MSC Cruises vs Celebrity Cruises
A detailed side-by-side comparison of MSC Cruises and Celebrity Cruises covering ratings, fleet size, food quality, entertainment, value for money, and available sailings from UK ports. Updated for 2026.
The head-to-head
Ratings are based on aggregated passenger reviews, editorial analysis, and expert scoring. The cobalt outline marks the stronger line for each attribute.
Who should choose which?
Every cruise line has its strengths and weaknesses. Here is an honest look at who each line is best suited for, based on passenger feedback and our editorial assessment.
Choose MSC Cruises if you want…
- Value for money
- All-inclusive packages
- Families (kids sail free)
- Mediterranean itineraries
MSC Cruises may not suit you if…
- Those wanting British-focused experience
- Small-ship intimacy seekers
- Adults-only preference
Choose Celebrity Cruises if you want…
- Food and dining enthusiasts
- Modern luxury seekers
- Couples and adults
- Design-conscious travellers
Celebrity Cruises may not suit you if…
- Families wanting mega-ship activities
- Budget-conscious cruisers
- Those wanting UK departures only
Ships at a glance
A quick comparison of each line's fleet including passenger capacity, tonnage, and year of launch.
MSC Cruises Fleet (22 ships)
MSC Virtuosa
Built 2021 · 6,334 guests
MSC World Europa
Built 2022 · 6,762 guests
MSC Euribia
Built 2023 · 6,334 guests
Celebrity Cruises Fleet (17 ships)
Celebrity Apex
Built 2020 · 2,910 guests
Celebrity Ascent
Built 2023 · 3,260 guests
Celebrity Beyond
Built 2022 · 3,260 guests
Available cruises
Current sailings from both cruise lines. Prices shown are per person based on two sharing the lowest-grade cabin available.
MSC Cruises Sailings
7 NIGHTSMarseille, Genoa, Livorno, Valencia
Ports: Marseille · Genoa · Livorno · Valencia · Palma de Mallorca · Barcelona
Save 8%7 NIGHTSTarragona to Marseille, Genoa, Livorno
Ports: Marseille · Genoa · Livorno · Valencia · Palma de Mallorca · Barcelona
Save 8%7 NIGHTSCruise only from Tarragona
Ports: Tarragona · Marseille · Genoa · Livorno · Valencia · Palma de Mallorca
Save 8%7 NIGHTSNot Specified
Save 8%7 NIGHTSTarragona to Marseille, Genoa, Livorno and back
Ports: Marseille · Genoa · Livorno · Valencia · Palma de Mallorca · Barcelona
Save 8%7 NIGHTS7 Night MSC Sinfonia Cruise
Save 8%7 NIGHTSMediterranean Escape
Ports: Tarragona · Marseille · Genoa · Livorno · Valencia · Palma de Mallorca
Save 8%7 NIGHTSTarragona to Marseille and return
Ports: Marseille · Genoa · Livorno · Valencia · Palma de Mallorca · Barcelona
Save 8%7 NIGHTSTarragona to Marseille, Genoa, Livorno, Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona
Ports: Marseille · Genoa · Livorno · Valencia · Palma de Mallorca · Barcelona
Save 8%7 NIGHTSTarragona to Mediterranean
Ports: Marseille · Genoa · Livorno · Valencia · Palma de Mallorca · Barcelona
Save 8%7 NIGHTSCruise only from inside
Save 8%7 NIGHTSCruise only from
Ports: Tarragona · Marseille · Genoa · Livorno · Valencia · Palma de Mallorca
