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 Nordlys
MS Santa Cruz II
Gross Tonnage
MS Nordlys
11,200 GT
MS Santa Cruz II
2,452 GT
Length
MS Nordlys
123 m
MS Santa Cruz II
72 m
Beam
MS Nordlys
19 m
MS Santa Cruz II
13 m
Passengers
MS Nordlys
479
MS Santa Cruz II
90
Crew
MS Nordlys
57
MS Santa Cruz II
50
Decks
MS Nordlys
—
MS Santa Cruz II
—
Year Built
MS Nordlys
1,994
MS Santa Cruz II
2,002
Space Ratio
MS Nordlys
23.4 GT/pax
MS Santa Cruz II
27.2 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
MS Nordlys
8.40 :1
MS Santa Cruz II
1.80 :1
| Specification | MS Nordlys | MS Santa Cruz II |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Hurtigruten Expeditions | Hurtigruten Expeditions |
| Class | Coastal | Expedition |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,994 | 2,002Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 11,200 GTWinner | 2,452 GT |
| Length | 123 mWinner | 72 m |
| Beam | 19 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 479Winner | 90 |
| Crew | 57Winner | 50 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 23.4 GT/pax | 27.2 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 8.40:1 | 1.80:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Ulstein Hatlo | ASENAV |
| Flag | Norway | Ecuador |
| IMO Number | 9107784 | 9871755 |
MS Nordlys
Good value for money
Premium onboard experience
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Good range of onboard options
MS Santa Cruz II
Comfortable atmosphere for two
1.8:1 passenger-crew ratio means exceptional service
Good value for money
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 | — | — |
| Decks | — | — |
