Ship Comparison
MSC Splendida vs MSC Preziosa
For a lively Mediterranean adventure with a touch of luxury, MSC Splendida shines, while MSC Preziosa offers a fun-filled Northern European escape with exciting waterslides and gourmet Italian dining.
The verdict
Both MSC Splendida and MSC Preziosa, as members of the Fantasia-class, share a vibrant, family-friendly ethos and the exclusive 'ship-within-a-ship' MSC Yacht Club. Splendida, with its slightly larger capacity, offers a cosmopolitan atmosphere and a focus on visual entertainment appealing to diverse audiences, particularly strong for those seeking value in the Mediterranean. Preziosa, a newer addition to the class, distinguishes itself with a thrilling Vertigo waterslide, dedicated children's aqua park, and the pioneering Eataly restaurants, making it a strong contender for active families and culinary enthusiasts exploring Northern Europe or South America. Your choice will truly come down to preferred itinerary and whether you prioritize Splendida's broader entertainment appeal or Preziosa's unique recreational and specialty dining options.
Choose MSC Splendida if…
The MSC Splendida is ideal for families and couples who appreciate a lively, cosmopolitan atmosphere and a traditional cruise experience with European flair. It's particularly well-suited for budget-conscious travelers seeking a fun-filled vacation with a wide array of activities and entertainment designed to appeal to a diverse, multinational audience. Those who value environmental responsibility will also appreciate its eco-ship credentials.
Best for
- Families with young children who enjoy a lively, informal, and multicultural environment
- Budget-conscious cruisers seeking value without compromising on activities and entertainment
- Travelers who appreciate visual entertainment and shows that transcend language barriers
- Guests interested in Mediterranean and South American itineraries
- Cruisers who value environmental sustainability efforts on their ship
Avoid if
- You prefer a quiet, intimate cruise experience away from crowds
- You are sensitive to smoke, as designated smoking areas can impact public spaces
- You prioritize extensive specialty dining options over varied buffet and main dining offerings
- You prefer modern, high-tech cabin amenities over traditional decor and basic features
- You are concerned about potentially restricted views or metal walls on some balcony cabins
Choose MSC Preziosa if…
The MSC Preziosa is a wonderful fit for families with children and younger couples who crave an active, fun-filled cruise experience with unique onboard thrills. Its standout waterslides and dedicated children's aqua park make it a top choice for those prioritizing splash-happy adventures, while the gourmet Italian dining options cater to food enthusiasts. Travelers seeking a vibrant, relaxed European-style cruise with a touch of glamour will find Preziosa appealing.
Best for
- Families with children and teens seeking thrilling waterslides and dedicated aqua parks
- Travelers who enjoy gourmet Italian dining experiences with a focus on 'slow food'
- Guests looking for Northern European or specific South American itineraries
- Those who appreciate a glamorous onboard atmosphere with unique design features
- Cruisers who value a slightly better passenger-to-crew ratio for potentially more attentive service
Avoid if
- You dislike opulent or 'over-the-top' interior decor
- You prefer a quieter, more understated luxury experience outside of the Yacht Club
- You are sensitive to smoking, as the casino is a designated smoking area
- You require consistent, top-tier service in all main dining venues
- You are particular about small cabin details like flimsy hangers or unusual mirror placement
Overall Vibe
MSC Splendida
MSC Splendida, a Fantasia-class vessel, embraces a lively and exuberant spirit. Her interiors are known for their dazzling surroundings, including the famous Swarovski crystal staircases that add a touch of sparkle to the journey. As an 'eco-ship,' she incorporates energy-saving, water recycling, and waste management systems, even earning a '7 Golden Pearls environmental award,' appealing to environmentally-conscious cruisers. The overall ambiance is informal and inclusive, designed to make every day a new discovery for travelers of all ages across her 14 decks.
MSC Preziosa
MSC Preziosa, launched in 2013 as the fourth in the Fantasia Class, presents a glitzy and glamorous atmosphere. Her classic design features a real stone piazza, sweeping Swarovski crystal staircases, and a captivating 'infinity' pool, creating a visually rich environment. She stands out with new facilities like the exhilarating Vertigo waterslide and a children's aqua park, alongside the first two Eataly restaurants at sea. This blend offers a fun, relaxed, and affordable European-style cruise, particularly appealing to families and those young-at-heart, across her 13 decks.
Atmosphere & Crowd
MSC Splendida
Carrying up to 3,959 passengers with a crew of 1,332, MSC Splendida fosters a bustling, cosmopolitan atmosphere. The ship is known for being informal and inclusive, attracting a diverse, multinational audience. Guest reviews consistently highlight a friendly environment where children are welcome to stay up late, contributing to a vibrant energy throughout the ship. Expect a lively cruise experience, particularly appealing to families who enjoy a constant buzz and readily available activities.
MSC Preziosa
MSC Preziosa accommodates up to 3,502 passengers with a crew of 1,390, offering a slightly more favorable passenger-to-crew ratio than her sister ship, which can translate to more attentive service. The atmosphere is described as glamorous, fun, and relaxed, with a distinctive Mediterranean vibe that resonates with its predominantly European clientele. It's a ship that caters well to families and younger couples who appreciate a vibrant social scene and plenty of options for recreation and relaxation.
