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)
Balmoral
Borealis
Gross Tonnage
Balmoral
43,537 GT
Borealis
63,458 GT
Length
Balmoral
218 m
Borealis
238 m
Beam
Balmoral
28 m
Borealis
32 m
Passengers
Balmoral
1,325
Borealis
1,360
Crew
Balmoral
510
Borealis
615
Decks
Balmoral
—
Borealis
—
Year Built
Balmoral
1,988
Borealis
2,000
Space Ratio
Balmoral
32.9 GT/pax
Borealis
46.7 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Balmoral
2.60 :1
Borealis
2.21 :1
| Specification | Balmoral | Borealis |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines | Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines |
| Class | Classic | R Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,988 | 2,000Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 43,537 GT | 63,458 GTWinner |
| Length | 218 m | 238 mWinner |
| Beam | 28 m | 32 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 1,325 | 1,360Winner |
| Crew | 510 | 615Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 32.9 GT/pax | 46.7 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.60:1 | 2.21:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Meyer Werft | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 8506294 | 9192399 |
Borealis is the significantly larger vessel at 63,458 GT — 46% more than Balmoral's 43,537 GT. Borealis offers more personal space with a space ratio of 46.7 GT per passenger versus 32.9. Built in 2000, Borealis is 12 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Borealis |
| Capacity | Borealis |
| Modernity | Borealis |
| Service | Borealis |
| Spaciousness | Borealis |
Bottom line: Borealis wins more categories (5 vs 0), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Balmoral
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Good value for money
Good range of onboard options
Borealis
47 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Premium onboard experience
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 | — | 8.4 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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