Lindblad Expeditions
National Geographic Orion
- Cruises
- 0
- From
- —
Ship comparison
National Geographic Orion vs Silver Origin
Silversea
Silver Origin
- Cruises
- 8
- From
- $11,700
The verdict
Which should you choose?
National Geographic Orion is an intimate Lindblad Expeditions ship carrying 102 passengers, in service since 2003. Silver Origin is an intimate Silversea ship carrying 100 passengers, in service since 2021.
Choose National Geographic Orion if you want a better-rated spa and gym, a more family-friendly ship or more culture: it outscores Silver Origin for spa & fitness (8.0 vs 5.0), family friendly (6.0 vs 5.0) and cultural (8.0 vs 7.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Choose Silver Origin if you want more of a party, a more romantic trip or a newer ship: it outscores National Geographic Orion for party (5.0 vs 0.0) and romantic (9.0 vs 6.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its maiden voyage was in 2021 (vs 2003).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| National Geographic Orion | Silver Origin | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Lindblad Expeditions | Silversea |
| Ship size | Intimate | Intimate |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2003 | 2021 (better) |
| Gross tonnage | 4,050 | 5,800 |
| Passengers | 102 | 100 |
| Crew | 75 | 90 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 1.4 | 1.1 (better) |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 39.7 | 58.0 (better) |
| Decks | 5 | 6 |
| Length | 337 ft | 331 ft |
| Beam | 46 ft | 52 ft |
| Speed | 18 mph | 16 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 8 / 10 | 10 / 10 (better) |
| Cruises on sale | — | 8 |
| Upcoming sailings | — | 143 |
| Cruise lengths | — | 7 to 14 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | — | $11,700 |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. National Geographic Orion leads on 3 of the ten, Silver Origin on 5, with 2 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
Lindblad Expeditions
National Geographic Orion
The state-of-the-art National Geographic Orion, owned by Lindblad Expeditions since 2013, serves as a luxurious base camp for voyages to the far-flung corners of the planet. A fully stabilized, ice-class vessel, the Orion is at home navigating polar ice as well the small harbors of Europe. The ship accommodates 102 guests in 53 cabins.
Highlights
- Top-flight experts on board on every voyage
- Fascinating itineraries on an intimate ship
About National Geographic Orion Plan my cruise on National Geographic Orion
Silversea
Silver Origin
Silversea welcomed Silver Origin to its fleet in June 2021. The luxury expedition vessel was designed specifically for the Galapagos with a design that focuses on sustainability and a smaller carbon footprint for sailing in those protected waters.
Sailing now
8 cruises on sale, from $11,700.
Questions
National Geographic Orion or Silver Origin?
Which is bigger, National Geographic Orion or Silver Origin?
Silver Origin is bigger at 5,800 gross tons, against 4,050 gross tons for National Geographic Orion. National Geographic Orion carries 102 passengers and Silver Origin carries 100.
Which ship is newer, National Geographic Orion or Silver Origin?
Silver Origin is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2021 against 2003 for National Geographic Orion.
Which has more space per passenger?
Silver Origin, with 58.0 gross tons per passenger against 39.7 on National Geographic Orion. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
Silver Origin, with one crew member for every 1.1 passengers against one for every 1.4 on National Geographic Orion.
Which is better for families?
National Geographic Orion scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 6.0 out of 10, against 5.0 for Silver Origin.
Still deciding?
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