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)
Norwegian Breakaway
Seven Seas Explorer
Gross Tonnage
Norwegian Breakaway
145,655 GT
Seven Seas Explorer
55,254 GT
Length
Norwegian Breakaway
324 m
Seven Seas Explorer
224 m
Beam
Norwegian Breakaway
40 m
Seven Seas Explorer
32 m
Passengers
Norwegian Breakaway
3,963
Seven Seas Explorer
750
Crew
Norwegian Breakaway
1,657
Seven Seas Explorer
542
Decks
Norwegian Breakaway
—
Seven Seas Explorer
—
Year Built
Norwegian Breakaway
2,013
Seven Seas Explorer
2,016
Space Ratio
Norwegian Breakaway
36.8 GT/pax
Seven Seas Explorer
73.7 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Norwegian Breakaway
2.39 :1
Seven Seas Explorer
1.38 :1
| Specification | Norwegian Breakaway | Seven Seas Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Regent Seven Seas Cruises |
| Class | Breakaway Class | Explorer Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,013 | 2,016Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 145,655 GTWinner | 55,254 GT |
| Length | 324 mWinner | 224 m |
| Beam | 40 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,963Winner | 750 |
| Crew | 1,657Winner | 542 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 36.8 GT/pax | 73.7 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.39:1 | 1.38:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Meyer Werft | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9606900 | 9703150 |
Norwegian Breakaway is the significantly larger vessel at 145,655 GT — 164% more than Seven Seas Explorer's 55,254 GT. Seven Seas Explorer offers more personal space with a space ratio of 73.7 GT per passenger versus 36.8. Built in 2016, Seven Seas Explorer is 3 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Norwegian Breakaway |
| Capacity | Norwegian Breakaway |
| Modernity | Seven Seas Explorer |
| Service | Seven Seas Explorer |
| Spaciousness | Seven Seas Explorer |
Bottom line: Seven Seas Explorer wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Norwegian Breakaway
Large 3,963-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
3,963 passengers means tons of activities
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Seven Seas Explorer
74 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
1.4:1 passenger-crew ratio means exceptional service
Built in 2016 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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32 m |
| Draft | 8.7 mWinner | 7.2 m |
| Decks | — | — |