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Ship comparison

MSC Seaview vs Norwegian Epic

The verdict

Which should you choose?

MSC Seaview is a mega MSC Cruises ship carrying 4,134 passengers, in service since 2018. Norwegian Epic is a mega Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 4,100 passengers, in service since 2009.

Choose MSC Seaview if you want more culture, a lower starting fare or a newer ship: it outscores Norwegian Epic for cultural (7.0 vs 4.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores, its cruises start from $129 (vs $509) and its maiden voyage was in 2018 (vs 2009).

Choose Norwegian Epic if you want a more family-friendly ship, better-rated entertainment or more of a party: it outscores MSC Seaview for family friendly (9.0 vs 7.0), entertainment (10.0 vs 8.0) and party (10.0 vs 8.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.

Side by side

Specifications

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

MSC SeaviewNorwegian Epic
Cruise line MSC Cruises Norwegian Cruise Line
Ship size Mega Mega
Maiden voyagenewer highlighted 2018 (better) 2009
Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted 2021
Gross tonnage 154,000 155,873
Passengers 4,134 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 59 36
Upcoming sailings 436 97
Cruise lengths 2–27 nights 4–14 nights
Fares fromlower highlighted $129 (better) $509

Bliss scores

How they rate, out of 10

Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. MSC Seaview leads on 4 of the ten, Norwegian Epic on 5, with 1 level.

  • Active MSC Seaview: 8.0 Norwegian Epic: 7.0
  • Adventure & nature MSC Seaview: 6.0 Norwegian Epic: 5.0
  • Cultural MSC Seaview: 7.0 Norwegian Epic: 4.0
  • Dining MSC Seaview: 7.0 Norwegian Epic: 6.2
  • Entertainment MSC Seaview: 8.0 Norwegian Epic: 10.0
  • Family friendly MSC Seaview: 7.0 Norwegian Epic: 9.0
  • Party MSC Seaview: 8.0 Norwegian Epic: 10.0
  • Romantic MSC Seaview: 7.0 Norwegian Epic: 7.0
  • Spa & fitness MSC Seaview: 7.0 Norwegian Epic: 8.0
  • Staterooms MSC Seaview: 7.0 Norwegian Epic: 8.0

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

36 cruises on sale, from $509.

Questions

MSC Seaview or Norwegian Epic?

Which is bigger, MSC Seaview or Norwegian Epic?

Norwegian Epic is bigger at 155,873 gross tons, against 154,000 gross tons for MSC Seaview. MSC Seaview carries 4,134 passengers and Norwegian Epic carries 4,100.

Which ship is newer, MSC Seaview or Norwegian Epic?

MSC Seaview is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2018 against 2009 for Norwegian Epic.

Which has more space per passenger?

Norwegian Epic, with 38.0 gross tons per passenger against 37.3 on MSC Seaview. 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 Seaview.

Which is better for families?

Norwegian Epic scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 9.0 out of 10, against 7.0 for MSC Seaview.

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