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)
Douglas Mawson
MS Nordlys
Gross Tonnage
Douglas Mawson
8,500 GT
MS Nordlys
11,200 GT
Length
Douglas Mawson
105 m
MS Nordlys
123 m
Beam
Douglas Mawson
18 m
MS Nordlys
19 m
Passengers
Douglas Mawson
154
MS Nordlys
479
Crew
Douglas Mawson
95
MS Nordlys
57
Decks
Douglas Mawson
—
MS Nordlys
—
Year Built
Douglas Mawson
2,025
MS Nordlys
1,994
Space Ratio
Douglas Mawson
55.2 GT/pax
MS Nordlys
23.4 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Douglas Mawson
1.62 :1
MS Nordlys
8.40 :1
| Specification | Douglas Mawson | MS Nordlys |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Aurora Expeditions | Hurtigruten Expeditions |
| Class | Expedition | Coastal |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,025Winner | 1,994 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 8,500 GT | 11,200 GTWinner |
| Length | 105 m | 123 mWinner |
| Beam | 18 m | 19 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 154 | 479Winner |
| Crew | 95Winner | 57 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 55.2 GT/paxWinner | 23.4 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 1.62:1Winner | 8.40:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | China Merchants Heavy Industry | Ulstein Hatlo |
| Flag | Bahamas | Norway |
| IMO Number | 9852577 | 9107784 |
MS Nordlys is the significantly larger vessel at 11,200 GT — 32% more than Douglas Mawson's 8,500 GT. Douglas Mawson offers more personal space with a space ratio of 55.2 GT per passenger versus 23.4. Built in 2025, Douglas Mawson is 31 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | MS Nordlys |
| Capacity | MS Nordlys |
| 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 Nordlys
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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| Draft | 5.2 m | — |
| Decks | — | — |
