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Ship comparison

Norwegian Sun vs Pride of America

The verdict

Which should you choose?

Norwegian Sun is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 1,936 passengers, in service since 2001. Pride of America is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 2,138 passengers, in service since 2005.

Choose Norwegian Sun if you want more culture, more adventure and nature or a lower starting fare: it outscores Pride of America for cultural (7.0 vs 4.0) and adventure & nature (8.0 vs 7.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its cruises start from $789 (vs $1,102).

Choose Pride of America if you want a more family-friendly ship: it outscores Norwegian Sun for family friendly (8.0 vs 7.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.

Side by side

Specifications

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

Norwegian SunPride of America
Cruise line Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Cruise Line
Ship size Large Large
Maiden voyagenewer highlighted 2001 2005 (better)
Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted — 2016
Gross tonnage 78,309 80,439
Passengers 1,936 2,138
Crew 953 935
Passengers per crew memberfewer is better 2.0 (better) 2.3
Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier 40.4 (better) 37.6
Decks 13 15
Length 848 ft 920 ft
Beam 108 ft 106 ft
Speed 26 mph 26 mph
Cruiseable ratingout of 10 7 / 10 7 / 10
Cruises on sale 18 2
Upcoming sailings 34 184
Cruise lengths 7 to 21 nights 7 to 10 nights
Fares fromlower highlighted $789 (better) $1,102

Bliss scores

How they rate, out of 10

Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Norwegian Sun leads on 4 of the ten, Pride of America on 1, with 5 level.

  • Active Norwegian Sun: 4.0 Pride of America: 4.0
  • Adventure & nature Norwegian Sun: 8.0 Pride of America: 7.0
  • Cultural Norwegian Sun: 7.0 Pride of America: 4.0
  • Dining Norwegian Sun: 6.0 Pride of America: 5.4
  • Entertainment Norwegian Sun: 7.4 Pride of America: 6.8
  • Family friendly Norwegian Sun: 7.0 Pride of America: 8.0
  • Party Norwegian Sun: 5.0 Pride of America: 5.0
  • Romantic Norwegian Sun: 5.0 Pride of America: 5.0
  • Spa & fitness Norwegian Sun: 8.0 Pride of America: 8.0
  • Staterooms Norwegian Sun: 8.0 Pride of America: 8.0

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.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Pride of America

Aloha! Come aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America for the best way to island hop Hawaii. From the moment you step into the Capitol Atrium, with its soaring Tiffany-glass dome and grand staircase, you'll know this is a spectacular cruise ship.

Highlights

  • 8 complimentary dining options, from three-course dining to buffets
  • Seasonal whale watching along the Napali Coast

Sailing now

2 cruises on sale, from $1,102.

Questions

Norwegian Sun or Pride of America?

Which is bigger, Norwegian Sun or Pride of America?

Pride of America is bigger at 80,439 gross tons, against 78,309 gross tons for Norwegian Sun. Norwegian Sun carries 1,936 passengers and Pride of America carries 2,138.

Which ship is newer, Norwegian Sun or Pride of America?

Pride of America is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2005 against 2001 for Norwegian Sun.

Which has more space per passenger?

Norwegian Sun, with 40.4 gross tons per passenger against 37.6 on Pride of America. 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 2.3 on Pride of America.

Which is better for families?

Pride of America 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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