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 Smeralda
Genting Dream
Gross Tonnage
Costa Smeralda
185,010 GT
Genting Dream
151,300 GT
Length
Costa Smeralda
337 m
Genting Dream
335 m
Beam
Costa Smeralda
42 m
Genting Dream
40 m
Passengers
Costa Smeralda
5,224
Genting Dream
3,400
Crew
Costa Smeralda
1,682
Genting Dream
2,000
Decks
Costa Smeralda
—
Genting Dream
—
Year Built
Costa Smeralda
2,019
Genting Dream
2,016
Space Ratio
Costa Smeralda
35.4 GT/pax
Genting Dream
44.5 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Costa Smeralda
3.11 :1
Genting Dream
1.70 :1
| Specification | Costa Smeralda | Genting Dream |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Costa Cruises | Dream Cruises |
| Class | Excellence Class | Dream Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,019Winner | 2,016 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 185,010 GTWinner | 151,300 GT |
| Length | 337 mWinner | 335 m |
| Beam | 42 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 5,224Winner | 3,400 |
| Crew | 1,682 | 2,000Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 35.4 GT/pax | 44.5 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 3.11:1 | 1.70:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Meyer Turku | Meyer Werft |
| Flag | Italy | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9785432 | 9731037 |
Costa Smeralda is the significantly larger vessel at 185,010 GT — 22% more than Genting Dream's 151,300 GT. Genting Dream offers more personal space with a space ratio of 44.5 GT per passenger versus 35.4. Built in 2019, Costa Smeralda is 3 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Costa Smeralda |
| Capacity | Costa Smeralda |
| Modernity | Costa Smeralda |
| Service | Genting Dream |
| Spaciousness | Genting Dream |
Bottom line: Costa Smeralda wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
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
Genting Dream
Built in 2016 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
45 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
3,400 passengers means tons of activities
Large 3,400-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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40 m |
| Draft | 8.5 m | — |
| Decks | — | — |
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