Black Watch vs Balmoral
Compare ship age, size, passenger capacity, itineraries and upcoming cruise prices.
Newer Ship
Balmoral
Built in 1988
16 years newer
Lower Price Per Day
Both ships are the same
More Spacious Ship
Black Watch
53.1 GT per guest
Gross tonnage divided by passenger capacity
Black Watch vs Balmoral: Quick Comparison
Balmoral is the newer ship in this comparison. Built in 1988, it is 16 years newer than Black Watch, which entered service in 1972. Balmoral is approximately 52% larger by gross tonnage at 43,537 GT. Balmoral also carries 770 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 | Black Watch | Balmoral |
|---|---|---|
| Year Built | 1972 | 1988Newer |
| Gross Tonnage | 28,613 GT | 43,537 GT |
| Passenger Capacity | 539 | 1,309 |
| Space per Passenger | 53.1 GT | 33.3 GT |
| Length | 205.47 m | 217.91 m |
| Decks | — | — |
| Cabins | — | — |
Key Differences: Black Watch vs Balmoral
Age
Balmoral was built in 1988, making it 16 years newer than Black Watch, which was built in 1972.
Size
At 43,537 GT, Balmoral is approximately 52% larger by gross tonnage than Black Watch at 28,613 GT.
Passenger capacity
Balmoral carries up to 1,309 passengers compared with 539 aboard Black Watch, a difference of 770 passengers.
Passenger space
Black Watch offers more space per passenger: 53.1 GT per guest, compared with 33.3 aboard Balmoral. A higher passenger space ratio generally means less crowding in public areas.
Compare Ports of Call
Upcoming Cruises & Prices
Black Watch
Balmoral
Prices shown are starting fares and may change.
Which Ship Is Cheaper?
Black Watch
Average
$0 / day
Balmoral
Average
$0 / day
Cruise prices vary by departure date, itinerary, cabin type and availability.
Which Ship Should You Choose?
Choose Black Watch 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 Balmoral.
Choose Balmoral 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.
Black Watch vs Balmoral: Final Comparison Summary
Newer
Balmoral
Built in 1988
16 years newer
Bigger
Balmoral
43,537 GT
52% larger by gross tonnage
Lower Price Per Day
Both ships are the same
- Balmoral is 16 years newer.
- Balmoral is 52% larger by gross tonnage.
- Balmoral carries 770 more passengers.
- Black Watch offers more space per passenger (53.1 GT per guest).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is newer, Black Watch or Balmoral?
Balmoral is newer. It was built in 1988, while Black Watch was built in 1972, making Balmoral 16 years newer.
Which is bigger, Black Watch or Balmoral?
Balmoral is larger by gross tonnage. It measures approximately 43,537 GT compared with Black Watch at 28,613 GT.
Which ship carries more passengers?
Balmoral has a passenger capacity of approximately 1,309, compared with 539 for Black Watch.
Which ship is more spacious, Black Watch or Balmoral?
Black Watch has the higher passenger space ratio at 53.1 GT per passenger, versus 33.3 for Balmoral. The ratio is gross tonnage divided by passenger capacity; a higher number means more ship space per guest.
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