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)
Norwegian Aqua
Norwegian Prima
Gross Tonnage
Norwegian Aqua
156,300 GT
Norwegian Prima
142,500 GT
Length
Norwegian Aqua
322 m
Norwegian Prima
294 m
Beam
Norwegian Aqua
41 m
Norwegian Prima
41 m
Passengers
Norwegian Aqua
3,571
Norwegian Prima
3,215
Crew
Norwegian Aqua
1,500
Norwegian Prima
1,388
Decks
Norwegian Aqua
—
Norwegian Prima
—
Year Built
Norwegian Aqua
2,025
Norwegian Prima
2,022
Space Ratio
Norwegian Aqua
43.8 GT/pax
Norwegian Prima
44.3 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Norwegian Aqua
2.38 :1
Norwegian Prima
2.32 :1
| Specification | Norwegian Aqua | Norwegian Prima |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Class | Prima Plus Class | Prima Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,025Winner | 2,022 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 156,300 GTWinner | 142,500 GT |
| Length | 322 mWinner | 294 m |
| Beam | 41 m | 41 m |
| Draft | ||
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,571Winner | 3,215 |
| Crew | 1,500Winner | 1,388 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 43.8 GT/pax | 44.3 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.38:1 | 2.32:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9824007 | 9823986 |
Norwegian Aqua is the larger vessel at 156,300 GT — 10% more than Norwegian Prima's 142,500 GT. Built in 2025, Norwegian Aqua is 3 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Norwegian Aqua |
| Capacity | Norwegian Aqua |
| Modernity | Norwegian Aqua |
| Service | Norwegian Prima |
| Spaciousness | Norwegian Prima |
Bottom line: Norwegian Aqua wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Norwegian Aqua
Built in 2025 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
3,571 passengers means tons of activities
44 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Large 3,571-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
Norwegian Prima
Built in 2022 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
3,215 passengers means tons of activities
44 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Large 3,215-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
Free cancellation on most rooms
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Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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8 m |
8.3 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
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