If you’ve ever searched online for opinions about MSC Cruises, you’ve probably noticed how divided they are.
Some travelers absolutely love MSC for its affordable fares and stylish ships. Others? Not so much — citing poor service or underwhelming food.
It’s a cruise line that truly splits opinion. And the same goes for the ships themselves.
While some MSC ships receive rave reviews, others leave guests disappointed. So which ones rise to the top? And which ones are struggling to impress?
In this post, we’ve ranked every MSC ship based on real customer reviews, so you can choose the right one for your next cruise.
How These Rankings Were Compiled
I’ve sailed with MSC several times myself, but since I haven’t been on all 22 ships, this list isn’t based on personal opinion.
Instead, I crunched the numbers from three major review platforms:
- Cruise Critic
- Cruiseline.com
- TripAdvisor
These sites provide a solid average from thousands of passengers, giving us a fair and balanced picture.
Now, here’s something important to note: even MSC’s highest-rated ship only scores 3.57 out of 5, and the lowest-rated one dips to 2.8.
To put that in perspective, the lowest-rated Royal Caribbean ship scores higher than MSC’s best.
So yes, these reviews reflect real challenges, especially with service and food. But if you go in knowing what to expect (and don’t expect five-star luxury at budget prices), you can still have a great time.
Let’s get into it.
1. MSC Bellissima – The Best-Rated MSC Ship (For Now)
One of MSC’s newer ships, MSC Bellissima, was launched in 2019 as the second vessel in the Meraviglia Class.
With glitzy decor and family-focused features, she’s earned a loyal following and consistently tops review charts.
Guests rave about the Cirque at Sea shows, the multi-deck indoor promenade, and the massive kids’ club.
That said, one of the few downsides? It’s hard to find quiet spots — this ship is loud, large, and full of energy.
Still, she’s held onto the top spot for several years — and that says something.
2. MSC Euribia – Modern Style at a Steal
MSC Euribia is the newest addition to the MSC fleet, and she’s been making waves since launch — thanks to her sleek interiors, environmental upgrades, and ultra-cheap fares (some guests report sailing for under £100!).
She features stylish lounges, cutting-edge tech, and strong dining options — although service can still be hit-or-miss, like on most large MSC ships.
If you’re after a shiny, modern experience without spending a fortune, Euribia is a solid pick.
3. MSC World Europa – Big, Bold, and Finally Getting It Right
Billed as “the future of cruising,” MSC World Europa is the largest ship in the fleet and one of the most ambitious.
She’s packed with attractions — from water slides and a zip line to immersive tech-driven experiences.
Initially, reviews were mixed. Guests complained about crowds, wait times, and some disorganization.
But in 2025, she’s climbed dramatically in the rankings, moving up from 14th to 3rd. The improvements show that MSC is starting to iron out the kinks on its mega-ships.
4. MSC Divina – Classic Elegance That Still Holds Up
MSC Divina may not be the flashiest ship in the fleet, but she earns praise for being a well-rounded cruise ship.
Launched as a slightly larger version of her Fantasia-class sisters, Divina boasts luxurious (though somewhat dated) decor, great evening shows, and decent food. Reviews often highlight the attentive service and reliable experience.
She’s a great middle-ground pick for those who want classic MSC style without the overwhelming crowds of the newer vessels.
5. MSC Sinfonia – A Small Ship with Big Charm
Despite being the second-oldest ship in the fleet (launched in 2002), MSC Sinfonia still holds her own.
Why? Because what she lacks in flash, she makes up for in personal service and charming simplicity.
She’s one of the few ships where itinerary quality gets as much praise as the onboard experience.
If you’re looking for a low-cost, stress-free cruise that feels more intimate than the megaships, Sinfonia is worth a look.
6. MSC Seaside – Designed for Sunshine, Mixed on Cleanliness
When MSC Seaside launched in 2017, she broke the mold with her outdoor promenade, water park, and stylish sun-soaked design aimed at warmer climates.
She’s the namesake of the Seaside class, and guests love the laid-back feel and beautiful open-air decks.
She still has family-friendly features like water slides and kids’ clubs, but her real appeal is the more relaxed vibe compared to the mega-sized ships.
However, there’s one big asterisk: she failed a CDC hygiene inspection in the past — a rare occurrence for a mainstream ship.
So while she scores well for aesthetics and layout, cleanliness has been flagged in the past. Food quality also gets mixed feedback, especially if you’re not into Italian-heavy menus.
⚠️ Bottom line: Gorgeous ship, but cleanliness and food consistency are watchpoints.
7. MSC Seaview – Stylish Twin With a Premium Twist
Sister ship to Seaside, MSC Seaview offers a nearly identical experience, but she’s often praised just a bit more for her ambiance and premium touches.
Reviews frequently mention the MSC Yacht Club experience and specialty restaurants, which deliver better food and service, if you’re willing to pay for the upgrade.
If you’re cruising on a tighter budget and sticking to the included dining, your experience might not be quite as high-end.
