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 Viva
Gross Tonnage
Norwegian Sky
77,104 GT
Norwegian Viva
142,500 GT
Length
Norwegian Sky
258 m
Norwegian Viva
294 m
Beam
Norwegian Sky
32 m
Norwegian Viva
41 m
Passengers
Norwegian Sky
2,002
Norwegian Viva
3,215
Crew
Norwegian Sky
891
Norwegian Viva
1,388
Decks
Norwegian Sky
—
Norwegian Viva
—
Year Built
Norwegian Sky
1,999
Norwegian Viva
2,023
Space Ratio
Norwegian Sky
38.5 GT/pax
Norwegian Viva
44.3 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Norwegian Sky
2.25 :1
Norwegian Viva
2.32 :1
| Specification | Norwegian Sky | Norwegian Viva |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Class | Sun Class | Prima Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,999 | 2,023Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 77,104 GT | 142,500 GTWinner |
| Length | 258 m | 294 mWinner |
| Beam | 32 m | 41 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,002 | 3,215Winner |
| Crew | 891 | 1,388Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 38.5 GT/pax | 44.3 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.25:1Winner | 2.32:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Lloyd Werft | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9128532 | 9823998 |
Norwegian Viva is the significantly larger vessel at 142,500 GT — 85% more than Norwegian Sky's 77,104 GT. Norwegian Viva offers more personal space with a space ratio of 44.3 GT per passenger versus 38.5. Built in 2023, Norwegian Viva is 24 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Norwegian Viva |
| Capacity | Norwegian Viva |
| Modernity | Norwegian Viva |
| Service | Norwegian Sky |
| Spaciousness | Norwegian Viva |
Bottom line: Norwegian Viva 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 Viva
Built in 2023 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
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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| Draft | 8 m | 8.4 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
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