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 Star
MS Nordstjernen
Gross Tonnage
American Star
1,600 GT
MS Nordstjernen
2,191 GT
Length
American Star
53 m
MS Nordstjernen
87 m
Beam
American Star
12 m
MS Nordstjernen
13 m
Passengers
American Star
100
MS Nordstjernen
144
Crew
American Star
35
MS Nordstjernen
50
Decks
American Star
—
MS Nordstjernen
—
Year Built
American Star
2,007
MS Nordstjernen
1,956
Space Ratio
American Star
16.0 GT/pax
MS Nordstjernen
15.2 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
American Star
2.86 :1
MS Nordstjernen
2.88 :1
| Specification | American Star | MS Nordstjernen |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | American Cruise Lines | Hurtigruten Expeditions |
| Class | Coastal | Classic |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,007Winner | 1,956 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 1,600 GT | 2,191 GTWinner |
| Length | 53 m | 87 mWinner |
| Beam | 12 m | 13 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 100 | 144Winner |
| Crew | 35 | 50Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 16.0 GT/paxWinner | 15.2 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.86:1Winner | 2.88:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Chesapeake Shipbuilding | Blohm+Voss |
| Flag | United States | Norway |
| IMO Number | 9851488 | 8019371 |
American Star
Good value for money
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Premium onboard experience
MS Nordstjernen
Good value for money
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Premium onboard experience
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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| Draft | — | — |
| Decks | — | — |
