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 the Ocean
Gross Tonnage
Balmoral
43,537 GT
Spirit of the Ocean
58,250 GT
Length
Balmoral
218 m
Spirit of the Ocean
236 m
Beam
Balmoral
28 m
Spirit of the Ocean
32 m
Passengers
Balmoral
1,325
Spirit of the Ocean
999
Crew
Balmoral
510
Spirit of the Ocean
510
Decks
Balmoral
—
Spirit of the Ocean
—
Year Built
Balmoral
1,988
Spirit of the Ocean
2,024
Space Ratio
Balmoral
32.9 GT/pax
Spirit of the Ocean
58.3 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Balmoral
2.60 :1
Spirit of the Ocean
1.96 :1
| Specification | Balmoral | Spirit of the Ocean |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines | Saga Cruises |
| Class | Classic | Boutique |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,988 | 2,024Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 43,537 GT | 58,250 GTWinner |
| Length | 218 m | 236 mWinner |
| Beam | 28 m | 32 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 1,325Winner | 999 |
| Crew | 510 | 510 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 32.9 GT/pax | 58.3 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.60:1 | 1.96:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Meyer Werft | Meyer Werft |
| Flag | Bahamas | United Kingdom |
| IMO Number | 8506294 | 9817147 |
Spirit of the Ocean is the significantly larger vessel at 58,250 GT — 34% more than Balmoral's 43,537 GT. Spirit of the Ocean offers more personal space with a space ratio of 58.3 GT per passenger versus 32.9. Built in 2024, Spirit of the Ocean is 36 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Spirit of the Ocean |
| Capacity | Balmoral |
| Modernity | Spirit of the Ocean |
| Service | Spirit of the Ocean |
| Spaciousness | Spirit of the Ocean |
Bottom line: Spirit of the Ocean 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 the Ocean
58 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
2.0:1 passenger-crew ratio means exceptional service
Built in 2024 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 | — | — |
| Decks | — | — |
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