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
Royal Princess
Gross Tonnage
Diamond Princess
115,875 GT
Royal Princess
142,714 GT
Length
Diamond Princess
290 m
Royal Princess
330 m
Beam
Diamond Princess
38 m
Royal Princess
38 m
Passengers
Diamond Princess
2,670
Royal Princess
3,560
Crew
Diamond Princess
1,100
Royal Princess
1,346
Decks
Diamond Princess
—
Royal Princess
—
Year Built
Diamond Princess
2,004
Royal Princess
2,013
Space Ratio
Diamond Princess
43.4 GT/pax
Royal Princess
40.1 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Diamond Princess
2.43 :1
Royal Princess
2.64 :1
| Specification | Diamond Princess | Royal Princess |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Princess Cruises | Princess Cruises |
| Class | Grand Class | Royal Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,004 | 2,013Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 115,875 GT | 142,714 GTWinner |
| Length | 290 m | 330 mWinner |
| Beam | 38 m | 38 m |
| Draft | ||
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,670 | 3,560Winner |
| Crew | 1,100 | 1,346Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 43.4 GT/paxWinner | 40.1 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.43:1Winner | 2.64:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | MHI Nagasaki | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Bermuda | Bermuda |
| IMO Number | 9228186 | 9584712 |
Royal Princess is the significantly larger vessel at 142,714 GT — 23% more than Diamond Princess's 115,875 GT. Built in 2013, Royal Princess is 9 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Diamond Princess edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.4:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Royal Princess |
| Capacity | Royal Princess |
| Modernity | Royal Princess |
| Service | Diamond Princess |
| Spaciousness | Diamond Princess |
Bottom line: Royal 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
Royal Princess
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Large 3,560-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
3,560 passengers means tons of activities
40 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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9.5 mWinner |
8.6 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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