Lindblad Expeditions
National Geographic Explorer
- Cruises
- 35
- From
- $6,200
Ship comparison
National Geographic Explorer vs S.S. Maria Theresa
Uniworld River Cruises
S.S. Maria Theresa
- Cruises
- 6
- From
- $2,849
The verdict
Which should you choose?
National Geographic Explorer is an intimate Lindblad Expeditions ship carrying 148 passengers, in service since 1982. S.S. Maria Theresa is an intimate Uniworld River Cruises ship carrying 155 passengers, in service since 2014.
Choose National Geographic Explorer if you want more adventure and nature, a more active cruise or a more family-friendly ship: it outscores S.S. Maria Theresa for adventure & nature (10.0 vs 5.0), active (10.0 vs 7.0) and family friendly (8.0 vs 5.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Choose S.S. Maria Theresa if you want a newer ship, better-rated dining or a lower starting fare: it outscores National Geographic Explorer for dining (7.0 vs 4.9) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores, its maiden voyage was in 2014 (vs 1982) and its cruises start from $2,849 (vs $6,200).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| National Geographic Explorer | S.S. Maria Theresa | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Lindblad Expeditions | Uniworld River Cruises |
| Ship size | Intimate | Intimate |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 1982 | 2014 (better) |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | 2008 | — |
| Gross tonnage | 6,471 | 5,000 |
| Passengers | 148 | 155 |
| Crew | 86 | 57 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 1.7 (better) | 2.7 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 43.7 (better) | 32.3 |
| Decks | 6 | 3 |
| Length | 367 ft | 443 ft |
| Beam | 52 ft | 38 ft |
| Speed | 21 mph | 8 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 8 / 10 | 9 / 10 (better) |
| Cruises on sale | 35 | 6 |
| Upcoming sailings | 146 | 91 |
| Cruise lengths | 5–20 nights | 7–10 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $6,200 | $2,849 (better) |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. National Geographic Explorer leads on 5 of the ten, S.S. Maria Theresa on 2, with 3 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
Lindblad Expeditions
National Geographic Explorer
Inaugurated in 2008, National Geographic Explorer is the world’s ultimate expedition ship. The embodiment of the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic alliance, its design and equipment are the result of almost 200 years of collective expedition experience.
Sailing now
35 cruises on sale, from $6,200.
-
9 Night The Canadian Maritimes and Newfoundland
$9,000
-
20 Night Antarctica South Georgia and the Falklands and Land Tour
$22,715
About National Geographic Explorer Plan my cruise on National Geographic Explorer
Uniworld River Cruises
S.S. Maria Theresa
Uniworld's Super Ship S.S. Maria Theresa sails the historic Blue Danube. A sister ship to the beautiful S.S. Antoinette and S.S. Catherine — two of the most luxurious vessels on the waterways of Europe — S.S. Maria Theresa takes guests to some of Europe's most remarkable destinations in impeccable style.
Highlights
- Linz, Vienna, Budapest, visit many of the the great cities of Central and Eastern Europe
- Enjoy a special dinner in a special dinner in Bar du Leopard
Sailing now
6 cruises on sale, from $2,849.
About S.S. Maria Theresa Plan my cruise on S.S. Maria Theresa
Questions
National Geographic Explorer or S.S. Maria Theresa?
Which is bigger, National Geographic Explorer or S.S. Maria Theresa?
National Geographic Explorer is bigger at 6,471 gross tons, against 5,000 gross tons for S.S. Maria Theresa. National Geographic Explorer carries 148 passengers and S.S. Maria Theresa carries 155.
Which ship is newer, National Geographic Explorer or S.S. Maria Theresa?
S.S. Maria Theresa is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2014 against 1982 for National Geographic Explorer.
Which has more space per passenger?
National Geographic Explorer, with 43.7 gross tons per passenger against 32.3 on S.S. Maria Theresa. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
National Geographic Explorer, with one crew member for every 1.7 passengers against one for every 2.7 on S.S. Maria Theresa.
Which is better for families?
National Geographic Explorer scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 8.0 out of 10, against 5.0 for S.S. Maria Theresa.
Still deciding?
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