Ship Comparison
Norwegian Sun vs Norwegian Star
Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Star offer distinct mid-sized experiences, with Sun providing a recently refreshed, activity-rich journey and Star focusing on classic Freestyle elegance and sophisticated relaxation.
The verdict
Choosing between Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Star often comes down to the specific vibe and itinerary you're seeking. The Norwegian Sun, with its 2021 refurbishment, feels bright and contemporary, offering a lively array of dining and entertainment options with a slightly smaller passenger count that fosters a more intimate feel, particularly appealing for diverse, destination-rich voyages. While it lacks the large-scale water features of newer ships, its comprehensive kids' programs and varied activities keep all ages engaged. The Norwegian Star, refreshed in 2018, leans into a classic Freestyle experience, accommodating a few more guests but still maintaining a manageable size. It excels with its extensive specialty dining, sophisticated bar options, and more lavish suite offerings, including the expansive Garden Villas, making it a strong contender for those prioritizing culinary exploration and elevated accommodations across a wide range of global itineraries. Both ships uphold Norwegian's commitment to flexible cruising, providing a comfortable and engaging journey.
Choose Norwegian Sun if…
Travelers who appreciate a recently updated, midsized ship with a vibrant, casual atmosphere, diverse dining options, and a focus on engaging activities and destination-rich itineraries like Alaska or unique 'Extraordinary Journeys'.
Best for
- Families seeking dedicated kids' clubs and activities without a mega-ship feel.
- Travelers prioritizing a recently refurbished ship with modern comforts.
- Guests desiring diverse dining, including a good mix of complimentary and specialty options.
- Explorers interested in destination-rich itineraries like Alaska or 'Extraordinary Journeys'.
- Those who enjoy a lively yet relaxed onboard atmosphere with varied entertainment.
Avoid if
- You prefer larger ships with extensive water parks and slides.
- You dislike crowded buffets or prefer a quieter main dining experience.
- You seek a highly formal or ultra-luxury cruise experience.
- You prefer a ship with a larger variety of unique, complimentary dining venues.
Choose Norwegian Star if…
Cruisers seeking a classic Freestyle experience on a midsized ship, with an emphasis on extensive specialty dining, sophisticated adult-only spaces like Spice H2O, and a variety of global itineraries from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean.
Best for
- Families with young children (ages 6 months-12 years) who appreciate dedicated kids' programs, including a splash pool with slides.
- Guests who enjoy extensive specialty dining options from a Brazilian steakhouse to a French bistro.
- Travelers seeking a blend of lively and serene adult-only spaces like Spice H2O and a Thermal Suite.
- Cruisers interested in diverse global itineraries, including European and Caribbean voyages.
- Those who value flexible Freestyle Cruising with a good guest-to-crew ratio.
Avoid if
- You prefer a brand-new ship with the latest amenities and design trends.
- You are on a strict budget, as many specialty dining and spa thermal suite access incurs additional costs.
- You are traveling with infants or toddlers who are not potty-trained and wish for extensive pool access.
- You prefer a ship with a more modern, less traditional aesthetic.
Overall Vibe
Norwegian Sun
The Norwegian Sun, thoroughly refurbished in 2021, presents a bright and revitalized atmosphere for those who appreciate a classic design with modern touches. As a midsized ship, she carries 1,936 guests across 12 decks, striking a balance between offering a wealth of amenities and maintaining a comfortable, less overwhelming feel. Her ocean-inspired decor, with cool blues and wave patterns, creates a refreshing backdrop for a relaxed yet engaging journey. The hull artwork, along with thoughtful directional cues like fish on the carpet, adds a playful element to her overall charming character.
Norwegian Star
The Norwegian Star, originally launched in 2001 and refurbished in 2018, embodies the essence of Norwegian Cruise Line's original Freestyle Cruising concept on a mid-sized scale. Carrying up to 2,348 guests and a crew of 1,100 across 14 decks, she offers a blend of intimate spaces and exuberant public areas. Her design leans towards classic elegance, creating a relaxed ambiance suitable for a diverse range of travelers. The ship feels substantial yet navigable, allowing for both lively social engagement and quiet moments of reflection, making it a versatile choice for varied preferences.
