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
Seven Seas Splendor
Gross Tonnage
Marella Explorer
77,499 GT
Seven Seas Splendor
55,254 GT
Length
Marella Explorer
264 m
Seven Seas Splendor
224 m
Beam
Marella Explorer
32 m
Seven Seas Splendor
32 m
Passengers
Marella Explorer
1,924
Seven Seas Splendor
750
Crew
Marella Explorer
909
Seven Seas Splendor
548
Decks
Marella Explorer
—
Seven Seas Splendor
—
Year Built
Marella Explorer
1,996
Seven Seas Splendor
2,020
Space Ratio
Marella Explorer
40.3 GT/pax
Seven Seas Splendor
73.7 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Marella Explorer
2.12 :1
Seven Seas Splendor
1.37 :1
| Specification | Marella Explorer | Seven Seas Splendor |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Marella Cruises | Regent Seven Seas Cruises |
| Class | Galaxy Class | Explorer Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,996 | 2,020Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 77,499 GTWinner | 55,254 GT |
| Length | 264 mWinner | 224 m |
| Beam | 32 m | 32 m |
| Draft | ||
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 1,924Winner | 750 |
| Crew | 909Winner | 548 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 40.3 GT/pax | 73.7 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.12:1 | 1.37:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Meyer Werft | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Malta | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9125515 | 9790313 |
Marella Explorer is the significantly larger vessel at 77,499 GT — 40% more than Seven Seas Splendor's 55,254 GT. Seven Seas Splendor offers more personal space with a space ratio of 73.7 GT per passenger versus 40.3. Built in 2020, Seven Seas Splendor is 24 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Marella Explorer |
| Capacity | Marella Explorer |
| Modernity | Seven Seas Splendor |
| Service | Seven Seas Splendor |
| Spaciousness | Seven Seas Splendor |
Bottom line: Seven Seas Splendor 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
Seven Seas Splendor
74 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
1.4:1 passenger-crew ratio means exceptional service
Built in 2020 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
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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7.5 mWinner |
7.2 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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