Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated January 2026
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)
Norwegian Sky
Ruby Princess
Gross Tonnage
Norwegian Sky
77,104 GT
Ruby Princess
113,561 GT
Length
Norwegian Sky
258 m
Ruby Princess
290 m
Beam
Norwegian Sky
32 m
Ruby Princess
36 m
Passengers
Norwegian Sky
2,002
Ruby Princess
3,080
Crew
Norwegian Sky
891
Ruby Princess
1,100
Decks
Norwegian Sky
—
Ruby Princess
—
Year Built
Norwegian Sky
1,999
Ruby Princess
2,008
Space Ratio
Norwegian Sky
38.5 GT/pax
Ruby Princess
36.9 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Norwegian Sky
2.25 :1
Ruby Princess
2.80 :1
| Specification | Norwegian Sky | Ruby Princess |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Princess Cruises |
| Class | Sun Class | Grand Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,999 | 2,008Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 77,104 GT | 113,561 GTWinner |
| Length | 258 m | 290 mWinner |
| Beam | 32 m | 36 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,002 | 3,080Winner |
| Crew | 891 | 1,100Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 38.5 GT/paxWinner | 36.9 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.25:1Winner | 2.80:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Lloyd Werft | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bermuda |
| IMO Number | 9128532 | 9378462 |
Ruby Princess is the significantly larger vessel at 113,561 GT — 47% more than Norwegian Sky's 77,104 GT. Built in 2008, Ruby Princess is 9 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Norwegian Sky edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.3:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Ruby Princess |
| Capacity | Ruby Princess |
| Modernity | Ruby Princess |
| Service | Norwegian Sky |
| Spaciousness | Norwegian Sky |
Bottom line: Ruby Princess wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Norwegian Sky
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Good value for money
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 | 8 m | 8.6 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
