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
National Geographic Explorer
Gross Tonnage
Douglas Mawson
8,500 GT
National Geographic Explorer
6,471 GT
Length
Douglas Mawson
105 m
National Geographic Explorer
108 m
Beam
Douglas Mawson
18 m
National Geographic Explorer
16 m
Passengers
Douglas Mawson
154
National Geographic Explorer
148
Crew
Douglas Mawson
95
National Geographic Explorer
85
Decks
Douglas Mawson
—
National Geographic Explorer
—
Year Built
Douglas Mawson
2,025
National Geographic Explorer
1,982
Space Ratio
Douglas Mawson
55.2 GT/pax
National Geographic Explorer
43.7 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Douglas Mawson
1.62 :1
National Geographic Explorer
1.74 :1
| Specification | Douglas Mawson | National Geographic Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Aurora Expeditions | Lindblad Expeditions |
| Class | Expedition | Expedition |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,025Winner | 1,982 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 8,500 GTWinner | 6,471 GT |
| Length | 105 m | 108 mWinner |
| Beam | 18 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 154Winner | 148 |
| Crew | 95Winner | 85 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 55.2 GT/paxWinner | 43.7 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 1.62:1Winner | 1.74:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | China Merchants Heavy Industry | Ulstein Hatlo |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9852577 | 9005829 |
Douglas Mawson is the significantly larger vessel at 8,500 GT — 31% more than National Geographic Explorer's 6,471 GT. Douglas Mawson offers more personal space with a space ratio of 55.2 GT per passenger versus 43.7. Built in 2025, Douglas Mawson is 43 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | National Geographic Explorer |
| Capacity | Douglas Mawson |
| Modernity | Douglas Mawson |
| Service | Douglas Mawson |
| Spaciousness | Douglas Mawson |
Bottom line: Douglas Mawson wins more categories (4 vs 1), 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
National Geographic Explorer
44 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
1.7:1 passenger-crew ratio means exceptional service
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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16 m |
| Draft | 5.2 mWinner | 4 m |
| Decks | — | — |
