Leaves in 15 days7 Night Iconic Western Mediterranean
Viking Ocean • Viking Neptune
Sep 26, 2026 · 7 nights
Mediterranean
$4,899/person$700/night
View Deal →Balmoral vs Viking Neptune
Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated February 2026
Viking Neptune is the larger vessel at 47,800 GT, 10% more than Balmoral's 43,537 GT. Viking Neptune offers more personal space with a space ratio of 51.4 GT per passenger versus 32.9. Built in 2022, Viking Neptune is 34 years newer, an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
Score: 2 – 5
Quick Compare
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Category
Balmoral
Viking Neptune
Size
43,537 GT
47,800 GT
Passengers
1,325
930
Year Built
1988
2022
Crew Ratio
1:2.6
1:1.7
Space Ratio
32.9
51.4
Decks
—
—
Length
218m
229m
From Price
—
$4,899/pp
Comparison Verdict
Viking Neptune is the larger vessel at 47,800 GT, 10% more than Balmoral's 43,537 GT. Viking Neptune offers more personal space with a space ratio of 51.4 GT per passenger versus 32.9. Built in 2022, Viking Neptune is 34 years newer, an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Viking Neptune |
| Capacity | Balmoral |
| Modernity | Viking Neptune |
| Service | Viking Neptune |
| Spaciousness | Viking Neptune |
| Decks | Tie |
| Length | Viking Neptune |
| Fleet Power | Balmoral |
Bottom line: Viking Neptune leads 5–2 across our categories, strongest in Size. Choose Viking Neptune for overall superiority; pick Balmoral if Capacity matter more to you.
Which Ship Is Right for You?
Choose Viking Neptune if...
- You want the newer ship (built 2022, 34yr newer)
- Size matters to you (47,800 GT)
- Better service ratio (1.7:1 crew ratio)
- More space per guest (51.4 GT/pax)
You've compared the ships. Now see what they cost.
See Current Prices
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Sailing Prices
| Balmoral | Viking Neptune | |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest | — | $4,899 pp |
| Departing | — | Sep 26 |
| Duration | — | 7 nights |
| View Deal |
Prices from Cruisebound. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Deep Dive
Upcoming Sailings
Upcoming Sailings on Viking Neptune
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Frequently Asked Questions
How is the comparison score calculated?
We compute scores across 8 categories using real spec data: gross tonnage, passenger capacity, crew capacity, year built, length, deck count, space ratio, and fleet power. Each category awards one point to the winning ship.
What is the space ratio and why does it matter?
Space ratio is gross tonnage divided by passenger capacity. A higher number means more space per guest. Luxury lines typically score above 40; mass-market ships often fall in the 30-40 range.
What does the passenger-to-crew ratio mean?
Passengers per crew member. Lower is better, more staff per guest means better service. Luxury lines aim below 2:1; large mainstream ships may be 3-4:1.
Are the prices shown accurate?
Prices are sourced from Cruisebound and reflect real-time availability. They may change based on cabin type, date, and demand. Click through to see the latest fares.
Can I compare more than two ships?
Yes, up to four ships. Use the search tool on the compare hub page to add additional ships.
How current is the ship data?
Specifications come from our database of 380+ vessels, revalidated every 5 minutes via ISR. The "Updated" timestamp shows when records were last modified.
