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 Sky
Norwegian Sun
Gross Tonnage
Norwegian Sky
77,104 GT
Norwegian Sun
78,309 GT
Length
Norwegian Sky
258 m
Norwegian Sun
258 m
Beam
Norwegian Sky
32 m
Norwegian Sun
32 m
Passengers
Norwegian Sky
2,002
Norwegian Sun
1,936
Crew
Norwegian Sky
891
Norwegian Sun
906
Decks
Norwegian Sky
—
Norwegian Sun
—
Year Built
Norwegian Sky
1,999
Norwegian Sun
2,001
Space Ratio
Norwegian Sky
38.5 GT/pax
Norwegian Sun
40.5 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Norwegian Sky
2.25 :1
Norwegian Sun
2.14 :1
| Specification | Norwegian Sky | Norwegian Sun |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Class | Sun Class | Sun Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,999 | 2,001Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 77,104 GT | 78,309 GTWinner |
| Length | 258 m | 258 m |
| Beam | 32 m | 32 m |
| Draft | 8 m | 8.2 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,002Winner | 1,936 |
| Crew | 891 | 906Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 38.5 GT/pax | 40.5 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.25:1 | 2.14:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Lloyd Werft | Lloyd Werft |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9128532 | 9141065 |
Built in 2001, Norwegian Sun is 2 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Norwegian Sun edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.1:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Norwegian Sun |
| Capacity | Norwegian Sky |
| Modernity | Norwegian Sun |
| Service | Norwegian Sun |
| Spaciousness | Norwegian Sun |
Bottom line: Norwegian Sun wins more categories (4 vs 1), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Norwegian Sky
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Good value for money
Good range of onboard options
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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| Decks | — | — |
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