Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated January 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)
Carnival Celebration
Explorer of the Seas
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Celebration
183,521 GT
Explorer of the Seas
137,308 GT
Length
Carnival Celebration
344 m
Explorer of the Seas
311 m
Beam
Carnival Celebration
42 m
Explorer of the Seas
48 m
Passengers
Carnival Celebration
5,374
Explorer of the Seas
3,114
Crew
Carnival Celebration
1,735
Explorer of the Seas
1,181
Decks
Carnival Celebration
—
Explorer of the Seas
—
Year Built
Carnival Celebration
2,022
Explorer of the Seas
2,000
Space Ratio
Carnival Celebration
34.1 GT/pax
Explorer of the Seas
44.1 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Celebration
3.10 :1
Explorer of the Seas
2.64 :1
| Specification | Carnival Celebration | Explorer of the Seas |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Royal Caribbean International |
| Class | Excel Class | Voyager Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,022Winner | 2,000 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 183,521 GTWinner | 137,308 GT |
| Length | 344 mWinner | 311 m |
| Beam | 42 m | 48 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 5,374Winner | 3,114 |
| Crew | 1,735Winner | 1,181 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 34.1 GT/pax | 44.1 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 3.10:1 | 2.64:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Meyer Turku | Kvaerner Masa-Yards |
| Flag | Panama | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9837456 | 9161728 |
Carnival Celebration is the significantly larger vessel at 183,521 GT — 34% more than Explorer of the Seas's 137,308 GT. Explorer of the Seas offers more personal space with a space ratio of 44.1 GT per passenger versus 34.1. Built in 2022, Carnival Celebration is 22 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Carnival Celebration |
| Capacity | Carnival Celebration |
| Modernity | Carnival Celebration |
| Service | Explorer of the Seas |
| Spaciousness | Explorer of the Seas |
Bottom line: Carnival Celebration wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Carnival Celebration
Large 5,374-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
5,374 passengers means tons of activities
Built in 2022 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Explorer of the Seas
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Large 3,114-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
3,114 passengers means tons of activities
44 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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| Draft | 8.6 m | 9.1 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
