Norwegian Sky vs Empress of the Seas
Compare ship age, size, passenger capacity, itineraries and upcoming cruise prices.
Norwegian Sky
Cordelia Cruises
Check prices on CruiseDirect
Newer Ship
Norwegian Sky
Built in 1999
9 years newer
Lower Price Per Day
Both ships are the same
More Spacious Ship
Norwegian Sky
38.5 GT per guest
Gross tonnage divided by passenger capacity
Norwegian Sky vs Empress of the Seas: Quick Comparison
Norwegian Sky is the newer ship in this comparison. Built in 1999, it is 9 years newer than Empress of the Seas, which entered service in 1990. Norwegian Sky is approximately 59% larger by gross tonnage at 77,104 GT. Norwegian Sky also carries 400 more passengers. The sailings shown cover different itineraries, so the price per day figures are not a like-for-like comparison. Cruise fares vary significantly by itinerary, departure date and cabin availability, so any price difference should be treated as a snapshot rather than a permanent gap.
Ship Comparison
| Spec | Norwegian Sky | Empress of the Seas |
|---|---|---|
| Year Built | 1999Newer | 1990 |
| Gross Tonnage | 77,104 GT | 48,563 GT |
| Passenger Capacity | 2,002 | 1,602 |
| Space per Passenger | 38.5 GT | 30.3 GT |
| Length | 258.6 m | 210.81 m |
| Decks | — | — |
| Cabins | — | — |
Key Differences: Norwegian Sky vs Empress of the Seas
Age
Norwegian Sky was built in 1999, making it 9 years newer than Empress of the Seas, which was built in 1990.
Size
At 77,104 GT, Norwegian Sky is approximately 59% larger by gross tonnage than Empress of the Seas at 48,563 GT.
Passenger capacity
Norwegian Sky carries up to 2,002 passengers compared with 1,602 aboard Empress of the Seas, a difference of 400 passengers.
Passenger space
Norwegian Sky offers more space per passenger: 38.5 GT per guest, compared with 30.3 aboard Empress of the Seas. A higher passenger space ratio generally means less crowding in public areas.
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Upcoming Cruises & Prices
Norwegian Sky
Empress of the Seas
Prices shown are starting fares and may change.
Which Ship Is Cheaper?
Norwegian Sky
Average
$0 / day
Empress of the Seas
Average
$0 / day
Cruise prices vary by departure date, itinerary, cabin type and availability.
Which Ship Should You Choose?
Choose Norwegian Sky if…
- You prefer the newer ship.
- You prefer the larger ship by gross tonnage.
- You do not mind sailing on a ship with a higher passenger capacity.
- You value having more space per passenger (higher GT-per-guest ratio).
Choose Empress of the Seas if…
- You prefer the ship with the lower passenger capacity.
- You do not place as much importance on sailing on a newer ship than Norwegian Sky.
Norwegian Sky vs Empress of the Seas: Final Comparison Summary
Newer
Norwegian Sky
Built in 1999
9 years newer
Bigger
Norwegian Sky
77,104 GT
59% larger by gross tonnage
Lower Price Per Day
Both ships are the same
- Norwegian Sky is 9 years newer.
- Norwegian Sky is 59% larger by gross tonnage.
- Norwegian Sky carries 400 more passengers.
- Norwegian Sky offers more space per passenger (38.5 GT per guest).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is newer, Norwegian Sky or Empress of the Seas?
Norwegian Sky is newer. It was built in 1999, while Empress of the Seas was built in 1990, making Norwegian Sky 9 years newer.
Which is bigger, Norwegian Sky or Empress of the Seas?
Norwegian Sky is larger by gross tonnage. It measures approximately 77,104 GT compared with Empress of the Seas at 48,563 GT.
Which ship carries more passengers?
Norwegian Sky has a passenger capacity of approximately 2,002, compared with 1,602 for Empress of the Seas.
Which ship is more spacious, Norwegian Sky or Empress of the Seas?
Norwegian Sky has the higher passenger space ratio at 38.5 GT per passenger, versus 30.3 for Empress of the Seas. The ratio is gross tonnage divided by passenger capacity; a higher number means more ship space per guest.
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