Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated February 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
Ocean Explorer
Gross Tonnage
MS Spitsbergen
7,025 GT
Ocean Explorer
8,000 GT
Length
MS Spitsbergen
100 m
Ocean Explorer
104.4 m
Beam
MS Spitsbergen
18 m
Ocean Explorer
18.4 m
Passengers
MS Spitsbergen
180
Ocean Explorer
138
Crew
MS Spitsbergen
74
Ocean Explorer
92
Decks
MS Spitsbergen
—
Ocean Explorer
6
Year Built
MS Spitsbergen
2,016
Ocean Explorer
2,021
Space Ratio
MS Spitsbergen
39.0 GT/pax
Ocean Explorer
58.0 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
MS Spitsbergen
2.43 :1
Ocean Explorer
1.50 :1
| Specification | MS Spitsbergen | Ocean Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Hurtigruten Expeditions | Quark Expeditions |
| Class | Expedition | Expedition |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,016 | 2,021Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 7,025 GT | 8,000 GTWinner |
| Length | 100 m | 104.4 mWinner |
| Beam | 18 m | 18.4 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 180Winner | 138 |
| Crew | 74 | 92Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 39.0 GT/pax | 58.0 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.43:1 | 1.50:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Remontowa | Brodogradiliste Uljanik |
| Flag | Norway | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9653654 | 9887066 |
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
Ocean Explorer
58 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
1.5:1 passenger-crew ratio means exceptional service
Built in 2021 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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| Draft | 7.2 mWinner | 6.7 m |
| Decks | — | 6 |
