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 Serena
Norwegian Sun
Gross Tonnage
Costa Serena
114,500 GT
Norwegian Sun
78,309 GT
Length
Costa Serena
290 m
Norwegian Sun
258 m
Beam
Costa Serena
35.5 m
Norwegian Sun
32 m
Passengers
Costa Serena
3,780
Norwegian Sun
1,936
Crew
Costa Serena
1,100
Norwegian Sun
906
Decks
Costa Serena
14
Norwegian Sun
—
Year Built
Costa Serena
2,007
Norwegian Sun
2,001
Space Ratio
Costa Serena
30.3 GT/pax
Norwegian Sun
40.5 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Costa Serena
3.44 :1
Norwegian Sun
2.14 :1
| Specification | Costa Serena | Norwegian Sun |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Costa Cruises | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Class | Concordia Class | Sun Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,007Winner | 2,001 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 114,500 GTWinner | 78,309 GT |
| Length | 290 mWinner | 258 m |
| Beam | 35.5 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,780Winner | 1,936 |
| Crew | 1,100Winner | 906 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 30.3 GT/pax | 40.5 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 3.44:1 | 2.14:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Lloyd Werft |
| Flag | Italy | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | Tf1ba6e887 | 9141065 |
Costa Serena is the significantly larger vessel at 114,500 GT — 46% more than Norwegian Sun's 78,309 GT. Norwegian Sun offers more personal space with a space ratio of 40.5 GT per passenger versus 30.3. Built in 2007, Costa Serena is 6 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Costa Serena |
| Capacity | Costa Serena |
| Modernity | Costa Serena |
| Service | Norwegian Sun |
| Spaciousness | Norwegian Sun |
Bottom line: Costa Serena wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
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
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
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32 m |
| Draft | 8.3 mWinner | 8.2 m |
| Decks | 14 | — |
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