Cruise Frog guide
MSC Cruises vs Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean International rates higher than MSC Cruises on Cruise Frog's editorial scores, 4.0 to 3.4 out of 5 across their rated ships. Royal Caribbean International leads on cabins, entertainment, service and pools & decks, with the rest level. Pick MSC Cruises for value seekers.
Comparison updated
| Fact | MSC Cruises | Royal Caribbean International |
|---|---|---|
| Style | Mainstream | Mainstream |
| Best for | Families, First-time cruisers, Value seekers, Multigenerational groups, Friends and groups | Families, First-time cruisers, Multigenerational groups, Friends and groups |
| Fleet rating | 3.4 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
| Cabins | 3.3 | 4.2 |
| Dining | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Entertainment | 4.3 | 4.9 |
| Service | 3.0 | 4.0 |
| Pools & decks | 2.7 | 4.0 |
| Value | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Ships in service | 23 | 30 |
| Ships on the way | 2 | 1 |
| Largest ship | MSC World America (216,638 GT) | Icon of the Seas (248,663 GT) |
| Newest ship | MSC World America (2025) | Legend of the Seas (2026) |
| Guests per ship, average | 3,896 | 3,866 |
| Usually sails | Mediterranean, Caribbean, Bahamas, South America | Caribbean, Bahamas, Mediterranean, Transatlantic |
| Loyalty program | MSC Voyagers Club | Crown & Anchor Society |
| Owner | MSC Group | Royal Caribbean Group |
| Headquarters | Geneva, Switzerland | Miami, Florida, United States |
| Founded | 1988 | 1969 |
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 Royal Caribbean International?
Royal Caribbean International rates higher than MSC Cruises on Cruise Frog's editorial scores, 4.0 to 3.4 out of 5 across their rated ships. Royal Caribbean International leads on cabins, entertainment, service and pools & decks, with the rest level.
Is MSC Cruises or Royal Caribbean International better value?
They score the same for value, 4.0 out of 5.
Is MSC Cruises or Royal Caribbean International better for dining?
They score the same for dining, 3.0 out of 5.
Is MSC Cruises or Royal Caribbean International better for entertainment?
Royal Caribbean International scores higher for entertainment, 4.9 to 4.3 out of 5 (shows, music, and things to do at sea).
Is MSC Cruises or Royal Caribbean International better for cabins?
Royal Caribbean International scores higher for cabins, 4.2 to 3.3 out of 5 (comfortable, quiet, well kept).
Which has bigger ships, MSC Cruises or Royal Caribbean International?
Royal Caribbean International's largest ship, Icon of the Seas, measures 248,663 gross tons, against 216,638 for MSC World America, MSC Cruises's largest. An average MSC Cruises ship carries 3,896 guests, a Royal Caribbean International ship 3,866.
How many ships do MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean International have?
MSC Cruises has 23 ships in service and 2 on the way; Royal Caribbean International has 30 ships in service and 1 on the way.
Are MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean International owned by the same company?
No. MSC Cruises is part of MSC Group; Royal Caribbean International is part of Royal Caribbean Group.