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 Explorer 2
Rotterdam
Gross Tonnage
Marella Explorer 2
71,301 GT
Rotterdam
99,836 GT
Length
Marella Explorer 2
264 m
Rotterdam
299 m
Beam
Marella Explorer 2
32 m
Rotterdam
35 m
Passengers
Marella Explorer 2
1,814
Rotterdam
2,668
Crew
Marella Explorer 2
726
Rotterdam
1,036
Decks
Marella Explorer 2
—
Rotterdam
—
Year Built
Marella Explorer 2
1,997
Rotterdam
2,021
Space Ratio
Marella Explorer 2
39.3 GT/pax
Rotterdam
37.4 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Marella Explorer 2
2.50 :1
Rotterdam
2.58 :1
| Specification | Marella Explorer 2 | Rotterdam |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Marella Cruises | Holland America Line |
| Class | Galaxy Class | Pinnacle Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,997 | 2,021Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 71,301 GT | 99,836 GTWinner |
| Length | 264 m | 299 mWinner |
| Beam | 32 m | 35 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 1,814 | 2,668Winner |
| Crew | 726 | 1,036Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 39.3 GT/paxWinner | 37.4 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.50:1Winner | 2.58:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Meyer Werft | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Malta | Netherlands |
| IMO Number | 9106310 | 9741498 |
Rotterdam is the significantly larger vessel at 99,836 GT — 40% more than Marella Explorer 2's 71,301 GT. Built in 2021, Rotterdam is 24 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Rotterdam |
| Capacity | Rotterdam |
| Modernity | Rotterdam |
| Service | Marella Explorer 2 |
| Spaciousness | Marella Explorer 2 |
Bottom line: Rotterdam wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Marella Explorer 2
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 | 7.5 m | 8.2 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
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