If you want more room to relax on your next cruise, check the PSR

The higher a ship’s passenger-space ratio is, the greater your chance is of scoring a poolside sun lounger.

No one likes to queue and no one likes crowds, especially when we’re on holidays. One of life’s luxuries is space, but how can it be assured on a cruise ship?

It’s not as simple as checking the maximum number of passengers a vessel holds. It’s all about the passenger-space ratio (PSR), which is calculated by dividing a ship’s gross registered tonnage by passenger numbers. The higher the score, the roomier the ship. It’s something luxury cruise operators factor highly in their design; their PSRs are generally in the 60s and 70s while mass-market vessels generally score from 20s to 40s.

“Passenger-space ratio is a great way to measure the spaciousness and comfort of a cruise experience and it’s something we take seriously,” says Seabourn’s Gerald Mosslinger.

“Our ships are purposefully designed with one of the highest space-to-guest ratios in the industry, (the ships) never feel crowded. The generous space allocation ensures all our oceanfront suites are spacious and well-appointed and our public areas are expansive enough for our guests to enjoy comfortably without crowding.”

It’s always good to know there’s no need to fight for that poolside sun lounger every morning, nor worry about getting a table at your favourite on-board restaurant.

Seabourn’s ships are purposefully designed with one of the highest space-to-guest ratios in the industry. Picture: Supplied.

Mosslinger says that beyond the physical space, it also means a highly personalised level of service.

“Our crew-to-guest ratio allows for intuitive, thoughtful service that makes every journey feel effortless and seamless,” he says.

More room to move is a growing trend in cruising.

Seabourn says the generous space allocation ensures all of their oceanfront suites are spacious and well-appointed. Picture: Supplied.

According to Norwegian Cruise Lines’ Ben Angell, NCL is continuing to prioritise space and comfort in ship designs, ensuring guests have more room to explore.

“The introduction of our Prima Plus Class, including Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna, is a testament to this,” says Angell. “These ships are 10 per cent larger than their Prima Class counterparts, offering guests more space to explore and enjoy while maintaining our focus on comfort and service.”

More space on-board NCL ships means expanded lounge seating, an infinity-edge pool with day beds on the main pool deck, and reimagined social and entertainment spaces such as the relocated Metropolitan Bar.

Explora III, set to launch in 2026, will offer more space than ever before. Picture: Supplied.

“We anticipate ship design will continue evolving to offer even more space per guest, aligning with growing demand for premium and personalised experiences at sea,” says Angell.

Meanwhile a relative newcomer in the luxury cruising sector, Explora Journeys, recently announced its third vessel, Explora III, set to launch in 2026, will offer more space than ever before. The ship’s PSR will be one of the highest, with expanded outdoor public spaces offering 18.7 sqm of public space per guest – more than enough elbow room. 

There will be 463 Ocean Suites, Penthouses and Residences, slightly more than on sister ships Explora I and Explora II (each with 461 suites), both of which already offer an experience akin to being on a private yacht, with four pools to loll by. And no need to share a whirlpool with strangers. Numerous hot tubs on the decks offer a sunset view for one or two.

Originally published as If you want more room to relax on your next cruise, check the PSR