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)
Disney Magic
Spirit of Discovery
Gross Tonnage
Disney Magic
84,000 GT
Spirit of Discovery
58,250 GT
Length
Disney Magic
294 m
Spirit of Discovery
236 m
Beam
Disney Magic
32 m
Spirit of Discovery
31 m
Passengers
Disney Magic
2,713
Spirit of Discovery
999
Crew
Disney Magic
950
Spirit of Discovery
500
Decks
Disney Magic
—
Spirit of Discovery
—
Year Built
Disney Magic
1,998
Spirit of Discovery
2,019
Space Ratio
Disney Magic
31.0 GT/pax
Spirit of Discovery
58.3 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Disney Magic
2.86 :1
Spirit of Discovery
2.00 :1
| Specification | Disney Magic | Spirit of Discovery |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Disney Cruise Line | Saga Cruises |
| Class | Magic Class | Spirit Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,998 | 2,019Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 84,000 GTWinner | 58,250 GT |
| Length | 294 mWinner | 236 m |
| Beam | 32 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,713Winner | 999 |
| Crew | 950Winner | 500 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 31.0 GT/pax | 58.3 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.86:1 | 2.00:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Meyer Werft |
| Flag | Bahamas | Malta |
| IMO Number | 9126819 | 9776607 |
Disney Magic is the significantly larger vessel at 84,000 GT — 44% more than Spirit of Discovery's 58,250 GT. Spirit of Discovery offers more personal space with a space ratio of 58.3 GT per passenger versus 31.0. Built in 2019, Spirit of Discovery is 21 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Disney Magic |
| Capacity | Disney Magic |
| Modernity | Spirit of Discovery |
| Service | Spirit of Discovery |
| Spaciousness | Spirit of Discovery |
Bottom line: Spirit of Discovery wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Disney Magic
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Good value for money
Good range of onboard options
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Spirit of Discovery
58 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Premium onboard experience
Built in 2019 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
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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31 m |
| Draft | 8.2 mWinner | 7.3 m |
| Decks | — | — |
