All of MSC Cruise Lines Ranked

MSC is the world’s third-largest cruise brand and a known leader when it comes to European, South American, and Caribbean cruises. The careful planning that’s gone into each ship in MSC’s fleet is truly remarkable, appealing to those with an artistic eye and a gourmet palate. Even with all that, MSC is also known to feature favorable price points, opening the door to a host of opportunities to explore the world in style. 

With so many claims to fame, we’ve taken the time to see what’s on board every ship in the fleet. Then, we ranked them in order, from smallest to largest, giving you the option to enjoy a smaller, more intimate setting or the feel of a full-blown party boat. As we progress, you’ll see that even the ships that are half the size of some of the others in the fleet still pack a major punch. 

MSC Armonia

Total Number of Passengers: 2,620

MSC Armonia is one of the first ships to set the stage for MSC’s Mediterranean designs. Amidst such a beautiful setting, there are plenty of ways for parents and children to spend time during the at-sea days. For the adults, there’s the MSC Aurea Spa, known for its Balinese massages. There’s also a lavish theater that puts on Broadway-caliber shows. As for the kiddos, they’ll be delighted by the partnership MSC forged with Lego to craft the most colorful play areas, including an open-air spray park. With five gourmet eateries and an extensive buffet, there’s plenty of opportunity to enjoy a decadent meal or two. And, when you’re ready for a cocktail, you can savor any number of themed lounge bars, including an English pub and an Italian cafe. 

Sample Itineraries: 

• Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina
• Italy, Montenegro, Croatia
• Tangier, Barcelona, Malta

MSC Sinfonia

Total Number of Passengers: 2,646

MSC Sinfonia has a wonderful theme. It pays homage to the great composers of the past. You’ll notice these nods to musical greats all throughout the ship. You’ll also find similar spa services and another sprawling theater to take in a show or two. You can also try your luck in the casino or spend your day by the pool with an umbrella drink in hand. The kiddos will love the Lego theme in their play areas here, as well. Another favorite is the Pinocchio Playroom. There’s also a teen area for those who have outgrown certain childhood amenities. Restaurants on board the ship serve all kinds of international dishes, including Italian and Mediterranean, which makes sense given this ship’s focus on Mediterranean journeys, including Turkey, Greece, and Italy.

MSC Lirica

Total Number of Passengers: 2,648

Here, the focus is on panoramic views of the sea everywhere you turn. The most obvious example of this is the lounge’s floor-to-ceiling windows. Even the gym was designed with full views of the sea, making for an easy workout. Aboard MSC Lirica, the kiddos will enjoy the Lego-themed splash area when you’re not enjoying the pool as a family. All the theaters and lounges, again, focus on those sweeping views of the sea. Each of the restaurants takes on a Mediterranean twist, given the ship’s main itineraries. But you’ll also find an award-winning sushi restaurant when you’re ready to change things up a bit! 

Sample Itineraries: 

• Italy, France, Spain
• Italy, Greece, Croatia
• Rio de Janeiro, Santos, Ilha Grande

MSC Magnifica

Total Number of Passengers: 3,223

Things are starting to expand now, with room for nearly a thousand more people. Many of the same amenities exist on board MSC Magnifica but on a much larger scale. The theater where you’ll enjoy a show or two is much larger, with a ceiling designed to make it look like you’re nestled under the stars. There’s a kids club with plenty of daytime activities for kids of all ages. One thing they’ll instantly be drawn to is the arcade. When Mom and Dad are ready to relax, they typically head straight to the spa for its open-air pool complex with a retractable roof. When everyone’s together again, you can indulge in a round of mini golf or bowling before enjoying a meal at one of the five gourmet restaurants serving dishes from all around the world. 

Sample Itineraries: 

• Spain, Italy
• Italy, France, Spain
• Italy, France