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)
Koningsdam
Marella Explorer 2
Gross Tonnage
Koningsdam
99,836 GT
Marella Explorer 2
71,301 GT
Length
Koningsdam
299 m
Marella Explorer 2
264 m
Beam
Koningsdam
35 m
Marella Explorer 2
32 m
Passengers
Koningsdam
2,650
Marella Explorer 2
1,814
Crew
Koningsdam
1,036
Marella Explorer 2
726
Decks
Koningsdam
—
Marella Explorer 2
—
Year Built
Koningsdam
2,016
Marella Explorer 2
1,997
Space Ratio
Koningsdam
37.7 GT/pax
Marella Explorer 2
39.3 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Koningsdam
2.56 :1
Marella Explorer 2
2.50 :1
| Specification | Koningsdam | Marella Explorer 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Holland America Line | Marella Cruises |
| Class | Pinnacle Class | Galaxy Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,016Winner | 1,997 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 99,836 GTWinner | 71,301 GT |
| Length | 299 mWinner | 264 m |
| Beam | 35 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,650Winner | 1,814 |
| Crew | 1,036Winner | 726 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 37.7 GT/pax | 39.3 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.56:1 | 2.50:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Meyer Werft |
| Flag | Netherlands | Malta |
| IMO Number | 9640477 | 9106310 |
Koningsdam is the significantly larger vessel at 99,836 GT — 40% more than Marella Explorer 2's 71,301 GT. Built in 2016, Koningsdam is 19 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Koningsdam |
| Capacity | Koningsdam |
| Modernity | Koningsdam |
| Service | Marella Explorer 2 |
| Spaciousness | Marella Explorer 2 |
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 Explorer 2
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
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32 m |
| Draft | 8.2 mWinner | 7.5 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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