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
World Explorer
Gross Tonnage
MS Kong Harald
11,200 GT
World Explorer
9,300 GT
Length
MS Kong Harald
121 m
World Explorer
126 m
Beam
MS Kong Harald
19 m
World Explorer
19 m
Passengers
MS Kong Harald
470
World Explorer
176
Crew
MS Kong Harald
60
World Explorer
112
Decks
MS Kong Harald
—
World Explorer
—
Year Built
MS Kong Harald
1,993
World Explorer
2,019
Space Ratio
MS Kong Harald
23.8 GT/pax
World Explorer
52.8 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
MS Kong Harald
7.83 :1
World Explorer
1.57 :1
| Specification | MS Kong Harald | World Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Hurtigruten Expeditions | Quark Expeditions |
| Class | Coastal | Expedition |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,993 | 2,019Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 11,200 GTWinner | 9,300 GT |
| Length | 121 m | 126 mWinner |
| Beam | 19 m | 19 m |
| Draft | ||
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 470Winner | 176 |
| Crew | 60 | 112Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 23.8 GT/pax | 52.8 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 7.83:1 | 1.57:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Volkswerft | WestSea |
| Flag | Norway | Portugal |
| IMO Number | 9039117 | 9861680 |
MS Kong Harald
Good value for money
Premium onboard experience
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Good range of onboard options
World Explorer
53 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
1.6:1 passenger-crew ratio means exceptional service
Built in 2019 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
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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5 m |
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| Decks | — | — |
