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 Sun
Pride of America
Gross Tonnage
Norwegian Sun
78,309 GT
Pride of America
80,439 GT
Length
Norwegian Sun
258 m
Pride of America
280 m
Beam
Norwegian Sun
32 m
Pride of America
32 m
Passengers
Norwegian Sun
1,936
Pride of America
2,186
Crew
Norwegian Sun
906
Pride of America
927
Decks
Norwegian Sun
—
Pride of America
—
Year Built
Norwegian Sun
2,001
Pride of America
2,005
Space Ratio
Norwegian Sun
40.5 GT/pax
Pride of America
36.8 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Norwegian Sun
2.14 :1
Pride of America
2.36 :1
| Specification | Norwegian Sun | Pride of America |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Class | Sun Class | America Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,001 | 2,005Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 78,309 GT | 80,439 GTWinner |
| Length | 258 m | 280 mWinner |
| Beam | 32 m | 32 m |
| Draft | ||
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 1,936 | 2,186Winner |
| Crew | 906 | 927Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 40.5 GT/paxWinner | 36.8 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.14:1Winner | 2.36:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Lloyd Werft | Ingalls Shipbuilding |
| Flag | Bahamas | United States |
| IMO Number | 9141065 | 8701193 |
Norwegian Sun offers more personal space with a space ratio of 40.5 GT per passenger versus 36.8. Built in 2005, Pride of America is 4 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Norwegian Sun edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.1:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Pride of America |
| Capacity | Pride of America |
| Modernity | Pride of America |
| Service | Norwegian Sun |
| Spaciousness | Norwegian Sun |
Bottom line: Pride of America wins more categories (3 vs 2), 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
Pride of America
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Good value for money
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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8.2 m |
8.3 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
