Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Elation
- Cruises
- 5
- From
- $276
Ship comparison
Carnival Elation vs Norwegian Dawn
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Dawn
- Cruises
- 53
- From
- $329
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Carnival Elation is a large Carnival Cruise Line ship carrying 2,190 passengers, in service since 1998. Norwegian Dawn is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 2,340 passengers, in service since 2002.
Choose Carnival Elation if you want more of a party: it outscores Norwegian Dawn for party (8.0 vs 5.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Choose Norwegian Dawn if you want a more romantic trip, a better-rated spa and gym or better-rated staterooms: it outscores Carnival Elation for romantic (5.0 vs 2.0), spa & fitness (8.0 vs 6.0) and staterooms (8.0 vs 6.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Carnival Elation | Norwegian Dawn | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Carnival Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 1998 | 2002 (better) |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | 2015 | — |
| Gross tonnage | 71,909 | 92,250 |
| Passengers | 2,190 | 2,340 |
| Crew | 900 | 1,073 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.4 | 2.2 (better) |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 32.8 | 39.4 (better) |
| Decks | 13 | 15 |
| Length | 855 ft | 965 ft |
| Beam | 103 ft | 125 ft |
| Speed | 24 mph | 29 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 6 / 10 | 7 / 10 (better) |
| Cruises on sale | 5 | 53 |
| Upcoming sailings | 121 | 104 |
| Cruise lengths | 4–6 nights | 4–15 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $276 (better) | $329 |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Carnival Elation leads on 2 of the ten, Norwegian Dawn on 6, with 2 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Elation
Carnival Elation is designed to celebrate the muses who inspire the arts, themed around literary, musical and film greats.
Highlights
- Relaxation in the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat
- Listening to beats by DJ Irie
- Singing along to old classics played at the Piano Bar
Sailing now
5 cruises on sale, from $276.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Dawn
As part of the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, Norwegian Dawn was built with freedom in mind, offering a choice of 14 dining options, 12 bars and lounges, the fitness center and spa, casino, pools and more.
Highlights
- The world-class Mandara Spa with full-service beauty salon
- Spectacular stage shows including The Second City comedy
- The largest suites on the sea for ultimate comfort and privacy
Sailing now
53 cruises on sale, from $329.
Questions
Carnival Elation or Norwegian Dawn?
Which is bigger, Carnival Elation or Norwegian Dawn?
Norwegian Dawn is bigger at 92,250 gross tons, against 71,909 gross tons for Carnival Elation. Carnival Elation carries 2,190 passengers and Norwegian Dawn carries 2,340.
Which ship is newer, Carnival Elation or Norwegian Dawn?
Norwegian Dawn is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2002 against 1998 for Carnival Elation.
Which has more space per passenger?
Norwegian Dawn, with 39.4 gross tons per passenger against 32.8 on Carnival Elation. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
Norwegian Dawn, with one crew member for every 2.2 passengers against one for every 2.4 on Carnival Elation.
Which is better for families?
They score the same for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 8.0 out of 10.
Still deciding?
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