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)
Iona
Queen Mary 2
Gross Tonnage
Iona
184,700 GT
Queen Mary 2
148,528 GT
Length
Iona
345 m
Queen Mary 2
345 m
Beam
Iona
42 m
Queen Mary 2
41 m
Passengers
Iona
5,200
Queen Mary 2
2,691
Crew
Iona
1,800
Queen Mary 2
1,253
Decks
Iona
—
Queen Mary 2
—
Year Built
Iona
2,020
Queen Mary 2
2,004
Space Ratio
Iona
35.5 GT/pax
Queen Mary 2
55.2 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Iona
2.89 :1
Queen Mary 2
2.15 :1
| Specification | Iona | Queen Mary 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | P&O Cruises | Cunard |
| Class | Excellence Class | Queen Mary 2 |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,020Winner | 2,004 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 184,700 GTWinner | 148,528 GT |
| Length | 345 m | 345 m |
| Beam | 42 mWinner | 41 m |
| Draft | ||
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 5,200Winner | 2,691 |
| Crew | 1,800Winner | 1,253 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 35.5 GT/pax | 55.2 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.89:1 | 2.15:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Meyer Werft | Chantiers de l'Atlantique |
| Flag | United Kingdom | Bermuda |
| IMO Number | 9808037 | 9241061 |
Iona is the significantly larger vessel at 184,700 GT — 24% more than Queen Mary 2's 148,528 GT. Queen Mary 2 offers more personal space with a space ratio of 55.2 GT per passenger versus 35.5. Built in 2020, Iona is 16 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Iona |
| Capacity | Iona |
| Modernity | Iona |
| Service | Queen Mary 2 |
| Spaciousness | Queen Mary 2 |
Bottom line: Iona wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Iona
Large 5,200-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
5,200 passengers means tons of activities
Built in 2020 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Queen Mary 2
55 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Premium onboard experience
Good value for money
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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10.3 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
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