Avalon Waterways
Delfin III
- Cruises
- 11
- From
- $7,685
Ship comparison
Delfin III vs National Geographic Islander II
Lindblad Expeditions
National Geographic Islander II
- Cruises
- 0
- From
- —
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Delfin III is an intimate Avalon Waterways ship carrying 43 passengers, in service since 2009. National Geographic Islander II is an intimate Lindblad Expeditions ship carrying 48 passengers, in service since 1991.
Choose Delfin III if you want more culture, a newer ship or a more romantic trip: it outscores National Geographic Islander II for cultural (8.0 vs 5.0) and romantic (9.0 vs 7.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its maiden voyage was in 2009 (vs 1991).
Choose National Geographic Islander II if you want more space per passenger, a more family-friendly ship or more of a party: it outscores Delfin III for family friendly (5.0 vs 2.0) and party (5.0 vs 2.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and it has 68.0 gross tons per passenger (vs 9.3).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Delfin III | National Geographic Islander II | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Avalon Waterways | Lindblad Expeditions |
| Ship size | Intimate | Intimate |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2009 (better) | 1991 |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | 2015 | 2022 (better) |
| Gross tonnage | 400 | 3,264 |
| Passengers | 43 | 48 |
| Crew | 29 | 48 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 1.5 | 1.0 (better) |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 9.3 | 68.0 (better) |
| Decks | 3 | 5 |
| Length | 183 ft | 269 ft |
| Beam | 39 ft | 45 ft |
| Speed | 14 mph | 17 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 9 / 10 | — |
| Cruises on sale | 11 | — |
| Upcoming sailings | 111 | — |
| Cruise lengths | 3 to 19 nights | — |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $7,685 | — |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Delfin III leads on 4 of the ten, National Geographic Islander II on 2, with 4 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
Avalon Waterways
Delfin III
The 43-passenger Delfin III, part of the Avalon Waterways fleet of upscale riverboats, is a boutique ship that navigates the western Amazon River and goes on to explore the Galapagos Islands or the ruins of Machu Picchu.
Sailing now
11 cruises on sale, from $7,685.
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.
About National Geographic Islander II Plan my cruise on National Geographic Islander II
Questions
Delfin III or National Geographic Islander II?
Which is bigger, Delfin III or National Geographic Islander II?
National Geographic Islander II is bigger at 3,264 gross tons, against 400 gross tons for Delfin III. Delfin III carries 43 passengers and National Geographic Islander II carries 48.
Which ship is newer, Delfin III or National Geographic Islander II?
Delfin III is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2009 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 9.3 on Delfin III. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
National Geographic Islander II, with one crew member for every 1.0 passengers against one for every 1.5 on Delfin III.
Which is better for families?
National Geographic Islander II scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 5.0 out of 10, against 2.0 for Delfin III.
Still deciding?
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