Costa vs Princess: Which Cruise Line Is Right for You?
Costa and Princess offer distinct cruising experiences across price points, fleet sizes, and trip lengths. Costa features 2,010 sailings across 15 active ships, offering cheaper entry fares starting at $115 for inside cabins ($1,408 typical starting price) and shorter average trips of 9.2 nights. In contrast, Princess operates 19 slightly newer ships (average build year 2012) with 1,793 sailings, averaging 13.8 nights and a lower average nightly rate of $147 despite higher typical starting fares of $2,098. While Costa features larger maximum capacities up to 5,322 guests with a European flair (3.8 rating), Princess emphasizes a premium experience rated 4.4 out of 5.
🏁 At a Glance
📊 Head to Head
| Costa | Princess | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruises on saleHow many upcoming sailings CruiseSheet is tracking | 1,935 | 1,941 |
| Lowest priceCheapest inside cabin on any sailing | $115 | $175 |
| Typical priceAverage inside-cabin starting price | $1,417 | $2,080 |
| Price per nightAverage nightly cost — the fairest value yardstick | $154 | $149 |
| Average trip lengthLonger voyages vs. shorter getaways | 9.5 nights | 13.3 nights |
| Ships in fleetActive ships currently sailing | 15 | 19 |
| Typical ship sizeBig-ship amenities vs. a more intimate feel | 3,182 guests | 3,307 guests |
| Largest shipGuest capacity of the biggest vessel | 5,322 guests | 4,320 guests |
| Guest ratingCruiseSheet guest rating | 3.8 / 5 | 4.4 / 5 |
Figures are drawn from live CruiseSheet pricing and fleet data and update as new sailings are loaded.
🤔 Which Should You Choose?
Both cruise lines cater to different traveler preferences based on budget, duration, and guest satisfaction. Choose Costa if you want lower entry prices starting at $115, a larger selection of 2,010 sailings, shorter 9.2-night average trips, or massive ships accommodating up to 5,322 guests in regions like Europe and South America. Choose Princess if you prefer longer 13.8-night itineraries, a lower average nightly price of $147, slightly newer ships averaging a 2012 build year, and a higher guest rating of 4.4 out of 5. Ultimately, Costa fits travelers seeking shorter, lower-cost upfront itineraries, while Princess delivers longer premium voyages with higher satisfaction scores.
💰 Costa vs Princess: Current Deals
Costa
Princess
❓ Costa vs Princess: Common Questions
❓ Which cruise line is cheaper overall?
Costa offers a lower entry price with inside cabins starting at $115 compared to $175 on Princess, as well as a lower typical starting price of $1,408 versus $2,098. However, Princess has a lower average price per night at $147 compared to Costa's $158 due to its longer trip lengths.
❓ Which cruise line has larger ships and more sailings?
Costa offers more total sailings at 2,010 and operates the largest ship between the two lines, accommodating up to 5,322 guests. Princess maintains a larger total fleet with 19 active ships and a slightly higher typical guest capacity of 3,307 compared to Costa's typical capacity of 3,182.
❓ How do guest ratings and trip lengths compare between Costa and Princess?
Princess earns a higher CruiseSheet guest rating of 4.4 out of 5 and offers longer average voyages of 13.8 nights. Costa holds a 3.8 out of 5 guest rating and features shorter average trips lasting 9.2 nights.
