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)
Island Princess
Sapphire Princess
Gross Tonnage
Island Princess
91,627 GT
Sapphire Princess
115,875 GT
Length
Island Princess
294 m
Sapphire Princess
290 m
Beam
Island Princess
32 m
Sapphire Princess
38 m
Passengers
Island Princess
1,970
Sapphire Princess
2,670
Crew
Island Princess
900
Sapphire Princess
1,100
Decks
Island Princess
—
Sapphire Princess
—
Year Built
Island Princess
2,003
Sapphire Princess
2,004
Space Ratio
Island Princess
46.5 GT/pax
Sapphire Princess
43.4 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Island Princess
2.19 :1
Sapphire Princess
2.43 :1
| Specification | Island Princess | Sapphire Princess |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Princess Cruises | Princess Cruises |
| Class | Coral Class | Grand Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,003 | 2,004Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 91,627 GT | 115,875 GTWinner |
| Length | 294 mWinner | 290 m |
| Beam | 32 m | 38 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 1,970 | 2,670Winner |
| Crew | 900 | 1,100Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 46.5 GT/paxWinner | 43.4 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.19:1Winner | 2.43:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Chantiers de l'Atlantique | MHI Nagasaki |
| Flag | Bermuda | Bermuda |
| IMO Number | 9187887 | 9228198 |
Sapphire Princess is the significantly larger vessel at 115,875 GT — 26% more than Island Princess's 91,627 GT. Island Princess edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.2:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Sapphire Princess |
| Capacity | Sapphire Princess |
| Modernity | Sapphire Princess |
| Service | Island Princess |
| Spaciousness | Island Princess |
Bottom line: Sapphire 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
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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| Draft | 8 m | 8.3 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
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