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 Jade
Gross Tonnage
Explorer of the Seas
137,308 GT
Norwegian Jade
93,558 GT
Length
Explorer of the Seas
311 m
Norwegian Jade
294 m
Beam
Explorer of the Seas
48 m
Norwegian Jade
32 m
Passengers
Explorer of the Seas
3,114
Norwegian Jade
2,402
Crew
Explorer of the Seas
1,181
Norwegian Jade
1,037
Decks
Explorer of the Seas
—
Norwegian Jade
—
Year Built
Explorer of the Seas
2,000
Norwegian Jade
2,006
Space Ratio
Explorer of the Seas
44.1 GT/pax
Norwegian Jade
39.0 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Explorer of the Seas
2.64 :1
Norwegian Jade
2.32 :1
| Specification | Explorer of the Seas | Norwegian Jade |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Royal Caribbean International | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Class | Voyager Class | Jewel Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,000 | 2,006Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 137,308 GTWinner | 93,558 GT |
| Length | 311 mWinner | 294 m |
| Beam | 48 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,114Winner | 2,402 |
| Crew | 1,181Winner | 1,037 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 44.1 GT/paxWinner | 39.0 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.64:1 | 2.32:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Kvaerner Masa-Yards | Meyer Werft |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9161728 | 9304057 |
Explorer of the Seas is the significantly larger vessel at 137,308 GT — 47% more than Norwegian Jade's 93,558 GT. Explorer of the Seas offers more personal space with a space ratio of 44.1 GT per passenger versus 39.0. Built in 2006, Norwegian Jade is 6 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 Jade |
| Service | Norwegian Jade |
| 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 Jade
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 | 8.7 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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