Norwegian Sun

    Norwegian Cruise Line

    Norwegian Sun

    Norwegian Jade

    Norwegian Cruise Line

    Norwegian Jade

    vs

    Ship Comparison

    Norwegian Sun vs Norwegian Jade

    For travelers seeking a vibrant, mid-sized escape, Norwegian Sun offers classic charm with modern flair, while Norwegian Jade delivers an intimate, recently refreshed journey to diverse global destinations.

    The verdict

    Choosing between Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Jade ultimately depends on your preferred cruise style and destination. Norwegian Sun, with its 2018 revitalization, presents a bright and open atmosphere, ideal for those who appreciate a midsized ship experience with a good balance of activity and relaxation. It particularly shines for those looking for varied dining and a lively, yet manageable, social scene, especially on Caribbean and Alaska itineraries. Norwegian Jade, though built in 2006, feels much newer thanks to its extensive refurbishments, offering a slightly larger ship with an impressive array of dining and entertainment, including the exclusive Haven complex. Its diverse global itineraries and notably international passenger mix make it a strong choice for the seasoned traveler seeking cultural exploration and exceptional service.

    Choose Norwegian Sun if…

    Travelers who appreciate a midsized ship with a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, a wide variety of dining options, and engaging activities without feeling overwhelmed by crowds. Ideal for those seeking sun-soaked destinations like the Bahamas or scenic cruises to Alaska.

    Best for

    • Families seeking a midsized, relaxed, and amenity-rich cruise
    • Travelers who enjoy diverse dining options, both complimentary and specialty
    • Guests looking for engaging activities and lively nightlife without large crowds
    • Those interested in itineraries to Alaska or the Caribbean, including Great Stirrup Cay

    Avoid if

    • You prefer mega-ships with extensive water parks and high-thrill attractions
    • You dislike crowded buffets or prefer a quieter dining experience at peak times
    • You require expansive cabin and bathroom space in standard balcony categories

    Choose Norwegian Jade if…

    Cruisers looking for a vibrant and sophisticated experience on a mainstream ship that feels intimate despite its size. Perfect for those who value diverse global itineraries, a strong emphasis on specialty dining, and the elevated amenities of The Haven.

    Best for

    • Travelers seeking diverse global itineraries to destinations like Asia or South America
    • Families desiring dedicated kids' clubs and interconnecting cabin options
    • Food enthusiasts looking for a wide array of complimentary and specialty dining
    • Guests who appreciate excellent service and a vibrant, recently refurbished ship

    Avoid if

    • You prioritize expansive standard cabins over suite-level accommodations
    • You prefer a quiet, subdued atmosphere in all public areas, especially during peak hours
    • You are on a strict budget and wish to avoid extra charges for specialty dining and some activities

    Overall Vibe

    Norwegian Sun

    Norwegian Sun, a midsized vessel launched in 2001 and revitalized in 2018, offers a classic design with elegant interiors that feel fresh and inviting. Her overall vibe is one of bright, open spaces blended with intimate nooks, appealing to ocean lovers with sea-inspired decor in cool blues, silver, and turquoise. The sunshine hull artwork and unique fish-on-carpet directional cues hint at a playful yet refined journey. Carrying 1,936 guests across 12 decks, she strikes a delightful balance between offering ample amenities and maintaining a non-overwhelming, manageable feel, perfect for those who enjoy a free-flowing cruise experience.

    Norwegian Jade

    Norwegian Jade, built in 2006, has undergone recent refurbishments that infuse it with a modern and vibrant atmosphere, defying its age. This mainstream cruise ship, spanning 15 decks, accommodates 2,402 guests and is known for its free-flowing, engaging environment. The revamped atrium, featuring modern furniture and a color-changing chandelier, sets a contemporary tone. Her overall style blends sophistication with comfort, creating a lively backdrop for diverse dining and entertainment, making her feel fresh and current for those seeking a dynamic yet intimate journey.

