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)
Icon of the Seas
Symphony of the Seas
Gross Tonnage
Icon of the Seas
250,800 GT
Symphony of the Seas
228,081 GT
Length
Icon of the Seas
365 m
Symphony of the Seas
362 m
Beam
Icon of the Seas
65 m
Symphony of the Seas
66 m
Passengers
Icon of the Seas
7,600
Symphony of the Seas
6,680
Crew
Icon of the Seas
2,350
Symphony of the Seas
2,200
Decks
Icon of the Seas
—
Symphony of the Seas
18
Year Built
Icon of the Seas
2,024
Symphony of the Seas
2,018
Space Ratio
Icon of the Seas
33.0 GT/pax
Symphony of the Seas
34.1 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Icon of the Seas
3.23 :1
Symphony of the Seas
3.04 :1
| Specification | Icon of the Seas | Symphony of the Seas |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Royal Caribbean International | Royal Caribbean International |
| Class | Icon Class | Oasis Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,024Winner | 2,018 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 250,800 GTWinner | 228,081 GT |
| Length | 365 mWinner | 362 m |
| Beam | 65 m | 66 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 7,600Winner | 6,680 |
| Crew | 2,350Winner | 2,200 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 33.0 GT/pax | 34.1 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 3.23:1 | 3.04:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Meyer Turku | STX France |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9829930 | 9744001 |
Icon of the Seas is the larger vessel at 250,800 GT — 10% more than Symphony of the Seas's 228,081 GT. Built in 2024, Icon of the Seas is 6 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Symphony of the Seas edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 3.0:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Icon of the Seas |
| Capacity | Icon of the Seas |
| Modernity | Icon of the Seas |
| Service | Symphony of the Seas |
| Spaciousness | Symphony of the Seas |
Bottom line: Icon of the Seas wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Icon of the Seas
Large 7,600-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
7,600 passengers means tons of activities
Built in 2024 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Symphony of the Seas
6,680 passengers means tons of activities
Large 6,680-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
Built in 2018 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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| Draft | 9.1 m | 9.3 mWinner |
| Decks | — | 18 |
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