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
Pride of America
Gross Tonnage
Norwegian Prima
142,500 GT
Pride of America
80,439 GT
Length
Norwegian Prima
294 m
Pride of America
280 m
Beam
Norwegian Prima
41 m
Pride of America
32 m
Passengers
Norwegian Prima
3,215
Pride of America
2,186
Crew
Norwegian Prima
1,388
Pride of America
927
Decks
Norwegian Prima
—
Pride of America
—
Year Built
Norwegian Prima
2,022
Pride of America
2,005
Space Ratio
Norwegian Prima
44.3 GT/pax
Pride of America
36.8 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Norwegian Prima
2.32 :1
Pride of America
2.36 :1
| Specification | Norwegian Prima | Pride of America |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Class | Prima Class | America Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,022Winner | 2,005 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 142,500 GTWinner | 80,439 GT |
| Length | 294 mWinner | 280 m |
| Beam | 41 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,215Winner | 2,186 |
| Crew | 1,388Winner | 927 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 44.3 GT/paxWinner | 36.8 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.32:1Winner | 2.36:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Ingalls Shipbuilding |
| Flag | Bahamas | United States |
| IMO Number | 9823986 | 8701193 |
Norwegian Prima is the significantly larger vessel at 142,500 GT — 77% more than Pride of America's 80,439 GT. Norwegian Prima offers more personal space with a space ratio of 44.3 GT per passenger versus 36.8. Built in 2022, Norwegian Prima is 17 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Norwegian Prima |
| Capacity | Norwegian Prima |
| Modernity | Norwegian Prima |
| Service | Norwegian Prima |
| Spaciousness | Norwegian Prima |
Bottom line: Norwegian Prima wins more categories (5 vs 0), 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
Pride of America
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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32 m |
| Draft | 8.3 m | 8.3 m |
| Decks | — | — |