Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated January 2026
_in_Venice.jpg%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)
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
Norwegian Sun
Gross Tonnage
Costa Fascinosa
114,500 GT
Norwegian Sun
78,309 GT
Length
Costa Fascinosa
290 m
Norwegian Sun
258 m
Beam
Costa Fascinosa
36 m
Norwegian Sun
32 m
Passengers
Costa Fascinosa
3,012
Norwegian Sun
1,936
Crew
Costa Fascinosa
1,100
Norwegian Sun
906
Decks
Costa Fascinosa
—
Norwegian Sun
—
Year Built
Costa Fascinosa
2,012
Norwegian Sun
2,001
Space Ratio
Costa Fascinosa
38.0 GT/pax
Norwegian Sun
40.5 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Costa Fascinosa
2.74 :1
Norwegian Sun
2.14 :1
| Specification | Costa Fascinosa | Norwegian Sun |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Costa Cruises | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Class | Concordia Class | Sun Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,012Winner | 2,001 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 114,500 GTWinner | 78,309 GT |
| Length | 290 mWinner | 258 m |
| Beam | 36 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,012Winner | 1,936 |
| Crew | 1,100Winner | 906 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 38.0 GT/pax | 40.5 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.74:1 | 2.14:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Lloyd Werft |
| Flag | Italy | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9479864 | 9141065 |
Costa Fascinosa is the significantly larger vessel at 114,500 GT — 46% more than Norwegian Sun's 78,309 GT. Built in 2012, Costa Fascinosa is 11 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Norwegian Sun 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 | Norwegian Sun |
| Spaciousness | Norwegian Sun |
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
Norwegian Sun
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
We may earn a commission from partner bookings at no extra cost to you.
32 m |
| Draft | 8.3 mWinner | 8.2 m |
| Decks | — | — |
.jpg%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)
.jpg%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)
