Lindblad Expeditions
National Geographic Orion
- Cruises
- 37
- From
- $7,735
Ship comparison
National Geographic Orion vs Viking Astrild
Viking River Cruises
Viking Astrild
- Cruises
- 4
- From
- $3,499
The verdict
Which should you choose?
National Geographic Orion is an intimate Lindblad Expeditions ship carrying 102 passengers, in service since 2003. Viking Astrild is an intimate Viking River Cruises ship carrying 98 passengers, in service since 2015.
Choose National Geographic Orion if you want more crew per passenger, more adventure and nature or a more active cruise: it outscores Viking Astrild for adventure & nature (10.0 vs 5.0) and active (10.0 vs 7.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and it has a crew member for every 1.4 passengers (vs 3.5).
Choose Viking Astrild if you want more of a party, a lower starting fare or a newer ship: it outscores National Geographic Orion for party (5.0 vs 0.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores, its cruises start from $3,499 (vs $7,735) and its maiden voyage was in 2015 (vs 2003).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| National Geographic Orion | Viking Astrild | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Lindblad Expeditions | Viking River Cruises |
| Ship size | Intimate | Intimate |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2003 | 2015 (better) |
| Gross tonnage | 4,050 | 4,000 |
| Passengers | 102 | 98 |
| Crew | 75 | 28 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 1.4 (better) | 3.5 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 39.7 | 40.8 (better) |
| Decks | 5 | 3 |
| Length | 337 ft | 361 ft |
| Beam | 46 ft | 36 ft |
| Speed | 18 mph | 17 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 8 / 10 | 9 / 10 (better) |
| Cruises on sale | 37 | 4 |
| Upcoming sailings | 147 | 108 |
| Cruise lengths | 6–20 nights | 9 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $7,735 | $3,499 (better) |
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 4 of the ten, Viking Astrild on 5, with 1 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
Sailing now
37 cruises on sale, from $7,735.
-
8 Night Antarctica Direct Fly the Drake Passage and Land Tour
$14,250
-
6 Night Antarctica Direct Fly the Drake Passage
$14,250
About National Geographic Orion Plan my cruise on National Geographic Orion
Viking River Cruises
Viking Astrild
Designed to sail the shallow Elbe River between Prague and Berlin, the 98-passenger Viking Astrild has been dubbed a "baby Longship" because it's about half the size of the standard 190-passenger Viking Longships.
Highlights
- Aquavit Terrace for al fresco dining
- Observation Lounge features floor-to-ceiling windows for great river views
- All staterooms are outside with a river view
- Complimentary wi-fi
Sailing now
4 cruises on sale, from $3,499.
Questions
National Geographic Orion or Viking Astrild?
Which is bigger, National Geographic Orion or Viking Astrild?
National Geographic Orion is bigger at 4,050 gross tons, against 4,000 gross tons for Viking Astrild. National Geographic Orion carries 102 passengers and Viking Astrild carries 98.
Which ship is newer, National Geographic Orion or Viking Astrild?
Viking Astrild is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2015 against 2003 for National Geographic Orion.
Which has more space per passenger?
Viking Astrild, with 40.8 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?
National Geographic Orion, with one crew member for every 1.4 passengers against one for every 3.5 on Viking Astrild.
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 Viking Astrild.
Still deciding?
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