MSC vs Princess: Which Cruise Line Is Right for You?
MSC and Princess offer distinctly different cruising experiences based on fleet size, pricing, and trip lengths. MSC operates a larger fleet of 25 modern ships averaging a 2014 build year, with larger guest capacities reaching up to 5,240. It features 7,326 sailings, a lower entry price with cheapest inside cabins at $70, and shorter average trips of 7.6 nights. Conversely, Princess operates 19 ships with higher guest satisfaction (4.4 out of 5 compared to MSC's 3.8). Princess focuses on longer itineraries averaging 13.8 nights, a lower average nightly rate of $147, and premium, destination-rich sailings.
🏁 At a Glance
📊 Head to Head
| MSC | Princess | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruises on saleHow many upcoming sailings CruiseSheet is tracking | 7,006 | 1,772 |
| Lowest priceCheapest inside cabin on any sailing | $69 | $150 |
| Typical priceAverage inside-cabin starting price | $1,155 | $2,008 |
| Price per nightAverage nightly cost — the fairest value yardstick | $148 | $149 |
| Average trip lengthLonger voyages vs. shorter getaways | 7.8 nights | 13 nights |
| Ships in fleetActive ships currently sailing | 25 | 19 |
| Typical ship sizeBig-ship amenities vs. a more intimate feel | 3,743 guests | 3,307 guests |
| Largest shipGuest capacity of the biggest vessel | 5,240 guests | 4,320 guests |
| Guest ratingCruiseSheet guest rating | 3.8 / 5 | 4.4 / 5 |
Figures are drawn from live CruiseSheet pricing and fleet data and update as new sailings are loaded.
🤔 Which Should You Choose?
When deciding between these two cruise lines, evaluate your travel style, budget, and desired trip length. Choose MSC if you want shorter itineraries averaging 7.6 nights, a broader selection of 7,326 sailings, lower overall entry costs starting at $70 for inside cabins, or larger, family-friendly modern ships sailing popular routes like Europe, Florida, and the Caribbean. Choose Princess if you prefer longer, destination-rich voyages averaging 13.8 nights, higher guest satisfaction ratings (4.4 out of 5), slightly lower average nightly rates of $147, or classic premium cruising with MedallionClass technology departing from regions like Alaska, California, and Europe.
💰 MSC vs Princess: Current Deals
MSC
Princess
❓ MSC vs Princess: Common Questions
❓ Which cruise line is cheaper, MSC or Princess?
MSC offers lower overall entry prices, with cheapest inside cabins starting at $70 and a typical starting price of $1,166, compared to Princess at $175 and $2,098 respectively. However, Princess has a slightly lower average price per night at $147 compared to MSC's $155.
❓ Which line has larger and newer ships?
MSC features larger and slightly newer ships, with an average build year of 2014 and a maximum ship capacity of 5,240 guests. Princess has an average build year of 2012, with its largest ship holding 4,320 guests.
❓ How do guest ratings compare between MSC and Princess?
Princess holds a higher CruiseSheet guest rating of 4.4 out of 5 across its 19 ships. MSC holds a guest rating of 3.8 out of 5 across its 25 ships.
