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 Elation
Nieuw Statendam
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Elation
70,367 GT
Nieuw Statendam
99,836 GT
Length
Carnival Elation
262 m
Nieuw Statendam
299 m
Beam
Carnival Elation
32 m
Nieuw Statendam
35 m
Passengers
Carnival Elation
2,052
Nieuw Statendam
2,666
Crew
Carnival Elation
920
Nieuw Statendam
1,036
Decks
Carnival Elation
—
Nieuw Statendam
—
Year Built
Carnival Elation
1,998
Nieuw Statendam
2,018
Space Ratio
Carnival Elation
34.3 GT/pax
Nieuw Statendam
37.5 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Elation
2.23 :1
Nieuw Statendam
2.57 :1
| Specification | Carnival Elation | Nieuw Statendam |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Holland America Line |
| Class | Fantasy Class | Pinnacle Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,998 | 2,018Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 70,367 GT | 99,836 GTWinner |
| Length | 262 m | 299 mWinner |
| Beam | 32 m | 35 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,052 | 2,666Winner |
| Crew | 920 | 1,036Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 34.3 GT/pax | 37.5 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.23:1Winner | 2.57:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Kvaerner Masa-Yards | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Panama | Netherlands |
| IMO Number | 9070620 | 9701281 |
Nieuw Statendam is the significantly larger vessel at 99,836 GT — 42% more than Carnival Elation's 70,367 GT. Built in 2018, Nieuw Statendam is 20 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Carnival Elation edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.2:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Nieuw Statendam |
| Capacity | Nieuw Statendam |
| Modernity | Nieuw Statendam |
| Service | Carnival Elation |
| Spaciousness | Nieuw Statendam |
Bottom line: Nieuw Statendam wins more categories (4 vs 1), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Carnival Elation
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Good value for money
Good range of onboard options
Nieuw Statendam
Built in 2018 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Comfortable atmosphere for two
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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| Draft | 8.1 m | 8.3 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
