Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Dawn
- Cruises
- 53
- From
- $329
Ship comparison
Norwegian Dawn vs Norwegian Pearl
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Pearl
- Cruises
- 37
- From
- $649
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Norwegian Dawn is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 2,340 passengers, in service since 2002. Norwegian Pearl is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 2,394 passengers, in service since 2006.
Choose Norwegian Dawn if you want better-rated staterooms, a lower starting fare or better-rated dining: it outscores Norwegian Pearl for staterooms (8.0 vs 6.0) and dining (6.0 vs 5.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its cruises start from $329 (vs $649).
Choose Norwegian Pearl if you want more of a party, more adventure and nature or a more active cruise: it outscores Norwegian Dawn for party (10.0 vs 5.0), adventure & nature (7.0 vs 3.0) and active (6.0 vs 4.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Norwegian Dawn | Norwegian Pearl | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2002 | 2006 (better) |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | — | 2015 |
| Gross tonnage | 92,250 | 93,530 |
| Passengers | 2,340 | 2,394 |
| Crew | 1,073 | 1,084 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.2 | 2.2 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 39.4 (better) | 39.1 |
| Decks | 15 | 15 |
| Length | 965 ft | 695 ft |
| Beam | 125 ft | 105 ft |
| Speed | 29 mph | 26 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 7 / 10 | 8 / 10 (better) |
| Cruises on sale | 53 | 37 |
| Upcoming sailings | 104 | 96 |
| Cruise lengths | 4–15 nights | 5–14 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $329 (better) | $649 |
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 3 of the ten, Norwegian Pearl on 3, with 4 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
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 Pearl
Whether cruising to Bermuda, New England or through the Panama Canal, you can experience the wonders of the world aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Pearl.
Highlights
- Watch glaciers calve from a private balcony while on an Alaska cruise.
- Enjoy a fantastic steak in Cagneys while sailing through the Caribbean.
- Relax in the hydrotherapy room after a couples massage at the South Pacific Spa.
- Summer Palace Main Dining Room is right out of a Dr. Zhivago, inspired by the grand palaces of St. Petersburg and the era of the great Tsars of Russia.
Sailing now
37 cruises on sale, from $649.
Questions
Norwegian Dawn or Norwegian Pearl?
Which is bigger, Norwegian Dawn or Norwegian Pearl?
Norwegian Pearl is bigger at 93,530 gross tons, against 92,250 gross tons for Norwegian Dawn. Norwegian Dawn carries 2,340 passengers and Norwegian Pearl carries 2,394.
Which ship is newer, Norwegian Dawn or Norwegian Pearl?
Norwegian Pearl 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 39.1 on Norwegian Pearl. 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.
Still deciding?
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