Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated February 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 Reef
Gross Tonnage
Norwegian Spirit
75,904 GT
Silver Reef
54,700 GT
Length
Norwegian Spirit
268 m
Silver Reef
236 m
Beam
Norwegian Spirit
32 m
Silver Reef
27 m
Passengers
Norwegian Spirit
2,018
Silver Reef
728
Crew
Norwegian Spirit
912
Silver Reef
554
Decks
Norwegian Spirit
—
Silver Reef
—
Year Built
Norwegian Spirit
1,998
Silver Reef
2,025
Space Ratio
Norwegian Spirit
37.6 GT/pax
Silver Reef
75.1 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Norwegian Spirit
2.21 :1
Silver Reef
1.31 :1
| Specification | Norwegian Spirit | Silver Reef |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Silversea Cruises |
| Class | Leo Class | Nova Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,998 | 2,025Winner |
| 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 | 9908200 |
Norwegian Spirit is the significantly larger vessel at 75,904 GT — 39% more than Silver Reef's 54,700 GT. Silver Reef offers more personal space with a space ratio of 75.1 GT per passenger versus 37.6. Built in 2025, Silver Reef is 27 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Norwegian Spirit |
| Capacity | Norwegian Spirit |
| Modernity | Silver Reef |
| Service | Silver Reef |
| Spaciousness | Silver Reef |
Bottom line: Silver Reef 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 Reef
75 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
1.3:1 passenger-crew ratio means exceptional service
Built in 2025 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 m | — |
| Decks | — | — |
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