Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated January 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
Independence of the Seas
Gross Tonnage
Costa Smeralda
185,010 GT
Independence of the Seas
154,407 GT
Length
Costa Smeralda
337 m
Independence of the Seas
339 m
Beam
Costa Smeralda
42 m
Independence of the Seas
56 m
Passengers
Costa Smeralda
5,224
Independence of the Seas
4,370
Crew
Costa Smeralda
1,682
Independence of the Seas
1,360
Decks
Costa Smeralda
—
Independence of the Seas
—
Year Built
Costa Smeralda
2,019
Independence of the Seas
2,008
Space Ratio
Costa Smeralda
35.4 GT/pax
Independence of the Seas
35.3 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Costa Smeralda
3.11 :1
Independence of the Seas
3.21 :1
| Specification | Costa Smeralda | Independence of the Seas |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Costa Cruises | Royal Caribbean International |
| Class | Excellence Class | Freedom Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,019Winner | 2,008 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 185,010 GTWinner | 154,407 GT |
| Length | 337 m | 339 mWinner |
| Beam | 42 m | 56 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 5,224Winner | 4,370 |
| Crew | 1,682Winner | 1,360 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 35.4 GT/paxWinner | 35.3 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 3.11:1Winner | 3.21:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Meyer Turku | Aker Yards |
| Flag | Italy | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9785432 | 9349681 |
Costa Smeralda is the significantly larger vessel at 185,010 GT — 20% more than Independence of the Seas's 154,407 GT. Built in 2019, Costa Smeralda is 11 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Costa Smeralda edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 3.1:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Costa Smeralda |
| Capacity | Costa Smeralda |
| Modernity | Costa Smeralda |
| Service | Costa Smeralda |
| Spaciousness | Costa Smeralda |
Bottom line: Costa Smeralda wins more categories (5 vs 0), 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
Independence of the Seas
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Large 4,370-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
4,370 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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| Draft | 8.5 m | 9 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
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