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 Sea Lion
Wilderness Explorer
Gross Tonnage
National Geographic Sea Lion
100 GT
Wilderness Explorer
99 GT
Length
National Geographic Sea Lion
46 m
Wilderness Explorer
56 m
Beam
National Geographic Sea Lion
10 m
Wilderness Explorer
11 m
Passengers
National Geographic Sea Lion
62
Wilderness Explorer
76
Crew
National Geographic Sea Lion
25
Wilderness Explorer
28
Decks
National Geographic Sea Lion
—
Wilderness Explorer
—
Year Built
National Geographic Sea Lion
1,982
Wilderness Explorer
1,998
Space Ratio
National Geographic Sea Lion
1.6 GT/pax
Wilderness Explorer
1.3 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
National Geographic Sea Lion
2.48 :1
Wilderness Explorer
2.71 :1
| Specification | National Geographic Sea Lion | Wilderness Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Lindblad Expeditions | UnCruise Adventures |
| Class | Expedition | Expedition |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,982 | 1,998Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 100 GTWinner | 99 GT |
| Length | 46 m | 56 mWinner |
| Beam | 10 m | 11 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 62 | 76Winner |
| Crew | 25 | 28Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 1.6 GT/paxWinner | 1.3 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.48:1Winner | 2.71:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Whidbey Island | Nichols Brothers |
| Flag | United States | United States |
| IMO Number | 8314718 | 8984277 |
National Geographic Sea Lion
Good value for money
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Premium onboard experience
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Wilderness Explorer
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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| Draft | — | — |
| Decks | — | — |
