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 Star
Gross Tonnage
Norwegian Prima
142,500 GT
Norwegian Star
91,740 GT
Length
Norwegian Prima
294 m
Norwegian Star
294 m
Beam
Norwegian Prima
41 m
Norwegian Star
32 m
Passengers
Norwegian Prima
3,215
Norwegian Star
2,348
Crew
Norwegian Prima
1,388
Norwegian Star
1,031
Decks
Norwegian Prima
—
Norwegian Star
—
Year Built
Norwegian Prima
2,022
Norwegian Star
2,001
Space Ratio
Norwegian Prima
44.3 GT/pax
Norwegian Star
39.1 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Norwegian Prima
2.32 :1
Norwegian Star
2.28 :1
| Specification | Norwegian Prima | Norwegian Star |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Class | Prima Class | Dawn Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,022Winner | 2,001 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 142,500 GTWinner | 91,740 GT |
| Length | 294 m | 294 m |
| Beam | 41 mWinner | 32 m |
| Draft | ||
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,215Winner | 2,348 |
| Crew | 1,388Winner | 1,031 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 44.3 GT/paxWinner | 39.1 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.32:1 | 2.28:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Meyer Werft |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9823986 | 9195169 |
Norwegian Prima is the significantly larger vessel at 142,500 GT — 55% more than Norwegian Star's 91,740 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 21 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Norwegian Prima |
| Capacity | Norwegian Prima |
| Modernity | Norwegian Prima |
| Service | Norwegian Star |
| 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 Star
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Comfortable atmosphere for two
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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8.3 m |
8.7 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
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