Spots going fastArctic Edges: Iceland Westfjords To East Greenland
Linblad / Nat. Geo. • National Geographic Explorer
Aug 2, 2026
$10,129/person
View Deal →National Geographic Explorer vs National Geographic Resolution
Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated January 2026
National Geographic Resolution is the significantly larger vessel at 12,300 GT — 90% more than National Geographic Explorer's 6,471 GT. National Geographic Resolution offers more personal space with a space ratio of 97.6 GT per passenger versus 43.7. Built in 2021, National Geographic Resolution is 39 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
Score: 1 – 6
Quick Compare
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Category
National Geographic Explorer
National Geographic Resolution
Size
6,471 GT
12,300 GT
Passengers
148
126
Year Built
1982
2021
Crew Ratio
1:1.7
1:1.2
Space Ratio
43.7
97.6
Decks
—
—
Length
108m
126m
From Price
$10,129/pp
—
Comparison Verdict
National Geographic Resolution is the significantly larger vessel at 12,300 GT — 90% more than National Geographic Explorer's 6,471 GT. National Geographic Resolution offers more personal space with a space ratio of 97.6 GT per passenger versus 43.7. Built in 2021, National Geographic Resolution is 39 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | National Geographic Resolution |
| Capacity | National Geographic Explorer |
| Modernity | National Geographic Resolution |
| Service | National Geographic Resolution |
| Spaciousness | National Geographic Resolution |
| Decks | Tie |
| Length | National Geographic Resolution |
| Fleet Power | National Geographic Resolution |
Bottom line: National Geographic Resolution leads 6–1 across our categories — strongest in Size. Choose National Geographic Resolution for overall superiority; pick National Geographic Explorer if Capacity matter more to you.
Which Ship Is Right for You?
Choose National Geographic Resolution if...
- You want the newer ship (built 2021, 39yr newer)
- Size matters to you (12,300 GT)
- Better service ratio (1.2:1 crew ratio)
- More space per guest (97.6 GT/pax)
You've compared the ships. Now see what they cost.
See Current Prices
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Sailing Prices
| National Geographic Explorer | National Geographic Resolution | |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Deep Dive
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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.
