Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated January 2026
_in_Fort_Lauderdale.jpg%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)
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)
Royal Princess
Sapphire Princess
Gross Tonnage
Royal Princess
142,714 GT
Sapphire Princess
115,875 GT
Length
Royal Princess
330 m
Sapphire Princess
290 m
Beam
Royal Princess
38 m
Sapphire Princess
38 m
Passengers
Royal Princess
3,560
Sapphire Princess
2,670
Crew
Royal Princess
1,346
Sapphire Princess
1,100
Decks
Royal Princess
—
Sapphire Princess
—
Year Built
Royal Princess
2,013
Sapphire Princess
2,004
Space Ratio
Royal Princess
40.1 GT/pax
Sapphire Princess
43.4 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Royal Princess
2.64 :1
Sapphire Princess
2.43 :1
| Specification | Royal Princess | Sapphire Princess |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Princess Cruises | Princess Cruises |
| Class | Royal Class | Grand Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,013Winner | 2,004 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 142,714 GTWinner | 115,875 GT |
| Length | 330 mWinner | 290 m |
| Beam | 38 m | 38 m |
| Draft | ||
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,560Winner | 2,670 |
| Crew | 1,346Winner | 1,100 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 40.1 GT/pax | 43.4 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.64:1 | 2.43:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | MHI Nagasaki |
| Flag | Bermuda | Bermuda |
| IMO Number | 9584712 | 9228198 |
Royal Princess is the significantly larger vessel at 142,714 GT — 23% more than Sapphire Princess's 115,875 GT. Built in 2013, Royal Princess is 9 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Sapphire Princess edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.4:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Royal Princess |
| Capacity | Royal Princess |
| Modernity | Royal Princess |
| Service | Sapphire Princess |
| Spaciousness | Sapphire Princess |
Bottom line: Royal Princess wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Royal Princess
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Large 3,560-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
3,560 passengers means tons of activities
40 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
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
We may earn a commission from partner bookings at no extra cost to you.
8.6 mWinner |
8.3 m |
| Decks | — | — |
_002.jpg%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)
.jpg%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)
_at_Liverpool_3.jpg%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)