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 Pride
Diamond Princess
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Pride
85,920 GT
Diamond Princess
115,875 GT
Length
Carnival Pride
290 m
Diamond Princess
290 m
Beam
Carnival Pride
32 m
Diamond Princess
38 m
Passengers
Carnival Pride
2,124
Diamond Princess
2,670
Crew
Carnival Pride
930
Diamond Princess
1,100
Decks
Carnival Pride
—
Diamond Princess
—
Year Built
Carnival Pride
2,001
Diamond Princess
2,004
Space Ratio
Carnival Pride
40.5 GT/pax
Diamond Princess
43.4 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Pride
2.28 :1
Diamond Princess
2.43 :1
| Specification | Carnival Pride | Diamond Princess |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Princess Cruises |
| Class | Spirit Class | Grand Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,001 | 2,004Winner |
| 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 | 930 | 1,100Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 40.5 GT/pax | 43.4 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.28:1Winner | 2.43:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Kvaerner Masa-Yards | MHI Nagasaki |
| Flag | Panama | Bermuda |
| IMO Number | 9170855 | 9228186 |
Diamond Princess is the significantly larger vessel at 115,875 GT — 35% more than Carnival Pride's 85,920 GT. Built in 2004, Diamond Princess is 3 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Carnival Pride 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 | Diamond Princess |
| Service | Carnival Pride |
| Spaciousness | Diamond Princess |
Bottom line: Diamond Princess wins more categories (4 vs 1), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Carnival Pride
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
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8.2 m |
9.5 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
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