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)
Balmoral
Spirit of Adventure
Gross Tonnage
Balmoral
43,537 GT
Spirit of Adventure
58,250 GT
Length
Balmoral
218 m
Spirit of Adventure
236 m
Beam
Balmoral
28 m
Spirit of Adventure
31 m
Passengers
Balmoral
1,325
Spirit of Adventure
999
Crew
Balmoral
510
Spirit of Adventure
500
Decks
Balmoral
—
Spirit of Adventure
—
Year Built
Balmoral
1,988
Spirit of Adventure
2,020
Space Ratio
Balmoral
32.9 GT/pax
Spirit of Adventure
58.3 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Balmoral
2.60 :1
Spirit of Adventure
2.00 :1
| Specification | Balmoral | Spirit of Adventure |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines | Saga Cruises |
| Class | Classic | Spirit Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,988 | 2,020Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 43,537 GT | 58,250 GTWinner |
| Length | 218 m | 236 mWinner |
| Beam | 28 m | 31 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 1,325Winner | 999 |
| Crew | 510Winner | 500 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 32.9 GT/pax | 58.3 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.60:1 | 2.00:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Meyer Werft | Meyer Werft |
| Flag | Bahamas | Malta |
| IMO Number | 8506294 | 9803646 |
Spirit of Adventure is the significantly larger vessel at 58,250 GT — 34% more than Balmoral's 43,537 GT. Spirit of Adventure offers more personal space with a space ratio of 58.3 GT per passenger versus 32.9. Built in 2020, Spirit of Adventure is 32 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Spirit of Adventure |
| Capacity | Balmoral |
| Modernity | Spirit of Adventure |
| Service | Spirit of Adventure |
| Spaciousness | Spirit of Adventure |
Bottom line: Spirit of Adventure wins more categories (4 vs 1), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Balmoral
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Good value for money
Good range of onboard options
Spirit of Adventure
58 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Premium onboard experience
Built in 2020 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
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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| Draft | — | 7.3 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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