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 Horizon
Island Princess
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Horizon
133,500 GT
Island Princess
91,627 GT
Length
Carnival Horizon
323 m
Island Princess
294 m
Beam
Carnival Horizon
37 m
Island Princess
32 m
Passengers
Carnival Horizon
3,954
Island Princess
1,970
Crew
Carnival Horizon
1,450
Island Princess
900
Decks
Carnival Horizon
—
Island Princess
—
Year Built
Carnival Horizon
2,018
Island Princess
2,003
Space Ratio
Carnival Horizon
33.8 GT/pax
Island Princess
46.5 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Horizon
2.73 :1
Island Princess
2.19 :1
| Specification | Carnival Horizon | Island Princess |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Princess Cruises |
| Class | Vista Class | Coral Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,018Winner | 2,003 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 133,500 GTWinner | 91,627 GT |
| Length | 323 mWinner | 294 m |
| Beam | 37 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,954Winner | 1,970 |
| Crew | 1,450Winner | 900 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 33.8 GT/pax | 46.5 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.73:1 | 2.19:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Chantiers de l'Atlantique |
| Flag | Panama | Bermuda |
| IMO Number | 9767091 | 9187887 |
Carnival Horizon is the significantly larger vessel at 133,500 GT — 46% more than Island Princess's 91,627 GT. Island Princess offers more personal space with a space ratio of 46.5 GT per passenger versus 33.8. Built in 2018, Carnival Horizon is 15 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Carnival Horizon |
| Capacity | Carnival Horizon |
| Modernity | Carnival Horizon |
| Service | Island Princess |
| Spaciousness | Island Princess |
Bottom line: Carnival Horizon wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Carnival Horizon
Built in 2018 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Large 3,954-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
3,954 passengers means tons of activities
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Island Princess
47 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Premium onboard experience
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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32 m |
| Draft | 8.5 mWinner | 8 m |
| Decks | — | — |
