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 Legend
Spirit of the Ocean
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Legend
85,920 GT
Spirit of the Ocean
58,250 GT
Length
Carnival Legend
290 m
Spirit of the Ocean
236 m
Beam
Carnival Legend
32 m
Spirit of the Ocean
32 m
Passengers
Carnival Legend
2,124
Spirit of the Ocean
999
Crew
Carnival Legend
930
Spirit of the Ocean
510
Decks
Carnival Legend
—
Spirit of the Ocean
—
Year Built
Carnival Legend
2,002
Spirit of the Ocean
2,024
Space Ratio
Carnival Legend
40.5 GT/pax
Spirit of the Ocean
58.3 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Legend
2.28 :1
Spirit of the Ocean
1.96 :1
| Specification | Carnival Legend | Spirit of the Ocean |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Saga Cruises |
| Class | Spirit Class | Boutique |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,002 | 2,024Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 85,920 GTWinner | 58,250 GT |
| Length | 290 mWinner | 236 m |
| Beam | 32 m | 32 m |
| Draft | ||
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,124Winner | 999 |
| Crew | 930Winner | 510 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 40.5 GT/pax | 58.3 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.28:1 | 1.96:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Kvaerner Masa-Yards | Meyer Werft |
| Flag | Panama | United Kingdom |
| IMO Number | 9188226 | 9817147 |
Carnival Legend is the significantly larger vessel at 85,920 GT — 48% more than Spirit of the Ocean's 58,250 GT. Spirit of the Ocean offers more personal space with a space ratio of 58.3 GT per passenger versus 40.5. Built in 2024, Spirit of the Ocean is 22 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Carnival Legend |
| Capacity | Carnival Legend |
| Modernity | Spirit of the Ocean |
| Service | Spirit of the Ocean |
| Spaciousness | Spirit of the Ocean |
Bottom line: Spirit of the Ocean 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 the Ocean
58 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
2.0:1 passenger-crew ratio means exceptional service
Built in 2024 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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8.2 m |
— |
| Decks | — | — |
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