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)
Odyssey of the Seas
Symphony of the Seas
Gross Tonnage
Odyssey of the Seas
169,379 GT
Symphony of the Seas
228,081 GT
Length
Odyssey of the Seas
347 m
Symphony of the Seas
362 m
Beam
Odyssey of the Seas
41 m
Symphony of the Seas
66 m
Passengers
Odyssey of the Seas
4,198
Symphony of the Seas
6,680
Crew
Odyssey of the Seas
1,551
Symphony of the Seas
2,200
Decks
Odyssey of the Seas
—
Symphony of the Seas
18
Year Built
Odyssey of the Seas
2,021
Symphony of the Seas
2,018
Space Ratio
Odyssey of the Seas
40.4 GT/pax
Symphony of the Seas
34.1 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Odyssey of the Seas
2.71 :1
Symphony of the Seas
3.04 :1
| Specification | Odyssey of the Seas | Symphony of the Seas |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Royal Caribbean International | Royal Caribbean International |
| Class | Quantum Ultra Class | Oasis Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,021Winner | 2,018 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 169,379 GT | 228,081 GTWinner |
| Length | 347 m | 362 mWinner |
| Beam | 41 m | 66 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 4,198 | 6,680Winner |
| Crew | 1,551 | 2,200Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 40.4 GT/paxWinner | 34.1 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.71:1Winner | 3.04:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Meyer Werft | STX France |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9795737 | 9744001 |
Symphony of the Seas is the significantly larger vessel at 228,081 GT — 35% more than Odyssey of the Seas's 169,379 GT. Odyssey of the Seas offers more personal space with a space ratio of 40.4 GT per passenger versus 34.1. Built in 2021, Odyssey of the Seas is 3 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Symphony of the Seas |
| Capacity | Symphony of the Seas |
| Modernity | Odyssey of the Seas |
| Service | Odyssey of the Seas |
| Spaciousness | Odyssey of the Seas |
Bottom line: Odyssey of the Seas wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Odyssey of the Seas
Built in 2021 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
4,198 passengers means tons of activities
Large 4,198-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
40 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Symphony of the Seas
6,680 passengers means tons of activities
Large 6,680-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
Built in 2018 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
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 | 8.8 m | 9.3 mWinner |
| Decks | — | 18 |
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