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)
Explorer of the Seas
Norwegian Gem
Gross Tonnage
Explorer of the Seas
137,308 GT
Norwegian Gem
93,530 GT
Length
Explorer of the Seas
311 m
Norwegian Gem
294 m
Beam
Explorer of the Seas
48 m
Norwegian Gem
32 m
Passengers
Explorer of the Seas
3,114
Norwegian Gem
2,394
Crew
Explorer of the Seas
1,181
Norwegian Gem
1,037
Decks
Explorer of the Seas
—
Norwegian Gem
—
Year Built
Explorer of the Seas
2,000
Norwegian Gem
2,007
Space Ratio
Explorer of the Seas
44.1 GT/pax
Norwegian Gem
39.1 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Explorer of the Seas
2.64 :1
Norwegian Gem
2.31 :1
| Specification | Explorer of the Seas | Norwegian Gem |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Royal Caribbean International | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Class | Voyager Class | Jewel Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,000 | 2,007Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 137,308 GTWinner | 93,530 GT |
| Length | 311 mWinner | 294 m |
| Beam | 48 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,114Winner | 2,394 |
| Crew | 1,181Winner | 1,037 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 44.1 GT/paxWinner | 39.1 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.64:1 | 2.31:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Kvaerner Masa-Yards | Meyer Werft |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9161728 | 9355733 |
Explorer of the Seas is the significantly larger vessel at 137,308 GT — 47% more than Norwegian Gem's 93,530 GT. Explorer of the Seas offers more personal space with a space ratio of 44.1 GT per passenger versus 39.1. Built in 2007, Norwegian Gem is 7 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Explorer of the Seas |
| Capacity | Explorer of the Seas |
| Modernity | Norwegian Gem |
| Service | Norwegian Gem |
| Spaciousness | Explorer of the Seas |
Bottom line: Explorer 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
Norwegian Gem
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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32 m |
| Draft | 9.1 mWinner | 8.6 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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