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
Radiance of the Seas
Gross Tonnage
Brilliance of the Seas
90,090 GT
Radiance of the Seas
90,090 GT
Length
Brilliance of the Seas
293 m
Radiance of the Seas
293 m
Beam
Brilliance of the Seas
32 m
Radiance of the Seas
32 m
Passengers
Brilliance of the Seas
2,501
Radiance of the Seas
2,143
Crew
Brilliance of the Seas
848
Radiance of the Seas
859
Decks
Brilliance of the Seas
—
Radiance of the Seas
—
Year Built
Brilliance of the Seas
2,002
Radiance of the Seas
2,001
Space Ratio
Brilliance of the Seas
36.0 GT/pax
Radiance of the Seas
42.0 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Brilliance of the Seas
2.95 :1
Radiance of the Seas
2.49 :1
| Specification | Brilliance of the Seas | Radiance of the Seas |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Royal Caribbean International | Royal Caribbean International |
| Class | Radiance Class | Radiance Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,002Winner | 2,001 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 90,090 GT | 90,090 GT |
| Length | 293 m | 293 m |
| Beam | 32 m | 32 m |
| Draft | 8.6 m | 8.8 mWinner |
| Decks | — | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,501Winner | 2,143 |
| Crew | 848 | 859Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 36.0 GT/pax | 42.0 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.95:1 | 2.49:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Meyer Werft | Meyer Werft |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9195200 | 9195195 |
Radiance of the Seas offers more personal space with a space ratio of 42.0 GT per passenger versus 36.0. Radiance of the Seas edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.5:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Tie |
| Capacity | Brilliance of the Seas |
| Modernity | Brilliance of the Seas |
| Service | Radiance of the Seas |
| Spaciousness | Radiance of the Seas |
Bottom line: Brilliance of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas are closely matched — your best pick depends on which qualities matter most to you.
Brilliance of the Seas
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Good value for money
Good range of onboard options
Radiance of the Seas
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
42 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Good range of onboard options
Good value for money
Free cancellation on most rooms
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