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)
Golden Horizon
MS Nordlys
Gross Tonnage
Golden Horizon
8,770 GT
MS Nordlys
11,200 GT
Length
Golden Horizon
162 m
MS Nordlys
123 m
Beam
Golden Horizon
18.5 m
MS Nordlys
19 m
Passengers
Golden Horizon
276
MS Nordlys
479
Crew
Golden Horizon
160
MS Nordlys
57
Decks
Golden Horizon
5
MS Nordlys
—
Year Built
Golden Horizon
2,021
MS Nordlys
1,994
Space Ratio
Golden Horizon
31.8 GT/pax
MS Nordlys
23.4 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Golden Horizon
1.73 :1
MS Nordlys
8.40 :1
| Specification | Golden Horizon | MS Nordlys |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Tradewind Voyages | Hurtigruten Expeditions |
| Class | Sailing Vessel | Coastal |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,021Winner | 1,994 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 8,770 GT | 11,200 GTWinner |
| Length | 162 mWinner | 123 m |
| Beam | 18.5 m | 19 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 276 | 479Winner |
| Crew | 160Winner | 57 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 31.8 GT/paxWinner | 23.4 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 1.73:1Winner | 8.40:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Brodosplit | Ulstein Hatlo |
| Flag | United Kingdom | Norway |
| IMO Number | 8000214 | 9107784 |
Golden Horizon
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Built in 2021 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
1.7:1 passenger-crew ratio means exceptional service
Good value for money
MS Nordlys
Good value for money
Premium onboard experience
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
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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| Draft | — | — |
| Decks | 5 | — |
