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MSC Splendida at sea

Fantasia class · MSC · In service since 2009

MSC Splendida

MSC Splendida is a Fantasia class cruise ship operated by MSC, in service since 2009. At about 137,936 gross tons, it carries roughly 3,274–3,559 guests and ranks #14 by size in the 23-ship MSC fleet we cover.

  • 137,936 gross tons
  • 3,274–3,559 guests
  • 1,094 ft long

Photo: Jolly Janner, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Ship facts

Cruise line
MSC Cruises
Ship class
Fantasia class
Entered service
2009 (17 years ago)
Gross tonnage
137,936
Guests
3,274–3,559
Length
1,094 ft (333.3 m)
Speed
23 knots
Builder
Chantiers de l'Atlantique
Flag
Panama
IMO number
9359806

About MSC Splendida

MSC Splendida, delivered in 2009, is the second Fantasia-class ship and follows the same polished Italian template: marble, glass and Swarovski crystal staircases in the atrium. Suite guests can book the MSC Yacht Club, a ship-within-a-ship with butler service, a private pool and its own restaurant, while everyone else shares a large lido deck and the Aurea Spa. Splendida has sailed widely, from the Mediterranean to Northern Europe. It feels a little more grown-up than MSC’s bigger, younger ships, with fewer headline attractions and more emphasis on lounges, shows and dining.

Best for: Travelers who want an elegant, classic MSC ship on European itineraries.

MSC Splendida highlights

  • Swarovski crystal staircases in the atrium
  • MSC Yacht Club with a private pool, lounge and restaurant
  • Aurea Spa with Balinese-style treatments
  • 4D cinema and Formula 1 racing simulator

How MSC Splendida compares in size

  1. MSC World Europa215,863
  2. MSC World America205,700
  3. MSC Euribia184,011
  4. MSC Virtuosa181,541
  5. MSC Grandiosa181,541
  6. MSC Meraviglia171,589
  7. MSC Bellissima171,500
  8. MSC Seascape169,400
  9. MSC Seashore169,400
  10. MSC Seaview154,000
  11. MSC Seaside154,000
  12. MSC Preziosa139,072
  13. MSC Divina139,072
  14. MSC Splendida137,936
  15. MSC Fantasia137,936
  16. MSC Magnifica95,128
  17. MSC Poesia92,627
  18. MSC Orchestra92,409
  19. MSC Musica92,409
  20. MSC Opera65,591
  21. MSC Lirica65,591
  22. MSC Armonia65,542
  23. MSC Sinfonia65,542

Gross tonnage measures a ship's enclosed volume, not its weight. Source: Wikidata.

Fantasia class sister ships

Sailing with MSC

MSC Cruises is a Swiss-Italian line with one of the youngest, fastest-growing fleets at sea, sailing big, glossy ships in the Caribbean from Florida and across Europe. It is known for competitive fares, kids-sail-free deals, the luxurious MSC Yacht Club and Ocean Cay, its private Bahamas island. Expect a European flavor and a multinational crowd, especially in the Mediterranean.

Read our full MSC guide: dining, drinks, tipping and who it suits →

MSC Splendida FAQs

How big is MSC Splendida?

MSC Splendida measures about 137,936 gross tons and is about 1,094 feet (333 m) long. That makes it #14 of 23 MSC ships we cover by tonnage, and #72 among all 255 ocean cruise ships in our guide.

How many passengers does MSC Splendida carry?

About 3,274–3,559 guests, according to Wikidata's record for the ship. Cruise lines usually quote capacity at two guests per cabin; with third and fourth berths filled, the maximum is higher.

When was MSC Splendida built?

MSC Splendida entered service in 2009 and was built by Chantiers de l'Atlantique.

What class of ship is MSC Splendida?

MSC Splendida belongs to MSC's Fantasia class, alongside MSC Preziosa, MSC Divina, MSC Fantasia. Ships in the same class share a layout and most signature features.

Is MSC Splendida good for families?

Kids clubs are divided by age, from babies and toddlers up to teens 15 to 17, and MSC partners with LEGO for themed activities and play spaces. Many sailings let children under a certain age sail free when sharing a cabin with two adults, though they pay port fees and taxes. Facilities vary by ship, so check what MSC Splendida offers for your kids' ages.

Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.

Sources: Wikidata, Wikipedia, MSC official site.