MSC Cruises has 23 ships currently in service in 2025, following the addition of the newest ship, MSC World America.
With such a huge fleet, it’s easy to lose track of which ship is which. When you spot a tempting cruise deal, it helps to know whether it’s on one of the newer, larger ships packed with modern features – or one of the older, smaller ones that often offer great value.
Even seasoned cruisers can get them muddled up, so I’ve put together this simple guide to every MSC Cruises ship, complete with tables showing them by size, year and class.
New Ships
With 23 ships currently sailing, it’s also worth noting that MSC has several major new vessels on the way. Two World Class ships are already under construction – MSC World Asia, joining the fleet in 2026, and MSC World Atlantic, arriving in 2027. These will be followed by two previously ordered but still unnamed vessels, often referred to as World Class 5 and 6, which are due before 2030. It was previously thought these might be the final additions to the World Class series; however…
MSC Cruises has just announced two additional World Class ships in a new €3.5 billion agreement with Chantiers de l’Atlantique. These vessels – World Class 7 and 8 – are scheduled to enter service in 2030 and 2031.
Construction will begin in 2029, bringing the total World Class fleet to eight ships and reinforcing MSC’s rapid growth with another pair of energy-efficient, LNG-powered mega-ships designed as multi-district “floating destinations.”
MSC Ships Ranked by Size
The following table shows MSC cruise ships currently sailing by size, ordered from largest to smallest:
| Ship | Gross Tonnage | Passengers | Length (Metres) | Decks | Guest Decks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSC World America | 216,638 | 6,764 | 333 | 22 | 16 |
| MSC World Europa | 215,863 | 6,762 | 333 | 21 | 16 |
| MSC Euribia | 184,011 | 6,334 | 331 | 19 | 15 |
| MSC Virtuosa | 181,541 | 6,334 | 331 | 19 | 15 |
| MSC Grandiosa | 181,541 | 6,334 | 331 | 19 | 15 |
| MSC Bellissima | 171,598 | 5,686 | 316 | 19 | 15 |
| MSC Meraviglia | 171,598 | 5,655 | 316 | 19 | 15 |
| MSC Seascape | 170,412 | 5,877 | 312 | 19 | 16 |
| MSC Seashore | 169,400 | 5,632 | 339 | 19 | 16 |
| MSC Seaside | 153,516 | 5,336 | 323 | 19 | 15 |
| MSC Seaview | 153,516 | 5,119 | 323 | 19 | 15 |
| MSC Preziosa | 139,072 | 4,345 | 333 | 18 | 14 |
| MSC Divina | 139,072 | 4,345 | 333 | 18 | 14 |
| MSC Splendida | 137,936 | 4,363 | 333 | 18 | 14 |
| MSC Fantasia | 137,936 | 4,363 | 333 | 18 | 14 |
| MSC Magnifica | 95,128 | 3,013 | 294 | 16 | 13 |
| MSC Poesia | 92,627 | 3,013 | 294 | 16 | 13 |
| MSC Orchestra | 92,409 | 3,013 | 294 | 16 | 13 |
| MSC Musica | 92,409 | 3,013 | 294 | 16 | 13 |
| MSC Opera | 65,591 | 2,579 | 275 | 13 | 9 |
| MSC Lirica | 65,591 | 2,548 | 275 | 13 | 9 |
| MSC Sinfonia | 65,542 | 2,546 | 248 | 13 | 9 |
| MSC Armonia | 65,542 | 2,520 | 275 | 13 | 9 |
Gross tonnage is a measurement of the overall internal volume of a ship. It’s one of the best ways to measure the size of a cruise ship.
The passenger number is based on how many passengers each cruise ship can accommodate at maximum occupancy. That would mean that all the extra beds are in use.
In reality, ships don’t cruise at maximum occupancy because sometimes you will have just two people in a cabin, and so they won’t use the sofa bed or Pullman beds.
Ship Sizes Vary, but None of Them Are “Small”
MSC Cruises’ ships range in size from 248 metres long to 333 metres long. Each ship can accommodate between 2,520 and 6,764 passengers over 13 to 22 decks.
Compared to other mainstream cruise lines, MSC Cruises’ ships are quite average in size, with some mega-ships, some large ships and a few medium-sized ships.
MSC Cruises has no small ships. However, in 2023, the MSC Group launched a new cruise line called Explora Journeys. This features only small, luxury ships, the first of which was Explora I.
The World Ships Are the Biggest
The biggest MSC Cruises ship is MSC World America, which launched in April 2025. This World-class mega-ship can accommodate up to 6,764 guests with 22 decks.
We know that two more World-class ships are being built for the cruise line. MSC World Asia will launch in 2026, and the final World ship, MSC World Atlantic, will launch in 2027.
MSC World America is the second ship in the innovative World Class, taking everything guests loved about MSC World Europa and adding a distinctly American twist. She features bold design, fresh dining concepts, and new entertainment options created especially for sailings from Miami.
