MSC Cruises vs. Royal Caribbean

Attribute	MSC Cruises	Royal Caribbean
Number of Ships	19	26
Year Founded	1987	1968
Headquarters	Geneva, Switzerland	Miami, Florida
Destinations	Worldwide	Worldwide
Passenger Capacity	Up to 6,334	Up to 6,680

Overview

MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean are two of the most popular cruise lines in the world, offering a wide range of itineraries and onboard experiences for travelers of all ages. While both cruise lines provide exceptional service and amenities, there are some key differences between the two that may influence your decision when choosing a cruise.

Ship Options

MSC Cruises has a fleet of 17 ships, with more on the way, offering a variety of sizes and styles to suit different preferences. Their newest ships, such as the MSC Meraviglia and MSC Seaside, feature innovative designs and amenities like water parks, zip lines, and Broadway-style shows. On the other hand, Royal Caribbean has a larger fleet of 26 ships, including some of the largest and most technologically advanced vessels in the world, like the Symphony of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas.

Destinations

Both MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean offer a wide range of destinations around the world, including the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, and Asia. MSC Cruises has a strong presence in Europe, with many of their ships sailing in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. Royal Caribbean, on the other hand, has a larger presence in the Caribbean and Alaska, with a variety of itineraries to choose from in these regions.

Onboard Activities

When it comes to onboard activities, both MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean offer a plethora of options to keep passengers entertained throughout their cruise. MSC Cruises is known for their partnership with Cirque du Soleil, offering guests the chance to see world-class performances at sea. Royal Caribbean, on the other hand, is famous for their onboard amenities like rock climbing walls, surf simulators, and zip lines.

Dining Options

MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean both offer a variety of dining options to suit every palate, from casual buffets to fine dining restaurants. MSC Cruises is known for their partnership with celebrity chefs like Roy Yamaguchi and Jean-Philippe Maury, offering guests a taste of gourmet cuisine at sea. Royal Caribbean, on the other hand, is famous for their dynamic dining concept, allowing guests to choose from a variety of restaurants and cuisines throughout their cruise.

Entertainment

Entertainment is a key aspect of any cruise experience, and both MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean excel in this area. MSC Cruises offers a wide range of entertainment options, from live music and dance performances to themed parties and interactive games. Royal Caribbean, on the other hand, is known for their Broadway-style shows, ice skating performances, and high-flying acrobatics.

Service

Service is a top priority for both MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean, with both cruise lines receiving high marks for their attentive and friendly staff. MSC Cruises is known for their European-style service, with a focus on elegance and sophistication. Royal Caribbean, on the other hand, is famous for their personalized service and attention to detail, ensuring that every guest feels like a VIP.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean offer exceptional cruise experiences with a wide range of amenities and activities to suit every traveler. Whether you prefer the innovative design and European flair of MSC Cruises or the larger-than-life ships and dynamic dining options of Royal Caribbean, you are sure to have a memorable vacation at sea with either cruise line.