Ship Comparison
MSC Bellissima vs MSC Preziosa
For a modern, high-energy family adventure with cutting-edge entertainment, MSC Bellissima shines; for classic glamour and thrilling waterslides on European or South American voyages, MSC Preziosa offers a delightful, relaxed experience.
The verdict
Choosing between MSC Bellissima and MSC Preziosa ultimately comes down to your preference for scale and specific onboard highlights. Bellissima, a newer and larger vessel, leans into modern technology and grand-scale entertainment, including unique Cirque du Soleil shows and a vibrant indoor promenade. It's a ship that embraces a lively, bustling energy, perfect for those who thrive in an active, social environment. Preziosa, while still substantial, offers a slightly more intimate feel with its classic design and signature features like the Vertigo waterslide. It maintains MSC's family-friendly ethos but presents it with a touch more traditional elegance, making it a strong contender for those seeking a blend of fun and refined cruising without the overwhelming scale of the very newest ships.
Choose MSC Bellissima if…
Travelers seeking a modern, high-energy family vacation with abundant entertainment, diverse dining, and a vibrant, social atmosphere.
Best for
- Families with children and teens seeking an active, modern, and high-energy cruise.
- Travelers who enjoy vibrant nightlife, themed parties, and live entertainment including unique circus shows.
- Guests interested in cutting-edge digital technology and personalized onboard services like the Zoe assistant.
- Couples or groups who appreciate a bustling, international atmosphere with diverse dining options.
Avoid if
- Seeking a quiet, intimate, or subdued cruise experience outside of the Yacht Club.
- Budget-conscious travelers, as many premium entertainment and dining options incur additional charges.
- Those who prefer a more traditional, understated elegance over modern, high-tech flair.
- Passengers who dislike large crowds and bustling public areas.
Choose MSC Preziosa if…
Families and younger couples who appreciate classic cruise glamour, thrilling water attractions, and a lively, yet relaxed, European-style cruising experience.
Best for
- Families looking for thrilling water attractions, including a long waterslide and children's aqua park.
- Travelers who appreciate classic cruise glamour with opulent decor and elegant public spaces.
- Guests interested in gourmet Italian dining experiences, particularly the Eataly restaurants.
- Those seeking diverse itineraries in Northern Europe or South America.
Avoid if
- Travelers who prefer a minimalist or contemporary aesthetic over glitzy, ornate decor.
- Guests who require consistent, highly personalized service in main dining areas, as it can be inconsistent.
- Those sensitive to smoke, as the casino permits smoking.
- Passengers expecting the very latest in cruise ship technology and digital integration.
Overall Vibe
MSC Bellissima
Launched in 2019, MSC Bellissima is a contemporary mega-ship spanning 14 decks, designed to offer a dynamic and energetic cruise experience. Its core revolves around innovative digital technology, notably the "MSC for Me" system and Zoe, a personalized in-cabin assistant. The ship's grand two-deck indoor promenade, Galleria Bellissima, is crowned by a spectacular 80-meter-long LED dome, creating an immersive atmosphere that shifts from a tranquil shopping haven by day to a lively entertainment hub by night. It's a vessel that truly lives up to its name, aiming for an elegant yet exuberant ambiance at sea.
MSC Preziosa
MSC Preziosa, the fourth in MSC's Fantasia Class, debuted in 2013 and features a classic design across its 13 decks. The ship exudes a glitzy and glamorous ambiance, characterized by a real stone piazza and sweeping Swarovski crystal staircases. While offering a relaxed and affordable Mediterranean cruise experience, Preziosa also introduces thrilling, modern facilities. Its distinctive blend of opulent decor and engaging activities provides a memorable setting for voyages, appealing to those who appreciate a touch of traditional elegance alongside contemporary onboard fun.
Atmosphere & Crowd
MSC Bellissima
With a capacity for 4,475 passengers and supported by 1,536 crew members, MSC Bellissima fosters a lively and often boisterous atmosphere. The ship is particularly popular with Southern European guests, contributing to a vibrant, party-oriented environment where the energy often extends late into the night. While public spaces are thoughtfully designed to manage crowds, areas like the main pool deck can become quite bustling and high-spirited, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a constant buzz and social interaction.
MSC Preziosa
Carrying 3,502 passengers with 1,390 crew, MSC Preziosa cultivates a fun, relaxed, and distinctly European-style cruise atmosphere. The vessel attracts a mix of families, younger couples, and the young-at-heart, all drawn to its approachable luxury. While the ship's opulent design elements, like the Swarovski crystal staircases, add a touch of glamour, the overall vibe remains welcoming and unpretentious, providing a comfortable balance for guests who enjoy a lively cruise without feeling overwhelmed by crowds.
Dining
MSC Bellissima
MSC Bellissima offers a diverse culinary journey, balancing complimentary main dining with a strong selection of specialty restaurants. Guests can enjoy international cuisine in the Posidonia, The Lighthouse, Il Cilegio, and Le Cerisier main dining rooms, with The Lighthouse specifically for Aurea Experience guests. The Marketplace Buffet provides a vast, easily navigable option, noted for freshly made mozzarella, pasta, and pastries. For specialty experiences, choices include HOLA! Tapas Bar for Mediterranean small plates, Butcher's Cut for premium steaks, Kaito Teppanyaki for an interactive Japanese meal, Kaito Sushi Bar for fresh sushi, and L'Atelier Bistrot for French classics, all available for an additional charge.
