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)
Crystal Symphony
Marella Discovery 2
Gross Tonnage
Crystal Symphony
51,044 GT
Marella Discovery 2
71,545 GT
Length
Crystal Symphony
238 m
Marella Discovery 2
264 m
Beam
Crystal Symphony
31 m
Marella Discovery 2
32 m
Passengers
Crystal Symphony
848
Marella Discovery 2
1,814
Crew
Crystal Symphony
566
Marella Discovery 2
726
Decks
Crystal Symphony
—
Marella Discovery 2
—
Year Built
Crystal Symphony
1,995
Marella Discovery 2
1,995
Space Ratio
Crystal Symphony
60.2 GT/pax
Marella Discovery 2
39.4 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Crystal Symphony
1.50 :1
Marella Discovery 2
2.50 :1
| Specification | Crystal Symphony | Marella Discovery 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Crystal Cruises | Marella Cruises |
| Class | Crystal | Century Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,995 | 1,995 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 51,044 GT | 71,545 GTWinner |
| Length | 238 m | 264 mWinner |
| Beam | 31 m | 32 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 848 | 1,814Winner |
| Crew | 566 | 726Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 60.2 GT/paxWinner | 39.4 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 1.50:1Winner | 2.50:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Masa-Yards | Meyer Werft |
| Flag | Bahamas | Malta |
| IMO Number | 9066667 | 9070619 |
Marella Discovery 2 is the significantly larger vessel at 71,545 GT — 40% 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 39.4. Crystal Symphony edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 1.5:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Marella Discovery 2 |
| Capacity | Marella Discovery 2 |
| Modernity | Tie |
| Service | Crystal Symphony |
| Spaciousness | Crystal Symphony |
Bottom line: Crystal Symphony and Marella Discovery 2 are closely matched — your best pick depends on which qualities matter most to you.
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
Marella Discovery 2
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
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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| Draft | — | — |
| Decks | — | — |
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