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 Sun
Vasco da Gama
Gross Tonnage
Norwegian Sun
78,309 GT
Vasco da Gama
55,877 GT
Length
Norwegian Sun
258 m
Vasco da Gama
219 m
Beam
Norwegian Sun
32 m
Vasco da Gama
29 m
Passengers
Norwegian Sun
1,936
Vasco da Gama
1,400
Crew
Norwegian Sun
906
Vasco da Gama
550
Decks
Norwegian Sun
—
Vasco da Gama
10
Year Built
Norwegian Sun
2,001
Vasco da Gama
1,993
Space Ratio
Norwegian Sun
40.5 GT/pax
Vasco da Gama
39.9 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Norwegian Sun
2.14 :1
Vasco da Gama
2.55 :1
| Specification | Norwegian Sun | Vasco da Gama |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line | nicko cruises |
| Class | Sun Class | Holiday Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,001Winner | 1,993 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 78,309 GTWinner | 55,877 GT |
| Length | 258 mWinner | 219 m |
| Beam | 32 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 1,936Winner | 1,400 |
| Crew | 906Winner | 550 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 40.5 GT/paxWinner | 39.9 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.14:1Winner | 2.55:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Lloyd Werft | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9141065 | 8903946 |
Norwegian Sun is the significantly larger vessel at 78,309 GT — 40% more than Vasco da Gama's 55,877 GT. Built in 2001, Norwegian Sun is 8 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 | Norwegian Sun |
| Capacity | Norwegian Sun |
| Modernity | Norwegian Sun |
| Service | Norwegian Sun |
| Spaciousness | Norwegian Sun |
Bottom line: Norwegian Sun wins more categories (5 vs 0), 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
Vasco da Gama
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
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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29 m |
| Draft | 8.2 m | 13.6 mWinner |
| Decks | — | 10 |
