Spots going fastArctic Edges: Iceland Westfjords To East Greenland
Linblad / Nat. Geo. • National Geographic Explorer
Aug 2, 2026
$10,129/person
View Deal →MS Fridtjof Nansen vs National Geographic Explorer
Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated January 2026
MS Fridtjof Nansen is the significantly larger vessel at 20,889 GT — 223% more than National Geographic Explorer's 6,471 GT. National Geographic Explorer offers more personal space with a space ratio of 43.7 GT per passenger versus 39.4. Built in 2020, MS Fridtjof Nansen is 38 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
Score: 5 – 2
Quick Compare
Scroll to compare
Category
MS Fridtjof Nansen
National Geographic Explorer
Size
20,889 GT
6,471 GT
Passengers
530
148
Year Built
2020
1982
Crew Ratio
1:3.5
1:1.7
Space Ratio
39.4
43.7
Decks
—
—
Length
140m
108m
From Price
—
$10,129/pp
Comparison Verdict
MS Fridtjof Nansen is the significantly larger vessel at 20,889 GT — 223% more than National Geographic Explorer's 6,471 GT. National Geographic Explorer offers more personal space with a space ratio of 43.7 GT per passenger versus 39.4. Built in 2020, MS Fridtjof Nansen is 38 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | MS Fridtjof Nansen |
| Capacity | MS Fridtjof Nansen |
| Modernity | MS Fridtjof Nansen |
| Service | National Geographic Explorer |
| Spaciousness | National Geographic Explorer |
| Decks | Tie |
| Length | MS Fridtjof Nansen |
| Fleet Power | MS Fridtjof Nansen |
Bottom line: MS Fridtjof Nansen leads 5–2 across our categories — strongest in Size. Choose MS Fridtjof Nansen for overall superiority; pick National Geographic Explorer if its strengths matter more to you.
Which Ship Is Right for You?
Choose MS Fridtjof Nansen if...
- You want the newer ship (built 2020, 38yr newer)
- Size matters to you (20,889 GT)
- More onboard variety (530 guests)
Choose National Geographic Explorer if...
- Better service ratio (1.7:1 crew ratio)
- More space per guest (43.7 GT/pax)
You've compared the ships. Now see what they cost.
See Current Prices
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Sailing Prices
| MS Fridtjof Nansen | National Geographic Explorer | |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest | — | $10,129 pp |
| Departing | — | Aug 2 |
| Duration | — | null nights |
| View Deal |
Prices from Cruisebound. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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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.
