Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Gem
- Cruises
- 44
- From
- $339
Ship comparison
Norwegian Gem vs Norwegian Star
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Star
- Cruises
- 61
- From
- $549
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Norwegian Gem is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 2,394 passengers, in service since 2006. Norwegian Star is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 2,348 passengers, in service since 2000.
Choose Norwegian Gem if you want a more family-friendly ship, a lower starting fare or a newer ship: it outscores Norwegian Star for family friendly (9.0 vs 7.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores, its cruises start from $339 (vs $549) and its maiden voyage was in 2006 (vs 2000).
Choose Norwegian Star if you want more culture, more of a party or a more active cruise: it outscores Norwegian Gem 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 Gem | Norwegian Star | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2006 (better) | 2000 |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | 2017 | 2018 (better) |
| Gross tonnage | 93,530 | 91,740 |
| Passengers | 2,394 | 2,348 |
| Crew | 1,101 | 1,065 |
| 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 | 935 ft |
| Beam | 32 ft | 105 ft |
| Speed | 26 mph | 28 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 8 / 10 (better) | 7 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 44 | 61 |
| Upcoming sailings | 89 | 69 |
| Cruise lengths | 4–19 nights | 6–16 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $339 (better) | $549 |
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 1 of the ten, Norwegian Star on 7, with 2 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
44 cruises on sale, from $339.
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 Gem or Norwegian Star?
Which is bigger, Norwegian Gem or Norwegian Star?
Norwegian Gem is bigger at 93,530 gross tons, against 91,740 gross tons for Norwegian Star. Norwegian Gem carries 2,394 passengers and Norwegian Star carries 2,348.
Which ship is newer, Norwegian Gem or Norwegian Star?
Norwegian Gem is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2006 against 2000 for Norwegian Star.
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 7.0 for Norwegian Star.
Still deciding?
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