MSC Preziosa
Dining on MSC Preziosa offers both included options and intriguing specialty venues. The Golden Lobster and L'Arabesque serve as the main international dining rooms, both with two dinner seatings. For more casual fare, the Inca & Maya Buffets are open for extended hours, providing a wide array of Mediterranean, fast-food, and ethnic dishes. A notable highlight is the introduction of the first two Eataly restaurants at sea: the minimalist Eataly, and the sophisticated Ristorante Italia, both offering gourmet Italian cuisine à la carte. Room service continental breakfast is complimentary, though other items incur a fee.
Entertainment & Nightlife
MSC Bellissima
Entertainment on MSC Bellissima is a key highlight, featuring two unique Cirque du Soleil at Sea productions, 'Valeria' and 'Syma,' performed in the custom-built Carousel Lounge (with an additional charge for dinner or cocktails). The London Theatre presents six different Broadway-style revue shows weekly. The Galleria Bellissima's 80-meter LED dome offers captivating visual spectacles. For nightlife, options range from the lively Attic Club and Bellissima Bar with dance lessons to the sophisticated Champagne Bar and the traditional Masters of the Sea English pub. Recreational activities include a virtual reality arcade, F1 simulators, bowling, and the adventurous Himalayan Bridge ropes course.
MSC Preziosa
MSC Preziosa provides a varied entertainment program centered around the Platinum Theatre, which hosts visual shows featuring dancers and acrobats, appealing to its international audience. Live music can be found in venues like the Green Sax Jazz Bar, El Dorado Piano Bar, and the larger Safari Lounge. For late-night revelry, the Galaxy Lounge operates as a disco, and the Millennium Star Casino offers gaming tables and slots (where smoking is permitted). Unique attractions include the Vertigo waterslide, a 4D Cinema, MSC Formula Racer, mini bowling, and a dedicated teen disco, Graffiti's, ensuring options for all ages.
Cabins & Suites
MSC Bellissima
MSC Bellissima features 2,201 cabins, including 46 designed for accessibility. Standard cabins offer comfortable twin beds (convertible to a double), ample storage, and modern amenities like interactive TVs, mini-fridges, and multiple power outlets. Each cabin is equipped with Zoe, MSC's personalized in-cabin assistant. Suite options are diverse, from Aurea Suites with private whirlpools to two-deck-high Duplex Suites. The exclusive MSC Yacht Club encompasses 94 suites, offering a private lounge, restaurant, sun deck with pool and hot tub, 24-hour butler and concierge service, unlimited drinks, and complimentary Thermal Suite access.
MSC Preziosa
On MSC Preziosa, guests will find 1,751 cabins, with a notable 65% featuring balconies, alongside 45 accessible cabins. Standard accommodations provide comfortable twin beds (convertible to doubles), walk-in showers with fixed dispensers, and modern conveniences like digital TVs, safes, and mini-bars. There's ample storage, though some passengers have noted flimsy hangers and a floor-to-ceiling mirror at the foot of the bed. The MSC Yacht Club offers an exclusive 'ship within a ship' experience with 69 dedicated suites, providing personalized butler service, private dining at La Palmeraie, a panoramic bar, and a secluded pool and sun deck, along with a separate spa elevator.
Service & Onboard Style
MSC Bellissima
MSC Bellissima emphasizes a highly connected and personalized experience through its "MSC for Me" digital technology, which allows guests to manage their itineraries and communicate with ease. Service within the exclusive Yacht Club is noted for its intuitive and dedicated nature, offering an enclave of calm and luxury. While the ship's overall style is geared towards vibrant, lively interactions, the underlying service aims to ensure a seamless and enjoyable cruise, even with the daily safety briefings required for embarkation and disembarkation at multiple ports.
MSC Preziosa
MSC Preziosa combines its glitzy, glamorous decor with a relaxed European approach to service. While the main dining rooms have occasionally received feedback about rushed service, the overall onboard style is designed for enjoyment and ease. The exclusive MSC Yacht Club provides a heightened level of service, with dedicated personnel offering flawless attention, including 24-hour butler service. The ship maintains a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, aiming to make every guest's journey comfortable and memorable within its distinctive Mediterranean charm.
Best Itineraries
MSC Bellissima
MSC Bellissima's itineraries predominantly focus on Asia, offering extensive voyages through Japan and China. Guests can embark on journeys visiting vibrant cities and scenic ports such as Tokyo, Gangjeong, Kagoshima, Shanghai, Kobe, Hiroshima, Naha, Miyako Island, and Keelung. These itineraries provide a deep immersion into the diverse cultures and landscapes of East Asia, making it an ideal choice for travelers eager to explore this captivating region.
MSC Preziosa
MSC Preziosa offers a wide array of itineraries, primarily sailing to Northern Europe and South America. Northern European cruises often depart from Hamburg, visiting ports like Southampton, Le Havre, Zeebrugge, Rotterdam, Oslo, Kristiansand, Stavanger, Bergen, Lerwick, Reykjavik, and Kirkwall. In South America, the ship frequently sails from Santos (Sao Paolo), exploring destinations such as Rio de Janeiro, Buzios, Ilha Grande, Ilheus, Salvador, and Maceio. This diverse offering caters to guests looking for a variety of cultural and scenic experiences across different continents.
What reviewers say
MSC Bellissima
5/5MSC Bellissima is a large, fun, and family-friendly ship offering a vast array of dining, drinking, and entertainment options. Let yourself get swept up in the exuberance, and you'll soon be partying till midnight and beyond with the best of them.
MSC Preziosa
4.5/5MSC Preziosa, launched in 2013 as the fourth in MSC's Fantasia Class, offers a fun, relaxed, and affordable Mediterranean cruise experience. It stands out with new facilities like the longest single-rider body waterslide, a children's aqua park, and the first two Eataly restaurants at sea, catering to families and younger couples.
Itineraries to compare
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MSC Bellissima
MSC Preziosa
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