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)
Crown Princess
Marella Explorer
Gross Tonnage
Crown Princess
113,561 GT
Marella Explorer
77,499 GT
Length
Crown Princess
290 m
Marella Explorer
264 m
Beam
Crown Princess
36 m
Marella Explorer
32 m
Passengers
Crown Princess
3,080
Marella Explorer
1,924
Crew
Crown Princess
1,100
Marella Explorer
909
Decks
Crown Princess
—
Marella Explorer
—
Year Built
Crown Princess
2,006
Marella Explorer
1,996
Space Ratio
Crown Princess
36.9 GT/pax
Marella Explorer
40.3 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Crown Princess
2.80 :1
Marella Explorer
2.12 :1
| Specification | Crown Princess | Marella Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Princess Cruises | Marella Cruises |
| Class | Grand Class | Galaxy Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,006Winner | 1,996 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 113,561 GTWinner | 77,499 GT |
| Length | 290 mWinner | 264 m |
| Beam | 36 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,080Winner | 1,924 |
| Crew | 1,100Winner | 909 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 36.9 GT/pax | 40.3 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.80:1 | 2.12:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Meyer Werft |
| Flag | Bermuda | Malta |
| IMO Number | 9293399 | 9125515 |
Crown Princess is the significantly larger vessel at 113,561 GT — 47% more than Marella Explorer's 77,499 GT. Built in 2006, Crown Princess is 10 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Marella Explorer edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.1:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Crown Princess |
| Capacity | Crown Princess |
| Modernity | Crown Princess |
| Service | Marella Explorer |
| Spaciousness | Marella Explorer |
Bottom line: Crown Princess wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Crown Princess
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Large 3,080-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
3,080 passengers means tons of activities
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Marella Explorer
40 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Premium onboard experience
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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32 m |
| Draft | 8.8 mWinner | 7.5 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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