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 Magica
Costa Serena
Gross Tonnage
Costa Magica
102,587 GT
Costa Serena
114,500 GT
Length
Costa Magica
272 m
Costa Serena
290 m
Beam
Costa Magica
36 m
Costa Serena
35.5 m
Passengers
Costa Magica
2,716
Costa Serena
3,780
Crew
Costa Magica
1,027
Costa Serena
1,100
Decks
Costa Magica
—
Costa Serena
14
Year Built
Costa Magica
2,004
Costa Serena
2,007
Space Ratio
Costa Magica
37.8 GT/pax
Costa Serena
30.3 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Costa Magica
2.64 :1
Costa Serena
3.44 :1
| Specification | Costa Magica | Costa Serena |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Costa Cruises | Costa Cruises |
| Class | Fortuna Class | Concordia Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,004 | 2,007Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 102,587 GT | 114,500 GTWinner |
| Length | 272 m | 290 mWinner |
| Beam | 36 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,716 | 3,780Winner |
| Crew | 1,027 | 1,100Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 37.8 GT/paxWinner | 30.3 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.64:1Winner | 3.44:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Italy | Italy |
| IMO Number | 9343156 | Tf1ba6e887 |
Costa Serena is the larger vessel at 114,500 GT — 12% more than Costa Magica's 102,587 GT. Costa Magica offers more personal space with a space ratio of 37.8 GT per passenger versus 30.3. Built in 2007, Costa Serena is 3 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Costa Serena |
| Capacity | Costa Serena |
| Modernity | Costa Serena |
| Service | Costa Magica |
| Spaciousness | Costa Magica |
Bottom line: Costa Serena wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Costa Magica
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Good value for money
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Good range of onboard options
Costa Serena
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Large 3,780-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
3,780 passengers means tons of activities
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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35.5 m |
| Draft | — | 8.3 m |
| Decks | — | 14 |
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