Cruise Ships With the Best/Worst Space to Guest Ratio: 9 Cruise Lines Compared

I in contrast 153 cruise ships from 9 main cruise traces to see which supplied probably the most area primarily based on passenger capability and ship quantity. These ratios vary from 26 to 57.

*This publish has been up to date from its authentic writing and displays the newest cruise ships to enter the market, together with cruise ships that may debut in 2025.

Whereas many elements can have an effect on how crowded a ship could really feel, there’s a easy system for determining the passenger area ratio. No, it’s not the right solution to know the way crowded a ship could really feel, nevertheless it’s a begin.

Associated: What is the best cruise line for you?

How the passenger area ratio was calculated on our chart

The system for the passenger area ratio is just the gross tonnage (GT) of a cruise ship divided by the passenger capability of that vessel (Gross Tonnage ÷ passenger capability). In our checklist we used the customary double-capacity for every ship.

It’s essential to know that some traces could extra generally exceed the double-capacity figures particularly if it’s extra standard for households to journey with that line. Likewise, because the actual variety of passengers on a cruise at any given time will likely be completely different, it’s essential to notice that this a part of the equation must be considerably versatile.

When you’re all about customer support, you may as well see which cruise ships have the best passenger to crew member ratio here as effectively.

Carnival and Royal Caribbean cruise ships in Cozumel, Mexico — Photograph credit score: Cruise Fever

Gross tonnage is NOT the burden of a ship

A standard false impression is that the gross tonnage of a cruise ship is a measurement of weight. Nevertheless, it has nothing to do with weight in any respect. The truth is, gross tonnage is a unitless measurement of the quantity or area of a cruise ship and consists of all the enclosed areas of the vessel. This is a crucial issue, as some areas of a ship’s open-air decks is not going to be included within the determine.

How else is gross tonnage used?

Ever marvel why some ships have greater charges than others? Effectively, the gross tonnage performs an element. The general GT of a ship determines issues like registration charges, rules, security guidelines and port dues, relying on every particular person port.

A number of the largest cruise ships on the planet belong to Royal Caribbean and have a gross tonnage of over 200,000. The truth is, Icon of the Seas has a large GT of 248,663.

Learn extra: The true cost difference between a balcony cabin and interior stateroom

Different essential elements

Whereas utilizing the passenger area ratio is usually a easy solution to evaluate ships and the way crowded they could really feel, it’s not an ideal measurement. Elements like the general movement of a ship’s design, how the packages are spaced out, the instances through which numerous occasions happen, and the demographic of a ship all play a higher position within the feeling of being crowded on a cruise ship.

Moreover, relying on what you love to do on a cruise you might need a vastly completely different expertise than another person on the exact same cruise merely primarily based on what instances you took half in several packages, exhibits, and meals.

So, this checklist is only a enjoyable solution to evaluate ships primarily based on area and capability.

I’ve sorted every cruise line individually so you may evaluate ships inside a selected cruise line, which I believe personally is a extra correct solution to evaluate how crowded a cruise ship could or could not really feel. That is just because every cruise line handles passenger movement otherwise.

On the finish of the web page, I’ve additionally listed all 153 cruise ships in a chart so you may evaluate all of them on the similar time. The lists beneath embody the next cruise traces: Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, Superstar Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, and Holland America Cruises.

The bigger the quantity within the right-hand column the higher the area per passenger. Not less than that’s the thought. A quantity within the 20’s would really feel crowded and cramped whereas a quantity within the excessive 40’s and above could really feel spacious.

The cruise ships beneath are sorted by the area/passenger ratio, listed from lowest to highest, or worst to finest.

