Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Spirit
- Cruises
- 45
- From
- $779
Ship comparison
Norwegian Spirit vs Westerdam
Holland America Line
Westerdam
- Cruises
- 41
- From
- $809
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Norwegian Spirit is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 2,018 passengers, in service since 1997. Westerdam is a large Holland America Line ship carrying 1,916 passengers, in service since 2003.
Choose Norwegian Spirit if you want more of a party or a more family-friendly ship: it outscores Westerdam for party (7.0 vs 3.0) and family friendly (8.0 vs 6.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Choose Westerdam if you want more culture, a newer ship or more space per passenger: it outscores Norwegian Spirit for cultural (7.0 vs 4.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores, its maiden voyage was in 2003 (vs 1997) and it has 43.0 gross tons per passenger (vs 37.3).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Norwegian Spirit | Westerdam | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Holland America Line |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 1997 | 2003 (better) |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | 2021 (better) | 2017 |
| Gross tonnage | 75,338 | 82,348 |
| Passengers | 2,018 | 1,916 |
| Crew | 962 | 817 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.1 (better) | 2.3 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 37.3 | 43.0 (better) |
| Decks | 14 | 11 |
| Length | 881 ft | 936 ft |
| Beam | 106 ft | 106 ft |
| Speed | 28 mph | 25 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 6 / 10 | 9 / 10 (better) |
| Cruises on sale | 45 | 41 |
| Upcoming sailings | 63 | 83 |
| Cruise lengths | 4–20 nights | 7–49 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $779 (better) | $809 |
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 3 of the ten, Westerdam on 3, 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
45 cruises on sale, from $779.
Holland America Line
Westerdam
The ms Westerdam is the third in Holland America Line's series of Vista class ships. As such, it embraces the latest industry and environmental technologies such as its use of a diesel-electric power plant for optimal energy efficiency and an Azipod propulsion system. Most staterooms have ocean views and many have private verandas.
Highlights
- Andy Warhol, Dutch classics and pre-Columbian and Ecuadorian art dazzle the senses on board.
- Learn to cook or pick up some new techniques at America's Culinary Arts Center Program
Sailing now
41 cruises on sale, from $809.
Questions
Norwegian Spirit or Westerdam?
Which is bigger, Norwegian Spirit or Westerdam?
Westerdam is bigger at 82,348 gross tons, against 75,338 gross tons for Norwegian Spirit. Norwegian Spirit carries 2,018 passengers and Westerdam carries 1,916.
Which ship is newer, Norwegian Spirit or Westerdam?
Westerdam is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2003 against 1997 for Norwegian Spirit.
Which has more space per passenger?
Westerdam, with 43.0 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 2.3 on Westerdam.
Which is better for families?
Norwegian Spirit scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 8.0 out of 10, against 6.0 for Westerdam.
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