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 Empress
American Splendor
Gross Tonnage
American Empress
3,388 GT
American Splendor
3,527 GT
Length
American Empress
109 m
American Splendor
100 m
Beam
American Empress
18 m
American Splendor
14 m
Passengers
American Empress
223
American Splendor
190
Crew
American Empress
83
American Splendor
72
Decks
American Empress
—
American Splendor
—
Year Built
American Empress
2,003
American Splendor
2,023
Space Ratio
American Empress
15.2 GT/pax
American Splendor
18.6 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
American Empress
2.69 :1
American Splendor
2.64 :1
| Specification | American Empress | American Splendor |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | American Queen Voyages | American Cruise Lines |
| Class | Paddlewheeler | Modern Riverboat |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,003 | 2,023Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 3,388 GT | 3,527 GTWinner |
| Length | 109 mWinner | 100 m |
| Beam | 18 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 223Winner | 190 |
| Crew | 83Winner | 72 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 15.2 GT/pax | 18.6 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.69:1 | 2.64:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Nichols Brothers | Chesapeake Shipbuilding |
| Flag | United States | United States |
| IMO Number | 7214082 | 9918130 |
American Empress
Good value for money
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Premium onboard experience
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
American Splendor
Good value for money
Built in 2023 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Good range of onboard options
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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14 m |
| Draft | — | — |
| Decks | — | — |
