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
Rhapsody of the Seas
Gross Tonnage
Costa Serena
114,500 GT
Rhapsody of the Seas
78,491 GT
Length
Costa Serena
290 m
Rhapsody of the Seas
279 m
Beam
Costa Serena
35.5 m
Rhapsody of the Seas
32 m
Passengers
Costa Serena
3,780
Rhapsody of the Seas
2,000
Crew
Costa Serena
1,100
Rhapsody of the Seas
765
Decks
Costa Serena
14
Rhapsody of the Seas
—
Year Built
Costa Serena
2,007
Rhapsody of the Seas
1,997
Space Ratio
Costa Serena
30.3 GT/pax
Rhapsody of the Seas
39.3 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Costa Serena
3.44 :1
Rhapsody of the Seas
2.61 :1
| Specification | Costa Serena | Rhapsody of the Seas |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Costa Cruises | Royal Caribbean International |
| Class | Concordia Class | Vision Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,007Winner | 1,997 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 114,500 GTWinner | 78,491 GT |
| Length | 290 mWinner | 279 m |
| Beam | 35.5 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,780Winner | 2,000 |
| Crew | 1,100Winner | 765 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 30.3 GT/pax | 39.3 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 3.44:1 | 2.61:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Chantiers de l'Atlantique |
| Flag | Italy | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | Tf1ba6e887 | 9116864 |
Costa Serena is the significantly larger vessel at 114,500 GT — 46% more than Rhapsody of the Seas's 78,491 GT. Rhapsody of the Seas offers more personal space with a space ratio of 39.3 GT per passenger versus 30.3. Built in 2007, Costa Serena is 10 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Costa Serena |
| Capacity | Costa Serena |
| Modernity | Costa Serena |
| Service | Rhapsody of the Seas |
| Spaciousness | Rhapsody of the Seas |
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
Rhapsody of the Seas
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Good value for money
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 | 7.8 m |
| Decks | 14 | — |
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