Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated January 2026
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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 Freedom
Norwegian Spirit
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Freedom
110,000 GT
Norwegian Spirit
75,904 GT
Length
Carnival Freedom
290 m
Norwegian Spirit
268 m
Beam
Carnival Freedom
36 m
Norwegian Spirit
32 m
Passengers
Carnival Freedom
2,974
Norwegian Spirit
2,018
Crew
Carnival Freedom
1,150
Norwegian Spirit
912
Decks
Carnival Freedom
—
Norwegian Spirit
—
Year Built
Carnival Freedom
2,007
Norwegian Spirit
1,998
Space Ratio
Carnival Freedom
37.0 GT/pax
Norwegian Spirit
37.6 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Freedom
2.59 :1
Norwegian Spirit
2.21 :1
| Specification | Carnival Freedom | Norwegian Spirit |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Class | Conquest Class | Leo Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,007Winner | 1,998 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 110,000 GTWinner | 75,904 GT |
| Length | 290 mWinner | 268 m |
| Beam | 36 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,974Winner | 2,018 |
| Crew | 1,150Winner | 912 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 37.0 GT/pax | 37.6 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.59:1 | 2.21:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Meyer Werft |
| Flag | Panama | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9286274 | 9141077 |
Carnival Freedom is the significantly larger vessel at 110,000 GT — 45% more than Norwegian Spirit's 75,904 GT. Built in 2007, Carnival Freedom is 9 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Norwegian Spirit edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.2:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Carnival Freedom |
| Capacity | Carnival Freedom |
| Modernity | Carnival Freedom |
| Service | Norwegian Spirit |
| Spaciousness | Norwegian Spirit |
Bottom line: Carnival Freedom wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Carnival Freedom
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Good value for money
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Good range of onboard options
Norwegian Spirit
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
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 | 8.4 m | 8.5 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
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