Save 8%7 NIGHTSTarragona - Marseille - Genoa - Livorno - Valencia - Palma de Mallorca - Barcelona
Ports: Tarragona · Marseille · Genoa · Livorno · Valencia · Palma de Mallorca
Save 8%7 NIGHTSTarragona - Marseille - Genoa
Ports: Tarragona · Marseille · Genoa · Livorno · Valencia · Palma de Mallorca
Save 8%7 NIGHTSMediterranean Discovery
Ports: Marseille · Genoa · Livorno · Valencia · Palma de Mallorca · Barcelona
Save 8%7 NIGHTSMediterranean Delight
Ports: Marseille · Genoa · Livorno · Valencia · Palma de Mallorca · Barcelona
Save 8%7 NIGHTSDeparting Tarragona
Ports: Tarragona · Marseille · Genoa · Livorno · Valencia · Palma de Mallorca
Save 8%7 NIGHTSTarragona to Marseille, Genoa, Livorno, Valencia, Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona
Ports: Marseille · Genoa · Livorno · Valencia · Palma de Mallorca · Barcelona
Save 8%7 NIGHTSMediterranean Cruise
Ports: Tarragona · Marseille · Genoa · Livorno · Valencia · Palma de Mallorca
Save 8%7 NIGHTSMarseille - Genoa - Livorno - Valencia
Ports: Marseille · Genoa · Livorno · Valencia · Palma de Mallorca · Barcelona
Save 8%7 NIGHTSTarragona to Marseille and Barcelona
Ports: Marseille · Genoa · Livorno · Valencia · Palma de Mallorca · Barcelona
Save 8%7 NIGHTSTarragona - Marseille - Genoa - Barcelona
Ports: Marseille · Genoa · Barcelona
Save 8%7 NIGHTSMediterranean Magic
Ports: Marseille · Genoa · Livorno · Valencia · Palma de Mallorca · Barcelona
Save 8%7 NIGHTSTarragona to Barcelona and others
Ports: Marseille · Genoa · Livorno · Valencia · Palma de Mallorca · Barcelona
Save 8%7 NIGHTSTarragona to Marseille, Barcelona
Ports: Marseille · Genoa · Livorno · Valencia · Palma de Mallorca · Barcelona
Save 8%7 NIGHTSNot Available
Save 8%7 NIGHTSMarseille, Genoa, Livorno, Valencia, Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona
Ports: Marseille · Genoa · Livorno · Valencia · Palma de Mallorca · Barcelona
Save 8%7 NIGHTSTarragona
Ports: Marseille · Genoa · Livorno · Valencia · Palma de Mallorca · Barcelona
Save 8%7 NIGHTSMediterranean Treasures
Ports: Marseille · Genoa · Livorno · Valencia · Palma de Mallorca · Barcelona
Save 8%7 NIGHTSTarragona to Marseille, Genoa, Livorno, Valencia
Ports: Marseille · Genoa · Livorno · Valencia · Palma de Mallorca · Barcelona
Save 8%7 NIGHTSTarragona to Marseille, Genoa, Livorno, Valencia, Palma de Mallorca, and Barcelona
Ports: Marseille · Genoa · Livorno · Valencia · Palma de Mallorca · Barcelona
Save 8%7 NIGHTSDeparture from Tarragona
Ports: Marseille · Genoa · Livorno · Valencia · Palma de Mallorca · Barcelona
Save 8%7 NIGHTSItinerary from Tarragona
Ports: Marseille · Genoa · Livorno · Valencia · Palma de Mallorca · Barcelona
Save 8%7 NIGHTSCruising from Tarragona
Ports: Marseille · Genoa · Livorno · Valencia · Palma de Mallorca · Barcelona
Save 8%7 NIGHTSGenoa - Livorno - Barcelona
Ports: Marseille · Genoa · Livorno · Valencia · Palma de Mallorca · Barcelona
Save 8%7 NIGHTSTarragona to Barcelona and more
Ports: Tarragona · Marseille · Genoa · Livorno · Valencia · Palma de Mallorca
Save 8%7 NIGHTSMarseille - Genoa - Livorno - etc.
