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 Santa Cruz II
National Geographic Quest
Gross Tonnage
MS Santa Cruz II
2,452 GT
National Geographic Quest
3,135 GT
Length
MS Santa Cruz II
72 m
National Geographic Quest
73 m
Beam
MS Santa Cruz II
13 m
National Geographic Quest
14 m
Passengers
MS Santa Cruz II
90
National Geographic Quest
100
Crew
MS Santa Cruz II
50
National Geographic Quest
52
Decks
MS Santa Cruz II
—
National Geographic Quest
—
Year Built
MS Santa Cruz II
2,002
National Geographic Quest
2,017
Space Ratio
MS Santa Cruz II
27.2 GT/pax
National Geographic Quest
31.4 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
MS Santa Cruz II
1.80 :1
National Geographic Quest
1.92 :1
| Specification | MS Santa Cruz II | National Geographic Quest |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Hurtigruten Expeditions | Lindblad Expeditions |
| Class | Expedition | Expedition |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,002 | 2,017Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 2,452 GT | 3,135 GTWinner |
| Length | 72 m | 73 mWinner |
| Beam | 13 m | 14 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 90 | 100Winner |
| Crew | 50 | 52Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 27.2 GT/pax | 31.4 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 1.80:1Winner | 1.92:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | ASENAV | Nichols Brothers |
| Flag | Ecuador | United States |
| IMO Number | 9871755 | 9712058 |
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
National Geographic Quest
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Built in 2017 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
1.9:1 passenger-crew ratio means exceptional service
Good value for money
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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| Draft | — | — |
| Decks | — | — |
