Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Spirit
- Cruises
- 42
- From
- $739
Ship comparison
Norwegian Spirit vs Radiance of the Seas
Royal Caribbean
Radiance of the Seas
- Cruises
- 24
- From
- $298
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Norwegian Spirit is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 2,018 passengers, in service since 1998. Radiance of the Seas is a large Royal Caribbean ship carrying 2,139 passengers, in service since 2001.
Choose Norwegian Spirit if you want more culture, more of a party or a more romantic trip: it outscores Radiance of the Seas for cultural (4.0 vs 2.0), party (7.0 vs 5.5) and romantic (6.0 vs 5.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Choose Radiance of the Seas if you want a lower starting fare, a more active cruise or a better-rated spa and gym: it outscores Norwegian Spirit for active (6.0 vs 4.0) and spa & fitness (9.0 vs 8.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its cruises start from $298 (vs $739).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Norwegian Spirit | Radiance of the Seas | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Royal Caribbean |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 1998 | 2001 (better) |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | 2021 (better) | 2015 |
| Gross tonnage | 75,338 | 90,090 |
| Passengers | 2,018 | 2,139 |
| Crew | 962 | 869 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.1 (better) | 2.5 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 37.3 | 42.1 (better) |
| Decks | 14 | 12 |
| Length | 881 ft | 962 ft |
| Beam | 106 ft | 131 ft |
| Speed | 28 mph | 25 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 6 / 10 | 7 / 10 (better) |
| Cruises on sale | 42 | 24 |
| Upcoming sailings | 59 | 100 |
| Cruise lengths | 4 to 20 nights | 4 to 8 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $739 | $298 (better) |
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 5 of the ten, Radiance of the Seas on 2, with 3 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
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.
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 Spirit or Radiance of the Seas?
Which is bigger, Norwegian Spirit or Radiance of the Seas?
Radiance of the Seas is bigger at 90,090 gross tons, against 75,338 gross tons for Norwegian Spirit. Norwegian Spirit carries 2,018 passengers and Radiance of the Seas carries 2,139.
Which ship is newer, Norwegian Spirit or Radiance of the Seas?
Radiance of the Seas is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2001 against 1998 for Norwegian Spirit.
Which has more space per passenger?
Radiance of the Seas, with 42.1 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 Spirit, with one crew member for every 2.1 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.
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