Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated February 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)
Carnival Encounter
Pacific Encounter
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Encounter
109,000 GT
Pacific Encounter
109,000 GT
Length
Carnival Encounter
290 m
Pacific Encounter
290 m
Beam
Carnival Encounter
36 m
Pacific Encounter
36 m
Passengers
Carnival Encounter
2,600
Pacific Encounter
2,636
Crew
Carnival Encounter
1,100
Pacific Encounter
1,100
Decks
Carnival Encounter
18
Pacific Encounter
—
Year Built
Carnival Encounter
2,002
Pacific Encounter
2,002
Space Ratio
Carnival Encounter
41.9 GT/pax
Pacific Encounter
41.4 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Encounter
2.36 :1
Pacific Encounter
2.40 :1
| Specification | Carnival Encounter | Pacific Encounter |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | P&O Cruises Australia |
| Class | Grand Class | Grand Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,002 | 2,002 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 109,000 GT | 109,000 GT |
| Length | 290 m | 290 m |
| Beam | 36 m | 36 m |
| Draft | 8.6 m | — |
| Decks | 18 | — |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,600 | 2,636Winner |
| Crew | 1,100 | 1,100 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 41.9 GT/paxWinner | 41.4 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.36:1Winner | 2.40:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Bahamas | United Kingdom |
| IMO Number | 9192363 | 9169536 |
Carnival Encounter
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Good range of onboard options
42 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Good value for money
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
We may earn a commission from partner bookings at no extra cost to you.
_%25E2%2580%2593_Bow.png%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)
.jpg%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)
