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 Queen
Royal Clipper
Gross Tonnage
American Queen
3,707 GT
Royal Clipper
5,061 GT
Length
American Queen
127 m
Royal Clipper
134 m
Beam
American Queen
27 m
Royal Clipper
16 m
Passengers
American Queen
436
Royal Clipper
227
Crew
American Queen
165
Royal Clipper
106
Decks
American Queen
—
Royal Clipper
—
Year Built
American Queen
1,995
Royal Clipper
2,000
Space Ratio
American Queen
8.5 GT/pax
Royal Clipper
22.3 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
American Queen
2.64 :1
Royal Clipper
2.14 :1
| Specification | American Queen | Royal Clipper |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | American Queen Voyages | Star Clippers |
| Class | Paddlewheeler | Clipper |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,995 | 2,000Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 3,707 GT | 5,061 GTWinner |
| Length | 127 m | 134 mWinner |
| Beam | 27 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 436Winner | 227 |
| Crew | 165Winner | 106 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 8.5 GT/pax | 22.3 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.64:1 | 2.14:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | McDermott Shipyard | De Merwede |
| Flag | United States | Malta |
| IMO Number | 8644974 | 9008265 |
American Queen
Good value for money
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Premium onboard experience
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Royal Clipper
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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16 m |
| Draft | — | — |
| Decks | — | — |
