Side-by-side cruise ship comparison ยท 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 Spirit
Norwegian Viva
Gross Tonnage
Norwegian Spirit
75,904 GT
Norwegian Viva
142,500 GT
Length
Norwegian Spirit
268 m
Norwegian Viva
294 m
Beam
Norwegian Spirit
32 m
Norwegian Viva
41 m
Passengers
Norwegian Spirit
2,018
Norwegian Viva
3,215
Crew
Norwegian Spirit
912
Norwegian Viva
1,388
Decks
Norwegian Spirit
โ
Norwegian Viva
โ
Year Built
Norwegian Spirit
1,998
Norwegian Viva
2,023
Space Ratio
Norwegian Spirit
37.6 GT/pax
Norwegian Viva
44.3 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Norwegian Spirit
2.21 :1
Norwegian Viva
2.32 :1
| Specification | Norwegian Spirit | Norwegian Viva |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Class | Leo Class | Prima Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,998 | 2,023Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 75,904 GT | 142,500 GTWinner |
| Length | 268 m | 294 mWinner |
| Beam | 32 m | 41 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,018 | 3,215Winner |
| Crew | 912 | 1,388Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 37.6 GT/pax | 44.3 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.21:1Winner | 2.32:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Meyer Werft | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9141077 | 9823998 |
Norwegian Viva is the significantly larger vessel at 142,500 GT โ 88% more than Norwegian Spirit's 75,904 GT. Norwegian Viva offers more personal space with a space ratio of 44.3 GT per passenger versus 37.6. Built in 2023, Norwegian Viva is 25 years newer โ an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Norwegian Viva |
| Capacity | Norwegian Viva |
| Modernity | Norwegian Viva |
| Service | Norwegian Spirit |
| 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 Spirit
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 โ 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 | 8.5 mWinner | 8.4 m |
| Decks | โ | โ |