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 Spirit
Diamond Princess
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Spirit
85,920 GT
Diamond Princess
115,875 GT
Length
Carnival Spirit
290 m
Diamond Princess
290 m
Beam
Carnival Spirit
32 m
Diamond Princess
38 m
Passengers
Carnival Spirit
2,124
Diamond Princess
2,670
Crew
Carnival Spirit
930
Diamond Princess
1,100
Decks
Carnival Spirit
—
Diamond Princess
—
Year Built
Carnival Spirit
2,001
Diamond Princess
2,004
Space Ratio
Carnival Spirit
40.5 GT/pax
Diamond Princess
43.4 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Spirit
2.28 :1
Diamond Princess
2.43 :1
| Specification | Carnival Spirit | 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 | 9170843 | 9228186 |
Diamond Princess is the significantly larger vessel at 115,875 GT — 35% more than Carnival Spirit's 85,920 GT. Built in 2004, Diamond Princess is 3 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Carnival Spirit 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 Spirit |
| 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 Spirit
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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Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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8.2 m |
9.5 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
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