MSC Cruises
MSC World America
- Cruises
- 13
- From
- $468
Ship comparison
MSC World America vs Symphony of the Seas
Royal Caribbean
Symphony of the Seas
- Cruises
- 32
- From
- $588
The verdict
Which should you choose?
MSC World America is a mega MSC Cruises ship carrying 5,240 passengers, in service since 2025. Symphony of the Seas is a mega Royal Caribbean ship carrying 5,518 passengers, in service since 2018.
Choose MSC World America if you want a newer ship or a lower starting fare: its maiden voyage was in 2025 (vs 2018) and its cruises start from $468 (vs $588).
Choose Symphony of the Seas if you want a more active cruise, a better-rated spa and gym or better-rated entertainment: it outscores MSC World America for active (10.0 vs 6.0), spa & fitness (8.0 vs 6.0) and entertainment (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 World America | Symphony of the Seas | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | MSC Cruises | Royal Caribbean |
| Ship size | Mega | Mega |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2025 (better) | 2018 |
| Gross tonnage | 215,863 | 228,000 |
| Passengers | 5,240 | 5,518 |
| Crew | 2,138 | 2,200 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.5 | 2.5 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 41.2 | 41.3 (better) |
| Decks | 20 | 18 |
| Length | 1,093 ft | 1,184 ft |
| Beam | 154 ft | 215 ft |
| Speed | 26 mph | 25 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 8 / 10 | 9 / 10 (better) |
| Cruises on sale | 13 | 32 |
| Upcoming sailings | 206 | 71 |
| Cruise lengths | 6 to 15 nights | 4 to 10 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $468 (better) | $588 |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. MSC World America leads on 0 of the ten, Symphony of the Seas on 7, with 3 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
MSC Cruises
MSC World America
MSC World America became a notable addition to the MSC Cruises fleet in April 2025 with voyages from Miami to the Caribbean. This ship is the Swiss-based cruise line's second World Class ship, marking a milestone as the first in the class dedicated specifically to the U.S. market.
Sailing now
13 cruises on sale, from $468.
Royal Caribbean
Symphony of the Seas
If you like to go big, you can’t get much bigger than Symphony of the Seas from Royal Caribbean. The ship set sail in April 2018 as the world's largest — Wonder of the Seas has since surpassed it — and now home-ports in Miami.
Highlights
- Spectacular original productions of "Flight" and the Broadway hit "Hairspray," coupled with shows in the Aqua Theater and the Studio B ice rink
- If you have the funds, the Suite Collection includes several private venues, including a restaurant, private sun deck, lounge and priority seating at all shows and events
- The Ultimate Family Suite comes complete with a personal cinema, a wrap-around balcony, an in-cabin slide and even a personal whirlpool
Sailing now
32 cruises on sale, from $588.
About Symphony of the Seas Plan my cruise on Symphony of the Seas
Questions
MSC World America or Symphony of the Seas?
Which is bigger, MSC World America or Symphony of the Seas?
Symphony of the Seas is bigger at 228,000 gross tons, against 215,863 gross tons for MSC World America. MSC World America carries 5,240 passengers and Symphony of the Seas carries 5,518.
Which ship is newer, MSC World America or Symphony of the Seas?
MSC World America is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2025 against 2018 for Symphony of the Seas.
Which has more space per passenger?
Symphony of the Seas, with 41.3 gross tons per passenger against 41.2 on MSC World America. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
They are level, with one crew member for every 2.5 passengers.
Which is better for families?
Symphony of the Seas scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 10.0 out of 10, against 9.0 for MSC World America.
Still deciding?
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