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
World Explorer
Gross Tonnage
National Geographic Explorer
6,471 GT
World Explorer
9,300 GT
Length
National Geographic Explorer
108 m
World Explorer
126 m
Beam
National Geographic Explorer
16 m
World Explorer
19 m
Passengers
National Geographic Explorer
148
World Explorer
176
Crew
National Geographic Explorer
85
World Explorer
112
Decks
National Geographic Explorer
—
World Explorer
—
Year Built
National Geographic Explorer
1,982
World Explorer
2,019
Space Ratio
National Geographic Explorer
43.7 GT/pax
World Explorer
52.8 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
National Geographic Explorer
1.74 :1
World Explorer
1.57 :1
| Specification | National Geographic Explorer | World Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Lindblad Expeditions | Quark Expeditions |
| Class | Expedition | Expedition |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,982 | 2,019Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 6,471 GT | 9,300 GTWinner |
| Length | 108 m | 126 mWinner |
| Beam | 16 m | 19 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 148 | 176Winner |
| Crew | 85 | 112Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 43.7 GT/pax | 52.8 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 1.74:1 | 1.57:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Ulstein Hatlo | WestSea |
| Flag | Bahamas | Portugal |
| IMO Number | 9005829 | 9861680 |
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
World Explorer
53 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
1.6:1 passenger-crew ratio means exceptional service
Built in 2019 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 | — |
| Decks | — | — |
