Side-by-side cruise ship comparison ยท 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 Spitsbergen
Gross Tonnage
MS Nordlys
11,200 GT
MS Spitsbergen
7,025 GT
Length
MS Nordlys
123 m
MS Spitsbergen
100 m
Beam
MS Nordlys
19 m
MS Spitsbergen
18 m
Passengers
MS Nordlys
479
MS Spitsbergen
180
Crew
MS Nordlys
57
MS Spitsbergen
74
Decks
MS Nordlys
โ
MS Spitsbergen
โ
Year Built
MS Nordlys
1,994
MS Spitsbergen
2,016
Space Ratio
MS Nordlys
23.4 GT/pax
MS Spitsbergen
39.0 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
MS Nordlys
8.40 :1
MS Spitsbergen
2.43 :1
| Specification | MS Nordlys | MS Spitsbergen |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Hurtigruten Expeditions | Hurtigruten Expeditions |
| Class | Coastal | Expedition |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,994 | 2,016Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 11,200 GTWinner | 7,025 GT |
| Length | 123 mWinner | 100 m |
| Beam | 19 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 479Winner | 180 |
| Crew | 57 | 74Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 23.4 GT/pax | 39.0 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 8.40:1 | 2.43:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Ulstein Hatlo | Remontowa |
| Flag | Norway | Norway |
| IMO Number | 9107784 | 9653654 |
MS Nordlys
Good value for money
Premium onboard experience
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Good range of onboard options
MS Spitsbergen
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Built in 2016 with modern facilities โ great for a first cruise
Good value for money
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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18 m |
| Draft | โ | 7.2 m |
| Decks | โ | โ |