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 Polarlys
Star Seeker
Gross Tonnage
MS Polarlys
11,200 GT
Star Seeker
9,315 GT
Length
MS Polarlys
123 m
Star Seeker
131.5 m
Beam
MS Polarlys
19 m
Star Seeker
19 m
Passengers
MS Polarlys
479
Star Seeker
224
Crew
MS Polarlys
57
Star Seeker
135
Decks
MS Polarlys
—
Star Seeker
8
Year Built
MS Polarlys
1,996
Star Seeker
2,025
Space Ratio
MS Polarlys
23.4 GT/pax
Star Seeker
41.6 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
MS Polarlys
8.40 :1
Star Seeker
1.66 :1
| Specification | MS Polarlys | Star Seeker |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Hurtigruten Expeditions | Windstar Cruises |
| Class | Coastal | Star Seeker Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,996 | 2,025Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 11,200 GTWinner | 9,315 GT |
| Length | 123 m | 131.5 mWinner |
| Beam | 19 m | 19 m |
| Draft | ||
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 479Winner | 224 |
| Crew | 57 | 135Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 23.4 GT/pax | 41.6 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 8.40:1 | 1.66:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Ulstein Hatlo | WestSEA Shipyard |
| Flag | Norway | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9107796 | 9904819 |
MS Polarlys is the significantly larger vessel at 11,200 GT — 20% more than Star Seeker's 9,315 GT. Star Seeker offers more personal space with a space ratio of 41.6 GT per passenger versus 23.4. Built in 2025, Star Seeker is 29 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Star Seeker |
| Capacity | MS Polarlys |
| Modernity | Star Seeker |
| Service | Star Seeker |
| Spaciousness | Star Seeker |
Bottom line: Star Seeker wins more categories (4 vs 1), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
MS Polarlys
Good value for money
Premium onboard experience
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Good range of onboard options
Star Seeker
42 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
1.7:1 passenger-crew ratio means exceptional service
Built in 2025 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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4.8 m |
| Decks | — | 8 |
