Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated February 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)
Royal Clipper
Silver Explorer
Gross Tonnage
Royal Clipper
5,061 GT
Silver Explorer
6,072 GT
Length
Royal Clipper
134 m
Silver Explorer
108 m
Beam
Royal Clipper
16 m
Silver Explorer
15 m
Passengers
Royal Clipper
227
Silver Explorer
132
Crew
Royal Clipper
106
Silver Explorer
117
Decks
Royal Clipper
—
Silver Explorer
—
Year Built
Royal Clipper
2,000
Silver Explorer
1,989
Space Ratio
Royal Clipper
22.3 GT/pax
Silver Explorer
46.0 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Royal Clipper
2.14 :1
Silver Explorer
1.13 :1
| Specification | Royal Clipper | Silver Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Star Clippers | Silversea Cruises |
| Class | Clipper | Expedition |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,000Winner | 1,989 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 5,061 GT | 6,072 GTWinner |
| Length | 134 mWinner | 108 m |
| Beam | 16 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 227Winner | 132 |
| Crew | 106 | 117Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 22.3 GT/pax | 46.0 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.14:1 | 1.13:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | De Merwede | Rauma-Repola |
| Flag | Malta | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9008265 | 8702991 |
Royal Clipper
Good value for money
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Premium onboard experience
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Silver Explorer
46 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
1.1:1 passenger-crew ratio means exceptional service
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
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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15 m |
| Draft | — | — |
| Decks | — | — |
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