MSC Ships Overview: The Complete MSC Fleet Guide
Choosing an MSC ship can feel overwhelming at first. The fleet is big, diverse, and growing faster than almost any other cruise line. MSC has everything from small, intimate ships to the newest megaresorts at sea with indoor promenades, water parks, and world-class entertainment.
This guide breaks down every MSC ship and every MSC ship class so you can quickly understand the differences and choose the right ship for your next vacation.
Whether you are sailing from the United States or exploring Europe, this page gives you a clear, friendly overview of the entire fleet and links to every ship and class for deeper details.
MSC Ship Classes Explained
MSC organizes its fleet into ship classes, with each class offering a different experience. Some are large and feature-packed, some are smaller and more traditional, and some offer the best of both worlds.
Here are the main classes you will find at MSC:
- World Class
- Meraviglia Class
- Seaside EVO Class
- Seaside Class
- Fantasia Class
- Musica Class
- Lirica Class
Each class has its own layout, restaurants, entertainment venues, and design style. Newer ships tend to offer bigger promenades and more included venues, while older ships are more intimate and itinerary-focused.
World Class: MSC’s Newest and Biggest Ships
The World Class ships are the newest addition to the MSC fleet and represent the future of the brand. They are massive, modern, and loaded with restaurants, lounges, entertainment venues, and innovative design.
Ships in this class:
- MSC World Europa
- MSC World America
- MSC World Asia (coming soon)
Why choose this class:
- Huge indoor and outdoor promenades
- Luna Park Arena for big entertainment acts
- New dining concepts like La Pescaderia and the Coffee Emporium
- Plenty of family activities and nightlife
These ships are ideal if you want a full resort experience with tons of choices.
Meraviglia Class: Best All-Weather, All-Season Ships
Meraviglia class ships are known for the Galleria Meraviglia, a two-deck indoor promenade with an LED sky ceiling. This area gives the ship a warm, all-weather feel and makes the class ideal for year-round sailing.
Ships in this class:
- MSC Meraviglia
- MSC Bellissima
- MSC Grandiosa
- MSC Virtuosa
- MSC Euribia
Why choose this class:
- Tons of dining and bar choices
- Great entertainment lineup
- Beautiful promenade space
- Strong family and couples appeal
If you are sailing from New York, Europe, or Canada on MSC, this is the class you will most likely see.
Seaside EVO Class: Modern and Upscale
The Seascape and Seashore represent an evolution of the original Seaside design. They combine MSC’s outdoor spaces with upgraded dining, lounges, and pool layouts.
Ships in this class:
- MSC Seashore
- MSC Seascape
Why choose this class:
- Large outdoor pool decks
- Varied dining venues and waterfront seating
- Sleek modern design
- Perfect match for warm weather itineraries
These ships feel fresh and modern and are extremely popular for Caribbean sailings.
Seaside Class: Built for Warm Weather and Ocean Views
The original Seaside ships were designed to bring passengers closer to the water. They feature wraparound waterfront decks, stunning aft pools, and lots of outdoor dining.
Ships in this class:
- MSC Seaside
- MSC Seaview
Why choose this class:
- Resort-style design
- Waterfront boardwalk areas
- Big, beautiful aft decks with pools
- Great for guests who love to spend time outdoors
Fantasia Class: Classic MSC Style and Comfort
This class blends traditional cruising with MSC’s signature elegant style. You get a large ship, plenty of dining options, and beautiful décor without the overwhelming scale of the newer mega-ships.
Ships in this class:
- MSC Splendida
- MSC Divina
- MSC Fantasia
- MSC Preziosa
Why choose this class:
- Great itineraries
- Beautiful atriums
- Traditional cruise layout
- Ideal balance of size and simplicity
Musica Class: Comfortable and Familiar
The Musica class ships are mid-sized and offer a more intimate feel while still delivering MSC’s style, entertainment, and dining.
Ships in this class:
- MSC Musica
- MSC Poesia
- MSC Orchestra
- MSC Magnifica
Why choose this class:
- Good value
- Smooth navigation around the ship
- Solid dining and lounges
- Itineraries that focus more on destinations
Lirica Class: Small, Relaxed, and Port-Focused
Lirica class ships are the smallest in the fleet. They shine on port-heavy itineraries and are perfect for travelers who prefer simplicity over crowds.
Ships in this class:
- MSC Lirica
- MSC Opera
- MSC Sinfonia
- MSC Armonia
Why choose this class:
- Quiet and cozy
- Easy to get around
- Great for destinations rather than ship-days
- Very relaxed pace
Which MSC Ship Should You Choose
Here is a simple breakdown based on the type of vacation you want:
Best ships for families:
World Class, Meraviglia Class, Seaside EVO Class
Best ships for the Caribbean:
Seaside Class, Seaside EVO Class, Meraviglia Class
Best ships for entertainment:
World Class, Meraviglia Class
Best ships for Europe:
Fantasia Class, Musica Class
Best ships for a quieter cruise:
Lirica Class, Musica Class
Best ships for Yacht Club:
World Europa
World America
Meraviglia Class ships
Seaside EVO ships
Final Thoughts
MSC offers one of the most diverse fleets at sea. Whether you prefer the energy of a mega-ship or the easy pace of a smaller vessel, there is an MSC ship that fits your style and your budget. Their newest ships are among the most advanced in the world, and their classic ships still offer great value and memorable itineraries.
Use this guide as your starting point, then explore the ship class and individual ship pages linked throughout to help you pick your perfect MSC cruise.