Le Boréal vs MS Nordlys
Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated January 2026
Le Boréal offers more personal space with a space ratio of 41.5 GT per passenger versus 23.4. Built in 2010, Le Boréal is 16 years newer, an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Le Boréal edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 1.9:1, meaning more crew per guest.
Score: 5 – 2
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Comparison Verdict
Le Boréal offers more personal space with a space ratio of 41.5 GT per passenger versus 23.4. Built in 2010, Le Boréal is 16 years newer, an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Le Boréal edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 1.9:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Le Boréal |
| Capacity | MS Nordlys |
| Modernity | Le Boréal |
| Service | Le Boréal |
| Spaciousness | Le Boréal |
| Decks | Tie |
| Length | Le Boréal |
| Fleet Power | MS Nordlys |
Bottom line: Le Boréal leads 5–2 across our categories, strongest in Size. Choose Le Boréal for overall superiority; pick MS Nordlys if its strengths matter more to you.
Which Ship Is Right for You?
Choose Le Boréal if...
- You want the newer ship (built 2010, 16yr newer)
- Better service ratio (1.9:1 crew ratio)
- More space per guest (41.5 GT/pax)
Choose MS Nordlys if...
- Size matters to you (11,200 GT)
- More onboard variety (479 guests)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How is the comparison score calculated?
We compute scores across 8 categories using real spec data: gross tonnage, passenger capacity, crew capacity, year built, length, deck count, space ratio, and fleet power. Each category awards one point to the winning ship.
What is the space ratio and why does it matter?
Space ratio is gross tonnage divided by passenger capacity. A higher number means more space per guest. Luxury lines typically score above 40; mass-market ships often fall in the 30-40 range.
What does the passenger-to-crew ratio mean?
Passengers per crew member. Lower is better, more staff per guest means better service. Luxury lines aim below 2:1; large mainstream ships may be 3-4:1.
Are the prices shown accurate?
Prices are sourced from Cruisebound and reflect real-time availability. They may change based on cabin type, date, and demand. Click through to see the latest fares.
Can I compare more than two ships?
Yes, up to four ships. Use the search tool on the compare hub page to add additional ships.
How current is the ship data?
Specifications come from our database of 380+ vessels, revalidated every 5 minutes via ISR. The "Updated" timestamp shows when records were last modified.