While she shares the same impressive layout as her sister ship, MSC World America feels brighter and more contemporary, with a bigger focus on outdoor spaces and vibrant social areas. From the expanded MSC Yacht Club to the lively World Promenade, she’s designed to bring a taste of modern luxury to Caribbean cruising.
Prior to the launch of MSC World America, the biggest MSC cruise ship title belonged to her sister ship MSC World Europa.
MSC World Europa made headlines when she served as a floating hotel during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, hosting players’ families in the Yacht Club and fans throughout the ship.
Whether Bigger Is Really Better
Which size of ship is the best is a matter of personal preference, and each has its advantages. For some people, bigger is always better, whereas other people will only choose to cruise on small or medium-sized ships.
Bigger ships tend to be newer and have more features and attractions on board, which can also mean that cruise tickets cost more.
Smaller ships have their advantages in that they tend to offer more port-intensive itineraries as they can access some ports which larger ships cannot.
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MSC Ships Ranked By Year
The following table shows MSC Cruises ships from newest to oldest…
| Ship | Year Built |
|---|---|
| MSC World Class 8 | 2031* |
| MSC World Class 7 | 2030* |
| MSC World Class 6 | 2029* |
| MSC World Class 5 | 2028* |
| MSC World Atlantic | 2027* |
| MSC World Asia | 2026* |
| MSC World America | 2025 |
| MSC Euribia | 2023 |
| MSC World Europa | 2022 |
| MSC Seascape | 2022 |
| MSC Seashore | 2021 |
| MSC Virtuosa | 2021 |
| MSC Grandiosa | 2019 |
| MSC Bellissima | 2019 |
| MSC Seaview | 2018 |
| MSC Seaside | 2017 |
| MSC Meraviglia | 2017 |
| MSC Preziosa | 2013 |
| MSC Divina | 2012 |
| MSC Magnifica | 2010 |
| MSC Splendida | 2009 |
| MSC Fantasia | 2008 |
| MSC Poesia | 2008 |
| MSC Orchestra | 2007 |
| MSC Musica | 2006 |
| MSC Opera | 2004 |
| MSC Lirica | 2003 |
| MSC Sinfonia | 2002 |
| MSC Armonia | 2001 |
MSC Ship Classes Explained
In the MSC Cruises fleet, the ships are grouped into classes. Each ship in a class is very similar, with a few small differences on board.
The following table shows MSC Cruises ships grouped by class…
| Ship | Class |
|---|---|
| MSC World Class* | World Class |
| MSC World Class 7* | World Class |
| MSC World Class 6* | World Class |
| MSC World Class 5* | World Class |
| MSC World Atlantic* | World Class |
| MSC World Asia* | World Class |
| MSC World America | World Class |
| MSC World Europa | World Class |
| MSC Euribia | Meraviglia Plus Class |
| MSC Virtuosa | Meraviglia Plus Class |
| MSC Grandiosa | Meraviglia Plus Class |
| MSC Bellissima | Meraviglia Class |
| MSC Meraviglia | Meraviglia Class |
| MSC Seascape | Seaside EVO Class |
| MSC Seashore | Seaside EVO Class |
| MSC Seaview | Seaside Class |
| MSC Seaside | Seaside Class |
| MSC Preziosa | Fantasia Class |
| MSC Divina | Fantasia Class |
| MSC Splendida | Fantasia Class |
| MSC Fantasia | Fantasia Class |
| MSC Magnifica | Musica Class |
| MSC Poesia | Musica Class |
| MSC Orchestra | Musica Class |
| MSC Musica | Musica Class |
| MSC Opera | Lirica Class |
| MSC Lirica | Lirica Class |
| MSC Sinfonia | Lirica Class |
| MSC Armonia | Lirica Class |
Seaside EVO Class
MSC Cruises had a new class of ship for 2021, the Seaside EVO-class. Beginning with the launch of MSC Seashore in August 2021, Seaside EVO-class ships are slightly larger than Seaside-class ships.
Ultra Luxury Class
In the spring of 2023, MSC launched the first of a new class of small, ultra-luxury cruise ships. These six new ships, built over five years, will be the smallest in the fleet at around a third the size of MSC Grandiosa. These aren’t part of the MSC Cruises fleet; instead, they fall under a new sister brand called Explora Journeys.
MSC’s Ultra Luxury Class ships will be aimed at guests who enjoy the MSC Yacht Club, offering a premium experience for wealthy guests who want the best of the best. They will be named Explora I to Explora VI.
To Conclude
MSC Cruises has ships to suit every type of cruiser – from huge resort-style vessels packed with entertainment to smaller, more traditional ships with a relaxed feel. Over the years, the fleet has grown in size and style, with the newest ships offering the most space, features and modern design.
If you prefer something a little more exclusive, keep an eye on Explora Journeys, MSC’s ultra-luxury brand. Its smaller ships offer a more intimate, all-inclusive experience while still delivering the same high standards MSC is known for.
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Don’t miss the latest MSC Cruises offers…
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