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 Legend
Silver Spirit
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Legend
85,920 GT
Silver Spirit
39,519 GT
Length
Carnival Legend
290 m
Silver Spirit
210 m
Beam
Carnival Legend
32 m
Silver Spirit
27 m
Passengers
Carnival Legend
2,124
Silver Spirit
608
Crew
Carnival Legend
930
Silver Spirit
376
Decks
Carnival Legend
—
Silver Spirit
—
Year Built
Carnival Legend
2,002
Silver Spirit
2,009
Space Ratio
Carnival Legend
40.5 GT/pax
Silver Spirit
65.0 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Legend
2.28 :1
Silver Spirit
1.62 :1
| Specification | Carnival Legend | Silver Spirit |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Silversea Cruises |
| Class | Spirit Class | Spirit Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,002 | 2,009Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 85,920 GTWinner | 39,519 GT |
| Length | 290 mWinner | 210 m |
| Beam | 32 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,124Winner | 608 |
| Crew | 930Winner | 376 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 40.5 GT/pax | 65.0 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.28:1 | 1.62:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Kvaerner Masa-Yards | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Panama | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9188226 | 9437098 |
Carnival Legend is the significantly larger vessel at 85,920 GT — 117% more than Silver Spirit's 39,519 GT. Silver Spirit offers more personal space with a space ratio of 65.0 GT per passenger versus 40.5. Built in 2009, Silver Spirit is 7 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Carnival Legend |
| Capacity | Carnival Legend |
| Modernity | Silver Spirit |
| Service | Silver Spirit |
| Spaciousness | Silver Spirit |
Bottom line: Silver Spirit wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Carnival Legend
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
40 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Good range of onboard options
Good value for money
Silver Spirit
65 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
1.6:1 passenger-crew ratio means exceptional service
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
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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27 m |
| Draft | 8.2 mWinner | 6.6 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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