Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated February 2026
across 5 categories
Size
Based on gross tonnage and length
Capacity
Based on passengers and crew
Modernity
Based on year built
Service
Based on passenger-to-crew ratio (lower is better)
Spaciousness
Based on gross tonnage per passenger (higher is better)
Carnival Firenze
Norwegian Dawn
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Firenze
135,156 GT
Norwegian Dawn
92,250 GT
Length
Carnival Firenze
323.6 m
Norwegian Dawn
294 m
Beam
Carnival Firenze
37.2 m
Norwegian Dawn
32 m
Passengers
Carnival Firenze
4,126
Norwegian Dawn
2,340
Crew
Carnival Firenze
1,425
Norwegian Dawn
1,031
Decks
Carnival Firenze
14
Norwegian Dawn
—
Year Built
Carnival Firenze
2,020
Norwegian Dawn
2,002
Space Ratio
Carnival Firenze
32.8 GT/pax
Norwegian Dawn
39.4 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Firenze
2.90 :1
Norwegian Dawn
2.27 :1
| Specification | Carnival Firenze | Norwegian Dawn |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Class | Costa Smeralda Class | Dawn Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,020Winner | 2,002 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 135,156 GTWinner | 92,250 GT |
| Length | 323.6 mWinner | 294 m |
| Beam | 37.2 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 4,126Winner | 2,340 |
| Crew | 1,425Winner | 1,031 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 32.8 GT/pax | 39.4 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.90:1 | 2.27:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Meyer Werft |
| Flag | Panama | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9871757 | 9195157 |
Carnival Firenze is the significantly larger vessel at 135,156 GT — 47% more than Norwegian Dawn's 92,250 GT. Norwegian Dawn offers more personal space with a space ratio of 39.4 GT per passenger versus 32.8. Built in 2020, Carnival Firenze is 18 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Carnival Firenze |
| Capacity | Carnival Firenze |
| Modernity | Carnival Firenze |
| Service | Norwegian Dawn |
| Spaciousness | Norwegian Dawn |
Bottom line: Carnival Firenze wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Carnival Firenze
Built in 2020 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Large 4,126-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
4,126 passengers means tons of activities
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Norwegian Dawn
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Good value for money
Good range of onboard options
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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32 m |
| Draft | 4.2 m | 8.6 mWinner |
| Decks | 14 | — |
