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
Rhapsody of the Seas
Gross Tonnage
Crown Princess
113,561 GT
Rhapsody of the Seas
78,491 GT
Length
Crown Princess
290 m
Rhapsody of the Seas
279 m
Beam
Crown Princess
36 m
Rhapsody of the Seas
32 m
Passengers
Crown Princess
3,080
Rhapsody of the Seas
2,000
Crew
Crown Princess
1,100
Rhapsody of the Seas
765
Decks
Crown Princess
—
Rhapsody of the Seas
—
Year Built
Crown Princess
2,006
Rhapsody of the Seas
1,997
Space Ratio
Crown Princess
36.9 GT/pax
Rhapsody of the Seas
39.3 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Crown Princess
2.80 :1
Rhapsody of the Seas
2.61 :1
| Specification | Crown Princess | Rhapsody of the Seas |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Princess Cruises | Royal Caribbean International |
| Class | Grand Class | Vision Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,006Winner | 1,997 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 113,561 GTWinner | 78,491 GT |
| Length | 290 mWinner | 279 m |
| Beam | 36 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,080Winner | 2,000 |
| Crew | 1,100Winner | 765 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 36.9 GT/pax | 39.3 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.80:1 | 2.61:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Chantiers de l'Atlantique |
| Flag | Bermuda | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9293399 | 9116864 |
Crown Princess is the significantly larger vessel at 113,561 GT — 45% more than Rhapsody of the Seas's 78,491 GT. Built in 2006, Crown Princess is 9 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Rhapsody of the Seas edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.6:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Crown Princess |
| Capacity | Crown Princess |
| Modernity | Crown Princess |
| Service | Rhapsody of the Seas |
| Spaciousness | Rhapsody of the Seas |
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
Rhapsody of the Seas
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Good value for money
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 | 7.8 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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