Explora Journeys
Explora I
- Cruises
- 94
- From
- $2,600
Ship comparison
Explora I vs Viking Venus
Viking Ocean Cruises
Viking Venus
- Cruises
- 51
- From
- $5,999
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Explora I is a mid-size Explora Journeys ship carrying 912 passengers. Viking Venus is a mid-size Viking Ocean Cruises ship carrying 930 passengers, in service since 2021. Explora I has no Bliss scores yet, so the verdict rests on the figures we do hold. Viking Venus has no Bliss scores yet, so the verdict rests on the figures we do hold.
Choose Explora I if you want a lower starting fare or more space per passenger: its cruises start from $2,600 (vs $5,999) and it has 69.8 gross tons per passenger (vs 51.6).
Viking Venus 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 Venus | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Explora Journeys | Viking Ocean Cruises |
| Ship size | Medium | Medium |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | — | 2021 |
| Gross tonnage | 63,621 | 48,000 |
| 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) | 51.6 |
| 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 | 51 |
| Upcoming sailings | 155 | 112 |
| Cruise lengths | 5 to 129 nights | 10 to 92 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $2,600 (better) | $5,999 |
Explora Journeys
Explora I
Sailing now
94 cruises on sale, from $2,600.
Viking Ocean Cruises
Viking Venus
The seventh ocean ship from Viking Ocean Cruises, Viking Venus debuted in May 2021, offering voyages chiefly around the Mediterranean. The 10-deck vessel with a maximum of 930 guests is the ideal size for those put off by mega-ship madness while offering many of the kinds of amenities found on smaller but more expensive luxury ships.
Sailing now
51 cruises on sale, from $5,999.
Questions
Explora I or Viking Venus?
Which is bigger, Explora I or Viking Venus?
Explora I is bigger at 63,621 gross tons, against 48,000 gross tons for Viking Venus. Explora I carries 912 passengers and Viking Venus carries 930.
Which has more space per passenger?
Explora I, with 69.8 gross tons per passenger against 51.6 on Viking Venus. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Still deciding?
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