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 Radiance
Norwegian Escape
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Radiance
101,509 GT
Norwegian Escape
164,600 GT
Length
Carnival Radiance
272 m
Norwegian Escape
325 m
Beam
Carnival Radiance
36 m
Norwegian Escape
41 m
Passengers
Carnival Radiance
2,764
Norwegian Escape
4,266
Crew
Carnival Radiance
1,100
Norwegian Escape
1,733
Decks
Carnival Radiance
—
Norwegian Escape
—
Year Built
Carnival Radiance
2,000
Norwegian Escape
2,015
Space Ratio
Carnival Radiance
36.7 GT/pax
Norwegian Escape
38.6 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Radiance
2.51 :1
Norwegian Escape
2.46 :1
| Specification | Carnival Radiance | Norwegian Escape |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Class | Triumph Class | Breakaway Plus Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,000 | 2,015Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 101,509 GT | 164,600 GTWinner |
| Length | 272 m | 325 mWinner |
| Beam | 36 m | 41 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,764 | 4,266Winner |
| Crew | 1,100 | 1,733Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 36.7 GT/pax | 38.6 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.51:1 | 2.46:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Meyer Werft |
| Flag | Panama | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9746889 | 9623867 |
Norwegian Escape is the significantly larger vessel at 164,600 GT — 62% more than Carnival Radiance's 101,509 GT. Built in 2015, Norwegian Escape is 15 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Norwegian Escape |
| Capacity | Norwegian Escape |
| Modernity | Norwegian Escape |
| Service | Norwegian Escape |
| Spaciousness | Norwegian Escape |
Bottom line: Norwegian Escape wins more categories (5 vs 0), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Carnival Radiance
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Good value for money
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Good range of onboard options
Norwegian Escape
Large 4,266-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
4,266 passengers means tons of activities
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
We may earn a commission from partner bookings at no extra cost to you.
| Draft | 8.4 m | 8.6 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
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