Lindblad Expeditions
National Geographic Islander II
- Cruises
- 11
- From
- $7,495
Ship comparison
National Geographic Islander II vs Scenic Aura
Scenic
Scenic Aura
- Cruises
- 0
- From
- —
The verdict
Which should you choose?
National Geographic Islander II is an intimate Lindblad Expeditions ship carrying 48 passengers, in service since 1991. Scenic Aura is an intimate Scenic ship carrying 44 passengers, in service since 2016. Scenic Aura has no Bliss scores yet, so the verdict rests on the figures we do hold.
Choose National Geographic Islander II if you want more space per passenger, more crew per passenger or more cruises to choose from: it has 68.0 gross tons per passenger (vs 40.6), it has a crew member for every 1.0 passengers (vs 1.3) and it has 11 cruises on sale (vs none).
Choose Scenic Aura if you want a newer ship: its maiden voyage was in 2016 (vs 1991).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| National Geographic Islander II | Scenic Aura | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Lindblad Expeditions | Scenic |
| Ship size | Intimate | Intimate |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 1991 | 2016 (better) |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | 2022 | — |
| Gross tonnage | 3,264 | 1,785 |
| Passengers | 48 | 44 |
| Crew | 48 | 35 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 1.0 (better) | 1.3 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 68.0 (better) | 40.6 |
| Cabins | — | 22 |
| Decks | 5 | 5 |
| Length | 269 ft | 213 ft |
| Beam | 45 ft | — |
| Speed | 17 mph | — |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | — | 9 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 11 | — |
| Upcoming sailings | 378 | — |
| Cruise lengths | 4–15 nights | — |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $7,495 | — |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday.
Scenic Aura has no Bliss scores yet.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
Lindblad Expeditions
National Geographic Islander II
The National Geographic Islander II, formerly sailing as Crystal Esprit, set sail in the Galápagos Islands year-round starting in August 2022. The sporty ship is named for the National Geographic Islander, which it is replacing.
Sailing now
11 cruises on sale, from $7,495.
About National Geographic Islander II Plan my cruise on National Geographic Islander II
Scenic
Scenic Aura
Scenic's luxury river cruise ship Scenic Aura explores Myanmar's mystical waterways and byways that lead to hidden villages, ancient cities and time-honored cultures.
Questions
National Geographic Islander II or Scenic Aura?
Which is bigger, National Geographic Islander II or Scenic Aura?
National Geographic Islander II is bigger at 3,264 gross tons, against 1,785 gross tons for Scenic Aura. National Geographic Islander II carries 48 passengers and Scenic Aura carries 44.
Which ship is newer, National Geographic Islander II or Scenic Aura?
Scenic Aura is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2016 against 1991 for National Geographic Islander II.
Which has more space per passenger?
National Geographic Islander II, with 68.0 gross tons per passenger against 40.6 on Scenic Aura. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
National Geographic Islander II, with one crew member for every 1.0 passengers against one for every 1.3 on Scenic Aura.
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