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 II
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Luminosa
92,720 GT
EXPLORA II
64,000 GT
Length
Carnival Luminosa
294 m
EXPLORA II
248 m
Beam
Carnival Luminosa
32.2 m
EXPLORA II
32 m
Passengers
Carnival Luminosa
2,260
EXPLORA II
922
Crew
Carnival Luminosa
926
EXPLORA II
680
Decks
Carnival Luminosa
12
EXPLORA II
—
Year Built
Carnival Luminosa
2,009
EXPLORA II
2,024
Space Ratio
Carnival Luminosa
41.0 GT/pax
EXPLORA II
69.4 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Luminosa
2.44 :1
EXPLORA II
1.36 :1
| Specification | Carnival Luminosa | EXPLORA II |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Explora Journeys |
| Class | Concordia Class | Explora Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,009 | 2,024Winner |
| 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 | 9879557 |
Carnival Luminosa is the significantly larger vessel at 92,720 GT — 45% more than EXPLORA II's 64,000 GT. EXPLORA II offers more personal space with a space ratio of 69.4 GT per passenger versus 41.0. Built in 2024, EXPLORA II is 15 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Carnival Luminosa |
| Capacity | Carnival Luminosa |
| Modernity | EXPLORA II |
| Service | EXPLORA II |
| Spaciousness | EXPLORA II |
Bottom line: EXPLORA II 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 II
69 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
1.4:1 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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32 m |
| Draft | 8.2 mWinner | 7.1 m |
| Decks | 12 | — |
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