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
National Geographic Explorer
Gross Tonnage
Golden Horizon
8,770 GT
National Geographic Explorer
6,471 GT
Length
Golden Horizon
162 m
National Geographic Explorer
108 m
Beam
Golden Horizon
18.5 m
National Geographic Explorer
16 m
Passengers
Golden Horizon
276
National Geographic Explorer
148
Crew
Golden Horizon
160
National Geographic Explorer
85
Decks
Golden Horizon
5
National Geographic Explorer
—
Year Built
Golden Horizon
2,021
National Geographic Explorer
1,982
Space Ratio
Golden Horizon
31.8 GT/pax
National Geographic Explorer
43.7 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Golden Horizon
1.73 :1
National Geographic Explorer
1.74 :1
| Specification | Golden Horizon | National Geographic Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Tradewind Voyages | Lindblad Expeditions |
| Class | Sailing Vessel | Expedition |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,021Winner | 1,982 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 8,770 GTWinner | 6,471 GT |
| Length | 162 mWinner | 108 m |
| Beam | 18.5 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 276Winner | 148 |
| Crew | 160Winner | 85 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 31.8 GT/pax | 43.7 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 1.73:1Winner | 1.74:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Brodosplit | Ulstein Hatlo |
| Flag | United Kingdom | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 8000214 | 9005829 |
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
National Geographic Explorer
44 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
1.7:1 passenger-crew ratio means exceptional service
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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16 m |
| Draft | — | 4 m |
| Decks | 5 | — |
