Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Sun
- Cruises
- 18
- From
- $789
Ship comparison
Norwegian Sun vs Rhapsody of the Seas
Royal Caribbean
Rhapsody of the Seas
- Cruises
- 54
- From
- $353
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Norwegian Sun is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 1,936 passengers, in service since 2001. Rhapsody of the Seas is a large Royal Caribbean ship carrying 1,998 passengers, in service since 1997.
Choose Norwegian Sun if you want more adventure and nature or more crew per passenger: it outscores Rhapsody of the Seas for adventure & nature (8.0 vs 4.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and it has a crew member for every 2.0 passengers (vs 2.6).
Choose Rhapsody of the Seas if you want a more active cruise, a lower starting fare or a more romantic trip: it outscores Norwegian Sun for active (8.0 vs 4.0) and romantic (6.0 vs 5.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its cruises start from $353 (vs $789).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Norwegian Sun | Rhapsody of the Seas | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Royal Caribbean |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2001 (better) | 1997 |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | — | 2016 |
| Gross tonnage | 78,309 | 78,491 |
| Passengers | 1,936 | 1,998 |
| Crew | 953 | 765 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.0 (better) | 2.6 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 40.4 (better) | 39.3 |
| Decks | 13 | 11 |
| Length | 848 ft | 915 ft |
| Beam | 108 ft | 117 ft |
| Speed | 26 mph | 25 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 7 / 10 | 7 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 18 | 54 |
| Upcoming sailings | 34 | 115 |
| Cruise lengths | 7 to 21 nights | 4 to 14 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $789 | $353 (better) |
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 2 of the ten, Rhapsody of the Seas on 4, with 4 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
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.
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 Sun or Rhapsody of the Seas?
Which is bigger, Norwegian Sun or Rhapsody of the Seas?
Rhapsody of the Seas is bigger at 78,491 gross tons, against 78,309 gross tons for Norwegian Sun. Norwegian Sun carries 1,936 passengers and Rhapsody of the Seas carries 1,998.
Which ship is newer, Norwegian Sun or Rhapsody of the Seas?
Norwegian Sun is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2001 against 1997 for Rhapsody of the Seas.
Which has more space per passenger?
Norwegian Sun, with 40.4 gross tons per passenger against 39.3 on Rhapsody of the Seas. 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 2.6 on Rhapsody of the Seas.
Which is better for families?
Rhapsody of the Seas scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 7.5 out of 10, against 7.0 for Norwegian Sun.
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