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 Radiance
Crystal Serenity
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Radiance
101,509 GT
Crystal Serenity
68,870 GT
Length
Carnival Radiance
272 m
Crystal Serenity
250 m
Beam
Carnival Radiance
36 m
Crystal Serenity
32 m
Passengers
Carnival Radiance
2,764
Crystal Serenity
980
Crew
Carnival Radiance
1,100
Crystal Serenity
655
Decks
Carnival Radiance
—
Crystal Serenity
—
Year Built
Carnival Radiance
2,000
Crystal Serenity
2,003
Space Ratio
Carnival Radiance
36.7 GT/pax
Crystal Serenity
70.3 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Radiance
2.51 :1
Crystal Serenity
1.50 :1
| Specification | Carnival Radiance | Crystal Serenity |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Crystal Cruises |
| Class | Triumph Class | Crystal |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,000 | 2,003Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 101,509 GTWinner | 68,870 GT |
| Length | 272 mWinner | 250 m |
| Beam | 36 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,764Winner | 980 |
| Crew | 1,100Winner | 655 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 36.7 GT/pax | 70.3 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.51:1 | 1.50:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Chantiers de l'Atlantique |
| Flag | Panama | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9746889 | 9243667 |
Carnival Radiance is the significantly larger vessel at 101,509 GT — 47% more than Crystal Serenity's 68,870 GT. Crystal Serenity offers more personal space with a space ratio of 70.3 GT per passenger versus 36.7. Built in 2003, Crystal Serenity is 3 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Carnival Radiance |
| Capacity | Carnival Radiance |
| Modernity | Crystal Serenity |
| Service | Crystal Serenity |
| Spaciousness | Crystal Serenity |
Bottom line: Crystal Serenity wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Carnival Radiance
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Good value for money
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Good range of onboard options
Crystal Serenity
70 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
1.5:1 passenger-crew ratio means exceptional service
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
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 | 8.4 m | 9.5 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
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