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 Paradise
Koningsdam
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Paradise
70,367 GT
Koningsdam
99,836 GT
Length
Carnival Paradise
262 m
Koningsdam
299 m
Beam
Carnival Paradise
32 m
Koningsdam
35 m
Passengers
Carnival Paradise
2,052
Koningsdam
2,650
Crew
Carnival Paradise
920
Koningsdam
1,036
Decks
Carnival Paradise
—
Koningsdam
—
Year Built
Carnival Paradise
1,998
Koningsdam
2,016
Space Ratio
Carnival Paradise
34.3 GT/pax
Koningsdam
37.7 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Paradise
2.23 :1
Koningsdam
2.56 :1
| Specification | Carnival Paradise | Koningsdam |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Holland America Line |
| Class | Fantasy Class | Pinnacle Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,998 | 2,016Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 70,367 GT | 99,836 GTWinner |
| Length | 262 m | 299 mWinner |
| Beam | 32 m | 35 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,052 | 2,650Winner |
| Crew | 920 | 1,036Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 34.3 GT/pax | 37.7 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.23:1Winner | 2.56:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Kvaerner Masa-Yards | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Panama | Netherlands |
| IMO Number | 9070632 | 9640477 |
Koningsdam is the significantly larger vessel at 99,836 GT — 42% more than Carnival Paradise's 70,367 GT. Koningsdam offers more personal space with a space ratio of 37.7 GT per passenger versus 34.3. Built in 2016, Koningsdam is 18 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Koningsdam |
| Capacity | Koningsdam |
| Modernity | Koningsdam |
| Service | Carnival Paradise |
| Spaciousness | Koningsdam |
Bottom line: Koningsdam wins more categories (4 vs 1), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Carnival Paradise
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Good value for money
Good range of onboard options
Koningsdam
Built in 2016 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Comfortable atmosphere for two
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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| Draft | 8.1 m | 8.2 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
