Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated February 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 Luminosa
EXPLORA II
Gross Tonnage
Costa Luminosa
92,720 GT
EXPLORA II
64,000 GT
Length
Costa Luminosa
292 m
EXPLORA II
248 m
Beam
Costa Luminosa
32 m
EXPLORA II
32 m
Passengers
Costa Luminosa
2,260
EXPLORA II
922
Crew
Costa Luminosa
934
EXPLORA II
680
Decks
Costa Luminosa
—
EXPLORA II
—
Year Built
Costa Luminosa
2,009
EXPLORA II
2,024
Space Ratio
Costa Luminosa
41.0 GT/pax
EXPLORA II
69.4 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Costa Luminosa
2.42 :1
EXPLORA II
1.36 :1
| Specification | Costa Luminosa | EXPLORA II |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Costa Cruises | Explora Journeys |
| Class | Concordia Class | Explora Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,009 | 2,024Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 92,720 GTWinner | 64,000 GT |
| Length | 292 mWinner | 248 m |
| Beam | 32 m | 32 m |
| Draft | ||
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,260Winner | 922 |
| Crew | 934Winner | 680 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 41.0 GT/pax | 69.4 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.42:1 | 1.36:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Italy | Malta |
| IMO Number | 9343132 | 9879557 |
Costa Luminosa is the significantly larger vessel at 92,720 GT — 45% more than EXPLORA II's 64,000 GT. EXPLORA II offers more personal space with a space ratio of 69.4 GT per passenger versus 41.0. Built in 2024, EXPLORA II is 15 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Costa Luminosa |
| Capacity | Costa Luminosa |
| Modernity | EXPLORA II |
| Service | EXPLORA II |
| Spaciousness | EXPLORA II |
Bottom line: EXPLORA II wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Costa Luminosa
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
41 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Good range of onboard options
Good value for money
EXPLORA II
69 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
1.4:1 passenger-crew ratio means exceptional service
Built in 2024 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
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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7.1 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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