Costa Cruises
Costa Smeralda
- Cruises
- 105
- From
- $296
Ship comparison
Costa Smeralda vs MSC Fantasia
MSC Cruises
MSC Fantasia
- Cruises
- 42
- From
- $269
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Costa Smeralda is a mega Costa Cruises ship carrying 5,224 passengers, in service since 2019. MSC Fantasia is a large MSC Cruises ship carrying 3,274 passengers, in service since 2007.
Choose Costa Smeralda if you want a more family-friendly ship, a newer ship or more adventure and nature: it outscores MSC Fantasia for family friendly (8.0 vs 6.0) and adventure & nature (5.0 vs 4.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its maiden voyage was in 2019 (vs 2007).
Choose MSC Fantasia if you want a better-rated spa and gym, better-rated staterooms or better-rated dining: it outscores Costa Smeralda for spa & fitness (8.0 vs 5.0), staterooms (8.0 vs 5.0) and dining (6.9 vs 5.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Costa Smeralda | MSC Fantasia | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Costa Cruises | MSC Cruises |
| Ship size | Mega | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2019 (better) | 2007 |
| Gross tonnage | 180,000 | 137,936 |
| Passengers | 5,224 | 3,274 |
| Crew | 1,646 | 1,332 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 3.2 | 2.5 (better) |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 34.5 | 42.1 (better) |
| Cabins | 2,612 | — |
| Decks | 20 | 18 |
| Length | 1,105 ft | 1,092 ft |
| Beam | 137 ft | 125 ft |
| Speed | — | 26 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 6 / 10 | 7 / 10 (better) |
| Cruises on sale | 105 | 42 |
| Upcoming sailings | 334 | 474 |
| Cruise lengths | 2–17 nights | 3–13 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $296 | $269 (better) |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Costa Smeralda leads on 3 of the ten, MSC Fantasia on 4, with 3 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
Costa Cruises
Costa Smeralda
The new flagship of the Costa Cruises fleet, Costa Smeralda debuted in December 2019 with hallmark Made in Italy touches throughout, from the public areas to the cabins.
Sailing now
105 cruises on sale, from $296.
MSC Cruises
MSC Fantasia
MSC Fantasia is the largest cruise ship ever built for a European ship owner. Greater in length than the height of the Eiffel Tower, it has 1,637 staterooms, 80% of them with an ocean view, many with private balconies. This winning ship from MSC Cruises features advanced technology, elegant furnishings and exclusive services.
Highlights
- Nearly 300,000 square feet of public space
- She is big, greater in length than the height of the Eiffel Tower
- Use the interactive digital television system service and watch movies, buy excursions, check your onboard account, order room service or shop without leaving your stateroom
- A Willy Wonka-style chocolate factory of delights awaits you onboard
Sailing now
42 cruises on sale, from $269.
Questions
Costa Smeralda or MSC Fantasia?
Which is bigger, Costa Smeralda or MSC Fantasia?
Costa Smeralda is bigger at 180,000 gross tons, against 137,936 gross tons for MSC Fantasia. Costa Smeralda carries 5,224 passengers and MSC Fantasia carries 3,274.
Which ship is newer, Costa Smeralda or MSC Fantasia?
Costa Smeralda is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2019 against 2007 for MSC Fantasia.
Which has more space per passenger?
MSC Fantasia, with 42.1 gross tons per passenger against 34.5 on Costa Smeralda. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
MSC Fantasia, with one crew member for every 2.5 passengers against one for every 3.2 on Costa Smeralda.
Which is better for families?
Costa Smeralda scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 8.0 out of 10, against 6.0 for MSC Fantasia.
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