Ports: Marseille · Genoa · Livorno · Valencia · Palma de Mallorca · Barcelona
Save 8%7 NIGHTSMediterranean Wonders
Ports: Marseille · Genoa · Livorno · Valencia · Palma de Mallorca · Barcelona
Save 8%7 NIGHTSMarseille - Genoa - Livorno
Ports: Marseille · Genoa · Livorno · Valencia · Palma de Mallorca · Barcelona
Save 8%7 NIGHTSTarragona - Marseille - Genoa - Valencia - Palma de Mallorca - Barcelona
Ports: Marseille · Genoa · Valencia · Palma de Mallorca · Barcelona
Save 8%7 NIGHTSTarragona - Marseille
Ports: Marseille · Genoa · Livorno · Valencia · Palma de Mallorca · Barcelona
Save 8%7 NIGHTSTarragona to Marseille, Genoa, Livorno, Valencia, Palma, Barcelona
Ports: Marseille · Genoa · Livorno · Valencia · Palma de Mallorca · Barcelona
Save 8%7 NIGHTSDeparting Tarragona - Marseille - Genoa - Livorno - Valencia - Barcelona
Ports: Marseille · Genoa · Livorno · Valencia · Barcelona
Save 8%7 NIGHTSTarragona to Palma de Mallorca
Ports: Marseille · Genoa · Livorno · Valencia · Palma de Mallorca · Barcelona
Save 8%7 NIGHTSTarragona to Marseille to Genoa to Livorno to Valencia to Palma de Mallorca to Barcelona
Ports: Marseille · Genoa · Livorno · Valencia · Palma de Mallorca · Barcelona
Save 8%7 NIGHTSTarragona to Marseille, Genoa, Livorno and Barcelona
Ports: Marseille · Genoa · Livorno · Valencia · Palma de Mallorca · Barcelona
Save 8%7 NIGHTSTarragona - Marseille - Genoa - Livorno - Valencia - Palma de Mallorca
Ports: Tarragona · Marseille · Genoa · Livorno · Valencia · Palma de Mallorca
Save 8%7 NIGHTSCruise only from Tarragona to Marseille - Genoa - Barcelona
Ports: Marseille · Genoa · Livorno · Valencia · Palma de Mallorca · Barcelona
Save 8%7 NIGHTSNot Provided
Save 8%7 NIGHTSCruise only
Ports: Marseille · Genoa · Livorno · Valencia
Celebrity Cruises Sailings
Save 4%11 NIGHTSGreece, Italy & Malta from Barcelona with 1-night Stay
Ports: Barcelona · Valletta · Souda Bay (tours to Chania), Crete · Olympia (Katakolon) · Messina, Sicily · Naples
Save 1%10 NIGHTSGreece, Italy & Malta from Barcelona
Ports: Barcelona · Valletta · Souda Bay (tours to Chania), Crete · Olympia (Katakolon) · Messina, Sicily · Naples
20 NIGHTSBest of Thailand & Vietnam fr. Hong Kong to Singapore with Stays
Ports: Hong Kong · Hanoi · Chan May (tours to Hue or Da Nang) · Ho Chi Minh (Phu My) · Bangkok (Laem Chabang) · Koh Samui
12 NIGHTSUltimate Southern Caribbean from Ft. Lauderdale with 1-night Stay
Ports: Fort Lauderdale · Philipsburg, St. Maarten · Castries, St. Lucia · St. George's, Grenada · Bridgetown, Barbados · St. John's, Antigua
Save 3%13 NIGHTSMadeira, Canaries & Morocco from Barcelona with 1-night Stay
Ports: Barcelona · Lanzarote · Santa Cruz, Tenerife · Las Palmas, Gran Canaria · Funchal, Madeira · Tangier
Save 18%18 NIGHTSWaves, Wonders & New Zealand's Whispers, including FREE Sydney stay and Celebrity Edge cruise
22 NIGHTSSiem Reap, Angkor Wat, Killing Fields, Singapore, Bali & Asia
Ports: Singapore (Marina Bay) · Phuket · Langkawi · Penang · Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang) · Celukan Bawang
19 NIGHTSSingapore, Malaysia, Thailand & Balinese Delights with Stays
Ports: Singapore · Phuket · Langkawi · Penang · Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang) · Celukan Bawang
Save 1%12 NIGHTSCanary Islands & Morocco
17 NIGHTSTreasures of Thailand & Vietnam
21 NIGHTSFestive Thailand & Vietnam fr. Singapore to Hong Kong with Stays
Ports: Singapore · Koh Samui · Bangkok (Laem Chabang) · Ho Chi Minh (Phu My) · Nha Trang · Chan May
