Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated January 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)
Silver Spirit
Spirit of Discovery
Gross Tonnage
Silver Spirit
39,519 GT
Spirit of Discovery
58,250 GT
Length
Silver Spirit
210 m
Spirit of Discovery
236 m
Beam
Silver Spirit
27 m
Spirit of Discovery
31 m
Passengers
Silver Spirit
608
Spirit of Discovery
999
Crew
Silver Spirit
376
Spirit of Discovery
500
Decks
Silver Spirit
—
Spirit of Discovery
—
Year Built
Silver Spirit
2,009
Spirit of Discovery
2,019
Space Ratio
Silver Spirit
65.0 GT/pax
Spirit of Discovery
58.3 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Silver Spirit
1.62 :1
Spirit of Discovery
2.00 :1
| Specification | Silver Spirit | Spirit of Discovery |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Silversea Cruises | Saga Cruises |
| Class | Spirit Class | Spirit Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,009 | 2,019Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 39,519 GT | 58,250 GTWinner |
| Length | 210 m | 236 mWinner |
| Beam | 27 m | 31 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 608 | 999Winner |
| Crew | 376 | 500Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 65.0 GT/paxWinner | 58.3 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 1.62:1Winner | 2.00:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Meyer Werft |
| Flag | Bahamas | Malta |
| IMO Number | 9437098 | 9776607 |
Spirit of Discovery is the significantly larger vessel at 58,250 GT — 47% more than Silver Spirit's 39,519 GT. Silver Spirit offers more personal space with a space ratio of 65.0 GT per passenger versus 58.3. Built in 2019, Spirit of Discovery is 10 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Spirit of Discovery |
| Capacity | Spirit of Discovery |
| Modernity | Spirit of Discovery |
| Service | Silver Spirit |
| Spaciousness | Silver Spirit |
Bottom line: Spirit of Discovery wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Silver Spirit
65 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
1.6:1 passenger-crew ratio means exceptional service
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Good range of onboard options
Spirit of Discovery
58 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Premium onboard experience
Built in 2019 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
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.
| Draft | 6.6 m | 7.3 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
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