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
Liberty of the Seas
Gross Tonnage
Costa Smeralda
185,010 GT
Liberty of the Seas
154,407 GT
Length
Costa Smeralda
337 m
Liberty of the Seas
339 m
Beam
Costa Smeralda
42 m
Liberty of the Seas
56 m
Passengers
Costa Smeralda
5,224
Liberty of the Seas
4,960
Crew
Costa Smeralda
1,682
Liberty of the Seas
1,360
Decks
Costa Smeralda
—
Liberty of the Seas
—
Year Built
Costa Smeralda
2,019
Liberty of the Seas
2,007
Space Ratio
Costa Smeralda
35.4 GT/pax
Liberty of the Seas
31.1 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Costa Smeralda
3.11 :1
Liberty of the Seas
3.65 :1
| Specification | Costa Smeralda | Liberty of the Seas |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Costa Cruises | Royal Caribbean International |
| Class | Excellence Class | Freedom Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,019Winner | 2,007 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 185,010 GTWinner | 154,407 GT |
| Length | 337 m | 339 mWinner |
| Beam | 42 m | 56 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 5,224Winner | 4,960 |
| Crew | 1,682Winner | 1,360 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 35.4 GT/paxWinner | 31.1 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 3.11:1Winner | 3.65:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Meyer Turku | Aker Yards |
| Flag | Italy | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9785432 | 9330032 |
Costa Smeralda is the significantly larger vessel at 185,010 GT — 20% more than Liberty of the Seas's 154,407 GT. Costa Smeralda offers more personal space with a space ratio of 35.4 GT per passenger versus 31.1. Built in 2019, Costa Smeralda is 12 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| 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
Liberty of the Seas
Large 4,960-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
4,960 passengers means tons of activities
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
We may earn a commission from partner bookings at no extra cost to you.
| Draft | 8.5 m | 9.1 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
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