9 NIGHTSEastern Caribbean from Ft. Lauderdale with 1-night Stay
Ports: Fort Lauderdale · Basseterre, St. Kitts · San Juan · Perfect Day at Cococay
18 NIGHTSBali, Malaysia & Thailand to Singapore with Stays
Ports: Benoa, Bali · Celukan Bawang · Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang) · Penang · Langkawi · Phuket
19 NIGHTSSingapore, Malaysia, Thailand & Balinese Delights with Stays
Ports: Singapore · Phuket · Langkawi · Penang · Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang) · Celukan Bawang
Save 5%13 NIGHTSUltimate Southern Caribbean with Miami Beach Stay
Save 13%10 NIGHTSSt. Thomas, Antigua & Bahamas with Miami Beach Stay
Ports: Miami · Nassau · Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands · St. John's, Antigua
21 NIGHTSBalinese Delights, Malaysia & Thailand with Bali Beach Break and Singapore Stay
19 NIGHTSBalinese Delights & Southeast Asia with Stays
Ports: Benoa · Lombok · Celukan Bawang · Kuala Lumpur · Penang · Langkawi
Save 1%10 NIGHTSBahamas, Mexico & Cayman with Miami Beach Stay
Ports: Miami · Bimini · Nassau · Cozumel · George Town, Grand Cayman
12 NIGHTSBest of Southern Caribbean from Ft. Lauderdale with 1-night Stay
Ports: Fort Lauderdale · St. John's, Antigua · Castries, St. Lucia · Bridgetown, Barbados · Roseau · Basseterre, St. Kitts
19 NIGHTSBalinese Delights, Singapore Sights, Thailand & Malaysia with Stays
Ports: Bali · Singapore · Phuket · Langkawi · Penang · Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang)
Save 2%18 NIGHTSSiem Reap, Angkor Wat, Killing Fields & Southeast Asia
Ports: Singapore · Phuket · Langkawi · Penang · Kuala Lumpur
14 NIGHTSBest of Thailand & Malaysia from Singapore with Stay
Save 9%12 NIGHTSBest of Thailand & Malaysia from Singapore with 1-night Stay
Ports: Singapore · Phuket · Langkawi · Penang · Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang)
Save 16%10 NIGHTSSt. Thomas, Antigua & Bahamas with Miami Beach Stay
Ports: Miami · Nassau · Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands · St. John's, Antigua
Hot deal18 NIGHTSSouthbound Asian Allure fr. Hong Kong to Singapore with Stays
Ports: Hong Kong · Ha Long Bay · Chan May · Ho Chi Minh (Phu My) · Bangkok (Laem Chabang) · Koh Samui
13 NIGHTSUltimate Southern Caribbean with Miami Beach Stay
11 NIGHTS4-night Sydney & 11-night Great Barrier Reef inc Drinks & Wi-Fi
17 NIGHTSTokyo Stay, Mt. Fuji, Nagasaki, Osaka & Jeju Island
Save 4%12 NIGHTS12 Night Madeira, Canaries & Morocco
Ports: Barcelona · Lanzarote · Las Palmas de Gran Canaria · Tenerife · Funchal · Tangier
Save 4%12 NIGHTS12 Night Thailand & Vietnam Cruise
Ports: Singapore · Ko Samui · Laem Chabang · Phu My · Chan May · Ha Long Bay
Save 1%24 NIGHTSRio de Janeiro, Iguazu Falls & Argentina to Barcelona Transatlantic with Stays
22 NIGHTSIguazu Falls & Argentina to Barcelona Transatlantic with Stays
18 NIGHTSSnow Monkeys, Nagasaki's Blossoms, Peace Park, Tokyo Stay & Mt. Fuji
22 NIGHTSSouth America Transatlantic with Buenos Aires and Barcelona Stays
Save 6%17 NIGHTSNagasaki's Blossoms, Atomic Bomb Museum, Tokyo Stay & Mt. Fuji
Ports: Yokohama (tours to Tokyo) · Kobe · Kyoto (Osaka) · Kochi · Busan · Nagasaki
17 NIGHTSTokyo, Mt. Fuji, Osaka Castle's Spring Blossoms & Nagasaki
Ports: Tokyo · Kyoto (Osaka) · Osaka · Kochi · Busan · Nagasaki
Save 6%19 NIGHTSIndonesia & Australia from Singapore to Sydney with Stays
Ports: Singapore · Lombok · Darwin · Cairns · Airlie Beach · Sydney
18 NIGHTSDubai's Desert Dunes, Sydney's Hunter Valley & Australia's Wine Route
15 NIGHTSUltimate Southern Caribbean with Miami Beach Stay
