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
National Geographic Explorer
Gross Tonnage
MS Spitsbergen
7,025 GT
National Geographic Explorer
6,471 GT
Length
MS Spitsbergen
100 m
National Geographic Explorer
108 m
Beam
MS Spitsbergen
18 m
National Geographic Explorer
16 m
Passengers
MS Spitsbergen
180
National Geographic Explorer
148
Crew
MS Spitsbergen
74
National Geographic Explorer
85
Decks
MS Spitsbergen
—
National Geographic Explorer
—
Year Built
MS Spitsbergen
2,016
National Geographic Explorer
1,982
Space Ratio
MS Spitsbergen
39.0 GT/pax
National Geographic Explorer
43.7 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
MS Spitsbergen
2.43 :1
National Geographic Explorer
1.74 :1
| Specification | MS Spitsbergen | National Geographic Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Hurtigruten Expeditions | Lindblad Expeditions |
| Class | Expedition | Expedition |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,016Winner | 1,982 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 7,025 GTWinner | 6,471 GT |
| Length | 100 m | 108 mWinner |
| Beam | 18 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 180Winner | 148 |
| Crew | 74 | 85Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 39.0 GT/pax | 43.7 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.43:1 | 1.74:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Remontowa | Ulstein Hatlo |
| Flag | Norway | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9653654 | 9005829 |
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
National Geographic Explorer
44 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
1.7:1 passenger-crew ratio means exceptional service
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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16 m |
| Draft | 7.2 mWinner | 4 m |
| Decks | — | — |
