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)
Emerald Princess
Sapphire Princess
Gross Tonnage
Emerald Princess
113,561 GT
Sapphire Princess
115,875 GT
Length
Emerald Princess
290 m
Sapphire Princess
290 m
Beam
Emerald Princess
36 m
Sapphire Princess
38 m
Passengers
Emerald Princess
3,080
Sapphire Princess
2,670
Crew
Emerald Princess
1,100
Sapphire Princess
1,100
Decks
Emerald Princess
—
Sapphire Princess
—
Year Built
Emerald Princess
2,007
Sapphire Princess
2,004
Space Ratio
Emerald Princess
36.9 GT/pax
Sapphire Princess
43.4 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Emerald Princess
2.80 :1
Sapphire Princess
2.43 :1
| Specification | Emerald Princess | Sapphire Princess |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Princess Cruises | Princess Cruises |
| Class | Grand Class | Grand Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,007Winner | 2,004 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 113,561 GT | 115,875 GTWinner |
| Length | 290 m | 290 m |
| Beam | 36 m | 38 mWinner |
| Draft | ||
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,080Winner | 2,670 |
| Crew | 1,100 | 1,100 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 36.9 GT/pax | 43.4 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.80:1 | 2.43:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | MHI Nagasaki |
| Flag | Bermuda | Bermuda |
| IMO Number | 9333151 | 9228198 |
Sapphire Princess offers more personal space with a space ratio of 43.4 GT per passenger versus 36.9. Built in 2007, Emerald Princess is 3 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Sapphire Princess edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.4:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Sapphire Princess |
| Capacity | Emerald Princess |
| Modernity | Emerald Princess |
| Service | Sapphire Princess |
| Spaciousness | Sapphire Princess |
Bottom line: Sapphire 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
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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8.8 mWinner |
8.3 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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