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 Miracle
Diamond Princess
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Miracle
85,920 GT
Diamond Princess
115,875 GT
Length
Carnival Miracle
290 m
Diamond Princess
290 m
Beam
Carnival Miracle
32 m
Diamond Princess
38 m
Passengers
Carnival Miracle
2,124
Diamond Princess
2,670
Crew
Carnival Miracle
934
Diamond Princess
1,100
Decks
Carnival Miracle
—
Diamond Princess
—
Year Built
Carnival Miracle
2,004
Diamond Princess
2,004
Space Ratio
Carnival Miracle
40.5 GT/pax
Diamond Princess
43.4 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Miracle
2.27 :1
Diamond Princess
2.43 :1
| Specification | Carnival Miracle | Diamond Princess |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Princess Cruises |
| Class | Spirit Class | Grand Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,004 | 2,004 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 85,920 GT | 115,875 GTWinner |
| Length | 290 m | 290 m |
| Beam | 32 m | 38 mWinner |
| Draft | ||
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,124 | 2,670Winner |
| Crew | 934 | 1,100Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 40.5 GT/pax | 43.4 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.27:1Winner | 2.43:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Kvaerner Masa-Yards | MHI Nagasaki |
| Flag | Panama | Bermuda |
| IMO Number | 9224726 | 9228186 |
Diamond Princess is the significantly larger vessel at 115,875 GT — 35% more than Carnival Miracle's 85,920 GT. Carnival Miracle edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.3:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Diamond Princess |
| Capacity | Diamond Princess |
| Modernity | Tie |
| Service | Carnival Miracle |
| Spaciousness | Diamond Princess |
Bottom line: Diamond Princess wins more categories (3 vs 1), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Carnival Miracle
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
40 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Good range of onboard options
Good value for money
Diamond Princess
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
43 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Good value for money
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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8.1 m |
9.5 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
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