    Atmosphere & Crowd

    Norwegian Sun

    The atmosphere on Norwegian Sun is distinctly fun, relaxed, and family-friendly, fostering a sense of intimacy despite its generous amenities. With a passenger capacity of 1,936 and a dedicated crew of 906, the ship maintains a comfortable guest-to-crew ratio, contributing to highly visible and friendly service. Days are often action-packed with poolside contests like the Mr. Sexy Legs Competition and Miss Norwegian Sun Pageant, alongside live music and sail-away celebrations. Evenings offer energetic DJ sets, including the signature White Hot Party, drawing a lively crowd without feeling overly congested.

    Norwegian Jade

    Norwegian Jade cultivates a relaxed, friendly, and attentive atmosphere, enhanced by a modern and vibrant feel from its recent refurbishments. With 2,402 guests and a crew of 1,100, the ship buzzes with a diverse and engaging environment. Europe-based itineraries particularly attract an international crowd, adding a rich tapestry to the onboard social fabric. The presence of the exclusive Vibe Beach Club (adults-only) and The Haven provides quieter, more secluded spaces for those seeking tranquility amidst the ship's otherwise lively energy, ensuring a balanced experience for all guests.

    Dining

    Norwegian Sun

    Norwegian Sun offers a plentiful selection of 15 dining options. Complimentary choices include the whimsical Four Seasons Main Dining Room and the traditional Seven Seas, plus casual buffets like Garden Cafe and The Great Outdoors, and pub fare at Sports Bar. For those seeking a culinary adventure, specialty venues like Cagney's Steakhouse, La Cucina (Italian), Le Bistro (French), Teppanyaki, and Los Lobos Cantina (Mexican) provide diverse flavors at an additional cost. While the Garden Cafe can be busy, the Great Outdoors offers a popular, shaded al fresco grill with delightful wake views.

    Norwegian Jade

    Norwegian Jade boasts an impressive 16 dining options, catering to a wide array of tastes. Guests can enjoy complimentary meals at the colorful Alizar and the Gatsby-esque Grand Pacific main dining rooms, as well as extensive buffets at Garden Cafe and The Great Outdoors. Casual options also include the 24-hour O'Sheehan's Bar & Grill and the Asian-fusion Jasmine Garden. For a taste of something special, Moderno Churrascaria (Brazilian steakhouse), Teppanyaki (Japanese), Le Bistro (French), La Cucina (Italian), and Cagney's Steakhouse offer exceptional experiences at an additional charge, making for a truly global culinary journey.

    Entertainment & Nightlife

    Norwegian Sun

    Entertainment on Norwegian Sun balances traditional cruise shows with interactive fun. The Stardust Lounge hosts nightly stage shows, movies, and port shopping talks, while the Spinnaker Lounge offers live music and dancing with panoramic ocean views. Nightlife heats up at the Bliss Ultra Lounge with electrifying DJ sets and the signature White Hot Party. Daytime activities include trivia contests, interactive games like Wheel of Fortune and Deal or No Deal, and arts and crafts classes. The Sun Casino provides gaming excitement, and various bars like The Champagne Bar offer more intimate settings.

    Norwegian Jade

    Norwegian Jade's entertainment is diverse and energetic, featuring Broadway and Vegas-style productions such as FUSIÓN and Blazing Boots in the Stardust Theatre. Nightlife centers around the Bliss Ultra Lounge, known for its illuminated bar and clubbing scene, and the Spinnaker Lounge, a versatile space for game shows, live music, and the popular White Hot Party. The Jade Club Casino offers extensive gaming options, while bars like Magnums Champagne & Wine bar, Mixers Martini & Cocktail Bar, and the Sugarcane Mojito Bar provide varied settings for evening relaxation. Game shows like Famous Riffz add an interactive, rock-themed twist.

    Cabins & Suites

    Norwegian Sun

    Norwegian Sun offers 968 staterooms, all of which were upgraded during her 2018 refurbishment with smart flat-screen TVs, USB ports, new carpet, and ocean-inspired decor. Accommodation categories range from Inside (145-180 sq ft) and Oceanview (145-170 sq ft) with portholes or picture windows, to Balcony staterooms (198-235 sq ft) and spacious Club Balcony Suites. For an elevated experience, Penthouse Suites (443-504 sq ft) and the expansive Owner's Suites (828 sq ft with a 258 sq ft balcony, including a hot tub) provide butler and concierge service, offering luxurious retreats for up to four guests.

