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 Pearl
Norwegian Prima
Gross Tonnage
Norwegian Pearl
93,530 GT
Norwegian Prima
142,500 GT
Length
Norwegian Pearl
294 m
Norwegian Prima
294 m
Beam
Norwegian Pearl
32 m
Norwegian Prima
41 m
Passengers
Norwegian Pearl
2,394
Norwegian Prima
3,215
Crew
Norwegian Pearl
1,037
Norwegian Prima
1,388
Decks
Norwegian Pearl
—
Norwegian Prima
—
Year Built
Norwegian Pearl
2,006
Norwegian Prima
2,022
Space Ratio
Norwegian Pearl
39.1 GT/pax
Norwegian Prima
44.3 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Norwegian Pearl
2.31 :1
Norwegian Prima
2.32 :1
| Specification | Norwegian Pearl | Norwegian Prima |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Class | Jewel Class | Prima Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,006 | 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 | 9245354 | 9823986 |
Norwegian Prima is the significantly larger vessel at 142,500 GT — 52% more than Norwegian Pearl'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 16 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Norwegian Prima |
| Capacity | Norwegian Prima |
| Modernity | Norwegian Prima |
| Service | Norwegian Pearl |
| 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 Pearl
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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8.7 mWinner |
8.3 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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