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 Spitsbergen
MS Vesteralen
Gross Tonnage
MS Spitsbergen
7,025 GT
MS Vesteralen
6,261 GT
Length
MS Spitsbergen
100 m
MS Vesteralen
108 m
Beam
MS Spitsbergen
18 m
MS Vesteralen
17 m
Passengers
MS Spitsbergen
180
MS Vesteralen
318
Crew
MS Spitsbergen
74
MS Vesteralen
55
Decks
MS Spitsbergen
—
MS Vesteralen
—
Year Built
MS Spitsbergen
2,016
MS Vesteralen
1,983
Space Ratio
MS Spitsbergen
39.0 GT/pax
MS Vesteralen
19.7 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
MS Spitsbergen
2.43 :1
MS Vesteralen
5.78 :1
| Specification | MS Spitsbergen | MS Vesteralen |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Hurtigruten Expeditions | Hurtigruten Expeditions |
| Class | Expedition | Coastal |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,016Winner | 1,983 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 7,025 GTWinner | 6,261 GT |
| Length | 100 m | 108 mWinner |
| Beam | 18 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 180 | 318Winner |
| Crew | 74Winner | 55 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 39.0 GT/paxWinner | 19.7 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.43:1Winner | 5.78:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Remontowa | Kaarbos |
| Flag | Norway | Norway |
| IMO Number | 9653654 | 9039093 |
MS Spitsbergen
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Built in 2016 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Good value for money
Good range of onboard options
MS Vesteralen
Good value for money
Premium onboard experience
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
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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17 m |
| Draft | 7.2 mWinner | 5 m |
| Decks | — | — |
