Cruise Frog guide
MSC Cruises vs Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line rates higher than MSC Cruises on Cruise Frog's editorial scores, 3.6 to 3.4 out of 5 across their rated ships. MSC Cruises leads on value; Norwegian Cruise Line on cabins, dining and pools & decks. Pick MSC Cruises for value seekers; Norwegian Cruise Line for solo travelers.
Comparison updated
| Fact | MSC Cruises | Norwegian Cruise Line |
|---|---|---|
| Style | Mainstream | Mainstream |
| Best for | Families, First-time cruisers, Value seekers, Multigenerational groups, Friends and groups | Families, First-time cruisers, Friends and groups, Solo travelers, Multigenerational groups |
| Fleet rating | 3.4 / 5 | 3.6 / 5 |
| Cabins | 3.3 | 4.2 |
| Dining | 3.0 | 4.0 |
| Entertainment | 4.3 | 4.3 |
| Service | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Pools & decks | 2.7 | 3.0 |
| Value | 4.0 | 3.0 |
| Ships in service | 23 | 20 |
| Ships on the way | 2 | 1 |
| Largest ship | MSC World America (216,638 GT) | Norwegian Encore (169,116 GT) |
| Newest ship | MSC World America (2025) | Norwegian Luna (2026) |
| Guests per ship, average | 3,896 | 3,071 |
| Usually sails | Mediterranean, Caribbean, Bahamas, South America | Caribbean, Bahamas, Transatlantic, Mediterranean |
| Loyalty program | MSC Voyagers Club | Latitudes Rewards |
| Owner | MSC Group | Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings |
| Headquarters | Geneva, Switzerland | Miami, Florida, United States |
| Founded | 1988 | 1966 |
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, MSC Cruises or Norwegian Cruise Line?
Norwegian Cruise Line rates higher than MSC Cruises on Cruise Frog's editorial scores, 3.6 to 3.4 out of 5 across their rated ships. MSC Cruises leads on value; Norwegian Cruise Line on cabins, dining and pools & decks.
Is MSC Cruises or Norwegian Cruise Line better value?
MSC Cruises scores higher for value, 4.0 to 3.0 out of 5 (what you get for the fare, extras included).
Is MSC Cruises or Norwegian Cruise Line better for dining?
Norwegian Cruise Line scores higher for dining, 4.0 to 3.0 out of 5 (good food in the main dining room and the specialty venues).
Is MSC Cruises or Norwegian Cruise Line better for entertainment?
They score the same for entertainment, 4.3 out of 5.
Is MSC Cruises or Norwegian Cruise Line better for cabins?
Norwegian Cruise Line scores higher for cabins, 4.2 to 3.3 out of 5 (comfortable, quiet, well kept).
Which has bigger ships, MSC Cruises or Norwegian Cruise Line?
MSC Cruises's largest ship, MSC World America, measures 216,638 gross tons, against 169,116 for Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Cruise Line's largest. An average MSC Cruises ship carries 3,896 guests, a Norwegian Cruise Line ship 3,071.
How many ships do MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line have?
MSC Cruises has 23 ships in service and 2 on the way; Norwegian Cruise Line has 20 ships in service and 1 on the way.
Are MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line owned by the same company?
No. MSC Cruises is part of MSC Group; Norwegian Cruise Line is part of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.