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 Prima
Norwegian Spirit
Gross Tonnage
Norwegian Prima
142,500 GT
Norwegian Spirit
75,904 GT
Length
Norwegian Prima
294 m
Norwegian Spirit
268 m
Beam
Norwegian Prima
41 m
Norwegian Spirit
32 m
Passengers
Norwegian Prima
3,215
Norwegian Spirit
2,018
Crew
Norwegian Prima
1,388
Norwegian Spirit
912
Decks
Norwegian Prima
—
Norwegian Spirit
—
Year Built
Norwegian Prima
2,022
Norwegian Spirit
1,998
Space Ratio
Norwegian Prima
44.3 GT/pax
Norwegian Spirit
37.6 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Norwegian Prima
2.32 :1
Norwegian Spirit
2.21 :1
| Specification | Norwegian Prima | Norwegian Spirit |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Class | Prima Class | Leo Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,022Winner | 1,998 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 142,500 GTWinner | 75,904 GT |
| Length | 294 mWinner | 268 m |
| Beam | 41 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,215Winner | 2,018 |
| Crew | 1,388Winner | 912 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 44.3 GT/paxWinner | 37.6 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.32:1 | 2.21:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Meyer Werft |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9823986 | 9141077 |
Norwegian Prima is the significantly larger vessel at 142,500 GT — 88% more than Norwegian Spirit's 75,904 GT. Norwegian Prima offers more personal space with a space ratio of 44.3 GT per passenger versus 37.6. Built in 2022, Norwegian Prima is 24 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Norwegian Prima |
| Capacity | Norwegian Prima |
| Modernity | Norwegian Prima |
| Service | Norwegian Spirit |
| 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 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
Norwegian Spirit
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Good value for money
Good range of onboard options
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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32 m |
| Draft | 8.3 m | 8.5 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |