MS Kong Harald vs MS Spitsbergen
Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated January 2026
MS Kong Harald is the significantly larger vessel at 11,200 GT, 59% more than MS Spitsbergen's 7,025 GT. MS Spitsbergen offers more personal space with a space ratio of 39.0 GT per passenger versus 23.8. Built in 2016, MS Spitsbergen is 23 years newer, an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
Score: 4 – 3
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Comparison Verdict
MS Kong Harald is the significantly larger vessel at 11,200 GT, 59% more than MS Spitsbergen's 7,025 GT. MS Spitsbergen offers more personal space with a space ratio of 39.0 GT per passenger versus 23.8. Built in 2016, MS Spitsbergen is 23 years newer, an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | MS Kong Harald |
| Capacity | MS Kong Harald |
| Modernity | MS Spitsbergen |
| Service | MS Spitsbergen |
| Spaciousness | MS Spitsbergen |
| Decks | Tie |
| Length | MS Kong Harald |
| Fleet Power | MS Kong Harald |
Bottom line: MS Kong Harald leads 4–3 across our categories, strongest in Size. Choose MS Kong Harald for overall superiority; pick MS Spitsbergen if its strengths matter more to you.
Which Ship Is Right for You?
Choose MS Kong Harald if...
- Size matters to you (11,200 GT)
- More onboard variety (470 guests)
Choose MS Spitsbergen if...
- You want the newer ship (built 2016, 23yr newer)
- Better service ratio (2.4:1 crew ratio)
- More space per guest (39.0 GT/pax)
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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.
