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
Ruby Princess
Gross Tonnage
Marella Explorer
77,499 GT
Ruby Princess
113,561 GT
Length
Marella Explorer
264 m
Ruby Princess
290 m
Beam
Marella Explorer
32 m
Ruby Princess
36 m
Passengers
Marella Explorer
1,924
Ruby Princess
3,080
Crew
Marella Explorer
909
Ruby Princess
1,100
Decks
Marella Explorer
—
Ruby Princess
—
Year Built
Marella Explorer
1,996
Ruby Princess
2,008
Space Ratio
Marella Explorer
40.3 GT/pax
Ruby Princess
36.9 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Marella Explorer
2.12 :1
Ruby Princess
2.80 :1
| Specification | Marella Explorer | Ruby Princess |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Marella Cruises | Princess Cruises |
| Class | Galaxy Class | Grand Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,996 | 2,008Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 77,499 GT | 113,561 GTWinner |
| Length | 264 m | 290 mWinner |
| Beam | 32 m | 36 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 1,924 | 3,080Winner |
| Crew | 909 | 1,100Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 40.3 GT/paxWinner | 36.9 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.12:1Winner | 2.80:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Meyer Werft | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Malta | Bermuda |
| IMO Number | 9125515 | 9378462 |
Ruby Princess is the significantly larger vessel at 113,561 GT — 47% more than Marella Explorer's 77,499 GT. Built in 2008, Ruby Princess is 12 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Marella Explorer edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.1:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Ruby Princess |
| Capacity | Ruby Princess |
| Modernity | Ruby Princess |
| Service | Marella Explorer |
| Spaciousness | Marella Explorer |
Bottom line: Ruby Princess wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Marella Explorer
40 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Premium onboard experience
Good range of onboard options
Ruby Princess
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Large 3,080-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
3,080 passengers means tons of activities
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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| Draft | 7.5 m | 8.6 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
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