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)
Arcadia
Spirit of Discovery
Gross Tonnage
Arcadia
83,781 GT
Spirit of Discovery
58,250 GT
Length
Arcadia
285 m
Spirit of Discovery
236 m
Beam
Arcadia
32 m
Spirit of Discovery
31 m
Passengers
Arcadia
2,094
Spirit of Discovery
999
Crew
Arcadia
866
Spirit of Discovery
500
Decks
Arcadia
—
Spirit of Discovery
—
Year Built
Arcadia
2,005
Spirit of Discovery
2,019
Space Ratio
Arcadia
40.0 GT/pax
Spirit of Discovery
58.3 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Arcadia
2.42 :1
Spirit of Discovery
2.00 :1
| Specification | Arcadia | Spirit of Discovery |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | P&O Cruises | Saga Cruises |
| Class | Vista Class | Spirit Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,005 | 2,019Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 83,781 GTWinner | 58,250 GT |
| Length | 285 mWinner | 236 m |
| Beam | 32 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,094Winner | 999 |
| Crew | 866Winner | 500 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 40.0 GT/pax | 58.3 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.42:1 | 2.00:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Meyer Werft |
| Flag | United Kingdom | Malta |
| IMO Number | 9169524 | 9776607 |
Arcadia is the significantly larger vessel at 83,781 GT — 44% more than Spirit of Discovery's 58,250 GT. Spirit of Discovery offers more personal space with a space ratio of 58.3 GT per passenger versus 40.0. Built in 2019, Spirit of Discovery is 14 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Arcadia |
| Capacity | Arcadia |
| Modernity | Spirit of Discovery |
| Service | Spirit of Discovery |
| Spaciousness | Spirit of Discovery |
Bottom line: Spirit of Discovery wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Arcadia
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
40 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Good range of onboard options
Good value for money
Spirit of Discovery
58 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Premium onboard experience
Built in 2019 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Good range of onboard options
Free cancellation on most rooms
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Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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31 m |
| Draft | — | 7.3 m |
| Decks | — | — |