Hey, did you know that MSC Cruises is one of the biggest cruise lines in the world, right behind Royal Caribbean and Carnival?
They might be kinda new to the North American market, but they’re a huge juggernaut in Europe, and actually the biggest cruise line on the Old Continent. Recently, though, they’ve been using more and more of their power to expand westward, launching new ships like the MSC Seascape, MSC Seashore, and, most recently, the MSC World America.
MSC separates their ships into different classes. A class means a different tonnage, which basically means the ship’s layout is different from the rest. Each class also brings new features and amenities for guests. Think of classes like an upgrade, like going from a PS4 to a PS5. New classes usually come with more modern technology and some pretty wild entertainment options onboard.
Need help figuring out all the ships and the best one for you? Our guide helps, sure, but you can always contact us directly by clicking the Request a Quote button. Contacting us is free of charge, and we will be happy to lend you a hand!
MSC Cruises currently has six different ship classes:
- World Class
- Seaside Class
- Meraviglia Class
- Fantasia Class
- Musica Class
- Lirica Class
On their newest ships, you’ll also find the MSC Yacht Club. This isn’t a ship class, but rather a special upgrade you can book that gives you access to exclusive areas on the ship, including a private restaurant, lounge, and sundeck. MSC Yacht Club isn’t cheap, but it’s a great way to turn an already affordable cruise line into a super luxurious vacation.
Alright, let’s check out all the MSC cruise ships and classes. I mean, that’s the name of the guide, right?
World Class
- Ships: MSC World Europa (2022), MSC World America (2025), MSC World Asia (2026)
- Size & Capacity: Approximately 216,000 gross tons; up to 6,762 passengers
- Powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) for reduced emissions
- Distinct districts onboard, much like a modern Royal Caribbean ship
- Innovative design with a "G"-shape bow for improved stability
- Extensive entertainment options, including the Cliffhanger swing ride
- More complimentary dining options than other classes
The World Class arrived in North America with the launch of MSC World America in 2025. These ships are heavily inspired by Royal Caribbean giants like Wonder of the Seas and Icon of the Seas. They’re big, packed with entertainment options like a waterslide that uses VR, and divided into themed districts.
The World Class ships are the best of the best that MSC has to offer right now, and MSC World America is already getting some pretty solid reviews. The ship features a massive waterpark, more complimentary dining options than previous vessels, and even The Cliffhanger - a metal swing that literally takes you off the side of the ship. Keep your blood pressure in check, guys.
The best part? A cruise onboard MSC World America isn’t even that expensive. A week-long Caribbean vacation starts at around $800 per guest.
Seaside Class
- Ships: MSC Seaside (2017), MSC Seaview (2018), MSC Seashore (2021), MSC Seascape (2022)
- Size & Capacity: Approximately 153,516 to 170,412 gross tons; up to 5,877 passengers
- Waterfront promenade for ocean views
- Outdoor dining and entertainment venues
- Enhanced MSC Yacht Club with private amenities
- Features like glass-floored catwalks, big waterparks and Robotron
The Seaside Class was MSC’s first real attempt to jump into the mega-resort cruise game and impress the North American market. These ships are big, bold, and usually offer great value for money. For example, a 4-day Caribbean cruise on MSC Seaview can cost as little as $320, depending on the time of year.
These ships definitely get the job done, but don’t expect mind-blowing entertainment like you’d find on Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas or even MSC World America. That said, they still pack in plenty of fun with multiple swimming pools, bowling alleys, F1 simulators, and full water parks with twisty waterslides.
The MSC Seashore and MSC Seascape are technically part of the Seaside EVO Class, which means they’re slightly bigger and feature a few upgrades compared to MSC Seaside and MSC Seaview. The Seascape also has one super unique feature… Robotron! It’s a massive mechanical arm ride that swings guests around off the side of the ship. Relax, it’s safe! I think.
Meraviglia Class
- Ships: MSC Meraviglia (2017), MSC Bellissima (2019), MSC Grandiosa (2019), MSC Virtuosa (2021), MSC Euribia (2023)
- Size & Capacity: Approximately 171,598 to 184,011 gross tons; up to 6,334 passengers
- Indoor focus includes a promenade with LED sky screen
- Robotic bartender "Rob" in the MSC Starship Club
- Diverse dining options, including lots of specialty restaurants
- Standard family-friendly amenities like water parks and kids' clubs
Much like the Seaside Class, there are three ships here that actually fall under what MSC calls the Meraviglia Plus Class: MSC Grandiosa, MSC Virtuosa, and MSC Euribia. These are slightly bigger than MSC Meraviglia and MSC Bellissima, but all of them are solid options if you’re looking for a fun and affordable cruise.
