If you are planning a cruise with Costa Cruises ships, it helps to know exactly what you are getting, how big the ship is, and how new or old it is. In this guide, we rank the entire active fleet of Costa Cruises by size, age, and class, helping you choose the right vessel for your next holiday. Whether you want a mega-resort vibe or a more relaxed atmosphere, this overview of Costa Cruises ships by age and size will make your decision easier.
How Ship Size is Determined
When comparing cruise ships, “size” does not refer to weight, but to internal volume and space, which is commonly expressed as Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT / GT). A higher tonnage usually means more decks, more staterooms, more public spaces, and more amenities. That is why when talking about Costa Cruises ships by size, we focus on GT first, then complement that with factors like passenger capacity, deck count, and length. A ship with high GT offers more space per guest and typically more dining, entertainment, and activity options.
However, “size” doesn’t always equal “experience.” Larger ships tend to be livelier and more crowded, while slightly smaller vessels may feel calmer, cosier, or easier to navigate. That tradeoff is essential when choosing among Costa Cruises ships.
List of Costa Cruise Ships by Class
Costa Cruises organises its fleet into several classes. Each class represents different design philosophies, features, and guest experiences. Here is a breakdown of the classes and which ships belong to each (among the active fleet):
- Excellence Class: The newest, largest and most modern ships, powered by LNG. Currently includes Costa Toscana and Costa Smeralda.
- Diadema Class: The largest non-LNG ship type, offering a balanced blend of space, amenities and more traditional cruise-feel. Only includes Costa Diadema at present.
- Concordia Class: A set of mid-to-large ships that combine many amenities without being “mega-ships.” This covers Costa Fascinosa, Costa Favolosa, Costa Pacifica, and Costa Serena.
- Fortuna Class: Older class with simpler, more traditional cruise vibe. Only includes Costa Fortuna.
- Luminosa / Deliziosa Class: Smaller tonnage, more intimate feel. This class is represented by Costa Deliziosa.
By understanding these classes, you can match your travel preferences to the right ship.
List of Costa Cruises Ships By Size: Biggest to Smallest
Here is a ranked list of major active Costa Cruises ships, from largest to smallest by gross tonnage (GT), along with passenger capacity and key features.
Costa Toscana
It is the largest ship in Costa’s fleet, measuring 185,010 gross tonnes and accommodating up to 6,554 guests at maximum capacity. As part of the Excellence Class, it is one of Costa’s LNG-powered mega-ships and is designed to deliver a modern, resort-style cruise experience with expansive deck areas, multiple dining venues, and a wide range of entertainment options.
Costa Smeralda
This ship matches Costa Toscana in size at 185,010 gross tonnes and a maximum capacity of 6,554 guests, is its twin sister and also belongs to the Excellence Class. Like Toscana, it focuses on scale, sustainability, and contemporary design, offering extensive onboard amenities and one of the most activity-rich environments in the fleet.
Costa Diadema
It comes next with a gross tonnage of 133,019 and can carry up to approximately 4,927 passengers. As the flagship of the Diadema Class and the largest non-LNG vessel in the fleet, it strikes a balance between space and comfort, providing a full range of amenities without feeling as overwhelming as the newest mega-ships.
Costa Fascinosa
A part of the Concordia Class, this ship has a gross tonnage of around 114,500 and accommodates roughly 3,700 guests at maximum capacity. It is considered a reliable mid-size option, offering a comprehensive cruise experience while remaining easier to navigate than the largest vessels.
Costa Favolosa
It shares similar dimensions with Costa Fascinosa, with a gross tonnage of about 114,500 and a passenger capacity of around 3,700 guests. Also a Concordia Class ship, it delivers a comparable balance of onboard facilities and comfort, making it particularly suitable for couples and small families.
Costa Pacifica
Another Concordia Class vessel, this ship also measures approximately 114,500 gross tonnes and can host around 3,700 passengers. What sets it apart is its strong focus on music and entertainment, including themed venues and creative onboard spaces that offer a slightly different atmosphere from standard Costa ships.
Costa Serena
It is similarly sized, with a reported gross tonnage of around 114,500 (with some sources listing it slightly lower at approximately 114,147) and a maximum capacity of roughly 3,700 guests. As part of the Concordia Class, it remains a dependable mid-size ship and is often chosen by travellers who prefer a familiar Costa experience without the scale of newer mega liners.
Costa Fortuna
This ship has a gross tonnage of 102,669 and can carry up to about 3,470 guests. As the oldest active ship in Costa’s fleet and a member of the Fortuna Class, it offers a more traditional cruising atmosphere, which can translate into a quieter and more relaxed onboard experience compared to newer, busier ships.
Costa Deliziosa
It is the smallest of Costa’s major active ships, with a gross tonnage of 92,720 and a maximum passenger capacity of approximately 2,800 to 2,828 guests. Belonging to the Luminosa/Deliziosa Class, it provides the most intimate experience in the fleet, with smaller crowd sizes, easier navigation, and a calmer overall onboard vibe.
Because these are “maximum capacities,” actual occupancy often ends up lower (many cabins with two adults, not full occupancy), which can moderate crowd levels.
List of Costa Cruises Ships by Age
Beyond size, age is another important factor when evaluating Costa ships by age. Newer ships often come with modern amenities, updated design, and sometimes greener technology. Below is a list of the fleet ordered by launch (or entry into service) year, from oldest to newest.
- Costa Fortuna: It was launched in 2003 and is currently the oldest active ship in Costa’s fleet, offering a more traditional cruising experience compared to newer vessels.
- Costa Serena: This ship entered service in 2007, and represents one of Costa’s earlier-generation large cruise ships.
- Costa Pacifica: It was launched in 2009 and delivers a mid-size cruise experience with a strong focus on entertainment and onboard activities.
- Costa Deliziosa: This ship joined the fleet in 2010 and offers a smaller and more intimate onboard environment than many newer Costa ships.
- Costa Favolosa: It was launched in 2011 and blends familiar design elements with incremental upgrades.
- Costa Fascinosa: Launched in 2012, this ship is known for providing a balanced mix of space, amenities, and comfort.
- Costa Diadema: It entered service in 2014 and stands out as one of Costa’s largest ships prior to the introduction of LNG-powered vessels.
- Costa Smeralda: This ship was launched in 2019 and marked a major milestone for the brand as Costa’s first LNG-powered ship.
- Costa Toscana: Launched in 2021, it is the newest ship in the fleet and serves as Costa’s modern flagship, combining Excellence Class design with LNG propulsion and contemporary onboard features.
Thus, in terms of Costa ships by age, Costa Fortuna remains the oldest, with nearly two decades of service and potentially with older interiors (though often refurbished), while Costa Toscana leads as the newest and most modern offering.
Conclusion
For anyone browsing Costa Cruises ships by size or age, the choices can feel overwhelming. But when laid out clearly, patterns emerge. The mega-ship duo (Costa Toscana and Costa Smeralda) stand out for sheer space, amenities and modern eco-friendly tech. The mid-size Concordia and Diadema class ships hit a sweet spot for many travellers, offering a balanced cruise experience. And the smaller-tonnage ship, like Costa Deliziosa or older-but-steady Costa Fortuna, may appeal to cruisers who prefer a calmer, more intimate atmosphere.
If you want a buzzing, resort-style cruise with maximum entertainment and amenities, go for the newer, bigger ships. If you prefer something quieter, more relaxed, and easier to navigate, the slightly smaller or older vessels make a compelling case. By using this guide to Costa Cruises ships by age and size, you can now select the perfect Costa ship tailored to your travel style and expectations.
