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)
Explorer of the Seas
Odyssey of the Seas
Gross Tonnage
Explorer of the Seas
137,308 GT
Odyssey of the Seas
169,379 GT
Length
Explorer of the Seas
311 m
Odyssey of the Seas
347 m
Beam
Explorer of the Seas
48 m
Odyssey of the Seas
41 m
Passengers
Explorer of the Seas
3,114
Odyssey of the Seas
4,198
Crew
Explorer of the Seas
1,181
Odyssey of the Seas
1,551
Decks
Explorer of the Seas
—
Odyssey of the Seas
—
Year Built
Explorer of the Seas
2,000
Odyssey of the Seas
2,021
Space Ratio
Explorer of the Seas
44.1 GT/pax
Odyssey of the Seas
40.4 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Explorer of the Seas
2.64 :1
Odyssey of the Seas
2.71 :1
| Specification | Explorer of the Seas | Odyssey of the Seas |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Royal Caribbean International | Royal Caribbean International |
| Class | Voyager Class | Quantum Ultra Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,000 | 2,021Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 137,308 GT | 169,379 GTWinner |
| Length | 311 m | 347 mWinner |
| Beam | 48 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,114 | 4,198Winner |
| Crew | 1,181 | 1,551Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 44.1 GT/paxWinner | 40.4 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.64:1Winner | 2.71:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Kvaerner Masa-Yards | Meyer Werft |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9161728 | 9795737 |
Odyssey of the Seas is the significantly larger vessel at 169,379 GT — 23% more than Explorer of the Seas's 137,308 GT. Built in 2021, Odyssey of the Seas is 21 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Odyssey of the Seas |
| Capacity | Odyssey of the Seas |
| Modernity | Odyssey of the Seas |
| Service | Explorer of the Seas |
| Spaciousness | Explorer of the Seas |
Bottom line: Odyssey of the Seas wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Explorer of the Seas
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Large 3,114-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
3,114 passengers means tons of activities
44 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Odyssey of the Seas
Built in 2021 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
4,198 passengers means tons of activities
Large 4,198-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
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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41 m |
| Draft | 9.1 mWinner | 8.8 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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