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 Spirit
Costa Mediterranea
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Spirit
85,920 GT
Costa Mediterranea
86,000 GT
Length
Carnival Spirit
290 m
Costa Mediterranea
292 m
Beam
Carnival Spirit
32 m
Costa Mediterranea
32 m
Passengers
Carnival Spirit
2,124
Costa Mediterranea
2,680
Crew
Carnival Spirit
930
Costa Mediterranea
902
Decks
Carnival Spirit
—
Costa Mediterranea
—
Year Built
Carnival Spirit
2,001
Costa Mediterranea
2,003
Space Ratio
Carnival Spirit
40.5 GT/pax
Costa Mediterranea
32.1 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Spirit
2.28 :1
Costa Mediterranea
2.97 :1
| Specification | Carnival Spirit | Costa Mediterranea |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Costa Cruises |
| Class | Spirit Class | Spirit Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,001 | 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 | 9170843 | 9283464 |
Carnival Spirit offers more personal space with a space ratio of 40.5 GT per passenger versus 32.1. Built in 2003, Costa Mediterranea is 2 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Carnival Spirit 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 Spirit |
| Spaciousness | Carnival Spirit |
Bottom line: Costa Mediterranea wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Carnival Spirit
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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