Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated January 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
Norwegian Star
Gross Tonnage
Costa Diadema
132,500 GT
Norwegian Star
91,740 GT
Length
Costa Diadema
306 m
Norwegian Star
294 m
Beam
Costa Diadema
37 m
Norwegian Star
32 m
Passengers
Costa Diadema
3,724
Norwegian Star
2,348
Crew
Costa Diadema
1,253
Norwegian Star
1,031
Decks
Costa Diadema
—
Norwegian Star
—
Year Built
Costa Diadema
2,014
Norwegian Star
2,001
Space Ratio
Costa Diadema
35.6 GT/pax
Norwegian Star
39.1 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Costa Diadema
2.97 :1
Norwegian Star
2.28 :1
| Specification | Costa Diadema | Norwegian Star |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Costa Cruises | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Class | Diadema Class | Dawn Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,014Winner | 2,001 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 132,500 GTWinner | 91,740 GT |
| Length | 306 mWinner | 294 m |
| Beam | 37 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,724Winner | 2,348 |
| Crew | 1,253Winner | 1,031 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 35.6 GT/pax | 39.1 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.97:1 | 2.28:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Meyer Werft |
| Flag | Italy | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9636588 | 9195169 |
Costa Diadema is the significantly larger vessel at 132,500 GT — 44% more than Norwegian Star's 91,740 GT. Norwegian Star offers more personal space with a space ratio of 39.1 GT per passenger versus 35.6. Built in 2014, Costa Diadema is 13 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Costa Diadema |
| Capacity | Costa Diadema |
| Modernity | Costa Diadema |
| Service | Norwegian Star |
| Spaciousness | Norwegian Star |
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
Norwegian Star
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Good value for money
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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32 m |
| Draft | 8.5 m | 8.7 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
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