Carnival Cruise Line: ships by passenger to area ratio

Cruise Ship	Gross Tonnage	Double Capability	House/Cross Ratio
Carnival Firenze	135,156	4,208	32.12
Carnival Venezia	135,225	4,090	33.06
Carnival Horizon	133,500	3,934	33.93
Carnival Panorama	133,500	3,934	33.93
Carnival Vista	133,500	3,934	33.93
Carnival Radiance	101,509	2,984	34
Carnival Dawn	101,509	2,984	34
Mardi Gras	180,000	5,282	34.08
Carnival Jubilee	183,900	5,374	34.22
Carnival Sunshine	102,853	3,002	34.27
Carnival Elation	70,367	2,052	34.3
Carnival Paradise	70,367	2,052	34.3
Carnival Celebration	181,808	5,282	34.42
Carnival Breeze	130,000	3,690	35.23
Carnival Magic	130,000	3,690	35.23
Carnival Dream	130,000	3,646	35.66
Carnival Conquest	110,000	2,980	36.91
Carnival Freedom	110,000	2,980	36.91
Carnival Glory	110,000	2,980	36.91
Carnival Liberty	110,000	2,980	36.91
Carnival Valor	110,000	2,980	36.91
Carnival Splendor	113,300	3,012	37.62
Carnival Luminosa	92,600	2,260	40.97
Carnival Legend	88,500	2,124	41.67
Carnival Miracle	88,500	2,124	41.67
Carnival Delight	88,500	2,124	41.67
Carnival Spirit	88,500	2,124	41.67
Carnival Journey	108,865	2,600	41.87
Carnival Encounter	109,000	2,600	41.92

See our checklist of each Carnival cruise ship presently in service so as of latest to oldest here.

Royal Caribbean Cruises: ships by passenger to area ratio

Cruise Ship	Gross Tonnage	Double Capability	House/Cross Ratio
Enchantment of the Seas	82,910	2,252	36.82
Grandeur of the Seas	73,817	1,992	37.06
Imaginative and prescient of the Seas	78,717	2,050	38.4
Rhapsody of the Seas	78,878	1,998	39.48
Spectrum of the Seas	169,379	4,246	39.89
Odyssey of the Seas	167,704	4,200	39.93
Anthem of the Seas	168,666	4,180	40.35
Ovation of the Seas	168,666	4,180	40.35
Quantum of the Seas	168,666	4,180	40.35
Attract of the Seas	225,282	5,492	41.02
Liberty of the Seas	155,889	3,798	41.14
Concord of the Seas	226,963	5,497	41.29
Marvel of the Seas	236,857	5,734	41.31
Freedom of the Seas	156,271	3,782	41.32
Symphony of the Seas	228,081	5,518	41.33
Navigator of the Seas	139,999	3,376	41.47
Utopia of the Seas	236,860	5,668	41.79
Serenade of the Seas	90,090	2,146	41.98
Oasis of the Seas	226,838	5,400	42
Radiance of the Seas	90,090	2,143	42.04
Brilliance of the Seas	90,090	2,142	42.06
Jewel of the Seas	90,090	2,112	42.66
Independence of the Seas	155,889	3,634	42.9
Star of the Seas	248,663	5,610	44.32
Icon of the Seas	248,663	5,610	44.32
Journey of the Seas	138,193	3,114	44.38
Explorer of the Seas	138,194	3,114	44.38
Voyager of the Seas	138,194	3,114	44.38
Mariner of the Seas	139,863	3,114	44.91

Royal Caribbean cruise ships so as from latest to oldest.

Norwegian Cruise Line: ships by passenger to area ratio

Cruise Ship	Gross Tonnage	Double Capability	House/Cross Ratio
Norwegian Getaway	145,655	3,963	36.75
Norwegian Breakaway	145,655	3,959	36.79
Delight of America	80,439	2,186	36.8
Norwegian Spirit	75,904	2,032	37.35
Norwegian Epic	155,873	4,100	38
Norwegian Sky	77,104	2,004	38.48
Norwegian Escape	164,998	4,266	38.68
Norwegian Jade	93,558	2,402	38.95
Norwegian Gem	93,530	2,394	39
Norwegian Pearl	93,530	2,394	39.07
Norwegian Star	91,740	2,348	39.07
Norwegian Jewel	93,502	2,376	39.35
Norwegian Daybreak	92,250	2,340	39.42
Norwegian Solar	78,309	1,936	40.45
Norwegian Bliss	168,028	4,004	41.97
Norwegian Encore	169,116	3,998	42.3
Norwegian Aqua	156,300	3,571	43.77
Norwegian Pleasure	167,725	3,804	44.09
Norwegian Viva	143,535	3,219	44.59
Norwegian Prima	143,535	3,099	46.32

See each Norwegian Cruise Line cruise ship in service from latest to oldest here.

