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)
Rhapsody of the Seas
Ruby Princess
Gross Tonnage
Rhapsody of the Seas
78,491 GT
Ruby Princess
113,561 GT
Length
Rhapsody of the Seas
279 m
Ruby Princess
290 m
Beam
Rhapsody of the Seas
32 m
Ruby Princess
36 m
Passengers
Rhapsody of the Seas
2,000
Ruby Princess
3,080
Crew
Rhapsody of the Seas
765
Ruby Princess
1,100
Decks
Rhapsody of the Seas
—
Ruby Princess
—
Year Built
Rhapsody of the Seas
1,997
Ruby Princess
2,008
Space Ratio
Rhapsody of the Seas
39.3 GT/pax
Ruby Princess
36.9 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Rhapsody of the Seas
2.61 :1
Ruby Princess
2.80 :1
| Specification | Rhapsody of the Seas | Ruby Princess |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Royal Caribbean International | Princess Cruises |
| Class | Vision Class | Grand Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,997 | 2,008Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 78,491 GT | 113,561 GTWinner |
| Length | 279 m | 290 mWinner |
| Beam | 32 m | 36 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,000 | 3,080Winner |
| Crew | 765 | 1,100Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 39.3 GT/paxWinner | 36.9 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.61:1Winner | 2.80:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Chantiers de l'Atlantique | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bermuda |
| IMO Number | 9116864 | 9378462 |
Ruby Princess is the significantly larger vessel at 113,561 GT — 45% more than Rhapsody of the Seas's 78,491 GT. Built in 2008, Ruby Princess is 11 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Rhapsody of the Seas edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.6:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Ruby Princess |
| Capacity | Ruby Princess |
| Modernity | Ruby Princess |
| Service | Rhapsody of the Seas |
| Spaciousness | Rhapsody of the Seas |
Bottom line: Ruby Princess wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Rhapsody of the Seas
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Comfortable atmosphere for two
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 | 7.8 m | 8.6 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
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