Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated January 2026
_1.jpg%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)
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)
Crown Princess
Norwegian Sun
Gross Tonnage
Crown Princess
113,561 GT
Norwegian Sun
78,309 GT
Length
Crown Princess
290 m
Norwegian Sun
258 m
Beam
Crown Princess
36 m
Norwegian Sun
32 m
Passengers
Crown Princess
3,080
Norwegian Sun
1,936
Crew
Crown Princess
1,100
Norwegian Sun
906
Decks
Crown Princess
—
Norwegian Sun
—
Year Built
Crown Princess
2,006
Norwegian Sun
2,001
Space Ratio
Crown Princess
36.9 GT/pax
Norwegian Sun
40.5 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Crown Princess
2.80 :1
Norwegian Sun
2.14 :1
| Specification | Crown Princess | Norwegian Sun |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Princess Cruises | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Class | Grand Class | Sun Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,006Winner | 2,001 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 113,561 GTWinner | 78,309 GT |
| Length | 290 mWinner | 258 m |
| Beam | 36 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,080Winner | 1,936 |
| Crew | 1,100Winner | 906 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 36.9 GT/pax | 40.5 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.80:1 | 2.14:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Lloyd Werft |
| Flag | Bermuda | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9293399 | 9141065 |
Crown Princess is the significantly larger vessel at 113,561 GT — 45% more than Norwegian Sun's 78,309 GT. Norwegian Sun offers more personal space with a space ratio of 40.5 GT per passenger versus 36.9. Built in 2006, Crown Princess is 5 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Crown Princess |
| Capacity | Crown Princess |
| Modernity | Crown Princess |
| Service | Norwegian Sun |
| Spaciousness | Norwegian Sun |
Bottom line: Crown Princess wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Crown Princess
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Large 3,080-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
3,080 passengers means tons of activities
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Norwegian Sun
40 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Premium onboard experience
Good range of onboard options
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.
32 m |
| Draft | 8.8 mWinner | 8.2 m |
| Decks | — | — |
_at_Grand_Turk.jpg%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)
_Docked_at_the_Port_of_Tauranga_New_Zealand.jpg%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)