Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated February 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)
American Countess
American Empress
Gross Tonnage
American Countess
2,600 GT
American Empress
3,388 GT
Length
American Countess
74 m
American Empress
109 m
Beam
American Countess
18 m
American Empress
18 m
Passengers
American Countess
245
American Empress
223
Crew
American Countess
90
American Empress
83
Decks
American Countess
—
American Empress
—
Year Built
American Countess
2,020
American Empress
2,003
Space Ratio
American Countess
10.6 GT/pax
American Empress
15.2 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
American Countess
2.72 :1
American Empress
2.69 :1
| Specification | American Countess | American Empress |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | American Queen Voyages | American Queen Voyages |
| Class | Coastal | Paddlewheeler |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,020Winner | 2,003 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 2,600 GT | 3,388 GTWinner |
| Length | 74 m | 109 mWinner |
| Beam | 18 m | 18 m |
| Draft | ||
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 245Winner | 223 |
| Crew | 90Winner | 83 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 10.6 GT/pax | 15.2 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.72:1 | 2.69:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Gulf Island Fabrication | Nichols Brothers |
| Flag | United States | United States |
| IMO Number | 7214070 | 7214082 |
American Countess
Good value for money
Built in 2020 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Good range of onboard options
Comfortable atmosphere for two
American Empress
Good value for money
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Premium onboard experience
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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7.4 m |
— |
| Decks | — | — |
