Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated January 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 Horizon
Norwegian Dawn
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Horizon
133,500 GT
Norwegian Dawn
92,250 GT
Length
Carnival Horizon
323 m
Norwegian Dawn
294 m
Beam
Carnival Horizon
37 m
Norwegian Dawn
32 m
Passengers
Carnival Horizon
3,954
Norwegian Dawn
2,340
Crew
Carnival Horizon
1,450
Norwegian Dawn
1,031
Decks
Carnival Horizon
—
Norwegian Dawn
—
Year Built
Carnival Horizon
2,018
Norwegian Dawn
2,002
Space Ratio
Carnival Horizon
33.8 GT/pax
Norwegian Dawn
39.4 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Horizon
2.73 :1
Norwegian Dawn
2.27 :1
| Specification | Carnival Horizon | Norwegian Dawn |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Class | Vista Class | Dawn Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,018Winner | 2,002 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 133,500 GTWinner | 92,250 GT |
| Length | 323 mWinner | 294 m |
| Beam | 37 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,954Winner | 2,340 |
| Crew | 1,450Winner | 1,031 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 33.8 GT/pax | 39.4 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.73:1 | 2.27:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Meyer Werft |
| Flag | Panama | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9767091 | 9195157 |
Carnival Horizon is the significantly larger vessel at 133,500 GT — 45% 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 33.8. Built in 2018, Carnival Horizon is 16 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Carnival Horizon |
| Capacity | Carnival Horizon |
| Modernity | Carnival Horizon |
| Service | Norwegian Dawn |
| Spaciousness | Norwegian Dawn |
Bottom line: Carnival Horizon wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Carnival Horizon
Built in 2018 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Large 3,954-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
3,954 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 | 8.5 m | 8.6 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
