Join our FREE personalized newsletter for news, trends, and insights that matter to everyone in America

Newsletter
New

Msc Cruise Ships By Size 2026

Card image cap

MSC Cruises offers sailings to five continents and more than 300 destinations across the globe, with year-round cruises in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean and seasonal offerings in Alaska, Asia, the Panama Canal and beyond. The sophisticated ships – which range in size from 65,542 to 216,638 gross tons (a measurement of a ship's total internal volume) – offer an abundance of appealing amenities on board, including pools, theater shows, spas, fine dining options, sport complexes and more. For a guide to MSC Cruises' fleet, ordered from largest to smallest, keep reading.

Gross tonnage: 216,638
Total passenger capacity (double occupancy): 5,240
Sails to: Caribbean

  • Cliffhanger, the only overwater swing ride at sea
  • Live performances, such as “Dirty Dancing,” “Odyssey” and “Queen Symphonic” 
  • Multilevel Family Aventura district for kids and teens
  • 19 dining venues, including Paxos (Greek dishes) and Butcher's Cut (American steakhouse)

U.S. News overall rating: 4.05 out of 5

Gross tonnage: 215,863
Total passenger capacity (double occupancy): 5,240
Sails to: Caribbean

  • Viva La Musica Latin-inspired lounge
  • Aquapark, ropes course and overwater swing
  • Kaito Teppanyaki and Kaito Sushi Bar for Asian food
  • Theater shows held at the Panorama Lounge 

Gross tonnage: 215,863
Total passenger capacity (double occupancy): 5,240
Sails to: Mediterranean, Caribbean, Europe and Middle East

  • Seven swimming pools and MSC Aurea Spa for relaxing
  • MSC kids club offers age-appropriate activities for youngsters
  • Onboard brewery at the Masters of The Sea pub
  • The Venom Drop @ The Spiral is the longest dry slide at sea

U.S. News overall rating: 3.89

Gross tonnage: 215,863
Total passenger capacity (double occupancy): 5,240
Sails to: Mediterranean

  • Unique Asian-inspired design aesthetics include Koi Carp artwork and a nearly 40-foot-long Dragon sculpture
  • Kaito Teppanyaki Grill and Kaito Sushi Bar
  • Outdoor theme park and Adventure Trail ropes course
  • Fizz - Champagne Bar for Champagne, cocktails and sparkling wines

Gross tonnage: 184,011
Total passenger capacity (double occupancy): 4,838
Sails to: Europe and Mediterranean

  • Striking #SaveTheSea artwork on the ship's hull
  • Seven spaces dedicated to entertainment for kids and teens
  • MSC Aurea Spa offers soothing treatments, along with a sauna, whirlpool, steam bath and salon
  • 11 dining venues, 16 indoor bars and five outdoor bars

U.S. News overall rating: 3.89

Gross tonnage: 181,541
Total passenger capacity (double occupancy): 4,842
Sails to: Caribbean and Mediterranean

  • LEGO-themed kids club, arcade and MSC Sportplex
  • 13 pools and whirlpools
  • L'Atelier Bistro for French cuisine, Kaito Teppanyaki for Japanese dishes, and Purple Crab for Mediterranean and international fare
  • Carousel Lounge for drinks and a show

U.S. News overall rating: 3.84

Gross tonnage: 181,541
Total passenger capacity (double occupancy): 4,842
Sails to: South America, Europe and Mediterranean

  • Starship Club with the first humanoid robotic bartender at sea 
  • Galleria Virtuosa features main and specialty restaurants, as well as 11 boutiques
  • “AJEDREZ” and “CHRONICLES” original productions 
  • MSC Aurea Spa for massages, facials and beauty treatments

U.S. News overall rating: 3.84

Gross tonnage: 171,598
Total passenger capacity (double occupancy): 4,428
Sails to: North America, Caribbean and Europe

  • Acrobatic and musical show “ROCK CIRCUS,” and magic show “HOUSE OF HOUDINI” 
  • MSC Yacht Club for access to exclusive amenities and spaces
  • Polar Aquapark, Sportplex and F1 Simulators
  • Panorama Restaurant for international and mediterranean dishes and stellar ocean views

U.S. News overall rating: 3.75

Gross tonnage: 171,598
Total passenger capacity (double occupancy): 4,402
Sails to: Asia

  • The London Theatre for live entertainment
  • Atmosphere pool with a large movie screen
  • Arizona Aquapark, bowling alley and MSC Formula Racer
  • Lighthouse Restaurant and Le Cerisier Restaurant for Mediterranean and international dishes; Hola! Tacos & Cantina for Mexican fare

U.S. News overall rating: 3.99

Gross tonnage: 170,412
Total passenger capacity (double occupancy): 4,540
Sails to: Caribbean

  • Robotron – the only robocoaster at sea
  • MSC Signature Casino with table games, slots and tournaments
  • Butcher's Cut, Kaito Sushi Bar and Hola! Tacos & Cantina
  • Pirates Cove Aquapark with several water features, virtual reality and adventure trails

U.S. News overall rating: 3.95

Gross tonnage: 169,500
Total passenger capacity (double occupancy): 4,540
Sails to: Caribbean

  • New York City-inspired design with a nearly 10-foot replica of the Statue of Liberty
  • 7,500 square feet of kids space includes five different kids and teens clubs
  • MSC Aurea Spa offers Balinese massages, a Finnish sauna and a Mediterranean bath
  • Onboard activities include a family deck party, a cocktail party, cupcake decorating and more

U.S. News overall rating: 4.0

Gross tonnage: 154,000
Total passenger capacity (double occupancy): 4,052
Sails to: South America and Mediterranean

