Cruise Frog guide
MSC Cruises vs P&O Cruises
MSC Cruises and P&O Cruises rate the same overall on Cruise Frog's editorial scores, 3.4 out of 5 across their rated ships. MSC Cruises leads on entertainment; P&O Cruises on service and pools & decks. Pick MSC Cruises for first-time cruisers and value seekers; P&O Cruises for couples and adults only.
Comparison updated
| Fact | MSC Cruises | P&O Cruises |
|---|---|---|
| Style | Mainstream | Mainstream |
| Best for | Families, First-time cruisers, Value seekers, Multigenerational groups, Friends and groups | Families, Couples, Adults only |
| Fleet rating | 3.4 / 5 | 3.4 / 5 |
| Cabins | 3.3 | 3.3 |
| Dining | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Entertainment | 4.3 | 3.1 |
| Service | 3.0 | 4.0 |
| Pools & decks | 2.7 | 3.0 |
| Value | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Ships in service | 23 | 7 |
| Ships on the way | 2 | 1 |
| Largest ship | MSC World America (216,638 GT) | Arvia (185,581 GT) |
| Newest ship | MSC World America (2025) | Arvia (2022) |
| Guests per ship, average | 3,896 | 3,453 |
| Usually sails | Mediterranean, Caribbean, Bahamas, South America | Caribbean, Canary Islands, Northern Europe, Norwegian Fjords |
| Loyalty program | MSC Voyagers Club | Peninsular Club |
| Owner | MSC Group | Carnival Corporation & plc |
| Headquarters | Geneva, Switzerland | Southampton, United Kingdom |
| Founded | 1988 | 1977 |
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 P&O Cruises?
MSC Cruises and P&O Cruises rate the same overall on Cruise Frog's editorial scores, 3.4 out of 5 across their rated ships. MSC Cruises leads on entertainment; P&O Cruises on service and pools & decks.
Is MSC Cruises or P&O Cruises better value?
They score the same for value, 4.0 out of 5.
Is MSC Cruises or P&O Cruises better for dining?
They score the same for dining, 3.0 out of 5.
Is MSC Cruises or P&O Cruises better for entertainment?
MSC Cruises scores higher for entertainment, 4.3 to 3.1 out of 5 (shows, music, and things to do at sea).
Is MSC Cruises or P&O Cruises better for cabins?
They score the same for cabins, 3.3 out of 5.
Which has bigger ships, MSC Cruises or P&O Cruises?
MSC Cruises's largest ship, MSC World America, measures 216,638 gross tons, against 185,581 for Arvia, P&O Cruises's largest. An average MSC Cruises ship carries 3,896 guests, a P&O Cruises ship 3,453.
How many ships do MSC Cruises and P&O Cruises have?
MSC Cruises has 23 ships in service and 2 on the way; P&O Cruises has 7 ships in service and 1 on the way.
Are MSC Cruises and P&O Cruises owned by the same company?
No. MSC Cruises is part of MSC Group; P&O Cruises is part of Carnival Corporation & plc.