Cruise Frog guide
Marella Cruises vs MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises rates higher than Marella Cruises on Cruise Frog's editorial scores, 3.4 to 3.1 out of 5 across their rated ships. Marella Cruises leads on service and pools & decks; MSC Cruises on cabins and entertainment. Pick Marella Cruises for couples and adults only; MSC Cruises for first-time cruisers and multigenerational groups.
Comparison updated
| Fact | Marella Cruises | MSC Cruises |
|---|---|---|
| Style | Mainstream | Mainstream |
| Best for | Couples, Families, Adults only, Value seekers | Families, First-time cruisers, Value seekers, Multigenerational groups, Friends and groups |
| Fleet rating | 3.1 / 5 | 3.4 / 5 |
| Cabins | 2.4 | 3.3 |
| Dining | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Entertainment | 2.0 | 4.3 |
| Service | 4.0 | 3.0 |
| Pools & decks | 3.0 | 2.7 |
| Value | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Ships in service | 5 | 23 |
| Ships on the way | — | 2 |
| Largest ship | Marella Voyager (77,302 GT) | MSC World America (216,638 GT) |
| Newest ship | Marella Voyager (1997) | MSC World America (2025) |
| Guests per ship, average | 1,863 | 3,896 |
| Usually sails | Mediterranean, Caribbean, Canary Islands | Mediterranean, Caribbean, Bahamas, South America |
| Solo cabins | Every ship | — |
| Single supplement | Single cabins are priced for one with the same fittings as double cabins. Marella runs regular solo deals across single inside to balcony… | — |
| Loyalty program | — | MSC Voyagers Club |
| Owner | TUI Group | MSC Group |
| Headquarters | Luton, England | Geneva, Switzerland |
| Founded | 1973 | 1988 |
Ratings are Cruise Frog's editorial scores of each line's ships in service, 1 to 5, averaged; the higher figure is highlighted. How we rate.
Quick answers
Which is better, Marella Cruises or MSC Cruises?
MSC Cruises rates higher than Marella Cruises on Cruise Frog's editorial scores, 3.4 to 3.1 out of 5 across their rated ships. Marella Cruises leads on service and pools & decks; MSC Cruises on cabins and entertainment.
Is Marella Cruises or MSC Cruises better value?
They score the same for value, 4.0 out of 5.
Is Marella Cruises or MSC Cruises better for dining?
They score the same for dining, 3.0 out of 5.
Is Marella Cruises or MSC Cruises better for entertainment?
MSC Cruises scores higher for entertainment, 4.3 to 2.0 out of 5 (shows, music, and things to do at sea).
Is Marella Cruises or MSC Cruises better for cabins?
MSC Cruises scores higher for cabins, 3.3 to 2.4 out of 5 (comfortable, quiet, well kept).
Which has bigger ships, Marella Cruises or MSC Cruises?
MSC Cruises's largest ship, MSC World America, measures 216,638 gross tons, against 77,302 for Marella Voyager, Marella Cruises's largest. An average Marella Cruises ship carries 1,863 guests, a MSC Cruises ship 3,896.
How many ships do Marella Cruises and MSC Cruises have?
Marella Cruises has 5 ships in service; MSC Cruises has 23 ships in service and 2 on the way.
Are Marella Cruises and MSC Cruises owned by the same company?
No. Marella Cruises is part of TUI Group; MSC Cruises is part of MSC Group.