Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated February 2026
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across 5 categories
Size
Based on gross tonnage and length
Capacity
Based on passengers and crew
Modernity
Based on year built
Service
Based on passenger-to-crew ratio (lower is better)
Spaciousness
Based on gross tonnage per passenger (higher is better)
Carnival Legend
Costa Mediterranea
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Legend
85,920 GT
Costa Mediterranea
86,000 GT
Length
Carnival Legend
290 m
Costa Mediterranea
292 m
Beam
Carnival Legend
32 m
Costa Mediterranea
32 m
Passengers
Carnival Legend
2,124
Costa Mediterranea
2,680
Crew
Carnival Legend
930
Costa Mediterranea
902
Decks
Carnival Legend
—
Costa Mediterranea
—
Year Built
Carnival Legend
2,002
Costa Mediterranea
2,003
Space Ratio
Carnival Legend
40.5 GT/pax
Costa Mediterranea
32.1 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Legend
2.28 :1
Costa Mediterranea
2.97 :1
| Specification | Carnival Legend | Costa Mediterranea |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Costa Cruises |
| Class | Spirit Class | Spirit Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,002 | 2,003Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 85,920 GT | 86,000 GTWinner |
| Length | 290 m | 292 mWinner |
| Beam | 32 m | 32 m |
| Draft | ||
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,124 | 2,680Winner |
| Crew | 930Winner | 902 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 40.5 GT/paxWinner | 32.1 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.28:1Winner | 2.97:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Kvaerner Masa-Yards | Kvaerner Masa-Yards |
| Flag | Panama | Italy |
| IMO Number | 9188226 | 9283464 |
Carnival Legend offers more personal space with a space ratio of 40.5 GT per passenger versus 32.1. Carnival Legend edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.3:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Costa Mediterranea |
| Capacity | Costa Mediterranea |
| Modernity | Costa Mediterranea |
| Service | Carnival Legend |
| Spaciousness | Carnival Legend |
Bottom line: Costa Mediterranea wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Carnival Legend
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
40 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Good range of onboard options
Good value for money
Costa Mediterranea
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Good value for money
Good range of onboard options
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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8.2 m |
— |
| Decks | — | — |
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