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)
Emerald Princess
Royal Princess
Gross Tonnage
Emerald Princess
113,561 GT
Royal Princess
142,714 GT
Length
Emerald Princess
290 m
Royal Princess
330 m
Beam
Emerald Princess
36 m
Royal Princess
38 m
Passengers
Emerald Princess
3,080
Royal Princess
3,560
Crew
Emerald Princess
1,100
Royal Princess
1,346
Decks
Emerald Princess
—
Royal Princess
—
Year Built
Emerald Princess
2,007
Royal Princess
2,013
Space Ratio
Emerald Princess
36.9 GT/pax
Royal Princess
40.1 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Emerald Princess
2.80 :1
Royal Princess
2.64 :1
| Specification | Emerald Princess | Royal Princess |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Princess Cruises | Princess Cruises |
| Class | Grand Class | Royal Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,007 | 2,013Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 113,561 GT | 142,714 GTWinner |
| Length | 290 m | 330 mWinner |
| Beam | 36 m | 38 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,080 | 3,560Winner |
| Crew | 1,100 | 1,346Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 36.9 GT/pax | 40.1 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.80:1 | 2.64:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Bermuda | Bermuda |
| IMO Number | 9333151 | 9584712 |
Royal Princess is the significantly larger vessel at 142,714 GT — 26% more than Emerald Princess's 113,561 GT. Built in 2013, Royal Princess is 6 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Royal Princess edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.6:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Royal Princess |
| Capacity | Royal Princess |
| Modernity | Royal Princess |
| Service | Royal Princess |
| Spaciousness | Royal Princess |
Bottom line: Royal Princess wins more categories (5 vs 0), 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
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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| Draft | 8.8 mWinner | 8.6 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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