Explora Journeys
Explora I
- Cruises
- 94
- From
- $2,600
Ship comparison
Explora I vs Viking Mars
Viking Ocean Cruises
Viking Mars
- Cruises
- 68
- From
- $3,299
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Explora I is a mid-size Explora Journeys ship carrying 912 passengers. Viking Mars is a mid-size Viking Ocean Cruises ship carrying 930 passengers, in service since 2022. Explora I has no Bliss scores yet, so the verdict rests on the figures we do hold.
Choose Explora I if you want more space per passenger or a lower starting fare: it has 69.8 gross tons per passenger (vs 51.4) and its cruises start from $2,600 (vs $3,299).
Viking Mars does not lead by a clear margin on any measure we track, so pick it for its itinerary or its dates.
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Explora I | Viking Mars | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Explora Journeys | Viking Ocean Cruises |
| Ship size | Medium | Medium |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | — | 2022 |
| Gross tonnage | 63,621 | 47,800 |
| Passengers | 912 | 930 |
| Crew | — | 465 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | — | 2.0 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 69.8 (better) | 51.4 |
| Decks | — | 10 |
| Length | 817 ft | 745 ft |
| Beam | 107 ft | 94 ft |
| Speed | — | 23 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | — | 10 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 94 | 68 |
| Upcoming sailings | 155 | 121 |
| Cruise lengths | 5 to 129 nights | 7 to 28 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $2,600 (better) | $3,299 |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday.
Explora I has no Bliss scores yet.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
Explora Journeys
Explora I
Sailing now
94 cruises on sale, from $2,600.
Viking Ocean Cruises
Viking Mars
The eighth ocean ship from Viking Ocean Cruises, Viking Mars debuted in May 2022 and offers a rich set of itineraries throughout Europe, Australia and Asia.
Sailing now
68 cruises on sale, from $3,299.
Questions
Explora I or Viking Mars?
Which is bigger, Explora I or Viking Mars?
Explora I is bigger at 63,621 gross tons, against 47,800 gross tons for Viking Mars. Explora I carries 912 passengers and Viking Mars carries 930.
Which has more space per passenger?
Explora I, with 69.8 gross tons per passenger against 51.4 on Viking Mars. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
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 Explora I, Viking Mars or a ship that suits you better.