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Ship comparison

Norwegian Dawn vs Norwegian Spirit

The verdict

Which should you choose?

Norwegian Dawn is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 2,340 passengers, in service since 2002. Norwegian Spirit is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 2,018 passengers, in service since 1998.

Choose Norwegian Dawn if you want a lower starting fare: its cruises start from $209 (vs $739).

Choose Norwegian Spirit if you want more adventure and nature, more of a party or better-rated entertainment: it outscores Norwegian Dawn for adventure & nature (5.0 vs 3.0), party (7.0 vs 5.0) and entertainment (8.0 vs 6.7) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.

Side by side

Specifications

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

Norwegian DawnNorwegian Spirit
Cruise line Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Cruise Line
Ship size Large Large
Maiden voyagenewer highlighted 2002 (better) 1998
Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted — 2021
Gross tonnage 92,250 75,338
Passengers 2,340 2,018
Crew 1,073 962
Passengers per crew memberfewer is better 2.2 2.1 (better)
Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier 39.4 (better) 37.3
Decks 15 14
Length 965 ft 881 ft
Beam 125 ft 106 ft
Speed 29 mph 28 mph
Cruiseable ratingout of 10 7 / 10 (better) 6 / 10
Cruises on sale 49 42
Upcoming sailings 97 59
Cruise lengths 4 to 15 nights 4 to 20 nights
Fares fromlower highlighted $209 (better) $739

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 0 of the ten, Norwegian Spirit on 4, with 6 level.

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

49 cruises on sale, from $209.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Spirit

With excellent service and cool ambiance, the Norwegian Spirit may be one of the older ships in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, but it hasn't changed the ship's quality. This 2,018-passenger ship still offers solid restaurants, bars and lounges as well as plenty of family-friendly services.

Highlights

  • A hilarious who-done-it lunch show "Presumed Murdered"-- passengers get involved in the mystery
  • Shoot hoops or join a pick up game at the net enclosed, outdoor basketball court
  • Visit the splendid Canary Islands

Sailing now

42 cruises on sale, from $739.

Questions

Norwegian Dawn or Norwegian Spirit?

Which is bigger, Norwegian Dawn or Norwegian Spirit?

Norwegian Dawn is bigger at 92,250 gross tons, against 75,338 gross tons for Norwegian Spirit. Norwegian Dawn carries 2,340 passengers and Norwegian Spirit carries 2,018.

Which ship is newer, Norwegian Dawn or Norwegian Spirit?

Norwegian Dawn is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2002 against 1998 for Norwegian Spirit.

Which has more space per passenger?

Norwegian Dawn, with 39.4 gross tons per passenger against 37.3 on Norwegian Spirit. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.

Which has more crew per passenger?

Norwegian Spirit, with one crew member for every 2.1 passengers against one for every 2.2 on Norwegian Dawn.

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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