Explora Journeys
Explora II
- Cruises
- 130
- From
- $1,800
Ship comparison
Explora II vs Viking Neptune
Viking Ocean Cruises
Viking Neptune
- Cruises
- 95
- From
- $2,599
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Explora II is a mid-size Explora Journeys ship carrying 912 passengers, in service since 2024. Viking Neptune is a mid-size Viking Ocean Cruises ship carrying 930 passengers, in service since 2022. Explora II has no Bliss scores yet, so the verdict rests on the figures we do hold.
Choose Explora II if you want more space per passenger or a lower starting fare: it has 70.1 gross tons per passenger (vs 51.6) and its cruises start from $1,800 (vs $2,599).
Viking Neptune 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 II | Viking Neptune | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Explora Journeys | Viking Ocean Cruises |
| Ship size | Medium | Medium |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2024 (better) | 2022 |
| Gross tonnage | 63,900 | 48,000 |
| Passengers | 912 | 930 |
| Crew | — | 465 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | — | 2.0 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 70.1 (better) | 51.6 |
| Decks | — | 10 |
| Length | 817 ft | 745 ft |
| Beam | 108 ft | 94 ft |
| Speed | — | 23 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | — | 10 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 130 | 95 |
| Upcoming sailings | 163 | 161 |
| Cruise lengths | 4 to 29 nights | 7 to 64 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $1,800 (better) | $2,599 |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday.
Explora II has no Bliss scores yet.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
Explora Journeys
Explora II
Sailing now
130 cruises on sale, from $1,800.
Viking Ocean Cruises
Viking Neptune
Viking Neptune entered service in November 2022, joining Viking’s fleet of adults-only, all-veranda ocean ships built to feel more like a floating boutique hotel than a theme-park-at-sea.
Sailing now
95 cruises on sale, from $2,599.
Questions
Explora II or Viking Neptune?
Which is bigger, Explora II or Viking Neptune?
Explora II is bigger at 63,900 gross tons, against 48,000 gross tons for Viking Neptune. Explora II carries 912 passengers and Viking Neptune carries 930.
Which ship is newer, Explora II or Viking Neptune?
Explora II is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2024 against 2022 for Viking Neptune.
Which has more space per passenger?
Explora II, with 70.1 gross tons per passenger against 51.6 on Viking Neptune. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Still deciding?
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