Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated February 2026
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)
Costa Diadema
Costa Magica
Gross Tonnage
Costa Diadema
132,500 GT
Costa Magica
102,587 GT
Length
Costa Diadema
306 m
Costa Magica
272 m
Beam
Costa Diadema
37 m
Costa Magica
36 m
Passengers
Costa Diadema
3,724
Costa Magica
2,716
Crew
Costa Diadema
1,253
Costa Magica
1,027
Decks
Costa Diadema
—
Costa Magica
—
Year Built
Costa Diadema
2,014
Costa Magica
2,004
Space Ratio
Costa Diadema
35.6 GT/pax
Costa Magica
37.8 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Costa Diadema
2.97 :1
Costa Magica
2.64 :1
| Specification | Costa Diadema | Costa Magica |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Costa Cruises | Costa Cruises |
| Class | Diadema Class | Fortuna Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,014Winner | 2,004 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 132,500 GTWinner | 102,587 GT |
| Length | 306 mWinner | 272 m |
| Beam | 37 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,724Winner | 2,716 |
| Crew | 1,253Winner | 1,027 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 35.6 GT/pax | 37.8 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.97:1 | 2.64:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Italy | Italy |
| IMO Number | 9636588 | 9343156 |
Costa Diadema is the significantly larger vessel at 132,500 GT — 29% more than Costa Magica's 102,587 GT. Built in 2014, Costa Diadema is 10 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Costa Magica edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.6:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Costa Diadema |
| Capacity | Costa Diadema |
| Modernity | Costa Diadema |
| Service | Costa Magica |
| Spaciousness | Costa Magica |
Bottom line: Costa Diadema wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Costa Diadema
Large 3,724-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
3,724 passengers means tons of activities
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Costa Magica
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Good value for money
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Good range of onboard options
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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36 m |
| Draft | 8.5 m | — |
| Decks | — | — |
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