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 Star
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Horizon
133,500 GT
Norwegian Star
91,740 GT
Length
Carnival Horizon
323 m
Norwegian Star
294 m
Beam
Carnival Horizon
37 m
Norwegian Star
32 m
Passengers
Carnival Horizon
3,954
Norwegian Star
2,348
Crew
Carnival Horizon
1,450
Norwegian Star
1,031
Decks
Carnival Horizon
—
Norwegian Star
—
Year Built
Carnival Horizon
2,018
Norwegian Star
2,001
Space Ratio
Carnival Horizon
33.8 GT/pax
Norwegian Star
39.1 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Horizon
2.73 :1
Norwegian Star
2.28 :1
| Specification | Carnival Horizon | Norwegian Star |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Class | Vista Class | Dawn Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,018Winner | 2,001 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 133,500 GTWinner | 91,740 GT |
| Length | 323 mWinner | 294 m |
| Beam | 37 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,954Winner | 2,348 |
| Crew | 1,450Winner | 1,031 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 33.8 GT/pax | 39.1 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.73:1 | 2.28:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Meyer Werft |
| Flag | Panama | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9767091 | 9195169 |
Carnival Horizon is the significantly larger vessel at 133,500 GT — 46% more than Norwegian Star's 91,740 GT. Norwegian Star offers more personal space with a space ratio of 39.1 GT per passenger versus 33.8. Built in 2018, Carnival Horizon is 17 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Carnival Horizon |
| Capacity | Carnival Horizon |
| Modernity | Carnival Horizon |
| Service | Norwegian Star |
| Spaciousness | Norwegian Star |
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 Star
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 | 8.7 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
