Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated February 2026
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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
Vasco da Gama
Gross Tonnage
Rhapsody of the Seas
78,491 GT
Vasco da Gama
55,877 GT
Length
Rhapsody of the Seas
279 m
Vasco da Gama
219 m
Beam
Rhapsody of the Seas
32 m
Vasco da Gama
29 m
Passengers
Rhapsody of the Seas
2,000
Vasco da Gama
1,400
Crew
Rhapsody of the Seas
765
Vasco da Gama
550
Decks
Rhapsody of the Seas
—
Vasco da Gama
10
Year Built
Rhapsody of the Seas
1,997
Vasco da Gama
1,993
Space Ratio
Rhapsody of the Seas
39.3 GT/pax
Vasco da Gama
39.9 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Rhapsody of the Seas
2.61 :1
Vasco da Gama
2.55 :1
| Specification | Rhapsody of the Seas | Vasco da Gama |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Royal Caribbean International | nicko cruises |
| Class | Vision Class | Holiday Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,997Winner | 1,993 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 78,491 GTWinner | 55,877 GT |
| Length | 279 mWinner | 219 m |
| Beam | 32 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,000Winner | 1,400 |
| Crew | 765Winner | 550 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 39.3 GT/pax | 39.9 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.61:1 | 2.55:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Chantiers de l'Atlantique | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9116864 | 8903946 |
Rhapsody of the Seas is the significantly larger vessel at 78,491 GT — 40% more than Vasco da Gama's 55,877 GT. Built in 1997, Rhapsody of the Seas is 4 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Rhapsody of the Seas |
| Capacity | Rhapsody of the Seas |
| Modernity | Rhapsody of the Seas |
| Service | Vasco da Gama |
| Spaciousness | Vasco da Gama |
Bottom line: Rhapsody of the Seas 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
Vasco da Gama
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
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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29 m |
| Draft | 7.8 m | 13.6 mWinner |
| Decks | — | 10 |
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