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)
National Geographic Explorer
National Geographic Quest
Gross Tonnage
National Geographic Explorer
6,471 GT
National Geographic Quest
3,135 GT
Length
National Geographic Explorer
108 m
National Geographic Quest
73 m
Beam
National Geographic Explorer
16 m
National Geographic Quest
14 m
Passengers
National Geographic Explorer
148
National Geographic Quest
100
Crew
National Geographic Explorer
85
National Geographic Quest
52
Decks
National Geographic Explorer
—
National Geographic Quest
—
Year Built
National Geographic Explorer
1,982
National Geographic Quest
2,017
Space Ratio
National Geographic Explorer
43.7 GT/pax
National Geographic Quest
31.4 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
National Geographic Explorer
1.74 :1
National Geographic Quest
1.92 :1
| Specification | National Geographic Explorer | National Geographic Quest |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Lindblad Expeditions | Lindblad Expeditions |
| Class | Expedition | Expedition |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,982 | 2,017Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 6,471 GTWinner | 3,135 GT |
| Length | 108 mWinner | 73 m |
| Beam | 16 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 148Winner | 100 |
| Crew | 85Winner | 52 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 43.7 GT/paxWinner | 31.4 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 1.74:1Winner | 1.92:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Ulstein Hatlo | Nichols Brothers |
| Flag | Bahamas | United States |
| IMO Number | 9005829 | 9712058 |
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
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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14 m |
| Draft | 4 m | — |
| Decks | — | — |
