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
Sea Cloud Spirit
Gross Tonnage
Douglas Mawson
8,500 GT
Sea Cloud Spirit
6,600 GT
Length
Douglas Mawson
105 m
Sea Cloud Spirit
138 m
Beam
Douglas Mawson
18 m
Sea Cloud Spirit
17 m
Passengers
Douglas Mawson
154
Sea Cloud Spirit
136
Crew
Douglas Mawson
95
Sea Cloud Spirit
85
Decks
Douglas Mawson
—
Sea Cloud Spirit
—
Year Built
Douglas Mawson
2,025
Sea Cloud Spirit
2,021
Space Ratio
Douglas Mawson
55.2 GT/pax
Sea Cloud Spirit
48.5 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Douglas Mawson
1.62 :1
Sea Cloud Spirit
1.60 :1
| Specification | Douglas Mawson | Sea Cloud Spirit |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Aurora Expeditions | Sea Cloud Cruises |
| Class | Expedition | Windjammer |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,025Winner | 2,021 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 8,500 GTWinner | 6,600 GT |
| Length | 105 m | 138 mWinner |
| Beam | 18 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 154Winner | 136 |
| Crew | 95Winner | 85 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 55.2 GT/paxWinner | 48.5 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 1.62:1 | 1.60:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | China Merchants Heavy Industry | Metalships & Docks |
| Flag | Bahamas | Malta |
| IMO Number | 9852577 | 9868102 |
Douglas Mawson is the significantly larger vessel at 8,500 GT — 29% more than Sea Cloud Spirit's 6,600 GT. Douglas Mawson offers more personal space with a space ratio of 55.2 GT per passenger versus 48.5. Built in 2025, Douglas Mawson is 4 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Sea Cloud Spirit |
| Capacity | Douglas Mawson |
| Modernity | Douglas Mawson |
| Service | Sea Cloud Spirit |
| 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
Sea Cloud Spirit
49 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
1.6:1 passenger-crew ratio means exceptional service
Built in 2021 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Good range of onboard options
Free cancellation on most rooms
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17 m |
| Draft | 5.2 m | — |
| Decks | — | — |
