Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated February 2026
across 5 categories
Size
Based on gross tonnage and length
Capacity
Based on passengers and crew
Modernity
Based on year built
Service
Based on passenger-to-crew ratio (lower is better)
Spaciousness
Based on gross tonnage per passenger (higher is better)
American Countess
MS Nordlys
Gross Tonnage
American Countess
2,600 GT
MS Nordlys
11,200 GT
Length
American Countess
74 m
MS Nordlys
123 m
Beam
American Countess
18 m
MS Nordlys
19 m
Passengers
American Countess
245
MS Nordlys
479
Crew
American Countess
90
MS Nordlys
57
Decks
American Countess
—
MS Nordlys
—
Year Built
American Countess
2,020
MS Nordlys
1,994
Space Ratio
American Countess
10.6 GT/pax
MS Nordlys
23.4 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
American Countess
2.72 :1
MS Nordlys
8.40 :1
| Specification | American Countess | MS Nordlys |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | American Queen Voyages | Hurtigruten Expeditions |
| Class | Coastal | Coastal |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,020Winner | 1,994 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 2,600 GT | 11,200 GTWinner |
| Length | 74 m | 123 mWinner |
| Beam | 18 m | 19 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 245 | 479Winner |
| Crew | 90Winner | 57 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 10.6 GT/pax | 23.4 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.72:1Winner | 8.40:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Gulf Island Fabrication | Ulstein Hatlo |
| Flag | United States | Norway |
| IMO Number | 7214070 | 9107784 |
American Countess
Good value for money
Built in 2020 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Good range of onboard options
Comfortable atmosphere for two
MS Nordlys
Good value for money
Premium onboard experience
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Good range of onboard options
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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| Draft | 7.4 m | — |
| Decks | — | — |
