Royal Caribbean
Freedom of the Seas
- Cruises
- 71
- From
- $299
Ship comparison
Freedom of the Seas vs Norwegian Joy
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Joy
- Cruises
- 51
- From
- $219
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Freedom of the Seas is a large Royal Caribbean ship carrying 3,634 passengers, in service since 2006. Norwegian Joy is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 3,900 passengers, in service since 2017.
Choose Freedom of the Seas if you want a more family-friendly ship: it outscores Norwegian Joy for family friendly (10.0 vs 7.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Choose Norwegian Joy if you want more adventure and nature, a more active cruise or a newer ship: it outscores Freedom of the Seas for adventure & nature (10.0 vs 4.0) and active (10.0 vs 8.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its maiden voyage was in 2017 (vs 2006).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Freedom of the Seas | Norwegian Joy | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Royal Caribbean | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2006 | 2017 (better) |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | 2018 | — |
| Gross tonnage | 154,407 | 163,000 |
| Passengers | 3,634 | 3,900 |
| Crew | 1,360 | 1,730 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.7 | 2.3 (better) |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 42.5 (better) | 41.8 |
| Decks | 18 | 18 |
| Length | 1,112 ft | 1,069 ft |
| Beam | 184 ft | 136 ft |
| Speed | 25 mph | 26 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 8 / 10 | 9 / 10 (better) |
| Cruises on sale | 71 | 51 |
| Upcoming sailings | 113 | 102 |
| Cruise lengths | 2 to 15 nights | 3 to 17 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $299 | $219 (better) |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Freedom of the Seas leads on 1 of the ten, Norwegian Joy on 5, with 4 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
Royal Caribbean
Freedom of the Seas
Freedom of the Seas features several maritime innovations to stir your imagination. Share a high five with Shrek as part of the DreamWorks Experience. Catch a first-run movie in the 3D theater or poolside under the stars on the outdoor movie screen.
Highlights
- Meeting Shrek as part of the DreamWorks Experience
- Shopping on the Royal Promenade
- Ice skating in the onboard ice skating rink
- Sipping delicious wines at Vintages wine bar
Sailing now
71 cruises on sale, from $299.
About Freedom of the Seas Plan my cruise on Freedom of the Seas
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Joy
Launched in April 2017, Norwegian Joy is one of the most innovative and technologically advanced ships to date from Norwegian Cruise Line.
Sailing now
51 cruises on sale, from $219.
Questions
Freedom of the Seas or Norwegian Joy?
Which is bigger, Freedom of the Seas or Norwegian Joy?
Norwegian Joy is bigger at 163,000 gross tons, against 154,407 gross tons for Freedom of the Seas. Freedom of the Seas carries 3,634 passengers and Norwegian Joy carries 3,900.
Which ship is newer, Freedom of the Seas or Norwegian Joy?
Norwegian Joy is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2017 against 2006 for Freedom of the Seas.
Which has more space per passenger?
Freedom of the Seas, with 42.5 gross tons per passenger against 41.8 on Norwegian Joy. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
Norwegian Joy, with one crew member for every 2.3 passengers against one for every 2.7 on Freedom of the Seas.
Which is better for families?
Freedom of the Seas scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 10.0 out of 10, against 7.0 for Norwegian Joy.
Still deciding?
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