The Meraviglia Class might just be the crown jewel of MSC Cruises. This is the class that really put MSC on the map as a cruise line that was serious about the mega-ship game. It’s also the class with the most ships, stretching from 2017 all the way to 2023.
There are definitely some parallels between the Meraviglia and Seaside classes. Both offer tons of entertainment and modern features, but they each have their own vibe. The key difference? The Seaside Class is all about outdoor spaces, ocean views, and sun decks, while the Meraviglia Class feels more like an indoor mega-resort. That indoor vibe is boosted by their signature promenade, topped with a massive LED sky screen that gives the space a futuristic, city-like atmosphere.
Both classes come loaded with cool features like F1 simulators, flight simulators, and arcades. Meraviglia ships are usually a bit larger overall, and they lean more into that high-tech, resort-style feel.
Fantasia Class
- Ships: MSC Fantasia (2008), MSC Splendida (2009), MSC Divina (2012), MSC Preziosa (2013)
- Size & Capacity: Approximately 137,936 to 139,400 gross tons; up to 4,345 passengers
- Sophisticated design for those that want a more intimate experience
- Less Dining Options than the Seaside and Meraviglia Class
- Multiple Pools
- Great prices
- MSC Yacht Club started here
The Fantasia Class includes older ships that, not too long ago, ranked among the largest in the world. These days, they barely crack the top 60, coming in at around 35% smaller than something like MSC World America. Still, these ships offer a solid experience, especially for those who enjoy the nostalgia of classic cruise ship design.
The ships in this class are definitely still big, but you won’t find the over-the-top entertainment options you see on newer vessels. Instead, expect a more traditional experience, with multiple swimming pools, an F1 simulator, and even a full cinema onboard.
Fantasia Class ships often sail in regions like South America, Europe, the Middle East, and the Caribbean. You’ll also spot them on transatlantic itineraries, taking passengers on long, beautiful journeys across the globe.
Fun fact: this is the class that introduced the MSC Yacht Club to the fleet, marking a major milestone for the cruise line. That premium experience lives on today and has become a signature feature on many of MSC’s newer ships.
Musica Class
- Ships: MSC Musica (2006), MSC Orchestra (2007), MSC Poesia (2008), MSC Magnifica (2010)
- Size & Capacity: Approximately 92,409 to 95,128 gross tons; up to 3,223 passengers
- Elegant interiors with musical themes
- Limited Dining Venues
- Classic Cruise Experience
- Fitness Center and Spa
The Musica Class is all about that classic cruise experience, the kind that takes you straight back to the 2000s. It’s actually super nostalgic for me, too, since MSC Orchestra was my very first cruise back in 2007!
You won’t find the mega-resort vibe here. These ships are about half the size of the Meraviglia Class, so don’t expect F1 simulators or over-the-top entertainment options. What you will find are cozy, intimate spaces that are perfect for relaxing and enjoying the journey. These ships still offer solid amenities like a fitness center, a spa, a sports court, two pools, a FlowRider, and even a miniature golf course.
If you’re looking to escape the crowds, see what MSC is all about, and enjoy a more traditional cruise without the need for a waterpark or a mechanical swing dangling over the ocean, the Musica Class might be exactly what you need.
Lirica Class
- Ships: MSC Armonia (2001), MSC Sinfonia (2002), MSC Lirica (2003), MSC Opera (2004).
- Size & Capacity: Approximately 65,542 to 65,591 gross tons; up to 2,679 passengers
- Cozy and intimate experience
- Traditional design elements
- Great for shorter itineraries and less crowded destinations
- Great prices
Want to travel back to a time when cruising was still new and all about the journey? Then the Lirica Class is for you.
These ships are way more about the destinations than the ship itself. Planning to explore some incredible places in Africa or South America? You’ll definitely want to take a look at these. The onboard experience is pretty simple, so you won’t find wild entertainment options here. Instead, expect a few bars, a couple of swimming pools, and just enough to keep you comfy in between ports.
Again, it’s all about the places you’re going. And thanks to their smaller size, Lirica Class ships can dock in some pretty unique destinations that the big mega-ships just can’t reach. If you’re more into immersive travel and less into waterslides and rollercoasters at sea, this might be the perfect fit.
