Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated February 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)
Celebrity Apex
Celebrity Xploration
Gross Tonnage
Celebrity Apex
129,500 GT
Celebrity Xploration
318 GT
Length
Celebrity Apex
306 m
Celebrity Xploration
30 m
Beam
Celebrity Apex
39 m
Celebrity Xploration
10 m
Passengers
Celebrity Apex
2,910
Celebrity Xploration
16
Crew
Celebrity Apex
1,320
Celebrity Xploration
14
Decks
Celebrity Apex
—
Celebrity Xploration
—
Year Built
Celebrity Apex
2,020
Celebrity Xploration
2,005
Space Ratio
Celebrity Apex
44.5 GT/pax
Celebrity Xploration
19.9 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Celebrity Apex
2.20 :1
Celebrity Xploration
1.14 :1
| Specification | Celebrity Apex | Celebrity Xploration |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Celebrity Cruises | Celebrity Cruises |
| Class | Edge Class | Mega-Yacht |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,020Winner | 2,005 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 129,500 GTWinner | 318 GT |
| Length | 306 mWinner | 30 m |
| Beam | 39 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,910Winner | 16 |
| Crew | 1,320Winner | 14 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 44.5 GT/paxWinner | 19.9 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.20:1 | 1.14:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Chantiers de l'Atlantique | Yachtwerft |
| Flag | Malta | Ecuador |
| IMO Number | 9774892 | 9404302 |
Celebrity Apex is the significantly larger vessel at 129,500 GT — 40623% more than Celebrity Xploration's 318 GT. Celebrity Apex offers more personal space with a space ratio of 44.5 GT per passenger versus 19.9. Built in 2020, Celebrity Apex is 15 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Celebrity Apex |
| Capacity | Celebrity Apex |
| Modernity | Celebrity Apex |
| Service | Celebrity Xploration |
| Spaciousness | Celebrity Apex |
Bottom line: Celebrity Apex wins more categories (4 vs 1), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Celebrity Apex
Built in 2020 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
45 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Good range of onboard options
Good value for money
Celebrity Xploration
1.1:1 passenger-crew ratio means exceptional service
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Good value for money
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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10 m |
| Draft | 8 m | — |
| Decks | — | — |
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