Spots going fastArctic Edges: Iceland Westfjords To East Greenland
Linblad / Nat. Geo. • National Geographic Explorer
Aug 2, 2026
$10,129/person
View Deal →MS Spitsbergen vs National Geographic Explorer
Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated January 2026
MS Spitsbergen is the larger vessel at 7,025 GT — 9% more than National Geographic Explorer's 6,471 GT. National Geographic Explorer offers more personal space with a space ratio of 43.7 GT per passenger versus 39.0. Built in 2016, MS Spitsbergen is 34 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
Score: 3 – 4
Quick Compare
Scroll to compare
Category
MS Spitsbergen
National Geographic Explorer
Size
7,025 GT
6,471 GT
Passengers
180
148
Year Built
2016
1982
Crew Ratio
1:2.4
1:1.7
Space Ratio
39.0
43.7
Decks
—
—
Length
100m
108m
From Price
—
$10,129/pp
Comparison Verdict
MS Spitsbergen is the larger vessel at 7,025 GT — 9% more than National Geographic Explorer's 6,471 GT. National Geographic Explorer offers more personal space with a space ratio of 43.7 GT per passenger versus 39.0. Built in 2016, MS Spitsbergen is 34 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | National Geographic Explorer |
| Capacity | MS Spitsbergen |
| Modernity | MS Spitsbergen |
| Service | National Geographic Explorer |
| Spaciousness | National Geographic Explorer |
| Decks | Tie |
| Length | National Geographic Explorer |
| Fleet Power | MS Spitsbergen |
Bottom line: National Geographic Explorer leads 4–3 across our categories — strongest in Size. Choose National Geographic Explorer for overall superiority; pick MS Spitsbergen if Capacity matter more to you.
Which Ship Is Right for You?
Choose MS Spitsbergen if...
- You want the newer ship (built 2016, 34yr newer)
- Size matters to you (7,025 GT)
- More onboard variety (180 guests)
Choose National Geographic Explorer if...
- Better service ratio (1.7:1 crew ratio)
- More space per guest (43.7 GT/pax)
You've compared the ships. Now see what they cost.
See Current Prices
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Sailing Prices
| MS Spitsbergen | National Geographic Explorer | |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest | — | $10,129 pp |
| Departing | — | Aug 2 |
| Duration | — | null nights |
| View Deal |
Prices from Cruisebound. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How is the comparison score calculated?
We compute scores across 8 categories using real spec data — gross tonnage, passenger capacity, crew capacity, year built, length, deck count, space ratio, and fleet power. Each category awards one point to the winning ship.
What is the space ratio and why does it matter?
Space ratio is gross tonnage divided by passenger capacity. A higher number means more space per guest. Luxury lines typically score above 40; mass-market ships often fall in the 30-40 range.
What does the passenger-to-crew ratio mean?
Passengers per crew member. Lower is better — more staff per guest means better service. Luxury lines aim below 2:1; large mainstream ships may be 3-4:1.
Are the prices shown accurate?
Prices are sourced from Cruisebound and reflect real-time availability. They may change based on cabin type, date, and demand. Click through to see the latest fares.
Can I compare more than two ships?
Yes — up to four ships. Use the search tool on the compare hub page to add additional ships.
How current is the ship data?
Specifications come from our database of 380+ vessels, revalidated every 5 minutes via ISR. The "Updated" timestamp shows when records were last modified.
