Ship Comparison
MSC Meraviglia vs MSC Splendida
For a vibrant, nonstop family adventure, MSC Meraviglia shines, while MSC Splendida offers a more classically elegant, cosmopolitan experience with value for diverse itineraries.
The verdict
This comparison highlights two distinct MSC experiences. MSC Meraviglia, a newer and larger vessel, is a hub of high-energy activities and modern amenities, making it a fantastic choice for families and those who thrive on constant engagement and a bustling atmosphere, especially with its innovative promenade and water park. The Yacht Club on Meraviglia offers a premium, tranquil escape from the lively main decks. In contrast, MSC Splendida, while still lively and family-friendly, presents a more classic and informal cruising style with dazzling traditional decor, including its signature Swarovski staircases. It appeals to a cosmopolitan crowd looking for a fun yet relaxed vacation. Both ships offer excellent kids' programs and a "ship-within-a-ship" luxury experience, but Meraviglia leans into modern, active fun, while Splendida offers a more traditional, inclusive charm.
Choose MSC Meraviglia if…
Ideal for families and groups who crave a high-energy, action-packed cruise with modern amenities, diverse entertainment, and a bustling social scene, especially those interested in the Caribbean or Northern Europe.
Best for
- Families with children of all ages
- Travelers seeking a vibrant, energetic atmosphere
- Guests who enjoy extensive water parks and active outdoor pursuits
- Those interested in modern entertainment and interactive digital experiences
- Cruisers desiring a luxurious "ship-within-a-ship" experience in the Yacht Club
Avoid if
- Passengers seeking a quiet, intimate, or tranquil cruise experience
- Individuals sensitive to constant noise and crowds, especially in public areas
- Travelers who prefer a traditional, less bustling ship ambiance
- Guests primarily focused on formal dining and quiet evenings
Choose MSC Splendida if…
Perfect for cosmopolitan travelers and families seeking a classic, fun-filled cruise with elegant surroundings, a friendly atmosphere, and varied itineraries across the Mediterranean and South America, often offering good value.
Best for
- Families looking for an inclusive, fun-filled cruise with a European flair
- Travelers who appreciate classic elegance and dazzling decor
- Budget-conscious cruisers seeking good value on diverse itineraries
- Guests who enjoy a lively social scene but also appreciate dedicated quiet zones
- Cruisers interested in Mediterranean or South American destinations
Avoid if
- Passengers who prefer a brand-new, ultra-modern ship design
- Those seeking a wide array of complimentary specialty dining options
- Guests sensitive to smoking in designated areas
- Travelers who prefer a more Americanized cruise experience
Overall Vibe
MSC Meraviglia
MSC Meraviglia, launched in 2017, presents itself as a ship for all seasons, embodying a thoughtfully designed experience that seamlessly blends its Mediterranean roots with broad international appeal. Spanning 14 decks, its core is a vibrant, nonstop array of activities centered around new panoramic areas, a captivating two-deck "inside promenade" with a 480m2 LED dome, and a spectacular amusement area connected to an outdoor water park. This vessel is crafted to keep guests engaged and entertained, offering a dynamic environment that caters to a wide spectrum of preferences.
MSC Splendida
MSC Splendida, with its 14 decks, projects a cosmopolitan and fun-loving ambiance, inviting guests to enjoy spectacular days at sea. Known for its dazzling surroundings, including genuine Swarovski crystal studded staircases, it offers a large, informal, and inclusive atmosphere. This "eco-ship" emphasizes comfort and style, providing a beautiful destination in itself. It’s a place where families and diverse nationalities can find a lively experience, balanced with the serene exclusivity of the Yacht Club. The ship's design focuses on delivering a full and engaging cruise, making it a compelling choice for many.
