Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated January 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)
Norwegian Joy
Norwegian Viva
Gross Tonnage
Norwegian Joy
167,725 GT
Norwegian Viva
142,500 GT
Length
Norwegian Joy
333 m
Norwegian Viva
294 m
Beam
Norwegian Joy
41 m
Norwegian Viva
41 m
Passengers
Norwegian Joy
3,804
Norwegian Viva
3,215
Crew
Norwegian Joy
1,821
Norwegian Viva
1,388
Decks
Norwegian Joy
—
Norwegian Viva
—
Year Built
Norwegian Joy
2,017
Norwegian Viva
2,023
Space Ratio
Norwegian Joy
44.1 GT/pax
Norwegian Viva
44.3 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Norwegian Joy
2.09 :1
Norwegian Viva
2.32 :1
| Specification | Norwegian Joy | Norwegian Viva |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Class | Breakaway Plus Class | Prima Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,017 | 2,023Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 167,725 GTWinner | 142,500 GT |
| Length | 333 mWinner | 294 m |
| Beam | 41 m | 41 m |
| Draft | ||
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,804Winner | 3,215 |
| Crew | 1,821Winner | 1,388 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 44.1 GT/pax | 44.3 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.09:1Winner | 2.32:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Meyer Werft | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9677088 | 9823998 |
Norwegian Joy is the larger vessel at 167,725 GT — 18% more than Norwegian Viva's 142,500 GT. Built in 2023, Norwegian Viva is 6 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Norwegian Joy edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.1:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Norwegian Joy |
| Capacity | Norwegian Joy |
| Modernity | Norwegian Viva |
| Service | Norwegian Joy |
| Spaciousness | Norwegian Viva |
Bottom line: Norwegian Joy wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Norwegian Joy
Built in 2017 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
3,804 passengers means tons of activities
44 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Large 3,804-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
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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8.7 mWinner |
8.4 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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