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
Serenade of the Seas
Gross Tonnage
Celebrity Apex
129,500 GT
Serenade of the Seas
90,090 GT
Length
Celebrity Apex
306 m
Serenade of the Seas
293 m
Beam
Celebrity Apex
39 m
Serenade of the Seas
32.2 m
Passengers
Celebrity Apex
2,910
Serenade of the Seas
2,143
Crew
Celebrity Apex
1,320
Serenade of the Seas
884
Decks
Celebrity Apex
—
Serenade of the Seas
13
Year Built
Celebrity Apex
2,020
Serenade of the Seas
2,003
Space Ratio
Celebrity Apex
44.5 GT/pax
Serenade of the Seas
42.0 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Celebrity Apex
2.20 :1
Serenade of the Seas
2.42 :1
| Specification | Celebrity Apex | Serenade of the Seas |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Celebrity Cruises | Royal Caribbean International |
| Class | Edge Class | Radiance Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,020Winner | 2,003 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 129,500 GTWinner | 90,090 GT |
| Length | 306 mWinner | 293 m |
| Beam | 39 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,910Winner | 2,143 |
| Crew | 1,320Winner | 884 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 44.5 GT/paxWinner | 42.0 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.20:1Winner | 2.42:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Chantiers de l'Atlantique | Meyer Werft |
| Flag | Malta | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9774892 | 9228200 |
Celebrity Apex is the significantly larger vessel at 129,500 GT — 44% more than Serenade of the Seas's 90,090 GT. Built in 2020, Celebrity Apex is 17 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Celebrity Apex edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.2:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Celebrity Apex |
| Capacity | Celebrity Apex |
| Modernity | Celebrity Apex |
| Service | Celebrity Apex |
| Spaciousness | Celebrity Apex |
Bottom line: Celebrity Apex wins more categories (5 vs 0), 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
Serenade of the Seas
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
42 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Good range of onboard options
Good value for money
Free cancellation on most rooms
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32.2 m |
| Draft | 8 m | 8.5 mWinner |
| Decks | — | 13 |
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