Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Dawn
- Cruises
- 53
- From
- $329
Ship comparison
Norwegian Dawn vs Norwegian Sun
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Sun
- Cruises
- 22
- From
- $959
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Norwegian Dawn is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 2,340 passengers, in service since 2002. Norwegian Sun is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 1,936 passengers, in service since 2001.
Choose Norwegian Dawn if you want a lower starting fare, a more family-friendly ship or more cruises to choose from: it outscores Norwegian Sun for family friendly (8.0 vs 7.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores, its cruises start from $329 (vs $959) and it has 53 cruises on sale (vs 22).
Choose Norwegian Sun if you want more adventure and nature or more culture: it outscores Norwegian Dawn for adventure & nature (8.0 vs 3.0) and cultural (7.0 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 Sun | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2002 (better) | 2001 |
| Gross tonnage | 92,250 | 78,309 |
| Passengers | 2,340 | 1,936 |
| Crew | 1,073 | 953 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.2 | 2.0 (better) |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 39.4 | 40.4 (better) |
| Decks | 15 | 13 |
| Length | 965 ft | 848 ft |
| Beam | 125 ft | 108 ft |
| Speed | 29 mph | 26 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 7 / 10 | 7 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 53 | 22 |
| Upcoming sailings | 104 | 38 |
| Cruise lengths | 4–15 nights | 7–21 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $329 (better) | $959 |
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 Sun on 3, with 6 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 Sun
The bright orange and yellow sun painted onto the side of this ship is just a glimpse into the bright, fun memories waiting to be made on board. Serving up a variety of dining venues, bars, lounges, entertainment, kid's activities and relaxation opportunities, Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Sun is a hotspot for all travelers.
Highlights
- 16 global dining choices to suit your every mood
- Private balconies available in an Owner's Suite or Penthouse if you're looking for luxury
- Great entertainment in the Stardust Theater
Sailing now
22 cruises on sale, from $959.
Questions
Norwegian Dawn or Norwegian Sun?
Which is bigger, Norwegian Dawn or Norwegian Sun?
Norwegian Dawn is bigger at 92,250 gross tons, against 78,309 gross tons for Norwegian Sun. Norwegian Dawn carries 2,340 passengers and Norwegian Sun carries 1,936.
Which ship is newer, Norwegian Dawn or Norwegian Sun?
Norwegian Dawn is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2002 against 2001 for Norwegian Sun.
Which has more space per passenger?
Norwegian Sun, with 40.4 gross tons per passenger against 39.4 on Norwegian Dawn. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
Norwegian Sun, with one crew member for every 2.0 passengers against one for every 2.2 on Norwegian Dawn.
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 Sun.
Still deciding?
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