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
Sun Princess
Gross Tonnage
Discovery Princess
145,000 GT
Sun Princess
175,500 GT
Length
Discovery Princess
330 m
Sun Princess
345 m
Beam
Discovery Princess
38 m
Sun Princess
47 m
Passengers
Discovery Princess
3,660
Sun Princess
4,300
Crew
Discovery Princess
1,346
Sun Princess
1,500
Decks
Discovery Princess
—
Sun Princess
—
Year Built
Discovery Princess
2,022
Sun Princess
2,024
Space Ratio
Discovery Princess
39.6 GT/pax
Sun Princess
40.8 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Discovery Princess
2.72 :1
Sun Princess
2.87 :1
| Specification | Discovery Princess | Sun Princess |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Princess Cruises | Princess Cruises |
| Class | Royal Class | Sphere Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,022 | 2,024Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 145,000 GT | 175,500 GTWinner |
| Length | 330 m | 345 mWinner |
| Beam | 38 m | 47 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,660 | 4,300Winner |
| Crew | 1,346 | 1,500Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 39.6 GT/pax | 40.8 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.72:1Winner | 2.87:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Bermuda | Bermuda |
| IMO Number | 9837468 | 9863118 |
Sun Princess is the significantly larger vessel at 175,500 GT — 21% more than Discovery Princess's 145,000 GT. Built in 2024, Sun Princess is 2 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Discovery Princess edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.7:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Sun Princess |
| Capacity | Sun Princess |
| Modernity | Sun Princess |
| Service | Discovery Princess |
| Spaciousness | Sun Princess |
Bottom line: Sun Princess wins more categories (4 vs 1), 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
Sun Princess
Built in 2024 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
4,300 passengers means tons of activities
Large 4,300-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
41 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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| Draft | 8.7 mWinner | 8.6 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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