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 Melody
National Geographic Quest
Gross Tonnage
American Melody
3,527 GT
National Geographic Quest
3,135 GT
Length
American Melody
100 m
National Geographic Quest
73 m
Beam
American Melody
14 m
National Geographic Quest
14 m
Passengers
American Melody
190
National Geographic Quest
100
Crew
American Melody
72
National Geographic Quest
52
Decks
American Melody
—
National Geographic Quest
—
Year Built
American Melody
2,021
National Geographic Quest
2,017
Space Ratio
American Melody
18.6 GT/pax
National Geographic Quest
31.4 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
American Melody
2.64 :1
National Geographic Quest
1.92 :1
| Specification | American Melody | National Geographic Quest |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | American Cruise Lines | Lindblad Expeditions |
| Class | Modern Riverboat | Expedition |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,021Winner | 2,017 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 3,527 GTWinner | 3,135 GT |
| Length | 100 mWinner | 73 m |
| Beam | 14 m | 14 m |
| Draft | ||
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 190Winner | 100 |
| Crew | 72Winner | 52 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 18.6 GT/pax | 31.4 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.64:1 | 1.92:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Chesapeake Shipbuilding | Nichols Brothers |
| Flag | United States | United States |
| IMO Number | 9876543 | 9712058 |
American Melody
Good value for money
Built in 2021 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Good range of onboard options
Comfortable atmosphere for two
National Geographic Quest
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Built in 2017 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
1.9:1 passenger-crew ratio means exceptional service
Good value for money
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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