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 II
Gross Tonnage
American Empress
3,388 GT
Sea Cloud II
3,849 GT
Length
American Empress
109 m
Sea Cloud II
117 m
Beam
American Empress
18 m
Sea Cloud II
16 m
Passengers
American Empress
223
Sea Cloud II
94
Crew
American Empress
83
Sea Cloud II
60
Decks
American Empress
—
Sea Cloud II
—
Year Built
American Empress
2,003
Sea Cloud II
2,001
Space Ratio
American Empress
15.2 GT/pax
Sea Cloud II
41.0 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
American Empress
2.69 :1
Sea Cloud II
1.57 :1
| Specification | American Empress | Sea Cloud II |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | American Queen Voyages | Sea Cloud Cruises |
| Class | Paddlewheeler | Windjammer |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,003Winner | 2,001 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 3,388 GT | 3,849 GTWinner |
| Length | 109 m | 117 mWinner |
| Beam | 18 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 223Winner | 94 |
| Crew | 83Winner | 60 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 15.2 GT/pax | 41.0 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.69:1 | 1.57:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Nichols Brothers | Astilleros Gondán |
| Flag | United States | Malta |
| IMO Number | 7214082 | 9171292 |
American Empress
Good value for money
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Premium onboard experience
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Sea Cloud II
41 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
1.6:1 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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16 m |
| Draft | — | — |
| Decks | — | — |
