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Ship comparison

Norwegian Dawn vs Pride of America

The verdict

Which should you choose?

Norwegian Dawn is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 2,340 passengers, in service since 2002. Pride of America is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 2,138 passengers, in service since 2005.

Choose Norwegian Dawn if you want a lower starting fare or more cruises to choose from: its cruises start from $209 (vs $1,102) and it has 49 cruises on sale (vs 2).

Choose Pride of America if you want more adventure and nature: it outscores Norwegian Dawn for adventure & nature (7.0 vs 3.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.

Side by side

Specifications

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

Norwegian DawnPride of America
Cruise line Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Cruise Line
Ship size Large Large
Maiden voyagenewer highlighted 2002 2005 (better)
Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted — 2016
Gross tonnage 92,250 80,439
Passengers 2,340 2,138
Crew 1,073 935
Passengers per crew memberfewer is better 2.2 (better) 2.3
Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier 39.4 (better) 37.6
Decks 15 15
Length 965 ft 920 ft
Beam 125 ft 106 ft
Speed 29 mph 26 mph
Cruiseable ratingout of 10 7 / 10 7 / 10
Cruises on sale 49 2
Upcoming sailings 97 184
Cruise lengths 4 to 15 nights 7 to 10 nights
Fares fromlower highlighted $209 (better) $1,102

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, Pride of America on 2, with 7 level.

  • Active Norwegian Dawn: 4.0 Pride of America: 4.0
  • Adventure & nature Norwegian Dawn: 3.0 Pride of America: 7.0
  • Cultural Norwegian Dawn: 4.0 Pride of America: 4.0
  • Dining Norwegian Dawn: 6.0 Pride of America: 5.4
  • Entertainment Norwegian Dawn: 6.7 Pride of America: 6.8
  • Family friendly Norwegian Dawn: 8.0 Pride of America: 8.0
  • Party Norwegian Dawn: 5.0 Pride of America: 5.0
  • Romantic Norwegian Dawn: 5.0 Pride of America: 5.0
  • Spa & fitness Norwegian Dawn: 8.0 Pride of America: 8.0
  • Staterooms Norwegian Dawn: 8.0 Pride of America: 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

Pride of America

Aloha! Come aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America for the best way to island hop Hawaii. From the moment you step into the Capitol Atrium, with its soaring Tiffany-glass dome and grand staircase, you'll know this is a spectacular cruise ship.

Highlights

  • 8 complimentary dining options, from three-course dining to buffets
  • Seasonal whale watching along the Napali Coast

Sailing now

2 cruises on sale, from $1,102.

Questions

Norwegian Dawn or Pride of America?

Which is bigger, Norwegian Dawn or Pride of America?

Norwegian Dawn is bigger at 92,250 gross tons, against 80,439 gross tons for Pride of America. Norwegian Dawn carries 2,340 passengers and Pride of America carries 2,138.

Which ship is newer, Norwegian Dawn or Pride of America?

Pride of America is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2005 against 2002 for Norwegian Dawn.

Which has more space per passenger?

Norwegian Dawn, with 39.4 gross tons per passenger against 37.6 on Pride of America. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.

Which has more crew per passenger?

Norwegian Dawn, with one crew member for every 2.2 passengers against one for every 2.3 on Pride of America.

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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