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)
Radiance of the Seas
Spectrum of the Seas
Gross Tonnage
Radiance of the Seas
90,090 GT
Spectrum of the Seas
169,379 GT
Length
Radiance of the Seas
293 m
Spectrum of the Seas
347 m
Beam
Radiance of the Seas
32 m
Spectrum of the Seas
41 m
Passengers
Radiance of the Seas
2,143
Spectrum of the Seas
4,246
Crew
Radiance of the Seas
859
Spectrum of the Seas
1,551
Decks
Radiance of the Seas
—
Spectrum of the Seas
—
Year Built
Radiance of the Seas
2,001
Spectrum of the Seas
2,019
Space Ratio
Radiance of the Seas
42.0 GT/pax
Spectrum of the Seas
39.9 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Radiance of the Seas
2.49 :1
Spectrum of the Seas
2.74 :1
| Specification | Radiance of the Seas | Spectrum of the Seas |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Royal Caribbean International | Royal Caribbean International |
| Class | Radiance Class | Quantum Ultra Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,001 | 2,019Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 90,090 GT | 169,379 GTWinner |
| Length | 293 m | 347 mWinner |
| Beam | 32 m | 41 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,143 | 4,246Winner |
| Crew | 859 | 1,551Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 42.0 GT/paxWinner | 39.9 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.49:1Winner | 2.74:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Meyer Werft | Meyer Werft |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9195195 | 9778856 |
Spectrum of the Seas is the significantly larger vessel at 169,379 GT — 88% more than Radiance of the Seas's 90,090 GT. Built in 2019, Spectrum of the Seas is 18 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Radiance of the Seas edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.5:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Spectrum of the Seas |
| Capacity | Spectrum of the Seas |
| Modernity | Spectrum of the Seas |
| Service | Radiance of the Seas |
| Spaciousness | Radiance of the Seas |
Bottom line: Spectrum of the Seas wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Radiance of the Seas
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
42 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Good range of onboard options
Good value for money
Spectrum of the Seas
Built in 2019 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Large 4,246-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
4,246 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 | 8.8 m | 8.9 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |