Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated January 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)
Costa Fascinosa
Marella Explorer
Gross Tonnage
Costa Fascinosa
114,500 GT
Marella Explorer
77,499 GT
Length
Costa Fascinosa
290 m
Marella Explorer
264 m
Beam
Costa Fascinosa
36 m
Marella Explorer
32 m
Passengers
Costa Fascinosa
3,012
Marella Explorer
1,924
Crew
Costa Fascinosa
1,100
Marella Explorer
909
Decks
Costa Fascinosa
—
Marella Explorer
—
Year Built
Costa Fascinosa
2,012
Marella Explorer
1,996
Space Ratio
Costa Fascinosa
38.0 GT/pax
Marella Explorer
40.3 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Costa Fascinosa
2.74 :1
Marella Explorer
2.12 :1
| Specification | Costa Fascinosa | Marella Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Costa Cruises | Marella Cruises |
| Class | Concordia Class | Galaxy Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,012Winner | 1,996 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 114,500 GTWinner | 77,499 GT |
| Length | 290 mWinner | 264 m |
| Beam | 36 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,012Winner | 1,924 |
| Crew | 1,100Winner | 909 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 38.0 GT/pax | 40.3 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.74:1 | 2.12:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Meyer Werft |
| Flag | Italy | Malta |
| IMO Number | 9479864 | 9125515 |
Costa Fascinosa is the significantly larger vessel at 114,500 GT — 48% more than Marella Explorer's 77,499 GT. Built in 2012, Costa Fascinosa is 16 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Marella Explorer edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.1:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Costa Fascinosa |
| Capacity | Costa Fascinosa |
| Modernity | Costa Fascinosa |
| Service | Marella Explorer |
| Spaciousness | Marella Explorer |
Bottom line: Costa Fascinosa wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Costa Fascinosa
Large 3,012-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
3,012 passengers means tons of activities
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Marella Explorer
40 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Premium onboard experience
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 | 8.3 mWinner | 7.5 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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