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
Sapphire Princess
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Encounter
109,000 GT
Sapphire Princess
115,875 GT
Length
Carnival Encounter
290 m
Sapphire Princess
290 m
Beam
Carnival Encounter
36 m
Sapphire Princess
38 m
Passengers
Carnival Encounter
2,600
Sapphire Princess
2,670
Crew
Carnival Encounter
1,100
Sapphire Princess
1,100
Decks
Carnival Encounter
18
Sapphire Princess
—
Year Built
Carnival Encounter
2,002
Sapphire Princess
2,004
Space Ratio
Carnival Encounter
41.9 GT/pax
Sapphire Princess
43.4 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Encounter
2.36 :1
Sapphire Princess
2.43 :1
| Specification | Carnival Encounter | Sapphire Princess |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Princess Cruises |
| Class | Grand Class | Grand Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,002 | 2,004Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 109,000 GT | 115,875 GTWinner |
| Length | 290 m | 290 m |
| Beam | 36 m | 38 mWinner |
| Draft | ||
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,600 | 2,670Winner |
| Crew | 1,100 | 1,100 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 41.9 GT/pax | 43.4 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.36:1Winner | 2.43:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | MHI Nagasaki |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bermuda |
| IMO Number | 9192363 | 9228198 |
Sapphire Princess is the larger vessel at 115,875 GT — 6% more than Carnival Encounter's 109,000 GT. Built in 2004, Sapphire Princess is 2 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Sapphire Princess |
| Capacity | Sapphire Princess |
| Modernity | Sapphire Princess |
| Service | Carnival Encounter |
| Spaciousness | Sapphire Princess |
Bottom line: Sapphire Princess wins more categories (4 vs 1), 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
Sapphire Princess
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
43 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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8.6 mWinner |
8.3 m |
| Decks | 18 | — |
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