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 Gem
Norwegian Prima
Gross Tonnage
Norwegian Gem
93,530 GT
Norwegian Prima
142,500 GT
Length
Norwegian Gem
294 m
Norwegian Prima
294 m
Beam
Norwegian Gem
32 m
Norwegian Prima
41 m
Passengers
Norwegian Gem
2,394
Norwegian Prima
3,215
Crew
Norwegian Gem
1,037
Norwegian Prima
1,388
Decks
Norwegian Gem
—
Norwegian Prima
—
Year Built
Norwegian Gem
2,007
Norwegian Prima
2,022
Space Ratio
Norwegian Gem
39.1 GT/pax
Norwegian Prima
44.3 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Norwegian Gem
2.31 :1
Norwegian Prima
2.32 :1
| Specification | Norwegian Gem | Norwegian Prima |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Class | Jewel Class | Prima Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,007 | 2,022Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 93,530 GT | 142,500 GTWinner |
| Length | 294 m | 294 m |
| Beam | 32 m | 41 mWinner |
| Draft | ||
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,394 | 3,215Winner |
| Crew | 1,037 | 1,388Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 39.1 GT/pax | 44.3 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.31:1Winner | 2.32:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Meyer Werft | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9355733 | 9823986 |
Norwegian Prima is the significantly larger vessel at 142,500 GT — 52% more than Norwegian Gem's 93,530 GT. Norwegian Prima offers more personal space with a space ratio of 44.3 GT per passenger versus 39.1. Built in 2022, Norwegian Prima is 15 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Norwegian Prima |
| Capacity | Norwegian Prima |
| Modernity | Norwegian Prima |
| Service | Norwegian Gem |
| Spaciousness | Norwegian Prima |
Bottom line: Norwegian Prima wins more categories (4 vs 1), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Norwegian Gem
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Good value for money
Good range of onboard options
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
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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8.6 mWinner |
8.3 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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