Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated February 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)
Grand Princess
Sapphire Princess
Gross Tonnage
Grand Princess
108,806 GT
Sapphire Princess
115,875 GT
Length
Grand Princess
290 m
Sapphire Princess
290 m
Beam
Grand Princess
36 m
Sapphire Princess
38 m
Passengers
Grand Princess
2,600
Sapphire Princess
2,670
Crew
Grand Princess
1,150
Sapphire Princess
1,100
Decks
Grand Princess
—
Sapphire Princess
—
Year Built
Grand Princess
1,998
Sapphire Princess
2,004
Space Ratio
Grand Princess
41.9 GT/pax
Sapphire Princess
43.4 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Grand Princess
2.26 :1
Sapphire Princess
2.43 :1
| Specification | Grand Princess | Sapphire Princess |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Princess Cruises | Princess Cruises |
| Class | Grand Class | Grand Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,998 | 2,004Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 108,806 GT | 115,875 GTWinner |
| Length | 290 m | 290 m |
| Beam | 36 m | 38 mWinner |
| Draft | ||
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,600 | 2,670Winner |
| Crew | 1,150Winner | 1,100 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 41.9 GT/pax | 43.4 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.26:1Winner | 2.43:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | MHI Nagasaki |
| Flag | Bermuda | Bermuda |
| IMO Number | 9158955 | 9228198 |
Sapphire Princess is the larger vessel at 115,875 GT — 6% more than Grand Princess's 108,806 GT. Built in 2004, Sapphire Princess is 6 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Grand Princess edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.3:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Sapphire Princess |
| Capacity | Sapphire Princess |
| Modernity | Sapphire Princess |
| Service | Grand Princess |
| Spaciousness | Sapphire Princess |
Bottom line: Sapphire Princess wins more categories (4 vs 1), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Grand Princess
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
42 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Good value for money
Good range of onboard options
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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