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)
Brilliant Lady
Celestyal Journey
Gross Tonnage
Brilliant Lady
110,000 GT
Celestyal Journey
73,500 GT
Length
Brilliant Lady
278 m
Celestyal Journey
269 m
Beam
Brilliant Lady
38 m
Celestyal Journey
32 m
Passengers
Brilliant Lady
2,770
Celestyal Journey
1,800
Crew
Brilliant Lady
1,150
Celestyal Journey
650
Decks
Brilliant Lady
—
Celestyal Journey
—
Year Built
Brilliant Lady
2,025
Celestyal Journey
1,992
Space Ratio
Brilliant Lady
39.7 GT/pax
Celestyal Journey
40.8 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Brilliant Lady
2.41 :1
Celestyal Journey
2.77 :1
| Specification | Brilliant Lady | Celestyal Journey |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Virgin Voyages | Celestyal Cruises |
| Class | Virgin Class | Sovereign Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,025Winner | 1,992 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 110,000 GTWinner | 73,500 GT |
| Length | 278 mWinner | 269 m |
| Beam | 38 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,770Winner | 1,800 |
| Crew | 1,150Winner | 650 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 39.7 GT/pax | 40.8 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.41:1Winner | 2.77:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Chantiers de l'Atlantique |
| Flag | Bahamas | Malta |
| IMO Number | 9915547 | 9917173 |
Brilliant Lady is the significantly larger vessel at 110,000 GT — 50% more than Celestyal Journey's 73,500 GT. Built in 2025, Brilliant Lady is 33 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Brilliant Lady edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.4:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Brilliant Lady |
| Capacity | Brilliant Lady |
| Modernity | Brilliant Lady |
| Service | Brilliant Lady |
| Spaciousness | Celestyal Journey |
Bottom line: Brilliant Lady wins more categories (4 vs 1), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Brilliant Lady
Built in 2025 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Good value for money
Good range of onboard options
Celestyal Journey
41 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Premium onboard experience
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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32 m |
| Draft | 8 m | — |
| Decks | — | — |
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