Atmosphere & Crowd
Norwegian Sun
The Norwegian Sun cultivates a fun, relaxed, and notably family-friendly atmosphere, where service is both highly visible and genuinely friendly, supported by a crew of 906. With a guest capacity of 1,936, the ship fosters a convivial environment where travelers can easily connect, but also find their own space. Days are often action-packed with various activities and contests, while evenings offer a lively social scene. This ship tends to attract a mix of casual explorers and families who appreciate a balance of activity and comfort without the overwhelming scale of larger vessels.
Norwegian Star
The Norwegian Star welcomes a diverse crowd, from families to retirees, with its casual and flexible atmosphere. Accommodating 2,348 passengers with a crew of 1,100, the ship maintains a good guest-to-crew ratio, contributing to attentive service. Public spaces range from energetic to serene, allowing guests to tailor their experience. The ship's layout encourages both social interaction and individual relaxation, often drawing those who appreciate a relaxed pace during the day with options for vibrant evenings, making it a fitting choice for those seeking a balanced, engaging cruise without rigid schedules.
Dining
Norwegian Sun
Dining on Norwegian Sun offers a plentiful array of choices, including two main dining rooms, Four Seasons and Seven Seas, which provide traditional and contemporary cuisine. For casual bites, guests can enjoy the Garden Cafe buffet, the popular outdoor Great Outdoors grill, or the Sports Bar. Specialty options, available for an additional charge, include Cagney's Steakhouse for premium cuts, La Cucina for Italian classics, Le Bistro for French fare, Ginza Sushi and Teppanyaki for Japanese, and Los Lobos Cantina for Mexican flavors, ensuring a broad culinary journey.
Norwegian Star
The Norwegian Star boasts a robust culinary scene with two main dining rooms, Aqua and Versailles, that provide complimentary international cuisine. For more casual fare, guests can enjoy O'Sheehan's Bar & Grill, The Garden Cafe, or Topsiders Bar & Grill. Specialty options, available for an additional charge, include Cagney's Steakhouse, Moderno Churrascaria, La Cucina for Italian dishes, Le Bistro for French fare, and Japanese specialties at Ginza, Teppanyaki, and the Sushi bar, offering a wide array of flavors.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Norwegian Sun
Entertainment on Norwegian Sun ensures action-packed days and nights. The Stardust Lounge hosts evening stage shows, movies, and informative talks, while the Spinnaker Lounge offers nightly shows and dancing. For late-night energy, the Bliss Ultra Lounge features electrifying DJ sets and the signature White Hot Party. Guests can try their luck at the Sun Casino, engage in interactive games like Wheel of Fortune, or enjoy live music in various bars such as the intimate Windjammer Bar or the lively Champs Bar. The ship also offers arts and crafts classes and poolside celebrations.
Norwegian Star
Norwegian Star offers a varied entertainment lineup, with the Stardust Theatre presenting Broadway and Vegas-style productions nightly and transforming into a cinema by day. The lively Star Casino provides gaming action, while the Bliss Ultra Lounge offers high-energy dancing. For more relaxed evenings, guests can enjoy a curated wine tasting at the Wine Cellar, handcrafted cocktails at Proof Whiskey Bar, or champagne at Gatsby's Champagne Bar. The adults-only Spice H2O provides a sophisticated escape by day and a dance venue by night, complemented by various game shows and live music across the ship.
Cabins & Suites
Norwegian Sun
The Norwegian Sun features 968 staterooms, all refreshed with smart flat-screen TVs, USB ports, new carpet, and ocean-inspired decor. Standard options include Inside (145-180 sq ft), Oceanview (145-170 sq ft) with picture windows or portholes, and Balcony staterooms (198-235 sq ft) with private balconies. Suites range from Club Balcony Suites (322-387 sq ft) with larger bathrooms and sitting areas, to Penthouses (443-504 sq ft) and the expansive Owner's Suites (828 sq ft) with large balconies, including butler and concierge service for suite guests.
