Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated January 2026
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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
Silver Nova
Gross Tonnage
Norwegian Spirit
75,904 GT
Silver Nova
54,700 GT
Length
Norwegian Spirit
268 m
Silver Nova
236 m
Beam
Norwegian Spirit
32 m
Silver Nova
27 m
Passengers
Norwegian Spirit
2,018
Silver Nova
728
Crew
Norwegian Spirit
912
Silver Nova
554
Decks
Norwegian Spirit
—
Silver Nova
—
Year Built
Norwegian Spirit
1,998
Silver Nova
2,023
Space Ratio
Norwegian Spirit
37.6 GT/pax
Silver Nova
75.1 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Norwegian Spirit
2.21 :1
Silver Nova
1.31 :1
| Specification | Norwegian Spirit | Silver Nova |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Silversea Cruises |
| Class | Leo Class | Nova Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,998 | 2,023Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 75,904 GTWinner | 54,700 GT |
| Length | 268 mWinner | 236 m |
| Beam | 32 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 2,018Winner | 728 |
| Crew | 912Winner | 554 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 37.6 GT/pax | 75.1 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.21:1 | 1.31:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Meyer Werft | Meyer Werft |
| Flag | Bahamas | Malta |
| IMO Number | 9141077 | 9826310 |
Norwegian Spirit is the significantly larger vessel at 75,904 GT — 39% more than Silver Nova's 54,700 GT. Silver Nova offers more personal space with a space ratio of 75.1 GT per passenger versus 37.6. Built in 2023, Silver Nova is 25 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Norwegian Spirit |
| Capacity | Norwegian Spirit |
| Modernity | Silver Nova |
| Service | Silver Nova |
| Spaciousness | Silver Nova |
Bottom line: Silver Nova wins more categories (3 vs 2), 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
Silver Nova
75 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
1.3:1 passenger-crew ratio means exceptional service
Built in 2023 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
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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27 m |
| Draft | 8.5 mWinner | 7.1 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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