Atmosphere & Crowd
MSC Meraviglia
Onboard MSC Meraviglia, with a capacity for 4,475 passengers and a crew of 1,536, the atmosphere is distinctly high-energy and nonstop, reflecting its international appeal with a Mediterranean flair. It’s a bustling hub catering to all types of passengers, especially families seeking constant engagement. The ship maintains a "fever pitch" of activities, from pool games to parades, creating a vibrant, often loud environment where children are frequently seen enjoying themselves late into the evening. Guests looking for continuous excitement and a lively social scene will find themselves right at home.
MSC Splendida
MSC Splendida cultivates a lively, exuberant, and informal atmosphere, welcoming up to 3,959 passengers with a crew of 1,332. The ship prides itself on being inclusive and friendly, attracting a cosmopolitan mix of guests who appreciate its fun-filled spirit. While energetic, it leans into a more relaxed, family-friendly vibe compared to its counterpart, ensuring that while there's always something happening, the overall pace might feel a touch less frenetic. It’s a place where diverse nationalities come together for a shared, enjoyable cruising experience.
Dining
MSC Meraviglia
MSC Meraviglia offers a diverse culinary journey, with a mix of included and specialty options. For complimentary dining, guests can enjoy the Panorama Restaurant with its sea views, the more intimate Waves Restaurant, or the expansive Marketplace Buffet featuring open kitchens for fresh pasta and mozzarella. Exclusive to Yacht Club guests, the MSC Yacht Club Restaurant provides gourmet Mediterranean and international cuisine. For an additional charge, options include the entertaining Kaito Teppanyaki & Sushi Bar, the American-style Butcher's Cut steakhouse, the seafood-focused Ocean Cay, and the casual HOLA! Tacos & Cantina. Sweet treats abound at Jean-Philippe Chocolate & Cafe and Jean-Philippe Crepes & Gelato.
MSC Splendida
Dining on MSC Splendida provides a blend of international flavors in both complimentary and specialty venues. Main dining rooms like the two-deck La Reggia and the panoramic Villa Verde offer varied menus, while the large Bora Bora and quieter Pago Pago buffets provide casual, all-day options, including a popular pizza station. Yacht Club guests benefit from exclusive dining at L'Olivio Restaurant, featuring exceptional food and attentive service, and 24-hour snacks at the Top Sail Lounge. The ship's only dedicated specialty restaurant is the vibrant Santa Fe Tex Mex. Guests can also find sweet treats at the Bar del Riccio and Nutella bar in the Aqua Park.
Entertainment & Nightlife
MSC Meraviglia
MSC Meraviglia pulses with entertainment day and night. The Broadway Theatre hosts six different productions, from flamenco to opera, while the Carousel Lounge features exclusive Carousel Productions at Sea like 'ROCK CIRCUS' and 'HOUSE OF HOUDINI', though these require booking a signature cocktail package. Daytime fun includes the thrilling Polar Aquapark with multiple slides and the unique Himalayan Bridge ropes course. Evenings come alive in the Galleria Meraviglia with music and parties under the LED dome, or at venues like the TV Studio & Bar for karaoke and live music, and the Casino Imperiale. Additional fee-based options include F1 simulators, bowling, and a 4D cinema.
MSC Splendida
MSC Splendida offers a diverse range of entertainment geared towards a multinational audience. The Strand Theatre presents West End-style visual shows with dancers and bilingual singers. Nightlife is lively, with after-dinner parties, the Royal Palm Casino, and various bars such as The Purple Jazz Bar with live jazz, L'Aperitivo Bar overlooking the atrium, and The Aft Lounge for live music and dancing. For active guests, there's an Aqua Park, indoor and children's pools, and sports tournaments. Fee-based attractions include a 4D Cinema, MSC Formula Racer, mini bowling, and an arcade, ensuring engaging options for all ages.
Cabins & Suites
MSC Meraviglia
MSC Meraviglia offers 2,626 cabins, including 46 wheelchair-accessible options, designed with a modern aesthetic of muted grays, steels, and chocolate. Standard cabins, such as the Studio Interior (129 sq ft) and Deluxe Interior (183-237 sq ft), feature convertible beds, a mini-bar, and interactive TV. Balcony cabins range from 129-237 sq ft with varying balcony sizes. The MSC Yacht Club elevates the experience with Royal, Duplex (with whirlpool), Deluxe, and Interior Suites, all offering premium amenities and butler service. Guests in Aurea Suites enjoy privileges like thermal area access. It's worth noting that some oceanview and balcony cabins on Deck 8 have obstructed views.
