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 Panorama
Norwegian Dawn
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Panorama
133,500 GT
Norwegian Dawn
92,250 GT
Length
Carnival Panorama
323 m
Norwegian Dawn
294 m
Beam
Carnival Panorama
37 m
Norwegian Dawn
32 m
Passengers
Carnival Panorama
4,008
Norwegian Dawn
2,340
Crew
Carnival Panorama
1,450
Norwegian Dawn
1,031
Decks
Carnival Panorama
—
Norwegian Dawn
—
Year Built
Carnival Panorama
2,019
Norwegian Dawn
2,002
Space Ratio
Carnival Panorama
33.3 GT/pax
Norwegian Dawn
39.4 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Panorama
2.76 :1
Norwegian Dawn
2.27 :1
| Specification | Carnival Panorama | Norwegian Dawn |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Class | Vista Class | Dawn Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,019Winner | 2,002 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 133,500 GTWinner | 92,250 GT |
| Length | 323 mWinner | 294 m |
| Beam | 37 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 4,008Winner | 2,340 |
| Crew | 1,450Winner | 1,031 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 33.3 GT/pax | 39.4 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.76:1 | 2.27:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Meyer Werft |
| Flag | Panama | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9802384 | 9195157 |
Carnival Panorama 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 33.3. Built in 2019, Carnival Panorama is 17 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Carnival Panorama |
| Capacity | Carnival Panorama |
| Modernity | Carnival Panorama |
| Service | Norwegian Dawn |
| Spaciousness | Norwegian Dawn |
Bottom line: Carnival Panorama wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Carnival Panorama
Built in 2019 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Large 4,008-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
4,008 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 | 8.6 m | 8.6 m |
| Decks | — | — |
