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Ship comparison

Norwegian Dawn vs Norwegian Jade

The verdict

Which should you choose?

Norwegian Dawn is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 2,340 passengers, in service since 2002. Norwegian Jade is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 2,402 passengers, in service since 2006.

Choose Norwegian Dawn if you want a better-rated spa and gym or a lower starting fare: it outscores Norwegian Jade for spa & fitness (8.0 vs 6.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its cruises start from $329 (vs $769).

Choose Norwegian Jade if you want a more active cruise, more of a party or more adventure and nature: it outscores Norwegian Dawn for active (7.0 vs 4.0), party (8.0 vs 5.0) and adventure & nature (5.0 vs 3.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.

Side by side

Specifications

marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.

Norwegian DawnNorwegian Jade
Cruise line Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Cruise Line
Ship size Large Large
Maiden voyagenewer highlighted 2002 2006 (better)
Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted 2017
Gross tonnage 92,250 93,558
Passengers 2,340 2,402
Crew 1,073 1,078
Passengers per crew memberfewer is better 2.2 2.2
Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier 39.4 (better) 39.0
Decks 15 15
Length 965 ft 965 ft
Beam 125 ft 106 ft
Speed 29 mph 26 mph
Cruiseable ratingout of 10 7 / 10 8 / 10 (better)
Cruises on sale 53 39
Upcoming sailings 104 79
Cruise lengths 4–15 nights 7–17 nights
Fares fromlower highlighted $329 (better) $769

Bliss scores

How they rate, out of 10

Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Norwegian Dawn leads on 1 of the ten, Norwegian Jade on 5, with 4 level.

  • Active Norwegian Dawn: 4.0 Norwegian Jade: 7.0
  • Adventure & nature Norwegian Dawn: 3.0 Norwegian Jade: 5.0
  • Cultural Norwegian Dawn: 4.0 Norwegian Jade: 4.0
  • Dining Norwegian Dawn: 6.0 Norwegian Jade: 6.0
  • Entertainment Norwegian Dawn: 6.7 Norwegian Jade: 8.0
  • Family friendly Norwegian Dawn: 8.0 Norwegian Jade: 8.0
  • Party Norwegian Dawn: 5.0 Norwegian Jade: 8.0
  • Romantic Norwegian Dawn: 5.0 Norwegian Jade: 6.0
  • Spa & fitness Norwegian Dawn: 8.0 Norwegian Jade: 6.0
  • Staterooms Norwegian Dawn: 8.0 Norwegian Jade: 8.0

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.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Jade

Sailing the Caribbean in winter and European waters in summer, the 2,402-passenger Norwegian Jade from Norwegian Cruise Line offers a fun, laid-back way to explore the historic sites of Europe. Unlike many large ships, which repeat the same itinerary over and over, Jade features a varied selection of enriching cruises.

Highlights

  • Fitness Center features a full gym and aerobics/fitness classes daily.
  • If you love playing slots, you can gamble one cent up to $100.
  • Two huge 4,390-square-foot Garden Villas offer three separate bedrooms, private garden with hot tub and access to a private courtyard with pool.

Sailing now

39 cruises on sale, from $769.

Questions

Norwegian Dawn or Norwegian Jade?

Which is bigger, Norwegian Dawn or Norwegian Jade?

Norwegian Jade is bigger at 93,558 gross tons, against 92,250 gross tons for Norwegian Dawn. Norwegian Dawn carries 2,340 passengers and Norwegian Jade carries 2,402.

Which ship is newer, Norwegian Dawn or Norwegian Jade?

Norwegian Jade is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2006 against 2002 for Norwegian Dawn.

Which has more space per passenger?

Norwegian Dawn, with 39.4 gross tons per passenger against 39.0 on Norwegian Jade. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.

Which has more crew per passenger?

They are level, with one crew member for every 2.2 passengers.

Which is better for families?

They score the same for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 8.0 out of 10.

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