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)
Spectrum of the Seas
Symphony of the Seas
Gross Tonnage
Spectrum of the Seas
169,379 GT
Symphony of the Seas
228,081 GT
Length
Spectrum of the Seas
347 m
Symphony of the Seas
362 m
Beam
Spectrum of the Seas
41 m
Symphony of the Seas
66 m
Passengers
Spectrum of the Seas
4,246
Symphony of the Seas
6,680
Crew
Spectrum of the Seas
1,551
Symphony of the Seas
2,200
Decks
Spectrum of the Seas
—
Symphony of the Seas
18
Year Built
Spectrum of the Seas
2,019
Symphony of the Seas
2,018
Space Ratio
Spectrum of the Seas
39.9 GT/pax
Symphony of the Seas
34.1 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Spectrum of the Seas
2.74 :1
Symphony of the Seas
3.04 :1
| Specification | Spectrum of the Seas | Symphony of the Seas |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Royal Caribbean International | Royal Caribbean International |
| Class | Quantum Ultra Class | Oasis Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,019Winner | 2,018 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 169,379 GT | 228,081 GTWinner |
| Length | 347 m | 362 mWinner |
| Beam | 41 m | 66 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 4,246 | 6,680Winner |
| Crew | 1,551 | 2,200Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 39.9 GT/paxWinner | 34.1 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.74:1Winner | 3.04:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Meyer Werft | STX France |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9778856 | 9744001 |
Symphony of the Seas is the significantly larger vessel at 228,081 GT — 35% more than Spectrum of the Seas's 169,379 GT. Spectrum of the Seas offers more personal space with a space ratio of 39.9 GT per passenger versus 34.1. Spectrum of the Seas edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.7:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Symphony of the Seas |
| Capacity | Symphony of the Seas |
| Modernity | Spectrum of the Seas |
| Service | Spectrum of the Seas |
| Spaciousness | Spectrum 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.
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
Symphony of the Seas
6,680 passengers means tons of activities
Large 6,680-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
Built in 2018 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Comfortable atmosphere for two
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 | 8.9 m | 9.3 mWinner |
| Decks | — | 18 |
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