The battle of the big ships: MSC VS Royal Caribbean
NewsRCL is renowned for building monster mega liners. Harmony of the Seas will accommodate 6360 passengers when it launches in May this year, and is one of the world’s most technologically advanced.
But their mantle as the operator of the world’s biggest ships is being challenged.
The family-owned MSC Cruises is building bigger and bigger ships. This week, it announced its next generation of cruise ships with the MSC Meraviglia having 5,700 guests when it launches next June, and two “plus” versions out in 2019 and 2020 which will each hold 6,300.
It looks like size really does matter – especially in the azure waters of the Mediterranean, where both lines will be filling their cabins with family cruisers.
So what’s the difference? Cruise Passenger took a look at the mega offerings from the mega ships:
Ship: Meraviglia Plus
Passengers: 6300
Crew: 1700
Cabins: 2444
Restaurants: 12
Activities: Five dedicated clubs for children from aged zero to 17. There’s Chicco baby club, Lego mini club to restaurants for children.
Entertainment: A custom-built 450-seater venue where guests can dine and watch Cirque Du Soleil shows – the first of its kind at sea.
What’s special: up-to-the-minute wristband technology to book restaurants and keep track of their children. The first fine art museum at sea.
Who’s it for: three-generation family holidays
Ship: Harmony of the Seas
Passengers: 6360
Crew: 2394
Cabins: 2747
Restaurants: 20
Activities: Seven neighbourhoods with three multi-storey waterslides including the tallest and possibly the scariest slide at sea – The Ultimate Abyss.
Entertainment: Complimentary Aqua theatre shows, ice shows, live jazz, karaoke bar and comedy club
What’s special: Wristbands and high speed internet, Bionic Bar with robot bartenders serving crafted cocktails while dancing.
Who’s it is for: Family holidays with all the go-fast water slides for kids who can’t keep still.