MSC Splendida
With 1,682 cabins, including 43 for wheelchair users, MSC Splendida provides comfortable accommodations, often decorated in muted blue or orange and cream tones. Standard cabins offer convertible beds, a mini-bar, and a flat-screen TV. The Yacht Club is a highlight, offering spacious Executive and Family Suites, Grand Suites, and Deluxe Suites, all with butler service and luxurious touches like Myform Memory mattresses and marble bathrooms. Aurea Suites, such as the Grand Suite Aurea and Premium Suite Aurea with Sealed Window, provide additional space and exclusive benefits. Guests should be aware that some balconies may have obstructed views from lifeboats or metal walls, and interconnecting cabins might have less soundproofing.
Service & Onboard Style
MSC Meraviglia
MSC Meraviglia integrates modern technology to enhance guest experience, primarily through its "MSC for Me" system, which offers interactive touchscreens and in-cabin Smart TVs for a more Personalized journey. The ship's style is a blend of Mediterranean elegance and high-tech sophistication, evident in its dazzling Swarovski crystal-studded stairs and the innovative 480m2 LED dome in the Galleria Meraviglia. Service is efficient, with priority boarding for Aurea experience guests. The overall ambiance feels contemporary and vibrant, supporting its nonstop activity schedule with seamless digital integration.
MSC Splendida
MSC Splendida delivers service with a touch of classic European charm, underscored by its "MSC for Me" digital technology for a more Personalized experience. The ship's onboard style is defined by dazzling and opulent surroundings, most notably the genuine Swarovski crystal staircases in the atrium. Dining venues like Villa Verde and L'Olivio showcase elegant decor with rich colors and refined details. Service for Yacht Club guests is particularly attentive, including 24-hour butler service. The overall feeling is one of inclusive luxury, where traditional elegance meets modern convenience, ensuring a comfortable and memorable journey for its diverse guests.
Best Itineraries
MSC Meraviglia
MSC Meraviglia is well-suited for a variety of itineraries, particularly excelling in Caribbean sailings from Miami, Fort de France, and Pointe-a-Pitre, visiting destinations like Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Philipsburg, and Bridgetown. It also offers extensive Transatlantic crossings connecting North America (New York, Boston) with Europe (Lisbon, Barcelona, Southampton), allowing for diverse port calls such as Funchal and Gibraltar. During the summer, it explores Northern Europe from Southampton, including the Norwegian Fjords and Baltic capitals. Mediterranean voyages also feature prominently, touching ports like Naples, Marseille, and Palermo.
MSC Splendida
MSC Splendida primarily focuses on rich Mediterranean itineraries, departing from ports like Trieste, Bari, Piraeus, and Genoa, exploring destinations such as Kusadasi, Split, and Valletta. It also has a strong presence in South America, offering voyages from Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires to coastal gems like Ilhabela, Balneario Camboriu, and Punta Del Este. Additionally, the ship undertakes Transatlantic journeys, bridging South American vibrancy with European cultural centers, providing a grand voyage experience that spans continents and diverse cultural landscapes.
What reviewers say
MSC Meraviglia
4/5MSC Meraviglia is a well-designed ship that successfully blends its Mediterranean heritage with international appeal. It offers a vibrant, nonstop experience packed with activities, making it ideal for families and those seeking constant fun, though the high energy can be overwhelming for some.
MSC Splendida
4.5/5MSC Splendida offers a cosmopolitan, fun-loving cruise experience with great onboard facilities, making it a good choice for budget-conscious cruisers. While it provides an inclusive and lively atmosphere for all ages, the lack of specialty dining options is a notable trade-off.
Itineraries to compare
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MSC Meraviglia
MSC Splendida
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