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
Silver Origin
Gross Tonnage
National Geographic Explorer
6,471 GT
Silver Origin
5,800 GT
Length
National Geographic Explorer
108 m
Silver Origin
101.5 m
Beam
National Geographic Explorer
16 m
Silver Origin
17 m
Passengers
National Geographic Explorer
148
Silver Origin
100
Crew
National Geographic Explorer
85
Silver Origin
90
Decks
National Geographic Explorer
—
Silver Origin
6
Year Built
National Geographic Explorer
1,982
Silver Origin
2,020
Space Ratio
National Geographic Explorer
43.7 GT/pax
Silver Origin
58.0 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
National Geographic Explorer
1.74 :1
Silver Origin
1.11 :1
| Specification | National Geographic Explorer | Silver Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Lindblad Expeditions | Silversea Cruises |
| Class | Expedition | Origin Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,982 | 2,020Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 6,471 GTWinner | 5,800 GT |
| Length | 108 mWinner | 101.5 m |
| Beam | 16 m | 17 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 148Winner | 100 |
| Crew | 85 | 90Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 43.7 GT/pax | 58.0 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 1.74:1 | 1.11:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Ulstein Hatlo | De Hoop Shipyard |
| Flag | Bahamas | Ecuador |
| IMO Number | 9005829 | 9827098 |
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 Origin
58 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
1.1:1 passenger-crew ratio means exceptional service
Built in 2020 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
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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| Draft | 4 m | 9.6 mWinner |
| Decks | — | 6 |
