Magellan vs Balmoral
Compare ship age, size, passenger capacity, itineraries and upcoming cruise prices.
Magellan
Cruise & Maritime Voyages
Check prices on CruiseDirect
Balmoral
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Check prices on CruiseDirectNewer Ship
Balmoral
Built in 1988
3 years newer
Lower Price Per Day
Both ships are the same
More Spacious Ship
Magellan
36.8 GT per guest
Gross tonnage divided by passenger capacity
Magellan vs Balmoral: Quick Comparison
Balmoral is the newer ship in this comparison. Built in 1988, it is 3 years newer than Magellan, which entered service in 1985. Magellan is approximately 6% larger by gross tonnage at 46,052 GT. Balmoral also carries 59 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 | Magellan | Balmoral |
|---|---|---|
| Year Built | 1985 | 1988Newer |
| Gross Tonnage | 46,052 GT | 43,537 GT |
| Passenger Capacity | 1,250 | 1,309 |
| Space per Passenger | 36.8 GT | 33.3 GT |
| Length | 221.57 m | 217.91 m |
| Decks | — | — |
| Cabins | — | — |
Key Differences: Magellan vs Balmoral
Age
Balmoral was built in 1988, making it 3 years newer than Magellan, which was built in 1985.
Size
At 46,052 GT, Magellan is approximately 6% larger by gross tonnage than Balmoral at 43,537 GT.
Passenger capacity
Balmoral carries up to 1,309 passengers compared with 1,250 aboard Magellan, a difference of 59 passengers.
Passenger space
Magellan offers more space per passenger: 36.8 GT per guest, compared with 33.3 aboard Balmoral. A higher passenger space ratio generally means less crowding in public areas.
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Upcoming Cruises & Prices
Magellan
Balmoral
Prices shown are starting fares and may change.
Which Ship Is Cheaper?
Magellan
Average
$0 / day
Balmoral
Average
$0 / day
Cruise prices vary by departure date, itinerary, cabin type and availability.
Which Ship Should You Choose?
Choose Magellan if…
- You prefer the larger ship by gross tonnage.
- 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 do not mind sailing on a ship with a higher passenger capacity.
Magellan vs Balmoral: Final Comparison Summary
Newer
Balmoral
Built in 1988
3 years newer
Bigger
Magellan
46,052 GT
6% larger by gross tonnage
Lower Price Per Day
Both ships are the same
- Balmoral is 3 years newer.
- Magellan is 6% larger by gross tonnage.
- Balmoral carries 59 more passengers.
- Magellan offers more space per passenger (36.8 GT per guest).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is newer, Magellan or Balmoral?
Balmoral is newer. It was built in 1988, while Magellan was built in 1985, making Balmoral 3 years newer.
Which is bigger, Magellan or Balmoral?
Magellan is larger by gross tonnage. It measures approximately 46,052 GT compared with Balmoral at 43,537 GT.
Which ship carries more passengers?
Balmoral has a passenger capacity of approximately 1,309, compared with 1,250 for Magellan.
Which ship is more spacious, Magellan or Balmoral?
Magellan has the higher passenger space ratio at 36.8 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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Magellan
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Balmoral
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines