Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Sun
- Cruises
- 18
- From
- $789
Ship comparison
Norwegian Sun vs Zuiderdam
Holland America Line
Zuiderdam
- Cruises
- 111
- From
- $429
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Norwegian Sun is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 1,936 passengers, in service since 2001. Zuiderdam is a large Holland America Line ship carrying 1,916 passengers, in service since 2002.
Choose Norwegian Sun if you want more adventure and nature, more of a party or a more family-friendly ship: it outscores Zuiderdam for adventure & nature (8.0 vs 5.0), party (5.0 vs 3.0) and family friendly (7.0 vs 6.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Choose Zuiderdam if you want a more romantic trip, a lower starting fare or more cruises to choose from: it outscores Norwegian Sun for romantic (6.8 vs 5.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores, its cruises start from $429 (vs $789) and it has 111 cruises on sale (vs 18).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Norwegian Sun | Zuiderdam | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Holland America Line |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2001 | 2002 (better) |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | — | 2017 |
| Gross tonnage | 78,309 | 82,305 |
| Passengers | 1,936 | 1,916 |
| Crew | 953 | 817 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.0 (better) | 2.3 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 40.4 | 43.0 (better) |
| Decks | 13 | 15 |
| Length | 848 ft | 936 ft |
| Beam | 108 ft | 105 ft |
| Speed | 26 mph | 28 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 7 / 10 | 8 / 10 (better) |
| Cruises on sale | 18 | 111 |
| Upcoming sailings | 34 | 128 |
| Cruise lengths | 7 to 21 nights | 4 to 28 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $789 | $429 (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 4 of the ten, Zuiderdam on 2, 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.
Holland America Line
Zuiderdam
The first ship in Holland America's Vista class series, the ms Zuiderdam uses the latest industry and environmental technologies, such as her use of a diesel-electric power plant for optimal energy efficiency and an Azipod propulsion system.
Highlights
- The Waterford crystal seahorse greets visitors and introduces them to the art throughout the ship.
- The Lido Deck pool offers a retractable roof for colder days, along with a large polar bear statue to keep you company.
- The Greenhouse Spa offers a full hydrotherapy pool.
- Le Cirque at Pinnacle Grill brings the famous New York restaurant to life on the ship.
Sailing now
111 cruises on sale, from $429.
Questions
Norwegian Sun or Zuiderdam?
Which is bigger, Norwegian Sun or Zuiderdam?
Zuiderdam is bigger at 82,305 gross tons, against 78,309 gross tons for Norwegian Sun. Norwegian Sun carries 1,936 passengers and Zuiderdam carries 1,916.
Which ship is newer, Norwegian Sun or Zuiderdam?
Zuiderdam is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2002 against 2001 for Norwegian Sun.
Which has more space per passenger?
Zuiderdam, with 43.0 gross tons per passenger against 40.4 on Norwegian Sun. 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 Zuiderdam.
Which is better for families?
Norwegian Sun scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 7.0 out of 10, against 6.0 for Zuiderdam.
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