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)
National Geographic Explorer
National Geographic Sea Lion
Gross Tonnage
National Geographic Explorer
6,471 GT
National Geographic Sea Lion
100 GT
Length
National Geographic Explorer
108 m
National Geographic Sea Lion
46 m
Beam
National Geographic Explorer
16 m
National Geographic Sea Lion
10 m
Passengers
National Geographic Explorer
148
National Geographic Sea Lion
62
Crew
National Geographic Explorer
85
National Geographic Sea Lion
25
Decks
National Geographic Explorer
—
National Geographic Sea Lion
—
Year Built
National Geographic Explorer
1,982
National Geographic Sea Lion
1,982
Space Ratio
National Geographic Explorer
43.7 GT/pax
National Geographic Sea Lion
1.6 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
National Geographic Explorer
1.74 :1
National Geographic Sea Lion
2.48 :1
| Specification | National Geographic Explorer | National Geographic Sea Lion |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Lindblad Expeditions | Lindblad Expeditions |
| Class | Expedition | Expedition |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,982 | 1,982 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 6,471 GTWinner | 100 GT |
| Length | 108 mWinner | 46 m |
| Beam | 16 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 148Winner | 62 |
| Crew | 85Winner | 25 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 43.7 GT/paxWinner | 1.6 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 1.74:1Winner | 2.48:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Ulstein Hatlo | Whidbey Island |
| Flag | Bahamas | United States |
| IMO Number | 9005829 | 8314718 |
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 Sea Lion
Good value for money
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Premium onboard experience
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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10 m |
| Draft | 4 m | — |
| Decks | — | — |