MSC Cruises: ships by passenger to area ratio

Cruise Ships	Gross Tonnage	Double Capability	House/Cross Ratio
MSC Sinfonia	65,542	2,546	26
MSC Armonia	65,542	2,160	30.34
MSC Opera	65,591	2,160	30.37
MSC Lirica	65,591	1,984	33.06
MSC Preziosa	139,072	3,959	35.13
MSC Musica	89,600	2,550	35.14
MSC Orchestra	92,400	2,550	36.23
MSC Poesia	92,627	2,550	36.32
MSC Seaside	153,516	4,132	37.15
MSC Seaview	153,516	4,132	37.15
MSC Grandiosa	181,000	4,842	37.38
MSC Virtuosa	181,541	4,842	37.49
MSC Seascape	170,400	4,540	37.53
MSC Seashore	170,412	4,540	37.54
MSC Seashore	170,412	4,540	37.54
MSC Magnifica	95,128	2,518	37.78
MSC Euribia	184,011	4,838	38.03
MSC Bellissima	171,598	4,500	38.13
MSC Meraviglia	171,598	4,488	38.23
MSC Divina	139,072	3,502	39.71
World America	216,638	5,228	41.44
World Europa	215,863	5,200	41.51
MSC Fantasia	137,936	3,274	42.13
MSC Splendida	137,936	3,274	42.13

See all MSC Cruises cruise ships so as from latest to oldest.

Disney Cruise Line ships by passenger to area ratio

Be aware: There are two completely different numbers for capability on Disney. The primary quantity is for double capability and the second is for max capability. I assumed it was essential to have each since many Disney cruises have households with greater than 2 occupants in a cabin.

Cruise Ship	Gross Tonnage	Capability (Double/Max)	House/Cross Ratio
Disney Magic	83,338	1,750 / 2,700	47.62 / 30.87
Disney Marvel	84,130	1,750 / 2,700	48.07 / 31.16
Disney Dream	129,690	2,500 / 4,000	51.88 / 32.42
Disney Fantasy	129,690	2,500 / 4,000	51.88 / 32.42
Disney Treasure	144,000	2,508 / 4000	57.42 / 36
Disney Want	144,000	2,500 / 4,000	57.6 / 36

See every Disney cruise ship in the fleet from latest to oldest.

Princess Cruises: ships by passenger to area ratio

Cruise Ship	Gross Tonnage	Double Capability	House/Cross Ratio
Caribbean Princess	112,894	3,142	35.93
Crown Princess	113,561	3,080	36.87
Emerald Princess	113,561	3,080	37.87
Ruby Princess	113,561	3,080	36.87
Enchanted Princess	141,000	3,660	38.52
Discovery Princess	141,000	3,660	38.52
Sky Princess	143,700	3,660	39.26
Royal Princess	141,000	3,560	39.61
Regal Princess	142,229	3,560	39.95
Majestic Princess	143,700	3,560	40.37
Solar Princess	175,000	4,300	40.81
Grand Princess	107,517	2,600	41.35
Star Princess	178,000	4,300	41.40
Island Princess	92,822	2,200	42.19
Diamond Princess	115,875	2,670	43.4
Sapphire Princess	115,875	2,670	43.4
Coral Princess	91,627	2,000	45

See all Princess Cruises ships from latest to oldest.

Superstar Cruises: ships by passenger to area ratio

Cruise Ship	Gross Tonnage	Double Capability	House/go ratio
Superstar Millennium	90,940	2,218	41
Superstar Summit	90,940	2,218	41
Superstar Reflection	126,000	3,046	41.37
Superstar Constellation	90,940	2,184	41.64
Superstar Infinity	91,000	2,170	41.93
Superstar Silhouette	122,400	2,902	42.18
Superstar Solstice	122,000	2,852	42.78
Superstar Equinox	122,000	2,852	42.78
Superstar Eclipse	122,000	2,852	42.78
Superstar Xcel	140,600	3,260	43.13
Superstar Past	140,600	3,260	43.13
Superstar Ascent	141,420	3,260	43.38
Superstar Edge	129,500	2,918	44.38
Superstar Apex	129,500	2,910	44.5

See each Celebrity cruise ship ordered from newest to oldest right here.

