Nautica Voyage vs Voyage N-83 Cologne Comparison

Now, that I have completed reviews for both Nautica Voyage and its N-83 flanker fragrance, I thought that I’d do a comparison post and lay out which cologne I think is better and why. Nautica specializes in aquatic themed scents and especially one’s that are great for the warmer weather months. In this post, I want to take a look at each cologne and determine which is the better candidate for purchase for most men and how each scent performs as a daily wear.

What Smells Better Nautica Voyage or N-83?

Nautica Voyage Tale of the Tape

Notes include: apple, musk, cedar, green leaf, amber, mimosa

Read my original review here

Try Nautica Voyage: Nautica Voyage By Nautica For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 oz

Nautica Voyage N-83 Tale of the Tape

Notes include: cardamom, petitgrain, mint, lavender, sandalwood, nutmeg, sea notes

Read my original review here

Opening

The difference in the opening between Voyage and N-83 is a matter of the sea notes contained in N-83 and how it has less of a fruity quality. N-83 is much more oceanic/salty than Voyage, which while semi-aquatic, is highlighted by apple/citrus notes that seem rather juicy.

If you want an actual aquatic, then N-83 is a potential play. Outside of that, I’d give the opening act to the original Nautica Voyage.

It does have a greenish and refreshing quality thanks to the mint. A classic clean, with the lavender note. But, it doesn’t have anything that is all that intriguing. Nice enough, though.

Voyage is just much more noticeable and pleasant. From the start, you get that crisp and watery apple note, with added sweetness. Then, the unique addition of mimosa, cedar, and musk really set Voyage apart.

Greenish, floral, musky, but refreshing. Voyage is usually interesting, despite not being among my favorite fragrances to wear.

Really, it’s quite amazing how such an inexpensive fragrance like Voyage, has set itself apart from almost anything else on the market. Nothing smells exactly like it and even its flankers, don’t strike the same chord.

Edge: Voyage

Projection

N-83 has a tendency to be rather on the weak side, it isn’t completely a fade away in five minutes cologne but it isn’t strong either, and it has a limited range.

Voyage isn’t super powerful but it is noticeable and projects pretty well. I’ve noticed that a lot of the Nautica flankers don’t match up to even the decent sillage of Nautica Voyage. Which is a shame, because some of the better smelling ones could be nice cheapies.

N-83 isn’t one of the worst offenders, but doesn’t match what Voyage provides. It’s going to be sticking rather close to one’s skin for much of the duration.

Edge: Voyage

Longevity

Again, Voyage takes the cake. N-83 has a tendency to fade and turn completely into a skin scent. Voyage holds up and performs well on a summer day. If it’s between the two, Voyage wins.

With Voyage, I max out with 7 hours. It will usually fall into the 5-7 hour range. N-83 can be in the 3-6 hour range, on my skin. That’s what I’ve found it capable of with more testing.

Usually, it’s closer to the lower end. If it could hit that higher end with a bit more power, it could be a much more useful scent. Really, I’d expect 83 to reliably hit 4, and maybe you get an extra boost.

Edge: Voyage

Versatility

Both of these are great casual fragrances that can be worn to work, school, or wherever. I wouldn’t put either as a date night cologne really, though Voyage would get the edge.

Actually, N-83 is less intrusive, so it might actually serve as a slightly better office cologne. However, since Voyage isn’t a beast, it would be perfectly fine. As far as cheapies go, both have a good deal of use. No, neither are super high end in quality, but they can be useful.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

N-83 is a good scent don’t get me wrong, it just pretty linear and not anything all that special. It has a nice and clean scent that is oceanic/soapy/smooth, especially from the lavender note.

Voyage is an aquatic that has a great citrus aroma and has been a long time favorite and best seller. For the price, Voyage, is a great addition to anyone’s collection, while N-83 probably isn’t even one of the best Nautica colognes.

Voyage seems to be Nautica’s high water mark. It’s a fragrance that they can’t seem to outdo. Even when they use its name, the flanker never really holds up to a comparison. It’s usually outright disappointing. Honestly, both of these are cheap enough, that you could just get both for some variety. If only one, it’s gotta be Voyage.

Winner: Voyage

Best Men's Colognes

Best Men’s Colognes started back in 2013, as a way to share my learning experiences with different fragrances, as I dove head first into the hobby. Since then, I have written hundreds of reviews and other pages about perfumes and colognes.