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)
Diamond Princess
Discovery Princess
Gross Tonnage
Diamond Princess
115,875 GT
Discovery Princess
145,000 GT
Length
Diamond Princess
290 m
Discovery Princess
330 m
Beam
Diamond Princess
38 m
Discovery Princess
38 m
Passengers
Diamond Princess
2,670
Discovery Princess
3,660
Crew
Diamond Princess
1,100
Discovery Princess
1,346
Decks
Diamond Princess
—
Discovery Princess
—
Year Built
Diamond Princess
2,004
Discovery Princess
2,022
Space Ratio
Diamond Princess
43.4 GT/pax
Discovery Princess
39.6 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Diamond Princess
2.43 :1
Discovery Princess
2.72 :1
| Specification | Diamond Princess | Discovery Princess |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Princess Cruises | Princess Cruises |
| Class | Grand Class | Royal Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,004 | 2,022Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 115,875 GT | 145,000 GTWinner |
| Length | 290 m | 330 mWinner |
| Beam | 38 m | 38 m |
| Draft | ||
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,670 | 3,660Winner |
| Crew | 1,100 | 1,346Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 43.4 GT/paxWinner | 39.6 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.43:1Winner | 2.72:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | MHI Nagasaki | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Bermuda | Bermuda |
| IMO Number | 9228186 | 9837468 |
Discovery Princess is the significantly larger vessel at 145,000 GT — 25% more than Diamond Princess's 115,875 GT. Diamond Princess offers more personal space with a space ratio of 43.4 GT per passenger versus 39.6. Built in 2022, Discovery Princess is 18 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Discovery Princess |
| Capacity | Discovery Princess |
| Modernity | Discovery Princess |
| Service | Diamond Princess |
| Spaciousness | Diamond Princess |
Bottom line: Discovery Princess wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Diamond Princess
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
43 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Good value for money
Good range of onboard options
Discovery Princess
Built in 2022 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Large 3,660-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
3,660 passengers means tons of activities
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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9.5 mWinner |
8.7 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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