  • Mini, juniors and teens clubs
  • Metropolitan Theatre for engaging live performances
  • Venchi 1878 Chocolate Bar serves chocolate, coffee and gelato
  • Thermal area, nail boutique and beauty salon at MSC Aurea Spa

U.S. News overall rating: 3.79

Gross tonnage: 154,000
Total passenger capacity (double occupancy): 4,044
Sails to: Caribbean

  • Zip line, two bowling alleys and Forest Aquaventure Park
  • Asian Market Kitchen Pan Asian offers Hawaiian, Japanese and European fusion fare
  • Multilevel atrium where guests can take in panoramic views and enjoy live music
  • Miami Beach Pool and South Beach Pool

U.S. News overall rating: 3.65

Gross tonnage: 139,072
Total passenger capacity (double occupancy): 3,502
Sails to: Mediterranean and South America

  • Broadway-size Pantheon Theater
  • Family Deck Party with a jumping castle, carnival games, balloon animals and more
  • Art gallery and casino
  • Villa Rossa and The Black Crab for Mediterranean and international cuisine

U.S. News overall rating: 3.95

Gross tonnage: 139,072
Total passenger capacity (double occupancy): 3,502
Sails to: Europe and South America

  • Vertigo, one of the longest single-rider waterslides at sea
  • Platinum Theater and 4D Cinema
  • Safari Lounge, Preziosa Bar and The Green Sax Jazz Bar for drinks
  • MSC Yacht Club for butler service and access to exclusive spaces

U.S. News overall rating: 3.64

Gross tonnage: 137,936
Total passenger capacity (double occupancy): 3,274
Sails to: Mediterranean and Canary Islands

  • Formula 1 simulator and 4D Cinema
  • Basketball, tennis, mini-golf, jogging track and pool complex
  • Upscale dining includes Red Velvet and Butcher's Cut
  • Piano bar, sports bar and jazz bar

U.S. News overall rating: 3.69

Gross tonnage:137,936
Total passenger capacity (double occupancy): 3,274
Sails to: Mediterranean and South America

  • Sea Pavilion for Asian flavors, Bar del Riccio for cocktails and L'Espresso Coffee Bar for cafe drinks
  • Dedicated facilities and activities for kids and teens
  • Late-night dancing and fun at Club 33 Disco
  • Four swimming pools 

U.S. News overall rating: 3.44

Gross tonnage: 95,128
Total passenger capacity (double occupancy): 2,518
Sails to: Mediterranean, Europe and world cruises

  • Live music in bar lounges and 1,200-seat theater
  • Salt room, vitality pool and treatments at the Aurea Spa
  • Quattro Venti Restaurant dishes out Mediterranean and international cuisine
  • Underwater World Children Playroom and Video Game Room

U.S. News overall rating: 3.45

Gross tonnage: 92,627
Total passenger capacity (double occupancy): 2,550
Sails to: Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal and world cruises

  • MSC Gym and MSC Aurea Spa
  • Pigalle Lounge, Giada Bar and Mojito Bar for cocktails, wines and beers
  • “Dirty Dancing in Concert” performance
  • Casino Royal

U.S. News overall rating: 3.24

Gross tonnage: 92,409
Passenger capacity (double occupancy): 2,550
Sails to: Mediterranean and South America

  • Kids and teens clubs keep youngsters entertained
  • La Spiaggia and Copacabana pool areas
  • Butcher's Cut and Kaito Sushi Bar for dining
  • Enoteca Wine Bar

U.S. News overall rating: 3.39

Gross tonnage: 92,409
Total passenger capacity (double occupancy): 2,550
Sails to: Mediterranean

  • Several bars and lounges, including Savannah Bar and Barracuda Bar
  • Covent Garden Theatre for shows
  • Jungle Adventure playroom for little ones
  • Calabranca Pool Area

U.S. News overall rating: 3.19

Gross tonnage: 65,591
Total passenger capacity (double occupancy): 2,140
Sails to: Mediterranean, South Africa and Caribbean
Standout features:

  • La Cabala Piano Bar
  • Teatro dell'Opera for live shows
  • Il Patio Bar for casual dining
  • Outdoor Lo Spinnaker Bar

U.S. News overall rating: 3.19

Gross tonnage: 65,591
Total passenger capacity (double occupancy): 1,976
Sails to: Mediterranean

  • Blue Club Disco and Las Vegas Casino
  • Mediterranean cuisine at La Pergola and La Bussola
  • Teens club and Spray Park for kids
  • The Coffee Corner

U.S. News overall rating: 3.29

Gross tonnage: 65,542
Total passenger capacity (double occupancy): 1,946
Sails to: Mediterranean

  • Pasha Club Disco and Sanremo Casino
  • Virtual Arcade, Pinocchio Playroom and Teens Area
  • MSC Aurea Spa offers Balinese massages
  • Il Galeone Restaurant 

U.S. News overall rating: 3.59

Gross tonnage: 65,542
Total passenger capacity (double occupancy): 1,918
Sails to: Mediterranean and South America

  • Open-air water Spraypark
  • Three complimentary gourmet restaurants and a buffet
  • White Lion Pub
  • Broadway-style shows in the theater

U.S. News overall rating: 3.59

A note about U.S. News overall ratings: U.S. News ranks the best MSC cruise ships based on an analysis of reviews, expert scores and health ratings. In addition to outlining details on these MSC ships by size, we've also provided the U.S. News overall rating (out of 5). Read more about the methodology on how we rank cruise lines and ships, or explore the full list of the Best MSC Ships for 2026.

Back to Listing
credit: 
Popular Products