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
MSC World America
Gross Tonnage
Costa Smeralda
185,010 GT
MSC World America
215,863 GT
Length
Costa Smeralda
337 m
MSC World America
333 m
Beam
Costa Smeralda
42 m
MSC World America
47 m
Passengers
Costa Smeralda
5,224
MSC World America
6,762
Crew
Costa Smeralda
1,682
MSC World America
2,138
Decks
Costa Smeralda
—
MSC World America
—
Year Built
Costa Smeralda
2,019
MSC World America
2,025
Space Ratio
Costa Smeralda
35.4 GT/pax
MSC World America
31.9 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Costa Smeralda
3.11 :1
MSC World America
3.16 :1
| Specification | Costa Smeralda | MSC World America |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Costa Cruises | MSC Cruises |
| Class | Excellence Class | World Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,019 | 2,025Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 185,010 GT | 215,863 GTWinner |
| Length | 337 mWinner | 333 m |
| Beam | 42 m | 47 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 5,224 | 6,762Winner |
| Crew | 1,682 | 2,138Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 35.4 GT/paxWinner | 31.9 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 3.11:1Winner | 3.16:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Meyer Turku | Chantiers de l'Atlantique |
| Flag | Italy | Malta |
| IMO Number | 9785432 | 9871645 |
MSC World America is the larger vessel at 215,863 GT — 17% more than Costa Smeralda's 185,010 GT. Costa Smeralda offers more personal space with a space ratio of 35.4 GT per passenger versus 31.9. Built in 2025, MSC World America is 6 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | MSC World America |
| Capacity | MSC World America |
| Modernity | MSC World America |
| Service | Costa Smeralda |
| Spaciousness | Costa Smeralda |
Bottom line: MSC World America 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
MSC World America
Large 6,762-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
6,762 passengers means tons of activities
Built in 2025 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.
| Draft | 8.5 m | 9.4 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
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