Aurora vs Iona
Compare ship age, size, passenger capacity, itineraries and upcoming cruise prices.
Newer Ship
Iona
Built in 2020
20 years newer
Lower Price Per Day
Both ships are the same
More Spacious Ship
Aurora
40.5 GT per guest
Gross tonnage divided by passenger capacity
Aurora vs Iona: Quick Comparison
Iona is the newer ship in this comparison. Built in 2020, it is 20 years newer than Aurora, which entered service in 2000. Iona is approximately 142% larger by gross tonnage at 184,000 GT. Iona also carries 3,328 more passengers. The sailings shown cover different itineraries, so the price per day figures are not a like-for-like comparison. Cruise fares vary significantly by itinerary, departure date and cabin availability, so any price difference should be treated as a snapshot rather than a permanent gap.
Ship Comparison
| Spec | Aurora | Iona |
|---|---|---|
| Year Built | 2000 | 2020Newer |
| Gross Tonnage | 76,152 GT | 184,000 GT |
| Passenger Capacity | 1,878 | 5,206 |
| Space per Passenger | 40.5 GT | 35.3 GT |
| Length | 271 m | 344.5 m |
| Decks | — | — |
| Cabins | — | — |
Key Differences: Aurora vs Iona
Age
Iona was built in 2020, making it 20 years newer than Aurora, which was built in 2000.
Size
At 184,000 GT, Iona is approximately 142% larger by gross tonnage than Aurora at 76,152 GT.
Passenger capacity
Iona carries up to 5,206 passengers compared with 1,878 aboard Aurora, a difference of 3,328 passengers.
Passenger space
Aurora offers more space per passenger: 40.5 GT per guest, compared with 35.3 aboard Iona. A higher passenger space ratio generally means less crowding in public areas.
Compare Ports of Call
Upcoming Cruises & Prices
Aurora
Iona
Prices shown are starting fares and may change.
Which Ship Is Cheaper?
Aurora
Average
$0 / day
Iona
Average
$0 / day
Cruise prices vary by departure date, itinerary, cabin type and availability.
Which Ship Should You Choose?
Choose Aurora if…
- You prefer the ship with the lower passenger capacity.
- You value having more space per passenger (higher GT-per-guest ratio).
- You do not place as much importance on sailing on a newer ship than Iona.
Choose Iona if…
- You prefer the newer ship.
- You prefer the larger ship by gross tonnage.
- You do not mind sailing on a ship with a higher passenger capacity.
Aurora vs Iona: Final Comparison Summary
Newer
Iona
Built in 2020
20 years newer
Bigger
Iona
184,000 GT
142% larger by gross tonnage
Lower Price Per Day
Both ships are the same
- Iona is 20 years newer.
- Iona is 142% larger by gross tonnage.
- Iona carries 3,328 more passengers.
- Aurora offers more space per passenger (40.5 GT per guest).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is newer, Aurora or Iona?
Iona is newer. It was built in 2020, while Aurora was built in 2000, making Iona 20 years newer.
Which is bigger, Aurora or Iona?
Iona is larger by gross tonnage. It measures approximately 184,000 GT compared with Aurora at 76,152 GT.
Which ship carries more passengers?
Iona has a passenger capacity of approximately 5,206, compared with 1,878 for Aurora.
Which ship is more spacious, Aurora or Iona?
Aurora has the higher passenger space ratio at 40.5 GT per passenger, versus 35.3 for Iona. The ratio is gross tonnage divided by passenger capacity; a higher number means more ship space per guest.
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