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 Kong Harald
MS Nordstjernen
Gross Tonnage
MS Kong Harald
11,200 GT
MS Nordstjernen
2,191 GT
Length
MS Kong Harald
121 m
MS Nordstjernen
87 m
Beam
MS Kong Harald
19 m
MS Nordstjernen
13 m
Passengers
MS Kong Harald
470
MS Nordstjernen
144
Crew
MS Kong Harald
60
MS Nordstjernen
50
Decks
MS Kong Harald
—
MS Nordstjernen
—
Year Built
MS Kong Harald
1,993
MS Nordstjernen
1,956
Space Ratio
MS Kong Harald
23.8 GT/pax
MS Nordstjernen
15.2 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
MS Kong Harald
7.83 :1
MS Nordstjernen
2.88 :1
| Specification | MS Kong Harald | MS Nordstjernen |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Hurtigruten Expeditions | Hurtigruten Expeditions |
| Class | Coastal | Classic |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,993Winner | 1,956 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 11,200 GTWinner | 2,191 GT |
| Length | 121 mWinner | 87 m |
| Beam | 19 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 470Winner | 144 |
| Crew | 60Winner | 50 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 23.8 GT/paxWinner | 15.2 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 7.83:1 | 2.88:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Volkswerft | Blohm+Voss |
| Flag | Norway | Norway |
| IMO Number | 9039117 | 8019371 |
MS Kong Harald
Good value for money
Premium onboard experience
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Good range of onboard options
MS Nordstjernen
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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13 m |
| Draft | 5 m | — |
| Decks | — | — |
