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)
MS Fridtjof Nansen
Paul Gauguin
Gross Tonnage
MS Fridtjof Nansen
20,889 GT
Paul Gauguin
19,170 GT
Length
MS Fridtjof Nansen
140 m
Paul Gauguin
156 m
Beam
MS Fridtjof Nansen
23 m
Paul Gauguin
22 m
Passengers
MS Fridtjof Nansen
530
Paul Gauguin
332
Crew
MS Fridtjof Nansen
151
Paul Gauguin
217
Decks
MS Fridtjof Nansen
—
Paul Gauguin
—
Year Built
MS Fridtjof Nansen
2,020
Paul Gauguin
1,998
Space Ratio
MS Fridtjof Nansen
39.4 GT/pax
Paul Gauguin
57.7 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
MS Fridtjof Nansen
3.51 :1
Paul Gauguin
1.53 :1
| Specification | MS Fridtjof Nansen | Paul Gauguin |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Hurtigruten Expeditions | Paul Gauguin Cruises |
| Class | Expedition | Gauguin |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,020Winner | 1,998 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 20,889 GTWinner | 19,170 GT |
| Length | 140 m | 156 mWinner |
| Beam | 23 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 530Winner | 332 |
| Crew | 151 | 217Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 39.4 GT/pax | 57.7 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 3.51:1 | 1.53:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Kleven | Chantiers de l'Atlantique |
| Flag | Norway | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9813084 | 9111319 |
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
Paul Gauguin
58 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
1.5:1 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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22 m |
| Draft | — | 6.2 m |
| Decks | — | — |
