Which is Best? Royal Caribbean or MSC Cruises?

Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises are two of the biggest players in the cruise industry.
Both offer a similar style of holiday, but there are clear differences that set them apart – and those differences can make one a better choice for you than the other.

I’ve sailed with both lines, taking trips on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, and Anthem of the Seas, as well as MSC Preziosa, MSC Virtuosa, and MSC Euribia. After these cruises, I’ve had a chance to see exactly how the two compare.

In this guide, I’ll share my insights to help you understand what each cruise line has to offer. Whether you’re seeking excitement or relaxation, I hope this makes it a bit easier to choose the cruise holiday that’s just right for you.

The Ships

Royal Caribbean 

Royal Caribbean boasts a fleet of 29 ships, with an additional three under construction. Each ship belongs to one of the eight distinct classes. Here’s a brief overview:

• Icon Class: The newest and largest, accommodating up to 7,600 guests.
• Oasis Class: Six mega-ships that can house around 6,800 guests.
• Quantum Ultra Class: Two modern vessels for 5,500 guests.
• Quantum Class: Three ships, each carrying 4,900 guests.
• Freedom Class: Comprises three ships, with capacities ranging from 4,400 to 4,900 guests.
• Radiance Class: Four vessels, each designed for 2,500 guests.
• Voyager Class: Five ships, each accommodating 4,000 guests.
• Vision Class: Four ships, suitable for 2,400 to 2,700 guests.

The oldest ship still in operation is the Grandeur of the Seas, introduced in 1996. The latest additions are Icon of the Seas, launched in January 2024, and Star of the Seas launched in August 2025.

Recommended reading: How Do Royal Caribbean Ships Line Up by Age?

MSC Fleet

MSC Cruises operates a fleet of 22 ships, with three more on the way. Similar to Royal Caribbean, MSC also categorises its ships into eight classes:

• World Class: The largest in their fleet, supporting nearly 6,800 passengers.
• Meraviglia Plus Class: Three ships housing 6,300 passengers each.
• Seaside EVO Class: Consists of two ships for 5,900 guests.
• Meraviglia Class: Two ships, each designed for 5,600 guests.
• Seaside Class: Two ships with a capacity of 5,200 guests.
• Fantasia Class: Four ships, accommodating 3,900 guests each.
• Musica Class: Four vessels, each supporting 3,200 guests.
• Lirica Class: Four ships designed for 2,700 guests.

The oldest ship currently sailing with MSC Cruises is MSC Armonia, originally built in 2001 and added to the fleet in 2004.

At the other end of the timeline is MSC World America, the line’s newest World-Class ship, delivered in March 2025 and debuting the following month. Just before that, MSC launched MSC Euribia, a Meraviglia-Plus class ship that began service in June 2023.

Which to Go For?

When it comes to fleet size and ship dimensions, Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises are fairly evenly matched.

If you’re looking for a smaller, more low-key experience, Royal Caribbean’s Vision-class ships or MSC’s Lirica-class vessels are worth considering.

Prefer a mega-ship loaded with activities and entertainment? MSC’s World Class ships aren’t quite as large as Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class, but both lines offer some of the most feature-packed ships at sea.

I’ve even compared the newest flagships, Star of the Seas and MSC World America, in a dedicated guide, which is worth reading before you book either of these giants.

From here, the real differences come down to food, entertainment, and itineraries, so let’s dive into those…

Destinations

Royal Caribbean Cruise Locations

Set sail with Royal Caribbean from 35 different ports worldwide. Most of these embarkation points are in North America, with a handful in Europe, too. For UK travellers, there’s always a ship in Southampton during summer, ready to take you to places like Spain and France.

Royal Caribbean also boasts two private island retreats in the Caribbean – Labadee and Perfect Day at CocoCay. Both spots are packed with enjoyable activities and remain popular among cruisers.

MSC Cruise Locations

When it comes to departure ports, MSC Cruises actually beats Royal Caribbean – offering an impressive 66 embarkation ports worldwide.

This is because MSC operates a more flexible embarkation model. Instead of having just one start and end port for each sailing, many MSC itineraries allow guests to join or leave the cruise at multiple points along the route.

For example, a ship might run a 21-day loop of the Mediterranean, but you could book a 7-day segment from Southampton to Barcelona. Another passenger might join in Lisbon a few days later and stay onboard for 10 days, disembarking in Rome.

The downside is that the ship is busier with frequent embarkations and disembarkations, so you’ll notice a constant flow of passengers – and if your cabin is near a crew stairwell, you may hear luggage being moved at night.

