Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Gem
- Cruises
- 40
- From
- $309
Ship comparison
Norwegian Gem vs Norwegian Pearl
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Pearl
- Cruises
- 32
- From
- $599
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Norwegian Gem is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 2,394 passengers, in service since 2007. Norwegian Pearl is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 2,394 passengers, in service since 2006.
Choose Norwegian Gem if you want a lower starting fare, a more family-friendly ship or better-rated dining: it outscores Norwegian Pearl for family friendly (9.0 vs 8.0) and dining (6.0 vs 5.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its cruises start from $309 (vs $599).
Choose Norwegian Pearl if you want more of a party, more adventure and nature or a more active cruise: it outscores Norwegian Gem for party (10.0 vs 5.0), adventure & nature (7.0 vs 3.0) 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 Gem | Norwegian Pearl | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2007 (better) | 2006 |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | 2017 (better) | 2015 |
| Gross tonnage | 93,530 | 93,530 |
| Passengers | 2,394 | 2,394 |
| Crew | 1,101 | 1,084 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.2 | 2.2 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 39.1 | 39.1 |
| Decks | 15 | 15 |
| Length | 965 ft | 965 ft |
| Beam | 106 ft | 105 ft |
| Speed | 26 mph | 26 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 8 / 10 | 8 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 40 | 32 |
| Upcoming sailings | 82 | 89 |
| Cruise lengths | 4 to 19 nights | 5 to 14 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $309 (better) | $599 |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Norwegian Gem leads on 2 of the ten, Norwegian Pearl on 3, with 5 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Gem
While it's true that most cruise ships have a little something for everyone, Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Gem takes that concept to a whole new level. Passengers can choose from activities such as rock climbing and shuffleboard or relax poolside or with a hot-stone massage.
Highlights
- A variety of great dining options, including the hot air balloon-themed Bali Hai Bar & Grill
- Comedy Variety in the Stardust Theater
- Celebrity DJ spinning tunes at the Bliss Lounge
Sailing now
40 cruises on sale, from $309.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Pearl
Whether cruising to Bermuda, New England or through the Panama Canal, you can experience the wonders of the world aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Pearl.
Highlights
- Watch glaciers calve from a private balcony while on an Alaska cruise.
- Enjoy a fantastic steak in Cagneys while sailing through the Caribbean.
- Relax in the hydrotherapy room after a couples massage at the South Pacific Spa.
- Summer Palace Main Dining Room is right out of a Dr. Zhivago, inspired by the grand palaces of St. Petersburg and the era of the great Tsars of Russia.
Sailing now
32 cruises on sale, from $599.
Questions
Norwegian Gem or Norwegian Pearl?
Which is bigger, Norwegian Gem or Norwegian Pearl?
They are the same size, 93,530 gross tons each. Norwegian Gem carries 2,394 passengers and Norwegian Pearl carries 2,394.
Which ship is newer, Norwegian Gem or Norwegian Pearl?
Norwegian Gem is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2007 against 2006 for Norwegian Pearl.
Which has more space per passenger?
They are level at 39.1 gross tons per passenger.
Which has more crew per passenger?
They are level, with one crew member for every 2.2 passengers.
Which is better for families?
Norwegian Gem scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 9.0 out of 10, against 8.0 for Norwegian Pearl.
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