She’s a popular pick for those who want a newer ship without the overwhelming size of MSC’s biggest vessels.
✅ Tip: If you’re booking Seaview, look into the Yacht Club — it can transform your entire cruise.
Also Read
8. MSC Preziosa – Bold, Bright, and a Bit Loud
MSC Preziosa is similar in design to MSC Divina, but the reviews tell a slightly different story.
While guests appreciate the value — and yes, she’s usually one of the cheaper big ships to book — complaints about noise levels are more common.
Loud venues, crowded bars, and a more chaotic vibe seem to hold her back from reaching higher scores.
Still, for cruisers who are all about the nightlife, live music, and high-energy atmosphere, Preziosa brings the fun.
🎉 Best for: Social cruisers who don’t mind a bit of noise with their vacation.
🍕 9. MSC Meraviglia – Almost as Good as Her Sister, But Crowded
Launched in 2017, MSC Meraviglia is the big sister to Bellissima, and while she brings nearly the same features — massive promenade, expansive kids’ clubs, and high-energy activities — she doesn’t quite match her sibling’s polish.
Most of the lower ratings boil down to food in the main dining room and how crowded the ship can feel during peak times.
The organization also gets criticized in reviews, with guests describing some aspects as chaotic.
Still, she offers a full-featured MSC experience and remains a favorite for families — just maybe skip the buffet during peak lunch hours.
☕ 10. MSC Magnifica – Modest, Mellow, and On the Rise
MSC Magnifica is the last of the Musica-class ships, and while she doesn’t have the wow-factor of newer vessels, she makes up for it with comfort and calm.
She’s made a jump in the rankings this year — moving up from 18th to 10th — thanks to better feedback on service quality and her laid-back environment.
She’s ideal for cruisers who want a relaxing escape without a lot of bells and whistles.
Yes, some reviews still mention limited activities and so-so food, but the smaller size and more personalized atmosphere seem to be winning guests over.
💤 Ideal for: Guests who want to unplug and take things slow.
11. MSC Fantasia – Classic Charm, Showing Her Age
Rounding out this section is MSC Fantasia, the namesake of her class and once considered one of the most luxurious ships in the fleet.
Now over 15 years old, she’s well-maintained but doesn’t hide her age very well, especially when compared to MSC’s newer, flashier siblings.
That said, guests still appreciate the Italian vibe, lively evenings, and budget-friendly fares.
She’s a solid choice for those who enjoy the essentials of cruising without needing high-tech thrills or water parks.
🛳️ Best for: Travelers who enjoy classic cruising on a budget.
12. MSC Armonia – Clean, Classic, and Quiet
As one of the oldest ships in the fleet, you’d expect MSC Armonia to rank near the bottom — but she holds her own.
Similar in design to her sister, MSC Sinfonia, Armonia leans into a more traditional cruising experience with smaller crowds and a slower pace.
Yes, she lacks flashy features and doesn’t have much to entertain teens or thrill-seekers.
But for couples or older cruisers looking to unwind, she offers clean, comfortable cabins, friendly service, and relaxed evening shows.
🎯 Best for: Cruisers who value simplicity, quiet decks, and attentive staff over waterslides and VR games.
🤹♂️ 13. MSC Grandiosa – Big Features, Bigger Growing Pains
MSC Grandiosa was launched with high expectations as the first Meraviglia-Plus class ship, designed to take everything great about Meraviglia and expand it.
But here’s the issue: she’s just… too big. Many reviews describe long queues, slow service, and a feeling that the ship’s size outpaced the staff’s ability to manage it all.
Food options and entertainment are there in abundance, but it comes at the cost of personal attention.
🚧 Tip: If you love big ships but hate crowds, Grandiosa may test your patience.
🎡 14. MSC Virtuosa – Glitzy but Crowded
Another Meraviglia-Plus ship, MSC Virtuosa is beautiful on the surface — elegant lounges, flashy tech, and a long list of things to do.
But many reviews echo the same issue: it’s just too busy. Crowded buffets, lines for shows, and overbooked venues bring the experience down.
Ironically, her modern design and spaciousness don’t seem to offset how tightly packed she feels.
👀 Personal Note: I’ve cruised on Virtuosa twice — one trip was amazing, the other was chaotic. A lot depends on timing, itinerary, and guest-to-crew ratios.
🎟️ Verdict: Beautiful ship, but go in off-season if you want to breathe.
🎧 15. MSC Musica – Middle of the Road (And Sliding)
MSC Musica has always occupied that mid-sized sweet spot — not too big, not too small. But in 2025, she’s lost ground.
She fell from 7th to 15th in the rankings, mostly due to her aging interiors and a lack of exciting new features.
Guests either praise the laid-back ambiance and international crowd or criticize the dated feel and basic food.
The crew earns mixed feedback too — some guests love the personal touch, others feel ignored.
🛳️ Verdict: Musica is pleasant enough, but it’s starting to show her age — and guests are noticing.
