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
Spirit of Adventure
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Legend
85,920 GT
Spirit of Adventure
58,250 GT
Length
Carnival Legend
290 m
Spirit of Adventure
236 m
Beam
Carnival Legend
32 m
Spirit of Adventure
31 m
Passengers
Carnival Legend
2,124
Spirit of Adventure
999
Crew
Carnival Legend
930
Spirit of Adventure
500
Decks
Carnival Legend
—
Spirit of Adventure
—
Year Built
Carnival Legend
2,002
Spirit of Adventure
2,020
Space Ratio
Carnival Legend
40.5 GT/pax
Spirit of Adventure
58.3 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Legend
2.28 :1
Spirit of Adventure
2.00 :1
| Specification | Carnival Legend | Spirit of Adventure |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Saga Cruises |
| Class | Spirit Class | Spirit Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,002 | 2,020Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 85,920 GTWinner | 58,250 GT |
| Length | 290 mWinner | 236 m |
| Beam | 32 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,124Winner | 999 |
| Crew | 930Winner | 500 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 40.5 GT/pax | 58.3 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.28:1 | 2.00:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Kvaerner Masa-Yards | Meyer Werft |
| Flag | Panama | Malta |
| IMO Number | 9188226 | 9803646 |
Carnival Legend is the significantly larger vessel at 85,920 GT — 48% more than Spirit of Adventure's 58,250 GT. Spirit of Adventure offers more personal space with a space ratio of 58.3 GT per passenger versus 40.5. Built in 2020, Spirit of Adventure is 18 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Carnival Legend |
| Capacity | Carnival Legend |
| Modernity | Spirit of Adventure |
| Service | Spirit of Adventure |
| Spaciousness | Spirit of Adventure |
Bottom line: Spirit of Adventure 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
Spirit of Adventure
58 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Premium onboard experience
Built in 2020 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
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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31 m |
| Draft | 8.2 mWinner | 7.3 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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