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Ship comparison

Norwegian Spirit vs Norwegian Sun

The verdict

Which should you choose?

Norwegian Spirit is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 2,018 passengers, in service since 1998. Norwegian Sun is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 1,936 passengers, in service since 2001.

Choose Norwegian Spirit if you want more of a party, a more family-friendly ship or a more romantic trip: it outscores Norwegian Sun for party (7.0 vs 5.0), family friendly (8.0 vs 7.0) and romantic (6.0 vs 5.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.

Choose Norwegian Sun if you want more adventure and nature or more culture: it outscores Norwegian Spirit for adventure & nature (8.0 vs 5.0) and cultural (7.0 vs 4.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.

Side by side

Specifications

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

Norwegian SpiritNorwegian Sun
Cruise line Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Cruise Line
Ship size Large Large
Maiden voyagenewer highlighted 1998 2001 (better)
Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted 2021 —
Gross tonnage 75,338 78,309
Passengers 2,018 1,936
Crew 962 953
Passengers per crew memberfewer is better 2.1 2.0 (better)
Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier 37.3 40.4 (better)
Decks 14 13
Length 881 ft 848 ft
Beam 106 ft 108 ft
Speed 28 mph 26 mph
Cruiseable ratingout of 10 6 / 10 7 / 10 (better)
Cruises on sale 42 18
Upcoming sailings 59 34
Cruise lengths 4 to 20 nights 7 to 21 nights
Fares fromlower highlighted $739 (better) $789

Bliss scores

How they rate, out of 10

Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Norwegian Spirit leads on 4 of the ten, Norwegian Sun on 2, with 4 level.

  • Active Norwegian Spirit: 4.0 Norwegian Sun: 4.0
  • Adventure & nature Norwegian Spirit: 5.0 Norwegian Sun: 8.0
  • Cultural Norwegian Spirit: 4.0 Norwegian Sun: 7.0
  • Dining Norwegian Spirit: 6.0 Norwegian Sun: 6.0
  • Entertainment Norwegian Spirit: 8.0 Norwegian Sun: 7.4
  • Family friendly Norwegian Spirit: 8.0 Norwegian Sun: 7.0
  • Party Norwegian Spirit: 7.0 Norwegian Sun: 5.0
  • Romantic Norwegian Spirit: 6.0 Norwegian Sun: 5.0
  • Spa & fitness Norwegian Spirit: 8.0 Norwegian Sun: 8.0
  • Staterooms Norwegian Spirit: 8.0 Norwegian Sun: 8.0

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Spirit

With excellent service and cool ambiance, the Norwegian Spirit may be one of the older ships in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, but it hasn't changed the ship's quality. This 2,018-passenger ship still offers solid restaurants, bars and lounges as well as plenty of family-friendly services.

Highlights

  • A hilarious who-done-it lunch show "Presumed Murdered"-- passengers get involved in the mystery
  • Shoot hoops or join a pick up game at the net enclosed, outdoor basketball court
  • Visit the splendid Canary Islands

Sailing now

42 cruises on sale, from $739.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Sun

The bright orange and yellow sun painted onto the side of this ship is just a glimpse into the bright, fun memories waiting to be made on board. Serving up a variety of dining venues, bars, lounges, entertainment, kid's activities and relaxation opportunities, Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Sun is a hotspot for all travelers.

Highlights

  • 16 global dining choices to suit your every mood
  • Private balconies available in an Owner's Suite or Penthouse if you're looking for luxury
  • Great entertainment in the Stardust Theater

Sailing now

18 cruises on sale, from $789.

Questions

Norwegian Spirit or Norwegian Sun?

Which is bigger, Norwegian Spirit or Norwegian Sun?

Norwegian Sun is bigger at 78,309 gross tons, against 75,338 gross tons for Norwegian Spirit. Norwegian Spirit carries 2,018 passengers and Norwegian Sun carries 1,936.

Which ship is newer, Norwegian Spirit or Norwegian Sun?

Norwegian Sun is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2001 against 1998 for Norwegian Spirit.

Which has more space per passenger?

Norwegian Sun, with 40.4 gross tons per passenger against 37.3 on Norwegian Spirit. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.

Which has more crew per passenger?

Norwegian Sun, with one crew member for every 2.0 passengers against one for every 2.1 on Norwegian Spirit.

Which is better for families?

Norwegian Spirit scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 8.0 out of 10, against 7.0 for Norwegian Sun.

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