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)
Independence of the Seas
Valiant Lady
Gross Tonnage
Independence of the Seas
154,407 GT
Valiant Lady
110,000 GT
Length
Independence of the Seas
339 m
Valiant Lady
278 m
Beam
Independence of the Seas
56 m
Valiant Lady
38 m
Passengers
Independence of the Seas
4,370
Valiant Lady
2,770
Crew
Independence of the Seas
1,360
Valiant Lady
1,150
Decks
Independence of the Seas
—
Valiant Lady
—
Year Built
Independence of the Seas
2,008
Valiant Lady
2,022
Space Ratio
Independence of the Seas
35.3 GT/pax
Valiant Lady
39.7 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Independence of the Seas
3.21 :1
Valiant Lady
2.41 :1
| Specification | Independence of the Seas | Valiant Lady |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Royal Caribbean International | Virgin Voyages |
| Class | Freedom Class | Virgin Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,008 | 2,022Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 154,407 GTWinner | 110,000 GT |
| Length | 339 mWinner | 278 m |
| Beam | 56 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 4,370Winner | 2,770 |
| Crew | 1,360Winner | 1,150 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 35.3 GT/pax | 39.7 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 3.21:1 | 2.41:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Aker Yards | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9349681 | 9823259 |
Independence of the Seas is the significantly larger vessel at 154,407 GT — 40% more than Valiant Lady's 110,000 GT. Valiant Lady offers more personal space with a space ratio of 39.7 GT per passenger versus 35.3. Built in 2022, Valiant Lady is 14 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Independence of the Seas |
| Capacity | Independence of the Seas |
| Modernity | Valiant Lady |
| Service | Valiant Lady |
| Spaciousness | Valiant Lady |
Bottom line: Valiant Lady wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Independence of the Seas
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Large 4,370-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
4,370 passengers means tons of activities
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Valiant Lady
Built in 2022 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Comfortable atmosphere for two
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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38 m |
| Draft | 9 mWinner | 8 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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