Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated January 2026
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)
AIDAstella
Crystal Symphony
Gross Tonnage
AIDAstella
71,304 GT
Crystal Symphony
51,044 GT
Length
AIDAstella
253 m
Crystal Symphony
238 m
Beam
AIDAstella
32 m
Crystal Symphony
31 m
Passengers
AIDAstella
2,194
Crystal Symphony
848
Crew
AIDAstella
611
Crystal Symphony
566
Decks
AIDAstella
—
Crystal Symphony
—
Year Built
AIDAstella
2,013
Crystal Symphony
1,995
Space Ratio
AIDAstella
32.5 GT/pax
Crystal Symphony
60.2 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
AIDAstella
3.59 :1
Crystal Symphony
1.50 :1
| Specification | AIDAstella | Crystal Symphony |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | AIDA Cruises | Crystal Cruises |
| Class | Sphinx Class | Crystal |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,013Winner | 1,995 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 71,304 GTWinner | 51,044 GT |
| Length | 253 mWinner | 238 m |
| Beam | 32 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,194Winner | 848 |
| Crew | 611Winner | 566 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 32.5 GT/pax | 60.2 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 3.59:1 | 1.50:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Meyer Werft | Masa-Yards |
| Flag | Italy | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9490026 | 9066667 |
AIDAstella is the significantly larger vessel at 71,304 GT — 40% more than Crystal Symphony's 51,044 GT. Crystal Symphony offers more personal space with a space ratio of 60.2 GT per passenger versus 32.5. Built in 2013, AIDAstella is 18 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | AIDAstella |
| Capacity | AIDAstella |
| Modernity | AIDAstella |
| Service | Crystal Symphony |
| Spaciousness | Crystal Symphony |
Bottom line: AIDAstella wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
AIDAstella
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Good value for money
Good range of onboard options
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Crystal Symphony
60 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
1.5:1 passenger-crew ratio means exceptional service
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Good range of onboard options
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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31 m |
| Draft | 7.3 m | — |
| Decks | — | — |
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