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
Sylvia Earle
Gross Tonnage
Douglas Mawson
8,500 GT
Sylvia Earle
8,000 GT
Length
Douglas Mawson
105 m
Sylvia Earle
104 m
Beam
Douglas Mawson
18 m
Sylvia Earle
18 m
Passengers
Douglas Mawson
154
Sylvia Earle
132
Crew
Douglas Mawson
95
Sylvia Earle
85
Decks
Douglas Mawson
—
Sylvia Earle
—
Year Built
Douglas Mawson
2,025
Sylvia Earle
2,022
Space Ratio
Douglas Mawson
55.2 GT/pax
Sylvia Earle
60.6 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Douglas Mawson
1.62 :1
Sylvia Earle
1.55 :1
| Specification | Douglas Mawson | Sylvia Earle |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Aurora Expeditions | Aurora Expeditions |
| Class | Expedition | Expedition |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,025Winner | 2,022 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 8,500 GTWinner | 8,000 GT |
| Length | 105 mWinner | 104 m |
| Beam | 18 m | 18 m |
| Draft | ||
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 154Winner | 132 |
| Crew | 95Winner | 85 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 55.2 GT/pax | 60.6 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 1.62:1 | 1.55:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | China Merchants Heavy Industry | SunStone Ships |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9852577 | 9867868 |
Douglas Mawson is the larger vessel at 8,500 GT — 6% more than Sylvia Earle's 8,000 GT. Sylvia Earle offers more personal space with a space ratio of 60.6 GT per passenger versus 55.2. Built in 2025, Douglas Mawson is 3 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Douglas Mawson |
| Capacity | Douglas Mawson |
| Modernity | Douglas Mawson |
| Service | Sylvia Earle |
| Spaciousness | Sylvia Earle |
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
Sylvia Earle
61 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
1.6:1 passenger-crew ratio means exceptional service
Built in 2022 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Good range of onboard options
Free cancellation on most rooms
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4.4 m |
| Decks | — | — |
