Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated January 2026
.jpg%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)
.jpg%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)
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)
Koningsdam
Marella Discovery
Gross Tonnage
Koningsdam
99,836 GT
Marella Discovery
69,472 GT
Length
Koningsdam
299 m
Marella Discovery
264 m
Beam
Koningsdam
35 m
Marella Discovery
32 m
Passengers
Koningsdam
2,650
Marella Discovery
1,830
Crew
Koningsdam
1,036
Marella Discovery
720
Decks
Koningsdam
—
Marella Discovery
—
Year Built
Koningsdam
2,016
Marella Discovery
1,995
Space Ratio
Koningsdam
37.7 GT/pax
Marella Discovery
38.0 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Koningsdam
2.56 :1
Marella Discovery
2.54 :1
| Specification | Koningsdam | Marella Discovery |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Holland America Line | Marella Cruises |
| Class | Pinnacle Class | Century Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,016Winner | 1,995 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 99,836 GTWinner | 69,472 GT |
| Length | 299 mWinner | 264 m |
| Beam | 35 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,650Winner | 1,830 |
| Crew | 1,036Winner | 720 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 37.7 GT/pax | 38.0 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.56:1 | 2.54:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Meyer Werft |
| Flag | Netherlands | Malta |
| IMO Number | 9640477 | 9070622 |
Koningsdam is the significantly larger vessel at 99,836 GT — 44% more than Marella Discovery's 69,472 GT. Built in 2016, Koningsdam is 21 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Koningsdam |
| Capacity | Koningsdam |
| Modernity | Koningsdam |
| Service | Marella Discovery |
| Spaciousness | Marella Discovery |
Bottom line: Koningsdam wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Koningsdam
Built in 2016 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Good value for money
Good range of onboard options
Marella Discovery
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
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
We may earn a commission from partner bookings at no extra cost to you.
32 m |
| Draft | 8.2 m | 14 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
_in_Juneau.jpg%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)
_at_Liverpool.jpg%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)
_at_Ketchikan.jpg%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)
.jpg%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)