Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Elation
- Cruises
- 5
- From
- $276
Ship comparison
Carnival Elation vs Norwegian Gem
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Gem
- Cruises
- 44
- From
- $339
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Carnival Elation is a large Carnival Cruise Line ship carrying 2,190 passengers, in service since 1998. Norwegian Gem is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 2,394 passengers, in service since 2006.
Choose Carnival Elation if you want more of a party or a lower starting fare: it outscores Norwegian Gem for party (8.0 vs 5.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its cruises start from $276 (vs $339).
Choose Norwegian Gem if you want a more romantic trip, a better-rated spa and gym or a newer ship: it outscores Carnival Elation for romantic (5.0 vs 2.0) and spa & fitness (8.0 vs 6.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its maiden voyage was in 2006 (vs 1998).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Carnival Elation | Norwegian Gem | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Carnival Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 1998 | 2006 (better) |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | 2015 | 2017 (better) |
| Gross tonnage | 71,909 | 93,530 |
| Passengers | 2,190 | 2,394 |
| Crew | 900 | 1,101 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.4 | 2.2 (better) |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 32.8 | 39.1 (better) |
| Decks | 13 | 15 |
| Length | 855 ft | 965 ft |
| Beam | 103 ft | 32 ft |
| Speed | 24 mph | 26 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 6 / 10 | 8 / 10 (better) |
| Cruises on sale | 5 | 44 |
| Upcoming sailings | 121 | 89 |
| Cruise lengths | 4–6 nights | 4–19 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $276 (better) | $339 |
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 Gem 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 Gem
While it's true that most cruise ships have a little something for everyone, Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Gem takes that concept to a whole new level. Passengers can choose from activities such as rock climbing and shuffleboard or relax poolside or with a hot-stone massage.
Highlights
- A variety of great dining options, including the hot air balloon-themed Bali Hai Bar & Grill
- Comedy Variety in the Stardust Theater
- Celebrity DJ spinning tunes at the Bliss Lounge
Sailing now
44 cruises on sale, from $339.
Questions
Carnival Elation or Norwegian Gem?
Which is bigger, Carnival Elation or Norwegian Gem?
Norwegian Gem is bigger at 93,530 gross tons, against 71,909 gross tons for Carnival Elation. Carnival Elation carries 2,190 passengers and Norwegian Gem carries 2,394.
Which ship is newer, Carnival Elation or Norwegian Gem?
Norwegian Gem is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2006 against 1998 for Carnival Elation.
Which has more space per passenger?
Norwegian Gem, with 39.1 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 Gem, with one crew member for every 2.2 passengers against one for every 2.4 on Carnival Elation.
Which is better for families?
Norwegian Gem scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 9.0 out of 10, against 8.0 for Carnival Elation.
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