Norwegian Star
Norwegian Star offers a broad selection of cabins, from standard staterooms to expansive suites. Standard rooms feature nautical prints, cherry furnishings, and a unique split-bathroom design. Balcony staterooms accommodate up to three, providing private outdoor space. Suite categories are particularly noteworthy, including spacious Penthouse suites, two-bedroom Family Suites, and the truly opulent 3-Bedroom Garden Villas, which span 5,700 sq ft and include private gardens and hot tubs. Suite guests enjoy enhanced amenities like whirlpool tubs in many, along with butler and concierge services.
Service & Onboard Style
Norwegian Sun
Norwegian Sun maintains a casual and unpretentious onboard style, reflecting Norwegian's Freestyle Cruising philosophy where guests dictate their own pace. The service, with a 1:2.1 guest-to-crew ratio (1,936 guests, 906 crew), is consistently noted as attentive and friendly, contributing to the ship's relaxed atmosphere. The 2021 refurbishment brought modern decor and technology, creating bright, inviting public spaces and comfortable cabins. The overall style is vibrant and welcoming, designed for ease and enjoyment, with staff readily available to assist without being intrusive.
Norwegian Star
Norwegian Star delivers a polished yet relaxed onboard style, characterized by its "Freestyle Cruising" concept that emphasizes guest choice and flexibility. With a crew of 1,100 serving 2,348 guests, the guest-to-crew ratio of 1:2.13 is comparable, ensuring a good level of personalized service. The 2018 refurbishment updated many areas, blending classic elegance with modern comforts. Staff are generally attentive and efficient, contributing to a smooth experience whether guests are seeking lively interaction or quiet moments. The ship's design elements, from the art deco Gatsby's Champagne Bar to the intimate French Le Bistro, reflect a commitment to varied and quality guest experiences.
Best Itineraries
Norwegian Sun
Norwegian Sun is well-suited for guests looking to explore diverse and often immersive destinations. Her itineraries frequently include the "frozen wilderness of Alaska," offering breathtaking scenic cruising and unique shore excursions. She also embarks on "exotic, immersive experiences with our Extraordinary Journeys," suggesting longer, more destination-focused voyages that appeal to travelers eager for cultural immersion and in-depth exploration. The ship’s midsized nature allows for access to a wider range of ports compared to larger vessels, making it an excellent choice for destination-rich cruises.
Norwegian Star
Norwegian Star offers extensive itinerary options, primarily exploring the "Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Caribbean, and Transatlantic." This broad geographical reach makes her an excellent choice for travelers interested in a mix of historical European cities, warm Caribbean beaches, or the unique experience of a transatlantic crossing. Her size is well-suited for navigating diverse regions, providing guests with opportunities for both cultural discovery and relaxed sea days. The variety of destinations complements the ship's versatile onboard experience, appealing to those who enjoy varied global exploration.
What reviewers say
Norwegian Sun
4/5Norwegian 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 Star
4/5Norwegian Star delivers many of Norwegian's most beloved features on a more intimate scale. Its recent refurbishments have successfully kept this original Freestyle ship modern and appealing to a broad range of cruisers.
Itineraries to compare
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Norwegian Sun
Norwegian Star
Read our guides
In-depth guides on the ships and cruise lines in this comparison.
Ship Guide
Norwegian Sun: Modern Cruising & Diverse Itineraries
Enjoy recently refurbished spaces and a wealth of choices on your next voyage with Norwegian Sun.
Ship Guide
Norwegian Star: Modern Freestyle Cruising on an Intimate Scale
Discover Norwegian Star, offering a modern take on NCL's Freestyle Cruising with broad appeal.
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