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)
Marella Discovery 2
Nieuw Statendam
Gross Tonnage
Marella Discovery 2
71,545 GT
Nieuw Statendam
99,836 GT
Length
Marella Discovery 2
264 m
Nieuw Statendam
299 m
Beam
Marella Discovery 2
32 m
Nieuw Statendam
35 m
Passengers
Marella Discovery 2
1,814
Nieuw Statendam
2,666
Crew
Marella Discovery 2
726
Nieuw Statendam
1,036
Decks
Marella Discovery 2
—
Nieuw Statendam
—
Year Built
Marella Discovery 2
1,995
Nieuw Statendam
2,018
Space Ratio
Marella Discovery 2
39.4 GT/pax
Nieuw Statendam
37.5 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Marella Discovery 2
2.50 :1
Nieuw Statendam
2.57 :1
| Specification | Marella Discovery 2 | Nieuw Statendam |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Marella Cruises | Holland America Line |
| Class | Century Class | Pinnacle Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,995 | 2,018Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 71,545 GT | 99,836 GTWinner |
| Length | 264 m | 299 mWinner |
| Beam | 32 m | 35 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 1,814 | 2,666Winner |
| Crew | 726 | 1,036Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 39.4 GT/paxWinner | 37.5 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.50:1Winner | 2.57:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Meyer Werft | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Malta | Netherlands |
| IMO Number | 9070619 | 9701281 |
Nieuw Statendam is the significantly larger vessel at 99,836 GT — 40% more than Marella Discovery 2's 71,545 GT. Built in 2018, Nieuw Statendam is 23 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Nieuw Statendam |
| Capacity | Nieuw Statendam |
| Modernity | Nieuw Statendam |
| Service | Marella Discovery 2 |
| Spaciousness | Marella Discovery 2 |
Bottom line: Nieuw Statendam wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Marella Discovery 2
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Good value for money
Good range of onboard options
Nieuw Statendam
Built in 2018 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Comfortable atmosphere for two
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 | — | 8.3 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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