Explora Journeys
Explora III
- Cruises
- 109
- From
- $4,160
Ship comparison
Explora III vs Viking Orion
Viking Ocean Cruises
Viking Orion
- Cruises
- 55
- From
- $5,999
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Explora III is a mid-size Explora Journeys ship carrying 922 passengers. Viking Orion is a mid-size Viking Ocean Cruises ship carrying 930 passengers, in service since 2018. Explora III has no Bliss scores yet, so the verdict rests on the figures we do hold.
Choose Explora III if you want more space per passenger or a lower starting fare: it has 80.2 gross tons per passenger (vs 51.4) and its cruises start from $4,160 (vs $5,999).
Viking Orion 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 III | Viking Orion | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Explora Journeys | Viking Ocean Cruises |
| Ship size | Medium | Medium |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | — | 2018 |
| Gross tonnage | 73,904 | 47,800 |
| Passengers | 922 | 930 |
| Crew | — | 550 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | — | 1.7 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 80.2 (better) | 51.4 |
| Decks | — | 14 |
| Length | 879 ft | 745 ft |
| Beam | 108 ft | 95 ft |
| Speed | — | 23 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | — | 10 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 109 | 55 |
| Upcoming sailings | 123 | 105 |
| Cruise lengths | 7 to 25 nights | 10 to 92 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $4,160 (better) | $5,999 |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday.
Explora III has no Bliss scores yet.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
Explora Journeys
Explora III
Sailing now
109 cruises on sale, from $4,160.
Viking Ocean Cruises
Viking Orion
Sailing now
55 cruises on sale, from $5,999.
Questions
Explora III or Viking Orion?
Which is bigger, Explora III or Viking Orion?
Explora III is bigger at 73,904 gross tons, against 47,800 gross tons for Viking Orion. Explora III carries 922 passengers and Viking Orion carries 930.
Which has more space per passenger?
Explora III, with 80.2 gross tons per passenger against 51.4 on Viking Orion. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Still deciding?
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