Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated January 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)
Norwegian Sky
Seven Seas Explorer
Gross Tonnage
Norwegian Sky
77,104 GT
Seven Seas Explorer
55,254 GT
Length
Norwegian Sky
258 m
Seven Seas Explorer
224 m
Beam
Norwegian Sky
32 m
Seven Seas Explorer
32 m
Passengers
Norwegian Sky
2,002
Seven Seas Explorer
750
Crew
Norwegian Sky
891
Seven Seas Explorer
542
Decks
Norwegian Sky
—
Seven Seas Explorer
—
Year Built
Norwegian Sky
1,999
Seven Seas Explorer
2,016
Space Ratio
Norwegian Sky
38.5 GT/pax
Seven Seas Explorer
73.7 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Norwegian Sky
2.25 :1
Seven Seas Explorer
1.38 :1
| Specification | Norwegian Sky | Seven Seas Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Regent Seven Seas Cruises |
| Class | Sun Class | Explorer Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,999 | 2,016Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 77,104 GTWinner | 55,254 GT |
| Length | 258 mWinner | 224 m |
| Beam | 32 m | 32 m |
| Draft | ||
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,002Winner | 750 |
| Crew | 891Winner | 542 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 38.5 GT/pax | 73.7 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.25:1 | 1.38:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Lloyd Werft | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9128532 | 9703150 |
Norwegian Sky is the significantly larger vessel at 77,104 GT — 40% 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 38.5. Built in 2016, Seven Seas Explorer is 17 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Norwegian Sky |
| Capacity | Norwegian Sky |
| 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 Sky
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Good value for money
Good range of onboard options
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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8 mWinner |
7.2 m |
| Decks | — | — |
