MSC vs Princess: Big-Ship Value or Classic Premium Cruising?

MSC vs Princess: Two Very Different Cruise Styles

MSC Cruises and Princess Cruises can both be great choices, but they are built for different types of travelers.

MSC feels more international, energetic, modern, and value-driven. Princess feels calmer, more traditional, more destination-focused, and more premium.

That difference matters. A traveler who loves big ships, lively public spaces, family features, and aggressive pricing may enjoy MSC more. A traveler who wants Alaska, scenic cruising, enrichment, and a quieter onboard pace may be happier with Princess.

If you are comparing several brands at once, our Cruise Line Comparison Guide can help you narrow the field faster.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Atmosphere & Onboard Experience

MSC Cruises

MSC has a more international feel than many U.S.-focused cruise lines. The ships often feel stylish, busy, and energetic, especially on newer vessels.

MSC can be a strong fit if you like:

• large modern ships
• busy public spaces
• European-style design
• family activities
• lower promotional pricing

Ships like MSC World America, MSC Seascape, and MSC Meraviglia show how MSC is trying to compete hard in the big-ship market.

Princess Cruises

Princess feels more relaxed, traditional, and destination-focused. The onboard pace is usually calmer than MSC, with less emphasis on loud energy and more focus on comfort, service, scenery, and classic cruising.

Princess can be a better fit if you want:

• a quieter premium atmosphere
• strong Alaska itineraries
• destination lectures and enrichment
• traditional dining and service
• a more mature onboard feel

Princess ships such as Sun Princess, Discovery Princess, and Regal Princess offer a more refined cruise experience without moving fully into luxury pricing.

Dining: International Variety vs Premium Consistency

MSC Dining

MSC dining leans international. Menus can feel more European than some American travelers expect, and the dining style may feel different if you are used to Carnival, Royal Caribbean, or Princess.

MSC dining strengths include:

• international menu variety
• specialty restaurants on newer ships
• casual options for families
• good value when pricing is low

Princess Dining

Princess dining is usually more traditional and polished. The experience tends to feel more familiar to cruisers who like set dining rooms, specialty restaurants, and a more classic premium style.

Princess dining strengths include:

• refined main dining rooms
• Crown Grill
• Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria
• destination-inspired menus

If food allergies or special diets matter for your trip, review our Cruise Food Allergies Guide before booking.

Cabins & Suites

MSC Cabins

MSC cabins on newer ships can feel modern and clean, with plenty of choices from inside cabins to balconies and suites. The biggest upgrade category is the MSC Yacht Club on select ships.

The MSC Yacht Club is MSC’s ship-within-a-ship experience. It can include private spaces, upgraded service, exclusive dining, and a quieter atmosphere away from the busiest parts of the ship.

Princess Cabins

Princess cabins tend to feel more traditional, but they are comfortable and practical. Princess is especially popular with travelers who care more about itinerary, balcony views, and relaxed onboard comfort than flashy cabin design.

Helpful cabin resources:

• Inside vs Oceanview vs Balcony vs Suite
• Cruise Balcony Cabin Guide
• Best Cabin Location on a Cruise Ship

Entertainment & Activities

MSC Entertainment

MSC often has the edge for travelers who want a more active ship. Newer MSC ships may include big atriums, lounges, pool decks, kids areas, water features, live music, themed parties, and energetic nightlife.

• high-energy production shows
• family activities
• pool deck entertainment
• lounges and nightlife
• modern public spaces

Princess Entertainment

Princess entertainment is usually more relaxed and traditional. It can include theater shows, live music, enrichment talks, destination programming, and Movies Under the Stars.

• theater productions
• destination lectures
• Movies Under the Stars
• live music
• quiet lounges

For a broader look at onboard fun, see our Cruise Entertainment Guide.

Families, Couples, and Adults

Which Is Better for Families?

MSC is usually the better fit for families who want a lively ship with more big-ship energy. Newer MSC ships often feel more exciting for kids, teens, and multi-generational groups.

Princess can still work for families, especially on Alaska and longer scenic trips, but it usually does not feel as activity-heavy as MSC.

Helpful planning guides:

• Best Cruise Lines for Families
• Best Cruises for Kids and Teens
• Multi-Generational Cruise Guide

Which Is Better for Couples?

Princess is often better for couples who want a quieter, more romantic, destination-focused cruise. MSC can also work well for couples, especially if price, nightlife, or the Yacht Club experience matters.

Couples comparing cruise lines may also want to read our Best Cruise Lines for Couples guide.

Destinations & Itinerary Strengths

MSC Cruises

MSC is especially strong for Europe, the Caribbean, and Bahamas-style warm-weather cruises. The line has deep European roots, so it can feel especially natural for Mediterranean itineraries.

MSC performs well for:

• Mediterranean cruises
• Caribbean cruises
• Bahamas cruises
• shorter value-focused vacations

Princess Cruises

Princess is especially strong in Alaska. It is also a good choice for longer itineraries, scenic cruising, and destination-heavy vacations.

Princess performs well for:

• Alaska cruises
• Japan and Asia cruises
• British Isles cruises
• longer scenic itineraries

Helpful destination resources:

• Alaska Cruise Guide
• Mediterranean Cruise Guide
• Caribbean Cruise Guide
• British Isles Cruise Guide

Pricing & Overall Value

MSC often wins on starting price. If you are shopping for the lowest cruise fare and are flexible on ship, cabin, date, and itinerary, MSC can be very attractive.

MSC may be the better value if you want:

• a lower entry fare
• a newer big ship for less money
• a family-friendly cruise on a tighter budget
• a Caribbean or Europe cruise deal

Princess often costs more, but the experience can feel more consistent and premium. Princess may be the better value if you care more about itinerary quality, service style, enrichment, and relaxed cruising.

Helpful pricing resources:

• Cheap Cruises Guide
• Best Cruise Deals
• Cruise Pricing Explained
• Wave Season Booking Guide

Who Should Choose MSC?

Choose MSC if you want a modern, international, active cruise experience at a competitive price.

MSC is a strong choice for:

• families looking for big-ship features
• travelers who want lower fares
• people who enjoy a lively onboard atmosphere
• Europe and Caribbean cruisers
• travelers interested in MSC Yacht Club

Who Should Choose Princess?

Choose Princess if you want a calmer, more traditional premium cruise with strong destination focus.

Princess is a strong choice for:

• Alaska travelers
• couples and mature travelers
• people who prefer a quieter ship
• scenic itinerary seekers
• travelers who value classic cruise service

Bottom Line

Choose MSC if you want big-ship energy, international style, family features, and strong pricing.

Choose Princess if you want a calmer premium cruise, better Alaska strength, scenic itineraries, and a more traditional onboard experience.

Neither line is automatically better for everyone. MSC is usually the stronger choice for price and energy. Princess is usually the stronger choice for polish, destinations, and a quieter premium feel.