Holland America Cruises: ships by passenger area ratio

Cruise Ship	Gross Tonnage	Double Capability	House/Cross Ratio
MS Rotterdam	99,935	2,668	37.46
MS Nieuw Statendam	99,902	2,666	37.47
MS Koningsdam	99,868	2,650	37.69
MS Eurodam	86,273	2,104	41
MS Nieuw Amsterdam	86,700	2,106	41.17
MS Oosterdam	82,305	1,964	41.91
MS Westerdam	82,500	1,964	42
MS Volendam	60,906	1,432	43
MS Zaandam	61,396	1,432	42.87
MS Zuiderdam	82,305	1,916	42.96
MS Noordam	82,500	1,916	43.06

Virgin Voyages: ships by passenger area ratio

Cruise Ship	Gross Tonnage	Double Capability	House/Cross Ratio
Scarlet Woman	108,192	2,700	40.07
Valiant Woman	108,192	2,700	40.07
Resilient Woman	108,232	2,700	40.08
Good Woman	108,232	2,700	40.08

The beneath part is a listing of all of the above ships in a single desk. These are once more listed so as from least spacious to most spacious primarily based on our passenger area ratio system.

All 153 Cruise ships by passenger area ratio: sorted least to best

Cruise Line	Cruise Ship	Gross Tonnage	Double Capability	House/Cross Ratio
MSC	MSC Sinfonia	65,542	2,546	26
MSC	MSC Armonia	65,542	2,160	30.34
MSC	MSC Opera	65,591	2,160	30.37
Carnival	Firenze	135,156	4,208	32.12
Carnival	Carnival Venezia	135,225	4,208	32.16
MSC	MSC Lirica	65,591	1,984	33.06
Carnival	Carnival Horizon	133,500	3,934	33.93
Carnival	Carnival Panorama	133,500	3,934	33.93
Carnival	Carnival Vista	133,500	3,934	33.93
Carnival	Carnival Radiance	101,509	2,984	34
Carnival	Carnival Dawn	101,509	2,984	34
Carnival	Mardi Gras	180,000	5,282	34.08
Carnival	Carnival Jubilee	183,900	5,374	34.22
Carnival	Carnival Sunshine	102,853	3,002	34.27
Carnival	Carnival Elation	70,367	2,052	34.3
Carnival	Carnival Paradise	70,367	2,052	34.3
Carnival	Carnival Celebration	181,808	5,282	34.42
MSC	MSC Preziosa	139,072	3,959	35.13
MSC	MSC Musica	89,600	2,550	35.14
Carnival	Carnival Breeze	130,000	3,690	35.23
Carnival	Carnival Magic	130,000	3,690	35.23
Carnival	Carnival Dream	130,000	3,646	35.66
Princess	Caribbean Princess	112,894	3,142	35.93
MSC	MSC Orchestra	92,400	2,550	36.23
MSC	MSC Poesia	92,627	2,550	36.32
Norwegian	Norwegian Getaway	145,655	3,963	36.75
Norwegian	Norwegian Breakaway	145,655	3,959	36.79
Norwegian	Delight of America	80,439	2,186	36.8
Royal Caribbean	Enchantment of the Seas	82,910	2,252	36.82
Princess	Crown Princess	113,561	3,080	36.87
Princess	Emeral Princess	113,561	3,080	36.87
Princess	Ruby Princess	113,561	3,080	36.87
Carnival	Carnival Conquest	110,000	2,980	36.91
Carnival	Carnival Freedom	110,000	2,980	36.91
Carnival	Carnival Glory	110,000	2,980	36.91
Carnival	Carnival Liberty	110,000	2,980	36.91
Carnival	Carnival Valor	110,000	2,980	36.91
Royal Caribbean	Grandeur of the Seas	73,817	1,992	37.06
MSC	MSC Seaside	153,516	4,132	37.15
MSC	MSC Seaview	153,516	4,132	37.15
Norwegian	Norwegian Spirit	75,904	2,032	37.35
