Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated January 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)
Brilliance of the Seas
Carnival Breeze
Gross Tonnage
Brilliance of the Seas
90,090 GT
Carnival Breeze
130,000 GT
Length
Brilliance of the Seas
293 m
Carnival Breeze
306 m
Beam
Brilliance of the Seas
32 m
Carnival Breeze
37 m
Passengers
Brilliance of the Seas
2,501
Carnival Breeze
3,690
Crew
Brilliance of the Seas
848
Carnival Breeze
1,386
Decks
Brilliance of the Seas
—
Carnival Breeze
—
Year Built
Brilliance of the Seas
2,002
Carnival Breeze
2,012
Space Ratio
Brilliance of the Seas
36.0 GT/pax
Carnival Breeze
35.2 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Brilliance of the Seas
2.95 :1
Carnival Breeze
2.66 :1
| Specification | Brilliance of the Seas | Carnival Breeze |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Royal Caribbean International | Carnival Cruise Line |
| Class | Radiance Class | Dream Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,002 | 2,012Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 90,090 GT | 130,000 GTWinner |
| Length | 293 m | 306 mWinner |
| Beam | 32 m | 37 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,501 | 3,690Winner |
| Crew | 848 | 1,386Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 36.0 GT/paxWinner | 35.2 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.95:1 | 2.66:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Meyer Werft | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Bahamas | Panama |
| IMO Number | 9195200 | 9555723 |
Carnival Breeze is the significantly larger vessel at 130,000 GT — 44% more than Brilliance of the Seas's 90,090 GT. Built in 2012, Carnival Breeze is 10 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Carnival Breeze edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.7:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Carnival Breeze |
| Capacity | Carnival Breeze |
| Modernity | Carnival Breeze |
| Service | Carnival Breeze |
| Spaciousness | Brilliance of the Seas |
Bottom line: Carnival Breeze wins more categories (4 vs 1), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Brilliance of the Seas
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Good value for money
Good range of onboard options
Carnival Breeze
Large 3,690-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
3,690 passengers means tons of activities
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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| Draft | 8.6 mWinner | 8.5 m |
| Decks | — | — |