Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated January 2026
_002.jpg%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)
_001.jpg%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)
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
MSC Seaside
Gross Tonnage
Costa Smeralda
185,010 GT
MSC Seaside
153,516 GT
Length
Costa Smeralda
337 m
MSC Seaside
323 m
Beam
Costa Smeralda
42 m
MSC Seaside
41 m
Passengers
Costa Smeralda
5,224
MSC Seaside
5,179
Crew
Costa Smeralda
1,682
MSC Seaside
1,413
Decks
Costa Smeralda
—
MSC Seaside
—
Year Built
Costa Smeralda
2,019
MSC Seaside
2,017
Space Ratio
Costa Smeralda
35.4 GT/pax
MSC Seaside
29.6 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Costa Smeralda
3.11 :1
MSC Seaside
3.67 :1
| Specification | Costa Smeralda | MSC Seaside |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Costa Cruises | MSC Cruises |
| Class | Excellence Class | Seaside Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,019Winner | 2,017 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 185,010 GTWinner | 153,516 GT |
| Length | 337 mWinner | 323 m |
| Beam | 42 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 5,224Winner | 5,179 |
| Crew | 1,682Winner | 1,413 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 35.4 GT/paxWinner | 29.6 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 3.11:1Winner | 3.67:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Meyer Turku | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Italy | Malta |
| IMO Number | 9785432 | 9695600 |
Costa Smeralda is the significantly larger vessel at 185,010 GT — 21% more than MSC Seaside's 153,516 GT. Costa Smeralda offers more personal space with a space ratio of 35.4 GT per passenger versus 29.6. Built in 2019, Costa Smeralda is 2 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
MSC Seaside
Large 5,179-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
5,179 passengers means tons of activities
Built in 2017 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
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.
41 m |
| Draft | 8.5 m | 8.5 m |
| Decks | — | — |
_001.jpg%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)
.jpg%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)
_in_Venice.jpg%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)