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
Queen Mary 2
Gross Tonnage
Costa Smeralda
185,010 GT
Queen Mary 2
148,528 GT
Length
Costa Smeralda
337 m
Queen Mary 2
345 m
Beam
Costa Smeralda
42 m
Queen Mary 2
41 m
Passengers
Costa Smeralda
5,224
Queen Mary 2
2,691
Crew
Costa Smeralda
1,682
Queen Mary 2
1,253
Decks
Costa Smeralda
—
Queen Mary 2
—
Year Built
Costa Smeralda
2,019
Queen Mary 2
2,004
Space Ratio
Costa Smeralda
35.4 GT/pax
Queen Mary 2
55.2 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Costa Smeralda
3.11 :1
Queen Mary 2
2.15 :1
| Specification | Costa Smeralda | Queen Mary 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Costa Cruises | Cunard |
| Class | Excellence Class | Queen Mary 2 |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,019Winner | 2,004 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 185,010 GTWinner | 148,528 GT |
| Length | 337 m | 345 mWinner |
| Beam | 42 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 5,224Winner | 2,691 |
| Crew | 1,682Winner | 1,253 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 35.4 GT/pax | 55.2 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 3.11:1 | 2.15:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Meyer Turku | Chantiers de l'Atlantique |
| Flag | Italy | Bermuda |
| IMO Number | 9785432 | 9241061 |
Costa Smeralda is the significantly larger vessel at 185,010 GT — 25% more than Queen Mary 2's 148,528 GT. Queen Mary 2 offers more personal space with a space ratio of 55.2 GT per passenger versus 35.4. Built in 2019, Costa Smeralda is 15 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Costa Smeralda |
| Capacity | Costa Smeralda |
| Modernity | Costa Smeralda |
| Service | Queen Mary 2 |
| Spaciousness | Queen Mary 2 |
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
Queen Mary 2
55 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Premium onboard experience
Good value for money
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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41 m |
| Draft | 8.5 m | 10.3 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
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