Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Gem
- Cruises
- 40
- From
- $309
Ship comparison
Norwegian Gem vs Vision of the Seas
Royal Caribbean
Vision of the Seas
- Cruises
- 35
- From
- $489
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Norwegian Gem is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 2,394 passengers, in service since 2007. Vision of the Seas is a large Royal Caribbean ship carrying 2,435 passengers, in service since 1998.
Choose Norwegian Gem if you want more crew per passenger, a newer ship or a lower starting fare: it has a crew member for every 2.2 passengers (vs 3.4), its maiden voyage was in 2007 (vs 1998) and its cruises start from $309 (vs $489).
Choose Vision of the Seas if you want a more active cruise or more adventure and nature: it outscores Norwegian Gem for active (6.0 vs 4.0) 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 Gem | Vision of the Seas | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Royal Caribbean |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2007 (better) | 1998 |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | 2017 (better) | 2013 |
| Gross tonnage | 93,530 | 78,491 |
| Passengers | 2,394 | 2,435 |
| Crew | 1,101 | 723 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.2 (better) | 3.4 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 39.1 (better) | 32.2 |
| Decks | 15 | 11 |
| Length | 965 ft | 915 ft |
| Beam | 106 ft | 117 ft |
| Speed | 26 mph | 25 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 8 / 10 (better) | 6 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 40 | 35 |
| Upcoming sailings | 82 | 72 |
| Cruise lengths | 4 to 19 nights | 3 to 11 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $309 (better) | $489 |
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, Vision of the Seas 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.
Royal Caribbean
Vision of the Seas
Vision of the Seas offers most of the staples you're accustomed to seeing on Royal Caribbean ships: satisfying restaurants, new technology and sun-splashed destinations. Cruise passengers can enjoy new staterooms; the Centrum experience, a high-flying aerial acrobatics show, and an outdoor movie screen.
Highlights
- Gaming in the Vegas-style Casino Royale
- Broadway-style entertainment in the Main Theater
- Solarium, an adults-only retreat
- Spa treatments at Vitality Spa
Sailing now
35 cruises on sale, from $489.
About Vision of the Seas Plan my cruise on Vision of the Seas
Questions
Norwegian Gem or Vision of the Seas?
Which is bigger, Norwegian Gem or Vision of the Seas?
Norwegian Gem is bigger at 93,530 gross tons, against 78,491 gross tons for Vision of the Seas. Norwegian Gem carries 2,394 passengers and Vision of the Seas carries 2,435.
Which ship is newer, Norwegian Gem or Vision of the Seas?
Norwegian Gem is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2007 against 1998 for Vision of the Seas.
Which has more space per passenger?
Norwegian Gem, with 39.1 gross tons per passenger against 32.2 on Vision of the Seas. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
Norwegian Gem, with one crew member for every 2.2 passengers against one for every 3.4 on Vision of the Seas.
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 Vision of the Seas.
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