MSC also has its own private island in the Bahamas – Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. After major upgrades in 2024, it now rivals Royal Caribbean’s private destinations in terms of facilities and guest experience.

Considering a Caribbean or European cruise? Both Royal Caribbean and MSC offer solid options. Royal Caribbean typically has more date options for Caribbean trips, while MSC scores higher for European date flexibility.

My Verdict

If you’re planning a cruise in the Caribbean or Europe, both MSC and Royal Caribbean are strong options. You’ll generally find more date flexibility for Caribbean sailings with Royal Caribbean, while MSC offers more choice in Europe.

Each line also has destinations that the other doesn’t cover. Royal Caribbean is the go-to for Australia, Alaska, and Mexico, whereas MSC is the better pick if you want to cruise to South Africa.

MSC is also ideal if you’re looking for an itinerary that spans multiple regions. While Royal Caribbean does operate some transatlantic and transpacific crossings, they’re limited and often light on port stops.

By contrast, MSC’s Grand Voyages combine two cruises with an ocean crossing, giving you a longer, more immersive journey. If you have the time, they’re a fantastic way to explore several regions without committing to a full world cruise.

Staterooms and Suites

Accommodation is rarely the deciding factor when choosing a cruise line, but it can influence your decision – especially if you’re after something specific. Both Royal Caribbean and MSC offer the usual cabin categories: inside cabins for budget travellers, oceanview cabins with a window, balcony cabins for private outdoor space, and suites with extra perks and more room to spread out.

Both lines also have solo cabin options, though availability is limited to certain ships. If you’re travelling alone, these can be a good alternative to paying the full price of a double cabin.

One thing to note with MSC: some of their solo cabins only feature a sofa bed rather than a full bed, which is worth checking before you book.

Royal Caribbean Staterooms and Suites

Virtual Balcony Staterooms

If you’re trying to save some money, Royal Caribbean’s inside cabins might be a good shout. They’re perfect for people who like a really dark room for sleeping. But for those who miss having a view, Virtual Balcony Staterooms come to the rescue. 

These rooms feature a large screen that displays real-time footage from outside the ship, giving you the sensation of having a balcony without the extra cost.

Related Reading: You Might Want To Avoid These Cabins On Your Next Royal Caribbean Cruise

Interior Balcony Staterooms

On the larger Oasis-class and Icon-class ships, you’ll find something quite unique: Interior Balcony Staterooms. These rooms don’t face the ocean but overlook an open area inside the ship, like a bustling boardwalk or a serene park filled with real plants. 

It’s a more budget-friendly alternative to ocean-view balconies, but do remember that other guests can see into your room, so keep those curtains drawn when necessary.

AquaTheater Suites

The AquaTheater Suites offer something truly special. Situated on the bigger ships, these suites come with balconies that overlook the AquaTheater—a space where you can enjoy high-diving shows and other performances. It’s like having a private theatre seating right in your room, plus stunning ocean views.

Recommended Reading: Are Royal Caribbean Grand Suite Perks Worth the Splurge?

Ultimate Family Accommodations

Families will be thrilled with the Ultimate Family Suites and Ultimate Family Townhouses available on select ships. These rooms are loaded with fun features like slides, game consoles, and even stairs that double as pianos. It’s a playground for kids right in your cabin.

MSC Staterooms and Suites

Bella, Fantastica, or Aurea?

When you book with MSC, you’ll need to choose from three fare types: Bella, Fantastica, or Aurea. Each of these fare types affects the quality and location of your cabin. 

For example, Bella fares get you cabins in less desirable parts of the ship, often with metal railings obstructing your view unless you stand up. Fantastica fares provide more options, while the best rooms and suites are reserved for Aurea fares.

MSC Yacht Club

If you’re looking for something top-tier, consider the MSC Yacht Club. It’s almost like a “ship-within-a-ship,” giving you access to exclusive lounges and restaurants. Perks include butler service and free drinks, but you’ll need to decide if it’s worth the added expense.

Which to Choose?

Royal Caribbean offers more variety and innovation in its accommodation options, especially if you’re not booking a suite.

MSC’s Yacht Club is an excellent choice for those wanting a more exclusive experience, offering perks similar to Royal Caribbean’s suite benefits. Some Royal Caribbean ships also feature a dedicated Suite Neighbourhood, creating a similar “ship-within-a-ship” feel.

Overall, Royal Caribbean tends to have the edge when it comes to unique room layouts and choices, but both lines provide modern, comfortable cabins across all categories.

