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 Firenze
Costa Smeralda
Gross Tonnage
Costa Firenze
135,225 GT
Costa Smeralda
185,010 GT
Length
Costa Firenze
323 m
Costa Smeralda
337 m
Beam
Costa Firenze
37 m
Costa Smeralda
42 m
Passengers
Costa Firenze
4,232
Costa Smeralda
5,224
Crew
Costa Firenze
1,400
Costa Smeralda
1,682
Decks
Costa Firenze
—
Costa Smeralda
—
Year Built
Costa Firenze
2,021
Costa Smeralda
2,019
Space Ratio
Costa Firenze
31.9 GT/pax
Costa Smeralda
35.4 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Costa Firenze
3.02 :1
Costa Smeralda
3.11 :1
| Specification | Costa Firenze | Costa Smeralda |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Costa Cruises | Costa Cruises |
| Class | Venezia Class | Excellence Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,021Winner | 2,019 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 135,225 GT | 185,010 GTWinner |
| Length | 323 m | 337 mWinner |
| Beam | 37 m | 42 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 4,232 | 5,224Winner |
| Crew | 1,400 | 1,682Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 31.9 GT/pax | 35.4 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 3.02:1Winner | 3.11:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Meyer Turku |
| Flag | Italy | Italy |
| IMO Number | 9765470 | 9785432 |
Costa Smeralda is the significantly larger vessel at 185,010 GT — 37% more than Costa Firenze's 135,225 GT. Costa Smeralda offers more personal space with a space ratio of 35.4 GT per passenger versus 31.9. Built in 2021, Costa Firenze is 2 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Costa Smeralda |
| Capacity | Costa Smeralda |
| Modernity | Costa Firenze |
| Service | Costa Firenze |
| Spaciousness | Costa Smeralda |
Bottom line: Costa Smeralda wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Costa Firenze
Built in 2021 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Large 4,232-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
4,232 passengers means tons of activities
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Costa Smeralda
Large 5,224-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
5,224 passengers means tons of activities
Built in 2019 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Free cancellation on most rooms
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| Draft | — | 8.5 m |
| Decks | — | — |