Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated February 2026
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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
Silver Explorer
Gross Tonnage
National Geographic Explorer
6,471 GT
Silver Explorer
6,072 GT
Length
National Geographic Explorer
108 m
Silver Explorer
108 m
Beam
National Geographic Explorer
16 m
Silver Explorer
15 m
Passengers
National Geographic Explorer
148
Silver Explorer
132
Crew
National Geographic Explorer
85
Silver Explorer
117
Decks
National Geographic Explorer
—
Silver Explorer
—
Year Built
National Geographic Explorer
1,982
Silver Explorer
1,989
Space Ratio
National Geographic Explorer
43.7 GT/pax
Silver Explorer
46.0 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
National Geographic Explorer
1.74 :1
Silver Explorer
1.13 :1
| Specification | National Geographic Explorer | Silver Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Lindblad Expeditions | Silversea Cruises |
| Class | Expedition | Expedition |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,982 | 1,989Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 6,471 GTWinner | 6,072 GT |
| Length | 108 m | 108 m |
| Beam | 16 mWinner | 15 m |
| Draft | ||
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 148Winner | 132 |
| Crew | 85 | 117Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 43.7 GT/pax | 46.0 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 1.74:1 | 1.13:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Ulstein Hatlo | Rauma-Repola |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9005829 | 8702991 |
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
Silver Explorer
46 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
1.1:1 passenger-crew ratio means exceptional service
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
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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4 m |
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| Decks | — | — |
