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
Rotterdam
Gross Tonnage
Marella Discovery
69,472 GT
Rotterdam
99,836 GT
Length
Marella Discovery
264 m
Rotterdam
299 m
Beam
Marella Discovery
32 m
Rotterdam
35 m
Passengers
Marella Discovery
1,830
Rotterdam
2,668
Crew
Marella Discovery
720
Rotterdam
1,036
Decks
Marella Discovery
—
Rotterdam
—
Year Built
Marella Discovery
1,995
Rotterdam
2,021
Space Ratio
Marella Discovery
38.0 GT/pax
Rotterdam
37.4 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Marella Discovery
2.54 :1
Rotterdam
2.58 :1
| Specification | Marella Discovery | Rotterdam |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Marella Cruises | Holland America Line |
| Class | Century Class | Pinnacle Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,995 | 2,021Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 69,472 GT | 99,836 GTWinner |
| Length | 264 m | 299 mWinner |
| Beam | 32 m | 35 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 1,830 | 2,668Winner |
| Crew | 720 | 1,036Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 38.0 GT/paxWinner | 37.4 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.54:1Winner | 2.58:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Meyer Werft | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Malta | Netherlands |
| IMO Number | 9070622 | 9741498 |
Rotterdam is the significantly larger vessel at 99,836 GT — 44% more than Marella Discovery's 69,472 GT. Built in 2021, Rotterdam is 26 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Rotterdam |
| Capacity | Rotterdam |
| Modernity | Rotterdam |
| Service | Marella Discovery |
| Spaciousness | Marella Discovery |
Bottom line: Rotterdam wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Marella Discovery
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Good value for money
Good range of onboard options
Rotterdam
Built in 2021 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 | 14 mWinner | 8.2 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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