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)
Douglas Mawson
MS Narvik
Gross Tonnage
Douglas Mawson
8,500 GT
MS Narvik
6,257 GT
Length
Douglas Mawson
105 m
MS Narvik
108 m
Beam
Douglas Mawson
18 m
MS Narvik
17 m
Passengers
Douglas Mawson
154
MS Narvik
622
Crew
Douglas Mawson
95
MS Narvik
50
Decks
Douglas Mawson
—
MS Narvik
—
Year Built
Douglas Mawson
2,025
MS Narvik
1,982
Space Ratio
Douglas Mawson
55.2 GT/pax
MS Narvik
10.1 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Douglas Mawson
1.62 :1
MS Narvik
12.44 :1
| Specification | Douglas Mawson | MS Narvik |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Aurora Expeditions | Hurtigruten Expeditions |
| Class | Expedition | Coastal |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,025Winner | 1,982 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 8,500 GTWinner | 6,257 GT |
| Length | 105 m | 108 mWinner |
| Beam | 18 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 154 | 622Winner |
| Crew | 95Winner | 50 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 55.2 GT/paxWinner | 10.1 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 1.62:1Winner | 12.44:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | China Merchants Heavy Industry | Kaarbos Mek |
| Flag | Bahamas | Norway |
| IMO Number | 9852577 | 8019370 |
Douglas Mawson is the significantly larger vessel at 8,500 GT — 36% more than MS Narvik's 6,257 GT. Douglas Mawson offers more personal space with a space ratio of 55.2 GT per passenger versus 10.1. Built in 2025, Douglas Mawson is 43 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | MS Narvik |
| Capacity | MS Narvik |
| Modernity | Douglas Mawson |
| Service | Douglas Mawson |
| Spaciousness | Douglas Mawson |
Bottom line: Douglas Mawson wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Douglas Mawson
55 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
1.6:1 passenger-crew ratio means exceptional service
Built in 2025 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Good range of onboard options
MS Narvik
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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17 m |
| Draft | 5.2 mWinner | 4.8 m |
| Decks | — | — |
