Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated January 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)
MS Fridtjof Nansen
MS Otto Sverdrup
Gross Tonnage
MS Fridtjof Nansen
20,889 GT
MS Otto Sverdrup
15,690 GT
Length
MS Fridtjof Nansen
140 m
MS Otto Sverdrup
138 m
Beam
MS Fridtjof Nansen
23 m
MS Otto Sverdrup
21 m
Passengers
MS Fridtjof Nansen
530
MS Otto Sverdrup
500
Crew
MS Fridtjof Nansen
151
MS Otto Sverdrup
110
Decks
MS Fridtjof Nansen
—
MS Otto Sverdrup
—
Year Built
MS Fridtjof Nansen
2,020
MS Otto Sverdrup
2,003
Space Ratio
MS Fridtjof Nansen
39.4 GT/pax
MS Otto Sverdrup
31.4 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
MS Fridtjof Nansen
3.51 :1
MS Otto Sverdrup
4.55 :1
| Specification | MS Fridtjof Nansen | MS Otto Sverdrup |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Hurtigruten Expeditions | Hurtigruten Expeditions |
| Class | Expedition | Explorer |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,020Winner | 2,003 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 20,889 GTWinner | 15,690 GT |
| Length | 140 mWinner | 138 m |
| Beam | 23 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 530Winner | 500 |
| Crew | 151Winner | 110 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 39.4 GT/paxWinner | 31.4 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 3.51:1Winner | 4.55:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Kleven | Fosen Mek |
| Flag | Norway | Norway |
| IMO Number | 9813084 | 9917097 |
MS Fridtjof Nansen
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Built in 2020 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Good value for money
Good range of onboard options
MS Otto Sverdrup
Good value for money
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Premium onboard experience
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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21 m |
| Draft | — | 5.3 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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