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 Polarlys
Gross Tonnage
MS Kong Harald
11,200 GT
MS Polarlys
11,200 GT
Length
MS Kong Harald
121 m
MS Polarlys
123 m
Beam
MS Kong Harald
19 m
MS Polarlys
19 m
Passengers
MS Kong Harald
470
MS Polarlys
479
Crew
MS Kong Harald
60
MS Polarlys
57
Decks
MS Kong Harald
—
MS Polarlys
—
Year Built
MS Kong Harald
1,993
MS Polarlys
1,996
Space Ratio
MS Kong Harald
23.8 GT/pax
MS Polarlys
23.4 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
MS Kong Harald
7.83 :1
MS Polarlys
8.40 :1
| Specification | MS Kong Harald | MS Polarlys |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Hurtigruten Expeditions | Hurtigruten Expeditions |
| Class | Coastal | Coastal |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,993 | 1,996Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 11,200 GT | 11,200 GT |
| Length | 121 m | 123 mWinner |
| Beam | 19 m | 19 m |
| Draft | 5 m | 6.2 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 470 | 479Winner |
| Crew | 60Winner | 57 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 23.8 GT/paxWinner | 23.4 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 7.83:1Winner | 8.40:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Volkswerft | Ulstein Hatlo |
| Flag | Norway | Norway |
| IMO Number | 9039117 | 9107796 |
MS Kong Harald
Good value for money
Premium onboard experience
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Good range of onboard options
MS Polarlys
Good value for money
Premium onboard experience
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
We may earn a commission from partner bookings at no extra cost to you.
| Decks | — | — |
