Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated February 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 Splendor
Norwegian Sky
Gross Tonnage
Carnival Splendor
113,323 GT
Norwegian Sky
77,104 GT
Length
Carnival Splendor
290 m
Norwegian Sky
258 m
Beam
Carnival Splendor
38 m
Norwegian Sky
32 m
Passengers
Carnival Splendor
3,012
Norwegian Sky
2,002
Crew
Carnival Splendor
1,150
Norwegian Sky
891
Decks
Carnival Splendor
13
Norwegian Sky
—
Year Built
Carnival Splendor
2,008
Norwegian Sky
1,999
Space Ratio
Carnival Splendor
37.6 GT/pax
Norwegian Sky
38.5 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Carnival Splendor
2.62 :1
Norwegian Sky
2.25 :1
| Specification | Carnival Splendor | Norwegian Sky |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Class | Concordia Class | Sun Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,008Winner | 1,999 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 113,323 GTWinner | 77,104 GT |
| Length | 290 mWinner | 258 m |
| Beam | 38 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,012Winner | 2,002 |
| Crew | 1,150Winner | 891 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 37.6 GT/pax | 38.5 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.62:1 | 2.25:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Lloyd Werft |
| Flag | Panama | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9333163 | 9128532 |
Carnival Splendor is the significantly larger vessel at 113,323 GT — 47% more than Norwegian Sky's 77,104 GT. Built in 2008, Carnival Splendor is 9 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Norwegian Sky edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.3:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Carnival Splendor |
| Capacity | Carnival Splendor |
| Modernity | Carnival Splendor |
| Service | Norwegian Sky |
| Spaciousness | Norwegian Sky |
Bottom line: Carnival Splendor wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Carnival Splendor
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Large 3,012-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
3,012 passengers means tons of activities
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Norwegian Sky
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 | 8.5 mWinner | 8 m |
| Decks | 13 | — |
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