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)
Celestyal Journey
Crystal Symphony
Gross Tonnage
Celestyal Journey
73,500 GT
Crystal Symphony
51,044 GT
Length
Celestyal Journey
269 m
Crystal Symphony
238 m
Beam
Celestyal Journey
32 m
Crystal Symphony
31 m
Passengers
Celestyal Journey
1,800
Crystal Symphony
848
Crew
Celestyal Journey
650
Crystal Symphony
566
Decks
Celestyal Journey
—
Crystal Symphony
—
Year Built
Celestyal Journey
1,992
Crystal Symphony
1,995
Space Ratio
Celestyal Journey
40.8 GT/pax
Crystal Symphony
60.2 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Celestyal Journey
2.77 :1
Crystal Symphony
1.50 :1
| Specification | Celestyal Journey | Crystal Symphony |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Celestyal Cruises | Crystal Cruises |
| Class | Sovereign Class | Crystal |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,992 | 1,995Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 73,500 GTWinner | 51,044 GT |
| Length | 269 mWinner | 238 m |
| Beam | 32 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 1,800Winner | 848 |
| Crew | 650Winner | 566 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 40.8 GT/pax | 60.2 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.77:1 | 1.50:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Chantiers de l'Atlantique | Masa-Yards |
| Flag | Malta | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9917173 | 9066667 |
Celestyal Journey is the significantly larger vessel at 73,500 GT — 44% more than Crystal Symphony's 51,044 GT. Crystal Symphony offers more personal space with a space ratio of 60.2 GT per passenger versus 40.8. Built in 1995, Crystal Symphony is 3 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Celestyal Journey |
| Capacity | Celestyal Journey |
| Modernity | Crystal Symphony |
| Service | Crystal Symphony |
| Spaciousness | Crystal Symphony |
Bottom line: Crystal Symphony wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Celestyal Journey
41 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Premium onboard experience
Good range of onboard options
Crystal Symphony
60 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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31 m |
| Draft | — | — |
| Decks | — | — |
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