MSC Cruises
MSC Seaside
- Cruises
- 14
- From
- $159
Ship comparison
MSC Seaside vs Odyssey of the Seas
Royal Caribbean
Odyssey of the Seas
- Cruises
- 13
- From
- $803
The verdict
Which should you choose?
MSC Seaside is a mega MSC Cruises ship carrying 4,132 passengers, in service since 2017. Odyssey of the Seas is a mega Royal Caribbean ship carrying 4,198 passengers, in service since 2021.
Choose MSC Seaside if you want a more romantic trip, a lower starting fare or more culture: it outscores Odyssey of the Seas for romantic (7.0 vs 4.0) and cultural (6.0 vs 5.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its cruises start from $159 (vs $803).
Choose Odyssey of the Seas if you want a more family-friendly ship, a more active cruise or better-rated entertainment: it outscores MSC Seaside for family friendly (10.0 vs 8.0), active (10.0 vs 9.0) and entertainment (9.0 vs 8.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| MSC Seaside | Odyssey of the Seas | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | MSC Cruises | Royal Caribbean |
| Ship size | Mega | Mega |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2017 | 2021 (better) |
| Gross tonnage | 154,000 | 169,000 |
| Passengers | 4,132 | 4,198 |
| Crew | 1,413 | 1,550 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.9 | 2.7 (better) |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 37.3 | 40.3 (better) |
| Decks | 19 | 16 |
| Length | 1,060 ft | 1,138 ft |
| Beam | 135 ft | 135 ft |
| Speed | 25 mph | 25 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 8 / 10 | 9 / 10 (better) |
| Cruises on sale | 14 | 13 |
| Upcoming sailings | 262 | 96 |
| Cruise lengths | 3 to 14 nights | 7 to 14 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $159 (better) | $803 |
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 2 of the ten, Odyssey of the Seas on 3, with 5 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.
Royal Caribbean
Odyssey of the Seas
Odyssey of the Seas launched in July 2021 as the first Quantum Ultra Class cruise ship to sail in the United States, offering cruises to the Caribbean followed by Mediterranean voyages in 2022.
Highlights
- Reimagined SeaPlex with large VR and AR playground
- Two-level pool deck
- FlowRider, RipCord by iFly, SkyPad bungee trampoline experience and North Star all on top deck
- Want some peace and serenity? Head to Solarium, the adults-only area.
Sailing now
13 cruises on sale, from $803.
About Odyssey of the Seas Plan my cruise on Odyssey of the Seas
Questions
MSC Seaside or Odyssey of the Seas?
Which is bigger, MSC Seaside or Odyssey of the Seas?
Odyssey of the Seas is bigger at 169,000 gross tons, against 154,000 gross tons for MSC Seaside. MSC Seaside carries 4,132 passengers and Odyssey of the Seas carries 4,198.
Which ship is newer, MSC Seaside or Odyssey of the Seas?
Odyssey of the Seas is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2021 against 2017 for MSC Seaside.
Which has more space per passenger?
Odyssey of the Seas, with 40.3 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?
Odyssey of the Seas, with one crew member for every 2.7 passengers against one for every 2.9 on MSC Seaside.
Which is better for families?
Odyssey of the Seas scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 10.0 out of 10, against 8.0 for MSC Seaside.
Still deciding?
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