Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated January 2026
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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)
EXPLORA II
Norwegian Jewel
Gross Tonnage
EXPLORA II
64,000 GT
Norwegian Jewel
93,502 GT
Length
EXPLORA II
248 m
Norwegian Jewel
294 m
Beam
EXPLORA II
32 m
Norwegian Jewel
32 m
Passengers
EXPLORA II
922
Norwegian Jewel
2,376
Crew
EXPLORA II
680
Norwegian Jewel
1,037
Decks
EXPLORA II
—
Norwegian Jewel
—
Year Built
EXPLORA II
2,024
Norwegian Jewel
2,005
Space Ratio
EXPLORA II
69.4 GT/pax
Norwegian Jewel
39.4 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
EXPLORA II
1.36 :1
Norwegian Jewel
2.29 :1
| Specification | EXPLORA II | Norwegian Jewel |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Explora Journeys | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Class | Explora Class | Jewel Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,024Winner | 2,005 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 64,000 GT | 93,502 GTWinner |
| Length | 248 m | 294 mWinner |
| Beam | 32 m | 32 m |
| Draft | ||
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 922 | 2,376Winner |
| Crew | 680 | 1,037Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 69.4 GT/paxWinner | 39.4 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 1.36:1Winner | 2.29:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Meyer Werft |
| Flag | Malta | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9879557 | 9245366 |
Norwegian Jewel is the significantly larger vessel at 93,502 GT — 46% more than EXPLORA II's 64,000 GT. EXPLORA II offers more personal space with a space ratio of 69.4 GT per passenger versus 39.4. Built in 2024, EXPLORA II is 19 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Norwegian Jewel |
| Capacity | Norwegian Jewel |
| Modernity | EXPLORA II |
| Service | EXPLORA II |
| Spaciousness | EXPLORA II |
Bottom line: EXPLORA II wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
EXPLORA II
69 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
1.4:1 passenger-crew ratio means exceptional service
Built in 2024 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Good range of onboard options
Norwegian Jewel
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Good value for money
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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8.6 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
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