Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Dawn
- Cruises
- 53
- From
- $329
Ship comparison
Norwegian Dawn vs Norwegian Star
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Star
- Cruises
- 61
- From
- $549
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Norwegian Dawn is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 2,340 passengers, in service since 2002. Norwegian Star is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 2,348 passengers, in service since 2000.
Choose Norwegian Dawn if you want a lower starting fare, a more family-friendly ship or better-rated staterooms: it outscores Norwegian Star for family friendly (8.0 vs 7.0) and staterooms (8.0 vs 7.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its cruises start from $329 (vs $549).
Choose Norwegian Star if you want more culture, more of a party or a more active cruise: it outscores Norwegian Dawn for cultural (7.0 vs 4.0), party (8.0 vs 5.0) 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 Star | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2002 (better) | 2000 |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | — | 2018 |
| Gross tonnage | 92,250 | 91,740 |
| Passengers | 2,340 | 2,348 |
| Crew | 1,073 | 1,065 |
| 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 | 935 ft |
| Beam | 125 ft | 105 ft |
| Speed | 29 mph | 28 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 7 / 10 | 7 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 53 | 61 |
| Upcoming sailings | 104 | 69 |
| Cruise lengths | 4–15 nights | 6–16 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $329 (better) | $549 |
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 2 of the ten, Norwegian Star on 6, with 2 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 Star
The ship where Norwegian's Freestyle Cruising mantra all began, Norwegian Star has been at sea since 2001, offering a large variety in dining options, lounges from the popular to the secluded, and a childcare program that is top notch.
Highlights
- Bring your own chopsticks and enjoy Asian cuisine, from sushi to hibachi to Thai and Chinese
- Extensive childcare services on board make cruiseing with the wee ones a cinch
- Celebrate like the famous F. Scott Fitzgerald character at Gatsby's Champagne Bar
Sailing now
61 cruises on sale, from $549.
Questions
Norwegian Dawn or Norwegian Star?
Which is bigger, Norwegian Dawn or Norwegian Star?
Norwegian Dawn is bigger at 92,250 gross tons, against 91,740 gross tons for Norwegian Star. Norwegian Dawn carries 2,340 passengers and Norwegian Star carries 2,348.
Which ship is newer, Norwegian Dawn or Norwegian Star?
Norwegian Dawn is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2002 against 2000 for Norwegian Star.
Which has more space per passenger?
Norwegian Dawn, with 39.4 gross tons per passenger against 39.1 on Norwegian Star. 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?
Norwegian Dawn scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 8.0 out of 10, against 7.0 for Norwegian Star.
Still deciding?
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