Avalon Waterways
Avalon Alegria
- Cruises
- 5
- From
- $4,650
Ship comparison
Avalon Alegria vs National Geographic Orion
Lindblad Expeditions
National Geographic Orion
- Cruises
- 0
- From
- —
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Avalon Alegria is an intimate Avalon Waterways ship carrying 102 passengers, in service since 2024. National Geographic Orion is an intimate Lindblad Expeditions ship carrying 102 passengers, in service since 2003.
Choose Avalon Alegria if you want more space per passenger, more of a party or a more romantic trip: it outscores National Geographic Orion for party (5.0 vs 0.0) and romantic (10.0 vs 6.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and it has 98.0 gross tons per passenger (vs 39.7).
Choose National Geographic Orion if you want more crew per passenger, a better-rated spa and gym or a more active cruise: it outscores Avalon Alegria for spa & fitness (8.0 vs 5.0) and active (10.0 vs 7.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and it has a crew member for every 1.4 passengers (vs 3.1).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Avalon Alegria | National Geographic Orion | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Avalon Waterways | Lindblad Expeditions |
| Ship size | Intimate | Intimate |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2024 (better) | 2003 |
| Gross tonnage | 9,999 | 4,050 |
| Passengers | 102 | 102 |
| Crew | 33 | 75 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 3.1 | 1.4 (better) |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 98.0 (better) | 39.7 |
| Decks | 4 | 5 |
| Length | 256 ft | 337 ft |
| Beam | 38 ft | 46 ft |
| Speed | — | 18 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | — | 8 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 5 | — |
| Upcoming sailings | 272 | — |
| Cruise lengths | 7 to 14 nights | — |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $4,650 | — |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Avalon Alegria leads on 5 of the ten, National Geographic Orion on 4, with 1 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
Avalon Waterways
Avalon Alegria
There are few better ways to experience the scenic landscapes and storied traditions of the Douro River Valey of Portugal and Spain than on Avalon Alegria from Avalon Waterways. Famed for its wine and terraced vineyards, the valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sailing now
5 cruises on sale, from $4,650.
Lindblad Expeditions
National Geographic Orion
The state-of-the-art National Geographic Orion, owned by Lindblad Expeditions since 2013, serves as a luxurious base camp for voyages to the far-flung corners of the planet. A fully stabilized, ice-class vessel, the Orion is at home navigating polar ice as well the small harbors of Europe. The ship accommodates 102 guests in 53 cabins.
Highlights
- Top-flight experts on board on every voyage
- Fascinating itineraries on an intimate ship
About National Geographic Orion Plan my cruise on National Geographic Orion
Questions
Avalon Alegria or National Geographic Orion?
Which is bigger, Avalon Alegria or National Geographic Orion?
Avalon Alegria is bigger at 9,999 gross tons, against 4,050 gross tons for National Geographic Orion. Avalon Alegria carries 102 passengers and National Geographic Orion carries 102.
Which ship is newer, Avalon Alegria or National Geographic Orion?
Avalon Alegria is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2024 against 2003 for National Geographic Orion.
Which has more space per passenger?
Avalon Alegria, with 98.0 gross tons per passenger against 39.7 on National Geographic Orion. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
National Geographic Orion, with one crew member for every 1.4 passengers against one for every 3.1 on Avalon Alegria.
Which is better for families?
National Geographic Orion scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 6.0 out of 10, against 5.0 for Avalon Alegria.
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