MSC	MSC Grandiosa	181,000	4,842	37.38
Holland America	MS Rotterdam	99,935	2,668	37.46
Holland America	MS Nieuw Statendam	99,902	2,666	37.47
MSC	MSC Virtuosa	181,541	4,842	37.49
MSC	MSC Seascape	170,400	4,540	37.53
MSC	MSC Seashore	170,412	4,540	37.54
Carnival	Carnival Splendor	113,300	3,012	37.62
Holland America	MS Koningsdam	99,868	2,650	37.69
MSC	MSC Magnifica	95,128	2,518	37.78
Norwegian	Norwegian Epic	155,873	4,100	38
MSC	MSC Euribia	184,011	4,838	38.03
MSC	MSC Bellissima	171,598	4,500	38.13
MSC	MSC Meraviglia	171,598	4,488	38.23
Royal Caribbean	Imaginative and prescient of the Seas	78,717	2,050	38.4
Norwegian	Norwegian Sky	77,104	2,004	38.48
Princess	Enchanted Princess	141,000	3,660	38.52
Princess	Discovery Princess	141,000	3,660	38.52
Norwegian	Norwegian Escape	164,998	4,266	38.68
Norwegian	Norwegian Jade	93,558	2,402	38.95
Norwegian	Norwegian Gem	93,530	2,394	39
Norwegian	Norwegian Pearl	93,530	2,394	39.07
Norwegian	Norwegian Star	91,740	2,348	39.07
Princess	Sky Princess	143,700	3,660	39.26
Norwegian	Norwegian Jewel	93,502	2,376	39.35
Norwegian	Norwegian Daybreak	92,250	2,340	39.42
Royal Caribbean	Rhapsody of the Seas	78,878	1,998	39.48
Princess	Royal Princess	141,000	3,560	39.61
MSC	MSC Divina	139,072	3,502	39.71
Royal Caribbean	Spectrum of the Seas	169,379	4,246	39.89
Royal Caribbean	Odyssey of the Seas	167,704	4,200	39.93
Princess	Regal Princess	142,229	3,560	39.95
Virgin	Scarlet Woman	108,192	2,700	40.07
Virgin	Valiant Woman	108,192	2,700	40.07
Virgin	Resilient Woman	108,232	2,700	40.08
Virgin	Good Woman	108,232	2,700	40.08
Royal Caribbean	Anthem of the Seas	168,666	4,180	40.35
Royal Caribbean	Ovation of the Seas	168,666	4,180	40.35
Royal Caribbean	Quantum of the Seas	168,666	4,180	40.35
Princess	Majestic Princess	143,700	3,560	40.37
Norwegian	Norwegian Solar	78,309	1,936	40.45
Princess	Solar Princess	175,500	4,300	40.81
Carnival	Carnival Luminosa	92,600	2,260	40.97
Holland America	MS Eurodam	86,273	2,104	41
Superstar	Superstar Millennium	90,940	2,218	41
Superstar	Superstar Summit	90,940	2,218	41
Royal Caribbean	Attract of the Seas	225,282	5,492	41.02
Royal Caribbean	Liberty of the Seas	155,889	3,798	41.14
Holland America	MS Nieuw Amsterdam	86,700	2,106	41.17
Royal Caribbean	Concord of the Seas	226,963	5,497	41.29
Royal Caribbean	Marvel of the Seas	236,857	5,734	41.31
Royal Caribbean	Freedom of the Seas	156,271	3,782	41.32
Royal Caribbean	Symphony of the Seas	228,081	5,518	41.33
Princess	Grand Princess	107,517	2,600	41.35
Superstar	Superstar Reflection	126,000	3,046	41.37
Princess	Star	178,000	4,300	41.40
MSC	World America	216,638	5,228	41.44
Royal Caribbean	Navigator of the Seas	139,999	3,376	41.47
MSC	World Europa	215,863	5,200	41.51
Superstar	Superstar Constellation	90,940	2,184	41.64
Carnival	Carnival Legend	88,500	2,124	41.67
Carnival	Carnival Miracle	88,500	2,124	41.67
