Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Spirit
- Cruises
- 42
- From
- $739
Ship comparison
Norwegian Spirit vs Rhapsody of the Seas
Royal Caribbean
Rhapsody of the Seas
- Cruises
- 54
- From
- $353
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Norwegian Spirit is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 2,018 passengers, in service since 1998. Rhapsody of the Seas is a large Royal Caribbean ship carrying 1,998 passengers, in service since 1997.
Choose Norwegian Spirit if you want more of a party, more adventure and nature or more crew per passenger: it outscores Rhapsody of the Seas for party (7.0 vs 5.0) and adventure & nature (5.0 vs 4.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and it has a crew member for every 2.1 passengers (vs 2.6).
Choose Rhapsody of the Seas if you want a more active cruise, more culture or a lower starting fare: it outscores Norwegian Spirit for active (8.0 vs 4.0) and cultural (6.5 vs 4.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its cruises start from $353 (vs $739).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Norwegian Spirit | Rhapsody of the Seas | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Royal Caribbean |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 1998 (better) | 1997 |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | 2021 (better) | 2016 |
| Gross tonnage | 75,338 | 78,491 |
| Passengers | 2,018 | 1,998 |
| Crew | 962 | 765 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.1 (better) | 2.6 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 37.3 | 39.3 (better) |
| Decks | 14 | 11 |
| Length | 881 ft | 915 ft |
| Beam | 106 ft | 117 ft |
| Speed | 28 mph | 25 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 6 / 10 | 7 / 10 (better) |
| Cruises on sale | 42 | 54 |
| Upcoming sailings | 59 | 115 |
| Cruise lengths | 4 to 20 nights | 4 to 14 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $739 | $353 (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 4 of the ten, Rhapsody of the Seas on 2, with 4 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
Rhapsody of the Seas
Rhapsody of the Seas from Royal Caribbean delivers an unforgettable cruise experience, no matter the hemisphere. Get out to sea and relax away the stress of life on land at the Vitality Spa or glass-canopied Solarium adults-only pool.
Highlights
- Solarium, an adults-only retreat
- Vitality Spa's extensive treatment menu
- Broadway-style entertainment in the Main Theater
- Gaming at the Vegas-style Casino Royale
Sailing now
54 cruises on sale, from $353.
About Rhapsody of the Seas Plan my cruise on Rhapsody of the Seas
Questions
Norwegian Spirit or Rhapsody of the Seas?
Which is bigger, Norwegian Spirit or Rhapsody of the Seas?
Rhapsody of the Seas is bigger at 78,491 gross tons, against 75,338 gross tons for Norwegian Spirit. Norwegian Spirit carries 2,018 passengers and Rhapsody of the Seas carries 1,998.
Which ship is newer, Norwegian Spirit or Rhapsody of the Seas?
Norwegian Spirit is newer, with a maiden voyage in 1998 against 1997 for Rhapsody of the Seas.
Which has more space per passenger?
Rhapsody of the Seas, with 39.3 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 2.6 on Rhapsody of the Seas.
Which is better for families?
Norwegian Spirit scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 8.0 out of 10, against 7.5 for Rhapsody of the Seas.
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