    Norwegian Jade

    Norwegian Jade provides a range of accommodations, from standard Inside, Oceanview, and Balcony staterooms to luxurious suites, totaling 1,203 cabins. While standard cabins are noted as generally smaller, they feature modern cream, gray, and teal decor with cherry wood finishes, new flat-screen TVs, and convenient bedside USB outlets. The bathrooms offer fantastic water pressure. For ultimate indulgence, The Haven complex offers exclusive suites like the 3-Bedroom Garden Villa and Deluxe Owner's Suites, providing guests with private courtyard access, dedicated butler and concierge service, and premium amenities like pillow-top mattresses and evening canapes.

    Service & Onboard Style

    Norwegian Sun

    Norwegian Sun is lauded for its highly visible and friendly service, with crew members consistently delivering a spot-on experience. The ship's interior design, revitalized in 2018, features bright, open spaces and a cohesive ocean-inspired aesthetic that makes navigation intuitive and pleasant. The Freestyle Cruising concept underpins the onboard style, offering guests the freedom to dine and enjoy activities without strict schedules or dress codes. This relaxed approach, combined with attentive staff, ensures a comfortable and personalized journey for every passenger.

    Norwegian Jade

    Norwegian Jade truly excels in service, with an editor's review highlighting

    Service & Onboard Style

    Norwegian Sun

    Norwegian Sun is lauded for its highly visible and friendly service, with crew members consistently delivering a spot-on experience. The ship's interior design, revitalized in 2018, features bright, open spaces and a cohesive ocean-inspired aesthetic that makes navigation intuitive and pleasant. The Freestyle Cruising concept underpins the onboard style, offering guests the freedom to dine and enjoy activities without strict schedules or dress codes. This relaxed approach, combined with attentive staff, ensures a comfortable and personalized journey for every passenger.

    Norwegian Jade

    Norwegian Jade truly excels in service, with an editor's review highlighting "excellent service from genuinely happy crew members." This dedication to guest satisfaction is a hallmark of the onboard style. Despite being built in 2006, recent refurbishments have endowed the ship with a modern, vibrant feel, particularly noticeable in the revamped atrium with its color-changing chandelier. The Freestyle dining concept offers flexibility, while the presence of The Haven, an exclusive ship-within-a-ship complex, caters to those seeking a more private and elevated level of personalized service and luxury.

    Best Itineraries

    Norwegian Sun

    Norwegian Sun is well-suited for diverse and immersive itineraries, including the frozen wilderness of Alaska and exotic Extraordinary Journeys. Her midsized nature allows access to a wider range of ports, enhancing the exploratory appeal for guests. The ship also frequently sails to destinations like the Bahamas, offering calls at the private island of Great Stirrup Cay, which boasts a 28,000 sq. ft. pool and the Great Tides Waterpark. This blend of scenic natural wonders and private island escapes makes her a versatile choice for varied travel preferences.

    Norwegian Jade

    Norwegian Jade is a global wanderer, offering an impressive array of itineraries across the sun-soaked Caribbean, the wild beauty of Alaska, the exotic wonders of Asia, the colorful coasts of Mexico, scenic Pacific Coast sailings, the legendary Panama Canal, and vibrant South America. Her diverse routing attracts a notably international demographic, especially on Europe-based voyages, fostering a rich multicultural atmosphere onboard. The ship's ability to navigate various regions makes it an excellent choice for travelers eager to explore different parts of the world with a consistent and high-quality cruise experience.

    What reviewers say

    Norwegian Sun

    4/5

    Norwegian Sun offers a great overall experience with a plethora of dining and activity choices, alongside diverse itinerary options. Its recent refurbishment provides modern, clean spaces, though buffets can be congested and it lacks water slides.

    Norwegian Jade

    4/5

    Despite its age, Norwegian Jade holds its own among newer, flashier ships, thanks to recent refurbishments that make it look and feel like new. The ship offers excellent service and a good balance of complimentary and for-fee options.

    Itineraries to compare

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    Norwegian Sun

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