Save 3%18 NIGHTSPanama Canal Westward from Tampa with Stay
Ports: Tampa · George Town, Grand Cayman · Cartagena, Colombia · Colon · Panama Canal · Puntarenas
17 NIGHTSUniversal Orlando Resort Stay with Bermuda & Portugal Transatlantic to Southampton
Ports: Orlando (Port Canaveral) · Royal Naval Dockyard (King's Wharf) · Ponta Delgada, Azores · Lisbon · Southampton
16 NIGHTSBermuda & Portugal Transatlantic from Port Canaveral to Southampton with Orlando Stay
Ports: Orlando · Royal Naval Dockyard · Ponta Delgada · Lisbon · Southampton
Save 15%13 NIGHTSAruba & Grand Turk with Miami Beach and New York Stays
Ports: Fort Lauderdale · Oranjestad · Grand Turk · New York
Save 1%17 NIGHTSGolden Week Tokyo Stay, Mt. Fuji & Nagasaki
Ports: Tokyo · Kyoto · Kochi · Busan · Nagasaki · Kagoshima
12 NIGHTSRocky Mountaineer from Banff to Vancouver & Alaska Glaciers Northbound from Vancouver
Ports: Banff · Vancouver · Ketchikan · Sitka · Icy Strait Point · Juneau
13 NIGHTSToronto, Niagara Falls & Alaska Explorer from Vancouver with Stays
15 NIGHTSToronto, Niagara Falls & Rocky Mountaineer from Banff to Vancouver & Alaska with Dawes Glacier
Ports: Vancouver · Ketchikan · Juneau · Skagway · Seattle
16 NIGHTSToronto, Niagara Falls & Rocky Mountaineer from Banff to Vancouver & Alaska with Hubbard Glacier with Stays
Ports: Toronto · Banff · Vancouver · Icy Strait Point · Hubbard Glacier · Juneau
Save 2%13 NIGHTSSwiss Alps, Bernina Red Train and Western Mediterranean Cruise with Milan and Rome Stays
Ports: Civitavecchia (tours to Rome) · Livorno (tours to Florence/Pisa) · Salerno · Palermo, Sicily · Cagliari, Sardinia · Valencia
MSC Cruises vs Celebrity Cruises: the bottom line
Choosing between MSC Cruises and Celebrity Cruises ultimately comes down to what kind of holiday you are looking for. Both are well-established cruise lines with loyal followings, but they cater to different preferences and budgets.
MSC Cruises, founded in 1970 and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, operates a fleet of 22 ships. It is categorised as a contemporary cruise line and scores 4.3/5 overall based on 15,600 reviews. The line is particularly strong for value for money and all-inclusive packages, making it a natural choice for cruisers who value those attributes.
Celebrity Cruises, established in 1988 from Miami, USA, has a fleet of 17 ships. As a premium line rated 4.7/5 from 11,200 reviews, it excels at food and dining enthusiasts and modern luxury seekers. If those are your priorities, Celebrity Cruises deserves serious consideration.
On food, MSC Cruises scores 7/10 compared to Celebrity Cruises's 10/10. For entertainment, MSC Cruises comes in at 7/10 versus Celebrity Cruises's 7/10. Value for money favours MSC Cruises with a score of 9/10.
Our recommendation: browse the available sailings above and compare itineraries, dates, and total cost including what is bundled in the fare. The best cruise line is the one that matches your specific needs, budget, and travel dates. Use the scores as a guide, but remember that individual ship and itinerary matter just as much as the cruise line brand.
MSC Cruises vs Celebrity Cruises — FAQ
Explore More Comparisons
MSC Cruises Cruises
Browse all MSC Cruises sailings
Celebrity Cruises Cruises
Browse all Celebrity Cruises sailings
MSC Cruises vs Ambassador Cruise Line
Head-to-head comparison
MSC Cruises vs Avalon River Cruises
Head-to-head comparison
All Cruise Lines
Browse every cruise line
Mediterranean Cruises
Most popular destination