 gross tons, against 154,000 gross tons for MSC Seaside. MSC Seaside carries 4,132 passengers and Norwegian Epic carries 4,100.
Which ship is newer, MSC Seaside or Norwegian Epic?
MSC Seaside is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2017 against 2010 for Norwegian Epic.
Which has more space per passenger?
Norwegian Epic, with 38.0 gross tons per passenger against 37.3 on MSC Seaside. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
Norwegian Epic, with one crew member for every 2.3 passengers against one for every 2.9 on MSC Seaside.
Which is better for families?
Norwegian Epic scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 9.0 out of 10, against 8.0 for MSC Seaside.
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