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 Ray
Gross Tonnage
Norwegian Spirit
75,904 GT
Silver Ray
54,700 GT
Length
Norwegian Spirit
268 m
Silver Ray
236 m
Beam
Norwegian Spirit
32 m
Silver Ray
27 m
Passengers
Norwegian Spirit
2,018
Silver Ray
728
Crew
Norwegian Spirit
912
Silver Ray
554
Decks
Norwegian Spirit
—
Silver Ray
—
Year Built
Norwegian Spirit
1,998
Silver Ray
2,024
Space Ratio
Norwegian Spirit
37.6 GT/pax
Silver Ray
75.1 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Norwegian Spirit
2.21 :1
Silver Ray
1.31 :1
| Specification | Norwegian Spirit | Silver Ray |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Silversea Cruises |
| Class | Leo Class | Nova Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,998 | 2,024Winner |
| 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 | 9854825 |
Norwegian Spirit is the significantly larger vessel at 75,904 GT — 39% more than Silver Ray's 54,700 GT. Silver Ray offers more personal space with a space ratio of 75.1 GT per passenger versus 37.6. Built in 2024, Silver Ray is 26 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Norwegian Spirit |
| Capacity | Norwegian Spirit |
| Modernity | Silver Ray |
| Service | Silver Ray |
| Spaciousness | Silver Ray |
Bottom line: Silver Ray 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 Ray
75 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
1.3:1 passenger-crew ratio means exceptional service
Built in 2024 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 | 6.9 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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