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 Dawn
Norwegian Viva
Gross Tonnage
Norwegian Dawn
92,250 GT
Norwegian Viva
142,500 GT
Length
Norwegian Dawn
294 m
Norwegian Viva
294 m
Beam
Norwegian Dawn
32 m
Norwegian Viva
41 m
Passengers
Norwegian Dawn
2,340
Norwegian Viva
3,215
Crew
Norwegian Dawn
1,031
Norwegian Viva
1,388
Decks
Norwegian Dawn
—
Norwegian Viva
—
Year Built
Norwegian Dawn
2,002
Norwegian Viva
2,023
Space Ratio
Norwegian Dawn
39.4 GT/pax
Norwegian Viva
44.3 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Norwegian Dawn
2.27 :1
Norwegian Viva
2.32 :1
| Specification | Norwegian Dawn | Norwegian Viva |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Class | Dawn Class | Prima Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,002 | 2,023Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 92,250 GT | 142,500 GTWinner |
| Length | 294 m | 294 m |
| Beam | 32 m | 41 mWinner |
| Draft | ||
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,340 | 3,215Winner |
| Crew | 1,031 | 1,388Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 39.4 GT/pax | 44.3 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.27:1Winner | 2.32:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Meyer Werft | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9195157 | 9823998 |
Norwegian Viva is the significantly larger vessel at 142,500 GT — 54% more than Norwegian Dawn's 92,250 GT. Norwegian Viva offers more personal space with a space ratio of 44.3 GT per passenger versus 39.4. Built in 2023, Norwegian Viva is 21 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Norwegian Viva |
| Capacity | Norwegian Viva |
| Modernity | Norwegian Viva |
| Service | Norwegian Dawn |
| Spaciousness | Norwegian Viva |
Bottom line: Norwegian Viva wins more categories (4 vs 1), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Norwegian Dawn
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Good value for money
Good range of onboard options
Norwegian Viva
Built in 2023 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
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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8.6 mWinner |
8.4 m |
| Decks | — | — |
