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
World Odyssey
Gross Tonnage
Douglas Mawson
8,500 GT
World Odyssey
9,300 GT
Length
Douglas Mawson
105 m
World Odyssey
126 m
Beam
Douglas Mawson
18 m
World Odyssey
19 m
Passengers
Douglas Mawson
154
World Odyssey
200
Crew
Douglas Mawson
95
World Odyssey
120
Decks
Douglas Mawson
—
World Odyssey
—
Year Built
Douglas Mawson
2,025
World Odyssey
2,023
Space Ratio
Douglas Mawson
55.2 GT/pax
World Odyssey
46.5 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Douglas Mawson
1.62 :1
World Odyssey
1.67 :1
| Specification | Douglas Mawson | World Odyssey |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Aurora Expeditions | nicko cruises |
| Class | Expedition | Expedition |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,025Winner | 2,023 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 8,500 GT | 9,300 GTWinner |
| Length | 105 m | 126 mWinner |
| Beam | 18 m | 19 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 154 | 200Winner |
| Crew | 95 | 120Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 55.2 GT/paxWinner | 46.5 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 1.62:1Winner | 1.67:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | China Merchants Heavy Industry | WestSea |
| Flag | Bahamas | Portugal |
| IMO Number | 9852577 | 9887080 |
World Odyssey is the larger vessel at 9,300 GT — 9% 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 46.5. Built in 2025, Douglas Mawson is 2 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | World Odyssey |
| Capacity | World Odyssey |
| 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
World Odyssey
47 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
1.7:1 passenger-crew ratio means exceptional service
Built in 2023 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Good range of onboard options
Free cancellation on most rooms
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| Draft | 5.2 m | 8.5 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
