MSC Cruises
MSC World Europa
- Cruises
- 62
- From
- $229
Ship comparison
MSC World Europa vs Symphony of the Seas
Royal Caribbean
Symphony of the Seas
- Cruises
- 32
- From
- $588
The verdict
Which should you choose?
MSC World Europa is a mega MSC Cruises ship carrying 5,079 passengers, in service since 2022. Symphony of the Seas is a mega Royal Caribbean ship carrying 5,518 passengers, in service since 2018.
Choose MSC World Europa if you want more culture, a lower starting fare or a more romantic trip: it outscores Symphony of the Seas for cultural (8.0 vs 5.0) and romantic (7.0 vs 6.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its cruises start from $229 (vs $588).
Choose Symphony of the Seas if you want a more active cruise, more of a party or more crew per passenger: it outscores MSC World Europa for active (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 2.5 passengers (vs 3.6).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| MSC World Europa | Symphony of the Seas | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | MSC Cruises | Royal Caribbean |
| Ship size | Mega | Mega |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2022 (better) | 2018 |
| Gross tonnage | 215,863 | 228,000 |
| Passengers | 5,079 | 5,518 |
| Crew | 1,413 | 2,200 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 3.6 | 2.5 (better) |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 42.5 (better) | 41.3 |
| Cabins | 2,630 | — |
| Decks | 22 | 18 |
| Length | 1,094 ft | 1,184 ft |
| Beam | 154 ft | 215 ft |
| Speed | — | 25 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 8 / 10 | 9 / 10 (better) |
| Cruises on sale | 62 | 32 |
| Upcoming sailings | 450 | 71 |
| Cruise lengths | 1 to 28 nights | 4 to 10 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $229 (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 Europa leads on 3 of the ten, Symphony of the Seas on 4, with 3 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
MSC Cruises
MSC World Europa
The first in a trailblazing new class of ships, MSC World Europa introduced a next-generation class of ships for MSC Cruises when it debuted in December 2022. The futuristic-looking vessel holds 5,079 passengers at double capacity and 6,762 passengers at full capacity, making it one of the largest megaships in the world.
Sailing now
62 cruises on sale, from $229.
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 Europa or Symphony of the Seas?
Which is bigger, MSC World Europa or Symphony of the Seas?
Symphony of the Seas is bigger at 228,000 gross tons, against 215,863 gross tons for MSC World Europa. MSC World Europa carries 5,079 passengers and Symphony of the Seas carries 5,518.
Which ship is newer, MSC World Europa or Symphony of the Seas?
MSC World Europa is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2022 against 2018 for Symphony of the Seas.
Which has more space per passenger?
MSC World Europa, with 42.5 gross tons per passenger against 41.3 on Symphony of the Seas. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
Symphony of the Seas, with one crew member for every 2.5 passengers against one for every 3.6 on MSC World Europa.
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 Europa.
Still deciding?
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