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)
Discovery Princess
Sapphire Princess
Gross Tonnage
Discovery Princess
145,000 GT
Sapphire Princess
115,875 GT
Length
Discovery Princess
330 m
Sapphire Princess
290 m
Beam
Discovery Princess
38 m
Sapphire Princess
38 m
Passengers
Discovery Princess
3,660
Sapphire Princess
2,670
Crew
Discovery Princess
1,346
Sapphire Princess
1,100
Decks
Discovery Princess
—
Sapphire Princess
—
Year Built
Discovery Princess
2,022
Sapphire Princess
2,004
Space Ratio
Discovery Princess
39.6 GT/pax
Sapphire Princess
43.4 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Discovery Princess
2.72 :1
Sapphire Princess
2.43 :1
| Specification | Discovery Princess | Sapphire Princess |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Princess Cruises | Princess Cruises |
| Class | Royal Class | Grand Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,022Winner | 2,004 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 145,000 GTWinner | 115,875 GT |
| Length | 330 mWinner | 290 m |
| Beam | 38 m | 38 m |
| Draft | ||
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,660Winner | 2,670 |
| Crew | 1,346Winner | 1,100 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 39.6 GT/pax | 43.4 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.72:1 | 2.43:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | MHI Nagasaki |
| Flag | Bermuda | Bermuda |
| IMO Number | 9837468 | 9228198 |
Discovery Princess is the significantly larger vessel at 145,000 GT — 25% more than Sapphire Princess's 115,875 GT. Sapphire 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 | Sapphire Princess |
| Spaciousness | Sapphire Princess |
Bottom line: Discovery Princess wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
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
Sapphire Princess
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
43 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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8.7 mWinner |
8.3 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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