Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Dawn
- Cruises
- 49
- From
- $209
Ship comparison
Norwegian Dawn vs Radiance of the Seas
Royal Caribbean
Radiance of the Seas
- Cruises
- 24
- From
- $298
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Norwegian Dawn is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 2,340 passengers, in service since 2002. Radiance of the Seas is a large Royal Caribbean ship carrying 2,139 passengers, in service since 2001.
Choose Norwegian Dawn if you want more culture, a lower starting fare or more cruises to choose from: it outscores Radiance of the Seas for cultural (4.0 vs 2.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores, its cruises start from $209 (vs $298) and it has 49 cruises on sale (vs 24).
Choose Radiance of the Seas if you want a more active cruise, a better-rated spa and gym or more adventure and nature: it outscores Norwegian Dawn for active (6.0 vs 4.0), spa & fitness (9.0 vs 8.0) and adventure & nature (4.0 vs 3.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Norwegian Dawn | Radiance of the Seas | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Royal Caribbean |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2002 (better) | 2001 |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | — | 2015 |
| Gross tonnage | 92,250 | 90,090 |
| Passengers | 2,340 | 2,139 |
| Crew | 1,073 | 869 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.2 (better) | 2.5 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 39.4 | 42.1 (better) |
| Decks | 15 | 12 |
| Length | 965 ft | 962 ft |
| Beam | 125 ft | 131 ft |
| Speed | 29 mph | 25 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 7 / 10 | 7 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 49 | 24 |
| Upcoming sailings | 97 | 100 |
| Cruise lengths | 4 to 15 nights | 4 to 8 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $209 (better) | $298 |
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, Radiance of the Seas on 5, 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
49 cruises on sale, from $209.
Royal Caribbean
Radiance of the Seas
Hungry for an at-sea experience that combines panoramic vistas and an array of delicious new dining options? Look no further than the Radiance of the Seas. With acres of glass enclosing the nine-story central atrium, elevators facing the sea and floor-to-ceiling windows throughout, you'll never be at a loss for an incredible view.
Highlights
- Complimentary Adventure Ocean Youth Program
- Rock-climbing wall and mini-golf course
- Poolside movie screen showing first-run movies
- Complimentary Broadway-style entertainment in the three-story Main Theater
Sailing now
24 cruises on sale, from $298.
About Radiance of the Seas Plan my cruise on Radiance of the Seas
Questions
Norwegian Dawn or Radiance of the Seas?
Which is bigger, Norwegian Dawn or Radiance of the Seas?
Norwegian Dawn is bigger at 92,250 gross tons, against 90,090 gross tons for Radiance of the Seas. Norwegian Dawn carries 2,340 passengers and Radiance of the Seas carries 2,139.
Which ship is newer, Norwegian Dawn or Radiance of the Seas?
Norwegian Dawn is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2002 against 2001 for Radiance of the Seas.
Which has more space per passenger?
Radiance of the Seas, with 42.1 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 Dawn, with one crew member for every 2.2 passengers against one for every 2.5 on Radiance of the Seas.
Which is better for families?
They score the same for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 8.0 out of 10.
Still deciding?
Tell us what matters and we will match the sailing
Send your dates, budget and who is travelling, and our partner travel agency will come back to you about Norwegian Dawn, Radiance of the Seas or a ship that suits you better.