Food

Since most of your meals will be eaten onboard, the quality and variety of the food is an important factor when choosing which cruise line to sail with.

Dining on Royal Caribbean

When it comes to Royal Caribbean, the dining options are incredibly diverse, even on the smaller ships in their fleet. On the largest ships, there are usually 20 or more dining venues that offer a wide variety of choices, making it possible for you to dine at a different place for every meal throughout your entire holiday!

Speciality Venues:

• Johnny Rockets: Known for its delicious burgers and excellent milkshakes.
• Chops Grille Steakhouse: A more formal venue, perfect for steak lovers.
• Izumi Sushi: A fabulous spot for sushi enthusiasts.
• Wonderland: A unique dining experience featuring creative and beautifully presented dishes.

Royal Caribbean’s food philosophy revolves around providing abundant choices, making sure everyone has an incredible dining experience without feeling constrained.

Dining on MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises offers an impressive variety of food options, although slightly fewer choices compared to Royal Caribbean, especially in terms of themed venues. Bigger ships in their fleet still provide an array of dining experiences.

Speciality Venues:

• Steak and Seafood: Several options for those who fancy a formal meal.
• Casual Dining: Burger and pizza places are available, though they might not be as thematically unique as Royal Caribbean’s.

Recommended Reading: Here’s a Tour of MSC Euribia’s Restaurants

Which Dining Experience to Choose?

If variety is a significant factor in your decision, Royal Caribbean is the clear winner, particularly on their larger ships. They offer more dining options, many with exciting themes that can make your meals more fun and memorable.

While MSC has faced criticism for food quality, recent experiences suggest an improvement. If you had been put off by past reviews, it might be worth giving MSC another chance. Newer ships like the MSC Euribia are getting high marks for their food options. In my experience, I would say Royal Caribbean wins the top spot.

Onboard Activities

Both Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises provide a wide selection of onboard activities designed to keep guests of all ages entertained throughout their cruise.

Royal Caribbean Onboard Fun

Royal Caribbean is known for its wide variety of onboard activities. Even their older ships offer classic options like dance lessons, bingo, and quizzes.

However, the mid-size ships take it up a notch with unique experiences:

• Ice skating rinks
• Escape rooms
• FlowRider surfing simulators
• Skydiving simulators
• Rock climbing walls
• Dry slides spanning multiple decks
• Dodgem cars
• Thrilling water slides
• Zip lines
• Bungee trampolines

Royal Caribbean aims to entertain guests of all ages, making the ship itself a destination.

MSC Onboard Fun

MSC Cruises also offers a variety of activities that are somewhat similar to Royal Caribbean’s offerings. They have traditional options like sports, arcades, and quizzes, but also offer:

• 4D Cinemas
• Formula One simulators with a full-size car
• Flight simulators
• Robotic arm coaster rides
• MasterChef competitions for all ages
• The longest dry-slide at sea on MSC World Europa

These unique experiences set MSC apart, providing a slightly different flavour of excitement.

Recommended Reading: 15 Fun Things To Do on MSC Euribia

Which to Choose?

Choosing between Royal Caribbean and MSC depends on your needs. Royal Caribbean offers its top activities across multiple ships, offering more variety on each trip. MSC, on the other hand, has some exclusive activities only available on specific ships.

If you prefer a ship with non-stop activities, Royal Caribbean might be the better choice. If you’re okay with fewer activity options and are looking for something unique, MSC Cruises offers plenty to keep you engaged and entertained.

Entertainment

The fun doesn’t stop after dark – both Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises offer a full line-up of evening entertainment, from live shows to music, bars, and late-night activities.

Royal Caribbean Fun

When it comes to entertainment on Royal Caribbean, you can expect some of the best shows at sea. Their main theatres host actual Broadway productions such as Grease, Cats, Hairspray, Mamma Mia!, and We Will Rock You. These are not just imitations; they are the real deal!

In addition to these big performances, you’ll find original productions in various venues, including AquaTheaters and ice-skating rinks.

If you fancy some laughs, most Royal Caribbean ships have live comedians and karaoke bars. There are also bands performing in different bars around the ship, offering a wide variety of musical experiences.

MSC Performances

MSC Cruises also offers a wide array of entertainment, though you won’t find licensed Broadway shows here. Instead, the theatres feature Broadway-style performances with impressive singing and dancing. You might even recognise some of the big musical numbers.

But the entertainment doesn’t stop there. MSC is known for its family-friendly approach, featuring circus-style acts, magic shows, and more. If you have kids or just love a bit of variety, you’ll find plenty to enjoy.

