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
Ruby Princess
Gross Tonnage
Norwegian Sun
78,309 GT
Ruby Princess
113,561 GT
Length
Norwegian Sun
258 m
Ruby Princess
290 m
Beam
Norwegian Sun
32 m
Ruby Princess
36 m
Passengers
Norwegian Sun
1,936
Ruby Princess
3,080
Crew
Norwegian Sun
906
Ruby Princess
1,100
Decks
Norwegian Sun
—
Ruby Princess
—
Year Built
Norwegian Sun
2,001
Ruby Princess
2,008
Space Ratio
Norwegian Sun
40.5 GT/pax
Ruby Princess
36.9 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Norwegian Sun
2.14 :1
Ruby Princess
2.80 :1
| Specification | Norwegian Sun | Ruby Princess |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Princess Cruises |
| Class | Sun Class | Grand Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,001 | 2,008Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 78,309 GT | 113,561 GTWinner |
| Length | 258 m | 290 mWinner |
| Beam | 32 m | 36 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 1,936 | 3,080Winner |
| Crew | 906 | 1,100Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 40.5 GT/paxWinner | 36.9 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.14:1Winner | 2.80:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Lloyd Werft | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bermuda |
| IMO Number | 9141065 | 9378462 |
Ruby Princess is the significantly larger vessel at 113,561 GT — 45% more than Norwegian Sun's 78,309 GT. Norwegian Sun offers more personal space with a space ratio of 40.5 GT per passenger versus 36.9. Built in 2008, Ruby Princess is 7 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Ruby Princess |
| Capacity | Ruby Princess |
| Modernity | Ruby Princess |
| Service | Norwegian Sun |
| Spaciousness | Norwegian Sun |
Bottom line: Ruby Princess 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
Ruby Princess
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Large 3,080-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
3,080 passengers means tons of activities
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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| Draft | 8.2 m | 8.6 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
