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 Nordstjernen
MS Santa Cruz II
Gross Tonnage
MS Nordstjernen
2,191 GT
MS Santa Cruz II
2,452 GT
Length
MS Nordstjernen
87 m
MS Santa Cruz II
72 m
Beam
MS Nordstjernen
13 m
MS Santa Cruz II
13 m
Passengers
MS Nordstjernen
144
MS Santa Cruz II
90
Crew
MS Nordstjernen
50
MS Santa Cruz II
50
Decks
MS Nordstjernen
—
MS Santa Cruz II
—
Year Built
MS Nordstjernen
1,956
MS Santa Cruz II
2,002
Space Ratio
MS Nordstjernen
15.2 GT/pax
MS Santa Cruz II
27.2 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
MS Nordstjernen
2.88 :1
MS Santa Cruz II
1.80 :1
| Specification | MS Nordstjernen | MS Santa Cruz II |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Hurtigruten Expeditions | Hurtigruten Expeditions |
| Class | Classic | Expedition |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,956 | 2,002Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 2,191 GT | 2,452 GTWinner |
| Length | 87 mWinner | 72 m |
| Beam | 13 m | 13 m |
| Draft | ||
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 144Winner | 90 |
| Crew | 50 | 50 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 15.2 GT/pax | 27.2 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.88:1 | 1.80:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Blohm+Voss | ASENAV |
| Flag | Norway | Ecuador |
| IMO Number | 8019371 | 9871755 |
MS Nordstjernen
Good value for money
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Premium onboard experience
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
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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