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 Solstice
Celebrity Xploration
Gross Tonnage
Celebrity Solstice
122,000 GT
Celebrity Xploration
318 GT
Length
Celebrity Solstice
315 m
Celebrity Xploration
30 m
Beam
Celebrity Solstice
37 m
Celebrity Xploration
10 m
Passengers
Celebrity Solstice
2,852
Celebrity Xploration
16
Crew
Celebrity Solstice
1,246
Celebrity Xploration
14
Decks
Celebrity Solstice
—
Celebrity Xploration
—
Year Built
Celebrity Solstice
2,008
Celebrity Xploration
2,005
Space Ratio
Celebrity Solstice
42.8 GT/pax
Celebrity Xploration
19.9 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Celebrity Solstice
2.29 :1
Celebrity Xploration
1.14 :1
| Specification | Celebrity Solstice | Celebrity Xploration |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Celebrity Cruises | Celebrity Cruises |
| Class | Solstice Class | Mega-Yacht |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,008Winner | 2,005 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 122,000 GTWinner | 318 GT |
| Length | 315 mWinner | 30 m |
| Beam | 37 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,852Winner | 16 |
| Crew | 1,246Winner | 14 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 42.8 GT/paxWinner | 19.9 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.29:1 | 1.14:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Meyer Werft | Yachtwerft |
| Flag | Malta | Ecuador |
| IMO Number | 9362530 | 9404302 |
Celebrity Solstice is the significantly larger vessel at 122,000 GT — 38265% more than Celebrity Xploration's 318 GT. Celebrity Solstice offers more personal space with a space ratio of 42.8 GT per passenger versus 19.9. Built in 2008, Celebrity Solstice is 3 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Celebrity Solstice |
| Capacity | Celebrity Solstice |
| Modernity | Celebrity Solstice |
| Service | Celebrity Xploration |
| Spaciousness | Celebrity Solstice |
Bottom line: Celebrity Solstice wins more categories (4 vs 1), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Celebrity Solstice
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
43 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Good value for money
Good range of onboard options
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 | 8.3 m | — |
| Decks | — | — |
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