Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated February 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
Pacific Encounter
Gross Tonnage
Diamond Princess
115,875 GT
Pacific Encounter
109,000 GT
Length
Diamond Princess
290 m
Pacific Encounter
290 m
Beam
Diamond Princess
38 m
Pacific Encounter
36 m
Passengers
Diamond Princess
2,670
Pacific Encounter
2,636
Crew
Diamond Princess
1,100
Pacific Encounter
1,100
Decks
Diamond Princess
—
Pacific Encounter
—
Year Built
Diamond Princess
2,004
Pacific Encounter
2,002
Space Ratio
Diamond Princess
43.4 GT/pax
Pacific Encounter
41.4 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Diamond Princess
2.43 :1
Pacific Encounter
2.40 :1
| Specification | Diamond Princess | Pacific Encounter |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Princess Cruises | P&O Cruises Australia |
| Class | Grand Class | Grand Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,004Winner | 2,002 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 115,875 GTWinner | 109,000 GT |
| Length | 290 m | 290 m |
| Beam | 38 mWinner | 36 m |
| Draft | ||
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,670Winner | 2,636 |
| Crew | 1,100 | 1,100 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 43.4 GT/paxWinner | 41.4 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.43:1 | 2.40:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | MHI Nagasaki | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Bermuda | United Kingdom |
| IMO Number | 9228186 | 9169536 |
Diamond Princess is the larger vessel at 115,875 GT — 6% more than Pacific Encounter's 109,000 GT. Built in 2004, Diamond Princess is 2 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Diamond Princess |
| Capacity | Diamond Princess |
| Modernity | Diamond Princess |
| Service | Pacific Encounter |
| Spaciousness | Diamond Princess |
Bottom line: Diamond Princess wins more categories (4 vs 1), 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
Pacific Encounter
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
41 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
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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9.5 m |
— |
| Decks | — | — |
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