Tauck River Cruises
Aqua Mekong
- Cruises
- 0
- From
- —
Ship comparison
Aqua Mekong vs National Geographic Islander II
Lindblad Expeditions
National Geographic Islander II
- Cruises
- 11
- From
- $7,495
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Aqua Mekong is an intimate Tauck River Cruises ship carrying 40 passengers, in service since 2014. National Geographic Islander II is an intimate Lindblad Expeditions ship carrying 48 passengers, in service since 1991. Aqua Mekong has no Bliss scores yet, so the verdict rests on the figures we do hold.
Choose Aqua Mekong if you want a newer ship: its maiden voyage was in 2014 (vs 1991).
Choose National Geographic Islander II if you want more space per passenger or more cruises to choose from: it has 68.0 gross tons per passenger (vs 38.9) and it has 11 cruises on sale (vs none).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Aqua Mekong | National Geographic Islander II | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Tauck River Cruises | Lindblad Expeditions |
| Ship size | Intimate | Intimate |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2014 (better) | 1991 |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | — | 2022 |
| Gross tonnage | 1,555 | 3,264 |
| Passengers | 40 | 48 |
| Crew | 40 | 48 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 1.0 | 1.0 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 38.9 | 68.0 (better) |
| Cabins | 20 | — |
| Decks | 3 | 5 |
| Length | 205 ft | 269 ft |
| Beam | 38 ft | 45 ft |
| Speed | — | 17 mph |
| Cruises on sale | — | 11 |
| Upcoming sailings | — | 374 |
| Cruise lengths | — | 4–15 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | — | $7,495 |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday.
Aqua Mekong has no Bliss scores yet.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
Tauck River Cruises
Aqua Mekong
Lindblad Expeditions
National Geographic Islander II
The National Geographic Islander II, formerly sailing as Crystal Esprit, set sail in the Galápagos Islands year-round starting in August 2022. The sporty ship is named for the National Geographic Islander, which it is replacing.
Sailing now
11 cruises on sale, from $7,495.
-
11 Night Peru and Galapagos Escape and Land Tour
$9,300
-
7 Night Galapagos Escape and Land Tour
$8,819
About National Geographic Islander II Plan my cruise on National Geographic Islander II
Questions
Aqua Mekong or National Geographic Islander II?
Which is bigger, Aqua Mekong or National Geographic Islander II?
National Geographic Islander II is bigger at 3,264 gross tons, against 1,555 gross tons for Aqua Mekong. Aqua Mekong carries 40 passengers and National Geographic Islander II carries 48.
Which ship is newer, Aqua Mekong or National Geographic Islander II?
Aqua Mekong is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2014 against 1991 for National Geographic Islander II.
Which has more space per passenger?
National Geographic Islander II, with 68.0 gross tons per passenger against 38.9 on Aqua Mekong. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
They are level, with one crew member for every 1.0 passengers.
Still deciding?
Tell us what matters and we will match the sailing
Send your dates, budget and who is travelling, and our partner travel agency will come back to you about Aqua Mekong, National Geographic Islander II or a ship that suits you better.