Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated January 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 Miracle
Spirit of Discovery
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Miracle
85,920 GT
Spirit of Discovery
58,250 GT
Length
Carnival Miracle
290 m
Spirit of Discovery
236 m
Beam
Carnival Miracle
32 m
Spirit of Discovery
31 m
Passengers
Carnival Miracle
2,124
Spirit of Discovery
999
Crew
Carnival Miracle
934
Spirit of Discovery
500
Decks
Carnival Miracle
—
Spirit of Discovery
—
Year Built
Carnival Miracle
2,004
Spirit of Discovery
2,019
Space Ratio
Carnival Miracle
40.5 GT/pax
Spirit of Discovery
58.3 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Miracle
2.27 :1
Spirit of Discovery
2.00 :1
| Specification | Carnival Miracle | Spirit of Discovery |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Saga Cruises |
| Class | Spirit Class | Spirit Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,004 | 2,019Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 85,920 GTWinner | 58,250 GT |
| Length | 290 mWinner | 236 m |
| Beam | 32 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,124Winner | 999 |
| Crew | 934Winner | 500 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 40.5 GT/pax | 58.3 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.27:1 | 2.00:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Kvaerner Masa-Yards | Meyer Werft |
| Flag | Panama | Malta |
| IMO Number | 9224726 | 9776607 |
Carnival Miracle is the significantly larger vessel at 85,920 GT — 48% more than Spirit of Discovery's 58,250 GT. Spirit of Discovery offers more personal space with a space ratio of 58.3 GT per passenger versus 40.5. Built in 2019, Spirit of Discovery is 15 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Carnival Miracle |
| Capacity | Carnival Miracle |
| Modernity | Spirit of Discovery |
| Service | Spirit of Discovery |
| Spaciousness | Spirit of Discovery |
Bottom line: Spirit of Discovery wins more categories (3 vs 2), 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
Spirit of Discovery
58 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Premium onboard experience
Built in 2019 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 | 8.1 mWinner | 7.3 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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