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
Spectrum of the Seas
Gross Tonnage
Explorer of the Seas
137,308 GT
Spectrum of the Seas
169,379 GT
Length
Explorer of the Seas
311 m
Spectrum of the Seas
347 m
Beam
Explorer of the Seas
48 m
Spectrum of the Seas
41 m
Passengers
Explorer of the Seas
3,114
Spectrum of the Seas
4,246
Crew
Explorer of the Seas
1,181
Spectrum of the Seas
1,551
Decks
Explorer of the Seas
—
Spectrum of the Seas
—
Year Built
Explorer of the Seas
2,000
Spectrum of the Seas
2,019
Space Ratio
Explorer of the Seas
44.1 GT/pax
Spectrum of the Seas
39.9 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Explorer of the Seas
2.64 :1
Spectrum of the Seas
2.74 :1
| Specification | Explorer of the Seas | Spectrum 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 | 2,019Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 137,308 GT | 169,379 GTWinner |
| Length | 311 m | 347 mWinner |
| Beam | 48 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,114 | 4,246Winner |
| Crew | 1,181 | 1,551Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 44.1 GT/paxWinner | 39.9 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.64:1Winner | 2.74:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Kvaerner Masa-Yards | Meyer Werft |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9161728 | 9778856 |
Spectrum of the Seas is the significantly larger vessel at 169,379 GT — 23% more than Explorer of the Seas's 137,308 GT. Explorer of the Seas offers more personal space with a space ratio of 44.1 GT per passenger versus 39.9. Built in 2019, Spectrum of the Seas is 19 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Spectrum of the Seas |
| Capacity | Spectrum of the Seas |
| Modernity | Spectrum of the Seas |
| Service | Explorer of the Seas |
| Spaciousness | Explorer of the Seas |
Bottom line: Spectrum 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
Spectrum of the Seas
Built in 2019 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Large 4,246-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
4,246 passengers means tons of activities
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
We may earn a commission from partner bookings at no extra cost to you.
41 m |
| Draft | 9.1 mWinner | 8.9 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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