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)
Carnival Encounter
Grand Princess
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Encounter
109,000 GT
Grand Princess
108,806 GT
Length
Carnival Encounter
290 m
Grand Princess
290 m
Beam
Carnival Encounter
36 m
Grand Princess
36 m
Passengers
Carnival Encounter
2,600
Grand Princess
2,600
Crew
Carnival Encounter
1,100
Grand Princess
1,150
Decks
Carnival Encounter
18
Grand Princess
—
Year Built
Carnival Encounter
2,002
Grand Princess
1,998
Space Ratio
Carnival Encounter
41.9 GT/pax
Grand Princess
41.9 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Encounter
2.36 :1
Grand Princess
2.26 :1
| Specification | Carnival Encounter | Grand Princess |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Princess Cruises |
| Class | Grand Class | Grand Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,002Winner | 1,998 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 109,000 GTWinner | 108,806 GT |
| Length | 290 m | 290 m |
| Beam | 36 m | 36 m |
| Draft | 8.6 m | 8.8 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,600 | 2,600 |
| Crew | 1,100 | 1,150Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 41.9 GT/paxWinner | 41.9 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.36:1 | 2.26:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bermuda |
| IMO Number | 9192363 | 9158955 |
Built in 2002, Carnival Encounter is 4 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Grand Princess edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.3:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Carnival Encounter |
| Capacity | Grand Princess |
| Modernity | Carnival Encounter |
| Service | Grand Princess |
| Spaciousness | Carnival Encounter |
Bottom line: Carnival Encounter wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Carnival Encounter
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Good range of onboard options
42 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Good value for money
Grand Princess
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
42 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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| Decks | 18 | — |
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