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 Sun
Norwegian Viva
Gross Tonnage
Norwegian Sun
78,309 GT
Norwegian Viva
142,500 GT
Length
Norwegian Sun
258 m
Norwegian Viva
294 m
Beam
Norwegian Sun
32 m
Norwegian Viva
41 m
Passengers
Norwegian Sun
1,936
Norwegian Viva
3,215
Crew
Norwegian Sun
906
Norwegian Viva
1,388
Decks
Norwegian Sun
—
Norwegian Viva
—
Year Built
Norwegian Sun
2,001
Norwegian Viva
2,023
Space Ratio
Norwegian Sun
40.5 GT/pax
Norwegian Viva
44.3 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Norwegian Sun
2.14 :1
Norwegian Viva
2.32 :1
| Specification | Norwegian Sun | Norwegian Viva |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Class | Sun Class | Prima Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,001 | 2,023Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 78,309 GT | 142,500 GTWinner |
| Length | 258 m | 294 mWinner |
| Beam | 32 m | 41 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 1,936 | 3,215Winner |
| Crew | 906 | 1,388Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 40.5 GT/pax | 44.3 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.14:1Winner | 2.32:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Lloyd Werft | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9141065 | 9823998 |
Norwegian Viva is the significantly larger vessel at 142,500 GT — 82% more than Norwegian Sun's 78,309 GT. Norwegian Viva offers more personal space with a space ratio of 44.3 GT per passenger versus 40.5. Built in 2023, Norwegian Viva is 22 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Norwegian Viva |
| Capacity | Norwegian Viva |
| Modernity | Norwegian Viva |
| Service | Norwegian Sun |
| 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 Sun
40 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Premium onboard experience
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
We may earn a commission from partner bookings at no extra cost to you.
| Draft | 8.2 m | 8.4 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
_1.jpg%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)