Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated February 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)
Emerald Princess
Pacific Encounter
Gross Tonnage
Emerald Princess
113,561 GT
Pacific Encounter
109,000 GT
Length
Emerald Princess
290 m
Pacific Encounter
290 m
Beam
Emerald Princess
36 m
Pacific Encounter
36 m
Passengers
Emerald Princess
3,080
Pacific Encounter
2,636
Crew
Emerald Princess
1,100
Pacific Encounter
1,100
Decks
Emerald Princess
—
Pacific Encounter
—
Year Built
Emerald Princess
2,007
Pacific Encounter
2,002
Space Ratio
Emerald Princess
36.9 GT/pax
Pacific Encounter
41.4 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Emerald Princess
2.80 :1
Pacific Encounter
2.40 :1
| Specification | Emerald Princess | Pacific Encounter |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Princess Cruises | P&O Cruises Australia |
| Class | Grand Class | Grand Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,007Winner | 2,002 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 113,561 GTWinner | 109,000 GT |
| Length | 290 m | 290 m |
| Beam | 36 m | 36 m |
| Draft | 8.8 m | — |
| Decks | — | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,080Winner | 2,636 |
| Crew | 1,100 | 1,100 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 36.9 GT/pax | 41.4 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.80:1 | 2.40:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Bermuda | United Kingdom |
| IMO Number | 9333151 | 9169536 |
Pacific Encounter offers more personal space with a space ratio of 41.4 GT per passenger versus 36.9. Built in 2007, Emerald Princess is 5 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Pacific Encounter edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.4:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Emerald Princess |
| Capacity | Emerald Princess |
| Modernity | Emerald Princess |
| Service | Pacific Encounter |
| Spaciousness | Pacific Encounter |
Bottom line: Emerald Princess wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Emerald Princess
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Large 3,080-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
3,080 passengers means tons of activities
Comfortable atmosphere for two
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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