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
Sea Cloud
Gross Tonnage
American Empress
3,388 GT
Sea Cloud
2,532 GT
Length
American Empress
109 m
Sea Cloud
109 m
Beam
American Empress
18 m
Sea Cloud
15 m
Passengers
American Empress
223
Sea Cloud
64
Crew
American Empress
83
Sea Cloud
60
Decks
American Empress
—
Sea Cloud
—
Year Built
American Empress
2,003
Sea Cloud
1,931
Space Ratio
American Empress
15.2 GT/pax
Sea Cloud
39.6 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
American Empress
2.69 :1
Sea Cloud
1.07 :1
| Specification | American Empress | Sea Cloud |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | American Queen Voyages | Sea Cloud Cruises |
| Class | Paddlewheeler | Windjammer |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,003Winner | 1,931 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 3,388 GTWinner | 2,532 GT |
| Length | 109 m | 109 m |
| Beam | 18 mWinner | 15 m |
| Draft | ||
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 223Winner | 64 |
| Crew | 83Winner | 60 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 15.2 GT/pax | 39.6 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.69:1 | 1.07:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Nichols Brothers | Krupp |
| Flag | United States | Malta |
| IMO Number | 7214082 | 1006466 |
American Empress
Good value for money
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Premium onboard experience
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Sea Cloud
Comfortable atmosphere for two
1.1:1 passenger-crew ratio means exceptional service
Good value for money
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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| Decks | — | — |