Carnival	Carnival Delight	88,500	2,124	41.67
Carnival	Carnival Spirit	88,500	2,124	41.67
Royal Caribbean	Utopia of the Seas	236,860	5,668	41.79
Carnival	Journey	108,865	2,600	41.87
Holland America	MS Oosterdam	82,305	1,964	41.91
Carnival	Encounter	109,000	2,600	41.92
Superstar	Superstar Infinity	91,000	2,170	41.93
Norwegian	Norwegian Bliss	168,028	4,004	41.97
Royal Caribbean	Serenade of the Seas	90,090	2,146	41.98
Holland America	MS Westerdam	82,500	1,964	42
Royal Caribbean	Oasis of the Seas	226,838	5,400	42
Royal Caribbean	Radiance of the Seas	90,090	2,143	42.04
Royal Caribbean	Brilliance of the Seas	90,090	2,142	42.06
MSC	MSC Fantasia	137,936	3,274	42.13
MSC	MSC Splendida	137,936	3,274	42.13
Superstar	Superstar Silhouette	122,400	2,902	42.18
Princess	Island Princess	92,822	2,200	42.19
Norwegian	Norwegian Encore	169,116	3,998	42.3
Holland America	MS Volendam	60,906	1,432	42.53
Royal Caribbean	Jewel of the Seas	90,090	2,112	42.66
Superstar	Superstar Solstice	122,000	2,852	42.78
Superstar	Superstar Equinox	122,000	2,852	42.78
Superstar	Superstar Eclipse	122,000	2,852	42.78
Holland America	MS Zaandam	61,396	1,432	42.87
Royal Caribbean	Independence of the Seas	155,889	3,634	42.9
Holland America	MS Zuiderdam	82,305	1,916	42.96
Holland America	MS Noordam	82,500	1,916	43.06
Superstar	Superstar Past	140,600	3,260	43.13
Superstar	Xcel	140,600	3,260	43.13
Superstar	Superstar Ascent	141,420	3,260	43.38
Princess	Diamond Princess	115,875	2,670	43.4
Princess	Sapphire Princess	115,875	2,670	43.4
Norwegian	Aqua	156,300	3,571	43.77
Norwegian	Norwegian Pleasure	167,725	3,804	44.09
Royal Caribbean	Icon of the Seas	248,663	5,610	44.32
Royal Caribbean	Star of the Seas	248,663	5,610	44.32
Superstar	Superstar Edge	129,500	2,918	44.38
Royal Caribbean	Journey of the Seas	138,193	3,114	44.38
Royal Caribbean	Explorer of the Seas	138,194	3,114	44.38
Royal Caribbean	Voyager of the Seas	138,194	3,114	44.38
Superstar	Superstar Apex	129,500	2,910	44.5
Norwegian	Norwegian Viva	143,535	3,219	44.59
Royal Caribbean	Mariner of the Seas	139,863	3,114	44.91
Princess	Coral Princess	91,627	2,000	45
Norwegian	Norwegian Prima	143,535	3,099	46.32
Disney	Disney Magic	83,338	1,750 / 2,700	47.62 / 30.87
Disney	Disney Marvel	84,130	1,750 / 2,700	48.07 / 31.16
Disney	Disney Dream	129,690	2,500 / 4,000	51.88 / 32.42
Disney	Disney Fantasy	129,690	2,500 / 4,000	51.88 / 32.42
Disney	Disney Treasure	144,000	2508 / 4000	57.42 / 36
Disney	Disney Want	144,000	2,500 / 4,000	57.6 / 36

Disney has 2 teams of numbers underneath capability. The primary is double capability and the second is most capability. Since Disney usually has lots of households with youngsters on the ships I wished to incorporate each numbers.

Learn extra: How to avoid crowds on a cruise ship (best tips)

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