Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated February 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 Luminosa
EXPLORA I
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Luminosa
92,720 GT
EXPLORA I
64,000 GT
Length
Carnival Luminosa
294 m
EXPLORA I
248 m
Beam
Carnival Luminosa
32.2 m
EXPLORA I
32 m
Passengers
Carnival Luminosa
2,260
EXPLORA I
922
Crew
Carnival Luminosa
926
EXPLORA I
680
Decks
Carnival Luminosa
12
EXPLORA I
—
Year Built
Carnival Luminosa
2,009
EXPLORA I
2,023
Space Ratio
Carnival Luminosa
41.0 GT/pax
EXPLORA I
69.4 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Luminosa
2.44 :1
EXPLORA I
1.36 :1
| Specification | Carnival Luminosa | EXPLORA I |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Explora Journeys |
| Class | Concordia Class | Explora Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,009 | 2,023Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 92,720 GTWinner | 64,000 GT |
| Length | 294 mWinner | 248 m |
| Beam | 32.2 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,260Winner | 922 |
| Crew | 926Winner | 680 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 41.0 GT/pax | 69.4 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.44:1 | 1.36:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Bahamas | Malta |
| IMO Number | 9794892 | 9855293 |
Carnival Luminosa is the significantly larger vessel at 92,720 GT — 45% more than EXPLORA I's 64,000 GT. EXPLORA I offers more personal space with a space ratio of 69.4 GT per passenger versus 41.0. Built in 2023, EXPLORA I is 14 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Carnival Luminosa |
| Capacity | Carnival Luminosa |
| Modernity | EXPLORA I |
| Service | EXPLORA I |
| Spaciousness | EXPLORA I |
Bottom line: EXPLORA I wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Carnival Luminosa
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
41 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Good range of onboard options
Good value for money
EXPLORA I
69 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
1.4:1 passenger-crew ratio means exceptional service
Built in 2023 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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32 m |
| Draft | 8.2 mWinner | 7.1 m |
| Decks | 12 | — |
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