Princess Cruises Sapphire Princess

The year of the ship's most recent major refit or renovation.

A measure of a ship's enclosed volume, not its weight. Higher usually means more decks, space and amenities.

Overall length of the hull from bow to stern.

The ship's width at its widest point. A wider hull is steadier but limits which ports and canals it can use.

Total number of decks, including crew-only and service decks.

Cruising speed in knots (nautical miles per hour). One knot is about 1.15 mph.

Guests per crew member. Lower means more staff per passenger, which usually means more attentive service.

Whether the ship has cabins built for solo travellers (often without a single supplement).

The maximum number of guests the ship can carry at full occupancy.

Gross tonnage divided by passenger capacity — a rough 'spaciousness' gauge. Higher means more room per guest.

The currency used for onboard purchases and billing.

The standard service charge automatically added per guest, per day, on top of the fare.

The automatic gratuity percentage added to bar tabs and paid services.

The ship's unique radio identifier used in maritime communications.

A permanent 7-digit ID assigned to the hull for life, even if the ship is later renamed or sold.

A 9-digit radio ID broadcast by the ship's transponder for tracking and communications.

The ship's legal home port and country of registration — its 'flag'.