Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated February 2026
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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)
Caribbean Princess
Pacific Encounter
Gross Tonnage
Caribbean Princess
112,894 GT
Pacific Encounter
109,000 GT
Length
Caribbean Princess
290 m
Pacific Encounter
290 m
Beam
Caribbean Princess
36 m
Pacific Encounter
36 m
Passengers
Caribbean Princess
3,140
Pacific Encounter
2,636
Crew
Caribbean Princess
1,200
Pacific Encounter
1,100
Decks
Caribbean Princess
—
Pacific Encounter
—
Year Built
Caribbean Princess
2,004
Pacific Encounter
2,002
Space Ratio
Caribbean Princess
36.0 GT/pax
Pacific Encounter
41.4 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Caribbean Princess
2.62 :1
Pacific Encounter
2.40 :1
| Specification | Caribbean Princess | Pacific Encounter |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Princess Cruises | P&O Cruises Australia |
| Class | Grand Class | Grand Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,004Winner | 2,002 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 112,894 GTWinner | 109,000 GT |
| Length | 290 m | 290 m |
| Beam | 36 m | 36 m |
| Draft | 8.7 m | — |
| Decks | — | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,140Winner | 2,636 |
| Crew | 1,200Winner | 1,100 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 36.0 GT/pax | 41.4 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.62:1 | 2.40:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Bermuda | United Kingdom |
| IMO Number | 9215490 | 9169536 |
Pacific Encounter offers more personal space with a space ratio of 41.4 GT per passenger versus 36.0. Built in 2004, Caribbean Princess is 2 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Pacific Encounter edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.4:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Caribbean Princess |
| Capacity | Caribbean Princess |
| Modernity | Caribbean Princess |
| Service | Pacific Encounter |
| Spaciousness | Pacific Encounter |
Bottom line: Caribbean Princess wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Caribbean Princess
Large 3,140-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
3,140 passengers means tons of activities
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Pacific Encounter
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
41 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Good value for money
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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