16. MSC Splendida – Looks Great, Tastes… Meh
MSC Splendida launched in 2009 as a Fantasia-class ship, so she should be a well-rounded choice.
And in many ways, she is — she offers ample space, stylish venues, and a relaxing pool deck. But the food quality consistently drags her reviews down.
The free dining options lack variety and consistency, and even some of the specialty restaurants get lukewarm feedback.
🍽️ Bottom line: Splendida may look the part, but if you’re cruising for the food, this one might leave you underwhelmed.
📈 17. MSC Seascape – New Ship, Rough Start
When MSC Seascape launched in 2022, expectations were sky-high. A sleek evolution of the Seaside class, she brought upgraded outdoor areas and environmental improvements.
Yet she ranked dead last in 2024, with reviews slamming her for overcrowding, long waits, and chaotic dining.
The good news? Things are turning around. In 2025, she started to climb back up the rankings, signaling that MSC is learning from feedback.
⚠️ Verdict: Still not perfect, but Seascape may become a standout in the near future as onboard operations improve.
18. MSC Lirica – Quiet Charm with a Vintage Feel
Launched back in 2003, MSC Lirica is definitely starting to show her age. She’s compact, a bit dated, and lacking in high-tech bells and whistles.
But for the right cruiser, she’s exactly what they’re looking for. Think peaceful sea days, quiet lounges, and no pressure to rush from activity to activity.
Reviews note that the ship is clean and well-maintained, but clearly not designed for active families or nightlife seekers.
💡 Tip: If you want a cruise that feels more like a floating retreat than a non-stop theme park, Lirica delivers.
🚢 19. MSC Seashore – Cool Design, Crowded Vibe
MSC Seashore, the first of the Seaside EVO class, came with promises of improved layouts, better energy efficiency, and expanded outdoor space.
And while the ship is undeniably stylish, many guests still feel like she’s just too crowded.
There’s a running joke in reviews: “Can cruise ships be overbooked?” That sums up the Seashore experience for many — packed pool decks, long buffet lines, and an overstretched crew.
🍹 Verdict: Looks great in photos, but if you value space and seamless service, this one might test your patience.
20. MSC Poesia – Good Vibes, But Only After Dark
MSC Poesia is part of the Musica class, and like her sister ships, she doesn’t wow with daytime offerings. But she does shine at night, particularly with entertainment.
Reviews describe her as a “throwback” ship — ideal for travelers who care more about evening shows and relaxing pool days than high-speed slides or digital wristbands.
The main letdown? The food. It’s not terrible, but even fans admit it’s “average at best.”
🌙 Best for: Low-key cruisers who want a smooth ride, decent service, and a little dancing after dark.
21. MSC Opera – Compact & Confusing
Another Lirica-class ship, MSC Opera, is small and easygoing — but she also ranks among the lowest ships due to her dated design and quirky layout.
Many guests say the ship feels a bit like a maze, with confusing corridors and venues that are hard to find.
But like other smaller MSC ships, she earns points for personal service, and those who book her knowingly often enjoy her budget-friendly charm.
🌀 Verdict: Not the ship for first-timers, but returning MSC fans who prefer old-school cruising may still find her lovable.
22. MSC Orchestra – The Bottom of the Chart
Bringing up the rear is MSC Orchestra — a twin to MSC Musica. Despite being a mid-sized ship with an easygoing vibe, she consistently lands the lowest scores.
The main criticisms? Mediocre food, lack of activities, and lackluster service. For families with small kids, there’s enough to stay busy with during port-heavy itineraries, but older kids and teens will likely get bored quickly.
Even loyal MSC cruisers admit that Orchestra just doesn’t stack up anymore, especially when you compare her to newer, more dynamic options in the fleet.
⚠️ Bottom line: Unless the itinerary is unbeatable, most travelers are better off choosing a higher-ranked ship.
Choosing the Right MSC Ship for You
There’s no one “best” MSC ship — only the best ship for your type of cruise.
If you’re looking for…
- Modern features & family fun → Try MSC World Europa or Bellissima
- Peace & simplicity → Opt for smaller ships like Sinfonia, Armonia, or Lirica
- Luxury treatment → Book a Yacht Club suite on ships like Seaview, Meraviglia, or Virtuosa
- Slide-loving kids → Ships with waterslides include Fantasia, Bellissima, Meraviglia, Grandiosa, Seashore, and World Europa
Ultimately, the newer the ship, the flashier the features — but the more crowded and chaotic the cruise might feel. On the flip side, older ships offer more personal service and calmer vibes, but with fewer thrills.
Final Thoughts
MSC isn’t trying to be the most luxurious cruise line — it’s aiming to become the biggest, and that shows in its rapid shipbuilding and bold designs.
But as this list makes clear, bigger doesn’t always mean better. Service and food often struggle on the larger ships, while older, simpler vessels quietly keep loyal cruisers happy.
Go in with the right expectations, and there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy your cruise. Go in expecting a luxury resort experience — and you might be in for a reality check.
