Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated February 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)
Pacific Encounter
Sapphire Princess
Gross Tonnage
Pacific Encounter
109,000 GT
Sapphire Princess
115,875 GT
Length
Pacific Encounter
290 m
Sapphire Princess
290 m
Beam
Pacific Encounter
36 m
Sapphire Princess
38 m
Passengers
Pacific Encounter
2,636
Sapphire Princess
2,670
Crew
Pacific Encounter
1,100
Sapphire Princess
1,100
Decks
Pacific Encounter
—
Sapphire Princess
—
Year Built
Pacific Encounter
2,002
Sapphire Princess
2,004
Space Ratio
Pacific Encounter
41.4 GT/pax
Sapphire Princess
43.4 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Pacific Encounter
2.40 :1
Sapphire Princess
2.43 :1
| Specification | Pacific Encounter | Sapphire Princess |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | P&O Cruises Australia | Princess Cruises |
| Class | Grand Class | Grand Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,002 | 2,004Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 109,000 GT | 115,875 GTWinner |
| Length | 290 m | 290 m |
| Beam | 36 m | 38 mWinner |
| Draft | ||
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,636 | 2,670Winner |
| Crew | 1,100 | 1,100 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 41.4 GT/pax | 43.4 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.40:1Winner | 2.43:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | MHI Nagasaki |
| Flag | United Kingdom | Bermuda |
| IMO Number | 9169536 | 9228198 |
Sapphire Princess is the larger vessel at 115,875 GT — 6% more than Pacific Encounter's 109,000 GT. Built in 2004, Sapphire Princess is 2 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Sapphire Princess |
| Capacity | Sapphire Princess |
| Modernity | Sapphire Princess |
| Service | Pacific Encounter |
| Spaciousness | Sapphire Princess |
Bottom line: Sapphire Princess wins more categories (4 vs 1), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Pacific Encounter
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
41 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Good value for money
Good range of onboard options
Sapphire Princess
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
43 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
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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— |
8.3 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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