Which to Go For?

Choosing between Royal Caribbean and MSC for entertainment can be tough. Both have exciting options, but they might suit different tastes.

If you’re a fan of live comedy, Royal Caribbean could be your best bet since they usually have comedians on board. MSC lacks this because of its multilingual passengers, making it tricky to deliver jokes that work for everyone.

If seeing a licensed Broadway show is high on your list, you might prefer Royal Caribbean. Just make sure to check which shows are available on your chosen ship, as not every ship features these productions. Instead, you might find unique in-house shows.

Kids’ Facilities

Children’s Activities on Royal Caribbean

When it comes to keeping the young ones entertained, Royal Caribbean has a lot to offer. Their Adventure Ocean kids’ clubs cater to children starting at age 3. They provide different age groups to ensure that each child is involved in activities suitable for their age.

In the Adventure Ocean Science Lab, kids can take part in exciting experiments, while the Imagination Studio allows them to explore their creativity.

There’s an Adventure Theatre where the children can enjoy watching movies and TV shows.

For teenagers, Royal Caribbean offers dedicated spaces featuring video game tournaments, pizza parties, and much more.

Children’s Activities on MSC

MSC provides a similar experience with various kids’ club groups tailored to entertain younger passengers. The cruise line has partnered with well-known brands Lego and Chicco to create engaging activities with popular toys and games.

Teens have their own hangout spots featuring the latest VR games, enhancing the fun. For the littlest ones, the Baby Club caters to guests under three years old with music and rhythm games.

From summer 2024, you can even leave babies as young as six months with the caring staff, offering you some free time to explore the ship.

Family events and parties add another dimension to the MSC experience, making it even more enjoyable for kids.

Cruiser Demographics

Royal Caribbean Guests

Royal Caribbean is known for attracting adventurous travellers, primarily those in their 30s to 50s. You will find a lot of families on these cruises. However, younger families with parents in their 20s are less common, as the cruises are not the cheapest option.

You will also see multigenerational families, including grandparents, as well as couples and solo travellers.

These ships are usually English-speaking environments. Yet, ships departing from the US may have many Spanish-speaking guests.

MSC Guests

MSC Cruises often attract a broader range of guests due to their more affordable pricing. This means you will see many younger families on board.

People on MSC Cruises are often more interested in exploring the destinations rather than spending a lot of time on the ship itself.

MSC ships cater to a multilingual crowd, especially their European itineraries. While the crew members generally speak English, you might encounter guests who do not.

This diversity can lead to interesting interactions, especially in the kids’ clubs, where children find ways to communicate regardless of language barriers.

Cost

Budget is often one of the biggest factors when choosing a cruise line, and there’s a noticeable difference between the two.

When I compared nearly identical sailings on the newest ships from each fleet, I was surprised to find that Royal Caribbean’s prices were more than double those of MSC Cruises.

Royal Caribbean Costs

Royal Caribbean offers good value but isn’t considered a luxury line. If you choose a smaller ship, you might find more budget-friendly options.

However, be prepared to pay more for the newer and larger ships. For instance, a 7-night cruise on Wonder of the Seas often ranges between £100/$130 and £130/$165 per person, per night, for an Inside Stateroom.

MSC Costs

MSC is often seen as a more affordable cruise line, and in most cases that reputation is accurate – their fares are generally lower than Royal Caribbean’s. However, prices on MSC’s newest and largest ships can be similar to what you’d pay on Royal Caribbean.

Some travellers also feel that MSC’s service and food quality are slightly below Royal Caribbean’s, though this perception appears to be improving as the line invests in newer ships and upgraded offerings.

For reference, a typical seven-night Caribbean cruise on an MSC Seaside EVO Class ship usually costs around $110–$160 (£90–£130) per person, per night for an Inside Stateroom. With flexibility on dates and destinations, you can often find deals as low as $75–$90 (£60–£70) per night.

Recommended Reading: My MSC Euribia Review: Bargain £99 Cruise!

The Verdict

When choosing between Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises, it really depends on what you’re looking for.

Royal Caribbean tends to offer a more premium experience. They have a wider range of accommodation options and dining choices. Their ships are known for innovative daytime activities and evening shows that feature well-known productions.

MSC Cruises, on the other hand, has shown significant improvements. MSC offers compelling packages that can be quite affordable, making them a great choice if you find a good deal. Even when prices are similar, MSC brings a lot to the table with its own unique strengths. So, your decision might hinge on what’s most important to you.

You Might Also Like to Read…