Dining
MSC Splendida
MSC Splendida offers a variety of complimentary dining, including the extensive Bora Bora and Pago Pago Buffet Restaurants, known for international and Mediterranean fare with traditional pizza and pasta stations. For a more formal experience, La Reggia and Villa Verde serve exquisite Mediterranean and international specialties with daily changing menus. Specialty dining includes the fee-based Sea Pavilion for Asian cuisine, Butcher's Cut steakhouse, and Santa Fe Tex Mex. Yacht Club guests enjoy exclusive complimentary dining at L'Olivio Restaurant and snacks at the Top Sail Lounge.
MSC Preziosa
MSC Preziosa features several complimentary dining options, such as the two-deck Golden Lobster and the panoramic L’Arabesque main restaurants, both offering international menus with two dinner seatings. The Inca & Maya Buffets provide a casual, 20-hour self-serve experience with a diverse selection including pasta, pizza, and curries. For specialty dining, guests can explore the fee-based Galaxy Kaito for Japanese cuisine, Butcher's Cut steakhouse, and the acclaimed Eataly and Ristorante Italia for gourmet Italian experiences. Yacht Club members have exclusive access to Le Palmeraie for dedicated dining.
Entertainment & Nightlife
MSC Splendida
Nightlife on MSC Splendida is centered around its diverse venues, including West End-style shows at The Strand Theatre featuring dancers and acrobats designed for multinational appeal. Guests can try their luck at the Royal Palm Casino, enjoy live jazz at The Purple Jazz Bar, or piano music at La Prua Piano Bar. The Sports Bar offers an engaging spot with bowling, while Club 33 serves as the futuristic nightclub. Daytime activities range from a 4D Cinema and MSC Formula Racer to various theme parties and competitive shows like MSC Factor and Masterchef at Sea.
MSC Preziosa
MSC Preziosa boasts a vibrant entertainment scene, highlighted by the Platinum Theatre's Broadway-style visual shows, which are well-suited for international audiences. For nightlife, the Millennium Star Casino offers slots and table games, while the Green Sax Jazz Bar, El Dorado Piano Bar, and Safari Lounge provide live music and dancing. The Galaxy Lounge disco keeps the party going late. Unique thrills include the Vertigo waterslide and a Virtual World with an F1 simulator and 4D cinema. Family-friendly activities are abundant, with dedicated kids' clubs and aqua parks.
Cabins & Suites
MSC Splendida
MSC Splendida offers 1,682 cabins, including 43 accessible options. The MSC Yacht Club provides 71 luxurious suites, such as Executive, Grand, and Deluxe Suites, all boasting Myform Memory mattresses, a pillow menu, Egyptian cotton linens, marble bathrooms with both showers and bathtubs, and 24-hour butler service. Standard cabins, like Premium Balcony and Deluxe Interior, feature convertible beds, a mini-bar, TV, and European sockets. It is worth noting some balconies may have restricted views or metal walls, and standard showers use clingy curtains.
MSC Preziosa
MSC Preziosa features 1,751 cabins, with nearly 65% offering balconies, and 45 accessible cabins. Her MSC Yacht Club includes Executive, Grand, and Deluxe Suites, providing a luxurious retreat with 24-hour butler service, private dining, and access to a dedicated pool. These suites, along with Royal Suites, are equipped with bathtubs in addition to showers. Standard cabins, including Premium Ocean View and Deluxe Interior, offer walk-in showers with doors, ample storage, bathrobes, and a choice of pillow fillings. Some guests have noted flimsy hangers and a floor-to-ceiling mirror at the bed's foot.
Service & Onboard Style
MSC Splendida
MSC Splendida aims for a friendly and inclusive onboard style, appealing to its cosmopolitan guests. The crew, numbering 1,332, contributes to a generally efficient service, particularly noted in the main dining rooms. The MSC Yacht Club elevates service with dedicated butlers and concierge assistance, offering a premium 'ship-within-a-ship' experience. The MSC for Me technology provides a Personalized digital experience, connecting guests and crew seamlessly. Priority boarding is a perk for those opting for the Aurea Experience package.
MSC Preziosa
MSC Preziosa maintains a relaxed yet glamorous service style, supported by a crew of 1,390, which fosters a welcoming environment. The MSC Yacht Club is a highlight, offering guests exclusive butler service, a dedicated concierge, and private venues for a refined and attentive experience. While the main dining service has seen some inconsistencies, staff in the casino are noted for being friendly and efficient. The ship also utilizes the MSC for Me technology for a more connected and carefree holiday experience for all guests.
Best Itineraries
MSC Splendida
MSC Splendida primarily offers captivating Mediterranean itineraries, sailing to destinations rich in history and culture across Italy, Croatia, Greece, and Turkey. Guests can also find voyages exploring Malta, Spain, and France, with some cruises extending to Tunisia. Additionally, the ship ventures to South America, providing opportunities to explore the vibrant coasts of Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay, offering a diverse range of scenic and cultural experiences.
MSC Preziosa
MSC Preziosa focuses on Northern European adventures, with popular routes from Hamburg visiting ports in the UK, Belgium, Netherlands, and France. She also embarks on breathtaking journeys to the Norwegian Fjords, calling at destinations like Oslo, Kristiansand, Stavanger, Bergen, Molde Fjord, Trondheim, Honningsvag, Tromso, and Alesund, as well as Icelandic explorations to Reykjavik and Akureyri. During the winter months, Preziosa sails to South America, offering cruises around Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina.
What reviewers say
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.
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.
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MSC Splendida
MSC Preziosa
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