Disney Cruise Line
Disney Magic
- Cruises
- 27
- From
- $758
Ship comparison
Disney Magic vs Norwegian Gem
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Gem
- Cruises
- 40
- From
- $309
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Disney Magic is a large Disney Cruise Line ship carrying 2,400 passengers, in service since 1998. Norwegian Gem is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 2,394 passengers, in service since 2007.
Choose Disney Magic if you want more culture, better-rated entertainment or a more family-friendly ship: it outscores Norwegian Gem for cultural (5.5 vs 4.0), entertainment (8.0 vs 6.6) and family friendly (10.0 vs 9.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Choose Norwegian Gem if you want a lower starting fare, a more romantic trip or a newer ship: it outscores Disney Magic for romantic (5.0 vs 3.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores, its cruises start from $309 (vs $758) and its maiden voyage was in 2007 (vs 1998).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Disney Magic | Norwegian Gem | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Disney Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 1998 | 2007 (better) |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | 2020 (better) | 2017 |
| Gross tonnage | 83,000 | 93,530 |
| Passengers | 2,400 | 2,394 |
| Crew | 945 | 1,101 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.5 | 2.2 (better) |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 34.6 | 39.1 (better) |
| Decks | 11 | 15 |
| Length | 964 ft | 965 ft |
| Beam | 106 ft | 106 ft |
| Speed | 27 mph | 26 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 8 / 10 | 8 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 27 | 40 |
| Upcoming sailings | 90 | 82 |
| Cruise lengths | 3 to 14 nights | 4 to 19 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $758 | $309 (better) |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Disney Magic leads on 4 of the ten, Norwegian Gem on 2, with 4 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
Disney Cruise Line
Disney Magic
Disney Cruise Line offers a vacation that everyone in the family thinks is created just for them. On a Disney cruise, parents get the quality time with their kids that they crave. And kids get to have fun with their parents, whether it's swimming or having dinner together...or exploring new destinations.
Highlights
- Staterooms roomy enough for a family
- Organized age-specific activities
- Youth staff
- Family-friendly entertainment
Sailing now
27 cruises on sale, from $758.
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
40 cruises on sale, from $309.
Questions
Disney Magic or Norwegian Gem?
Which is bigger, Disney Magic or Norwegian Gem?
Norwegian Gem is bigger at 93,530 gross tons, against 83,000 gross tons for Disney Magic. Disney Magic carries 2,400 passengers and Norwegian Gem carries 2,394.
Which ship is newer, Disney Magic or Norwegian Gem?
Norwegian Gem is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2007 against 1998 for Disney Magic.
Which has more space per passenger?
Norwegian Gem, with 39.1 gross tons per passenger against 34.6 on Disney Magic. 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 2.5 on Disney Magic.
Which is better for families?
Disney Magic scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 10.0 out of 10, against 9.0 for Norwegian Gem.
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