Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated January 2026
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)
Island Princess
Royal Princess
Gross Tonnage
Island Princess
91,627 GT
Royal Princess
142,714 GT
Length
Island Princess
294 m
Royal Princess
330 m
Beam
Island Princess
32 m
Royal Princess
38 m
Passengers
Island Princess
1,970
Royal Princess
3,560
Crew
Island Princess
900
Royal Princess
1,346
Decks
Island Princess
—
Royal Princess
—
Year Built
Island Princess
2,003
Royal Princess
2,013
Space Ratio
Island Princess
46.5 GT/pax
Royal Princess
40.1 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Island Princess
2.19 :1
Royal Princess
2.64 :1
| Specification | Island Princess | Royal Princess |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Princess Cruises | Princess Cruises |
| Class | Coral Class | Royal Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,003 | 2,013Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 91,627 GT | 142,714 GTWinner |
| Length | 294 m | 330 mWinner |
| Beam | 32 m | 38 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 1,970 | 3,560Winner |
| Crew | 900 | 1,346Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 46.5 GT/paxWinner | 40.1 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.19:1Winner | 2.64:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Chantiers de l'Atlantique | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Bermuda | Bermuda |
| IMO Number | 9187887 | 9584712 |
Royal Princess is the significantly larger vessel at 142,714 GT — 56% more than Island Princess's 91,627 GT. Island Princess offers more personal space with a space ratio of 46.5 GT per passenger versus 40.1. Built in 2013, Royal Princess is 10 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Royal Princess |
| Capacity | Royal Princess |
| Modernity | Royal Princess |
| Service | Island Princess |
| Spaciousness | Island Princess |
Bottom line: Royal Princess wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Island Princess
47 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Premium onboard experience
Good range of onboard options
Royal Princess
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Large 3,560-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
3,560 passengers means tons of activities
40 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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| Draft | 8 m | 8.6 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |