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)
Silver Explorer
Sylvia Earle
Gross Tonnage
Silver Explorer
6,072 GT
Sylvia Earle
8,000 GT
Length
Silver Explorer
108 m
Sylvia Earle
104 m
Beam
Silver Explorer
15 m
Sylvia Earle
18 m
Passengers
Silver Explorer
132
Sylvia Earle
132
Crew
Silver Explorer
117
Sylvia Earle
85
Decks
Silver Explorer
—
Sylvia Earle
—
Year Built
Silver Explorer
1,989
Sylvia Earle
2,022
Space Ratio
Silver Explorer
46.0 GT/pax
Sylvia Earle
60.6 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Silver Explorer
1.13 :1
Sylvia Earle
1.55 :1
| Specification | Silver Explorer | Sylvia Earle |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Silversea Cruises | Aurora Expeditions |
| Class | Expedition | Expedition |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,989 | 2,022Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 6,072 GT | 8,000 GTWinner |
| Length | 108 mWinner | 104 m |
| Beam | 15 m | 18 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 132 | 132 |
| Crew | 117Winner | 85 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 46.0 GT/pax | 60.6 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 1.13:1Winner | 1.55:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Rauma-Repola | SunStone Ships |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 8702991 | 9867868 |
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
Sylvia Earle
61 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
1.6:1 passenger-crew ratio means exceptional service
Built in 2022 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 | — | 4.4 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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