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 Sun
Gross Tonnage
Norwegian Prima
142,500 GT
Norwegian Sun
78,309 GT
Length
Norwegian Prima
294 m
Norwegian Sun
258 m
Beam
Norwegian Prima
41 m
Norwegian Sun
32 m
Passengers
Norwegian Prima
3,215
Norwegian Sun
1,936
Crew
Norwegian Prima
1,388
Norwegian Sun
906
Decks
Norwegian Prima
—
Norwegian Sun
—
Year Built
Norwegian Prima
2,022
Norwegian Sun
2,001
Space Ratio
Norwegian Prima
44.3 GT/pax
Norwegian Sun
40.5 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Norwegian Prima
2.32 :1
Norwegian Sun
2.14 :1
| Specification | Norwegian Prima | Norwegian Sun |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Class | Prima Class | Sun Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,022Winner | 2,001 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 142,500 GTWinner | 78,309 GT |
| Length | 294 mWinner | 258 m |
| Beam | 41 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,215Winner | 1,936 |
| Crew | 1,388Winner | 906 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 44.3 GT/paxWinner | 40.5 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.32:1 | 2.14:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Lloyd Werft |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9823986 | 9141065 |
Norwegian Prima is the significantly larger vessel at 142,500 GT — 82% more than Norwegian Sun's 78,309 GT. Norwegian Prima offers more personal space with a space ratio of 44.3 GT per passenger versus 40.5. 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 Sun |
| 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 Sun
40 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Premium onboard experience
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 mWinner | 8.2 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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