Side-by-side cruise ship comparison ยท Updated January 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)
Explorer of the Seas
Navigator of the Seas
Gross Tonnage
Explorer of the Seas
137,308 GT
Navigator of the Seas
139,999 GT
Length
Explorer of the Seas
311 m
Navigator of the Seas
311 m
Beam
Explorer of the Seas
48 m
Navigator of the Seas
48 m
Passengers
Explorer of the Seas
3,114
Navigator of the Seas
3,807
Crew
Explorer of the Seas
1,181
Navigator of the Seas
1,181
Decks
Explorer of the Seas
โ
Navigator of the Seas
โ
Year Built
Explorer of the Seas
2,000
Navigator of the Seas
2,002
Space Ratio
Explorer of the Seas
44.1 GT/pax
Navigator of the Seas
36.8 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Explorer of the Seas
2.64 :1
Navigator of the Seas
3.22 :1
| Specification | Explorer of the Seas | Navigator of the Seas |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Royal Caribbean International | Royal Caribbean International |
| Class | Voyager Class | Voyager Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,000 | 2,002Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 137,308 GT | 139,999 GTWinner |
| Length | 311 m | 311 m |
| Beam | 48 m | 48 m |
| Draft | 9.1 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,114 | 3,807Winner |
| Crew | 1,181 | 1,181 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 44.1 GT/paxWinner | 36.8 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.64:1Winner | 3.22:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Kvaerner Masa-Yards | Kvaerner Masa-Yards |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9161728 | 9227508 |
Explorer of the Seas offers more personal space with a space ratio of 44.1 GT per passenger versus 36.8. Built in 2002, Navigator of the Seas is 2 years newer โ an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Explorer of the Seas edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.6:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Navigator of the Seas |
| Capacity | Navigator of the Seas |
| Modernity | Navigator of the Seas |
| Service | Explorer of the Seas |
| Spaciousness | Explorer of the Seas |
Bottom line: Navigator of the Seas wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Explorer of the Seas
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Large 3,114-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
3,114 passengers means tons of activities
44 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Navigator of the Seas
Large 3,807-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
3,807 passengers means tons of activities
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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9 m |
| Decks | โ | โ |