Dawn class · Norwegian · In service since 2001
Norwegian Star
Norwegian Star is a Dawn class cruise ship operated by Norwegian, in service since 2001. At about 91,740 gross tons, it carries roughly 1,031–2,348 guests and ranks #17 by size in the 20-ship Norwegian fleet we cover.
- 91,740 gross tons
- 1,031–2,348 guests
- 965 ft long
Photo: Pjotr Mahhonin, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Ship facts
- Cruise line
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Ship class
- Dawn class
- Entered service
- 2001 (25 years ago)
- Gross tonnage
- 91,740
- Guests
- 1,031–2,348
- Length
- 965 ft (294.1 m)
- Speed
- 25 knots
- Builder
- Meyer Werft
- Flag
- The Bahamas
- IMO number
- 9195157
About Norwegian Star
Norwegian Star, delivered in 2001, was one of the first ships built around Norwegian’s Freestyle Cruising concept and began its career sailing in Hawaii. It is a Dawn-class ship with a mid-size, traditional layout, and its top suites are the Garden Villas, which were among the largest at sea when they debuted. Refits have kept the décor current. Norwegian Star has spent much of its career on longer itineraries far from Florida, from Europe to South America and Australia, so it often appeals to cruisers seeking unusual routes.
Best for: Destination-focused travelers who prefer a mid-size ship and long, unusual itineraries.
Norwegian Star highlights
- Garden Villas with private outdoor space
- Several specialty restaurants including Cagney’s Steakhouse
- Mandara Spa
- Long, port-rich itineraries in less common regions
How Norwegian Star compares in size
- Norwegian Encore168,800
- Norwegian Bliss168,028
- Norwegian Joy167,725
- Norwegian Escape165,157
- Norwegian Luna156,300
- Norwegian Epic155,873
- Norwegian Aqua154,140
- Norwegian Getaway145,655
- Norwegian Breakaway145,655
- Norwegian Viva143,535
- Norwegian Prima143,535
- Norwegian Jade93,558
- Norwegian Pearl93,530
- Norwegian Gem93,530
- Norwegian Jewel93,502
- Norwegian Dawn92,250
- Norwegian Star91,740
- Pride of America80,439
- Norwegian Sun78,309
- Norwegian Spirit75,904
Gross tonnage measures a ship's enclosed volume, not its weight. Source: Wikidata.
Dawn class sister ships
Sailing with Norwegian
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) built its identity on Freestyle Cruising: no fixed dinner times, no formal nights and a long list of restaurants you choose from each evening. Its big, modern ships add go-kart tracks, Broadway-style shows and The Haven, a private suite enclave. It suits independent-minded couples, groups and families who like flexibility, less so budget purists who dislike add-on charges.
Read our full Norwegian guide: dining, drinks, tipping and who it suits →
Norwegian Star FAQs
How big is Norwegian Star?
Norwegian Star measures about 91,740 gross tons and is about 965 feet (294 m) long. That makes it #17 of 20 Norwegian ships we cover by tonnage, and #139 among all 255 ocean cruise ships in our guide.
How many passengers does Norwegian Star carry?
About 1,031–2,348 guests, according to Wikidata's record for the ship. Cruise lines usually quote capacity at two guests per cabin; with third and fourth berths filled, the maximum is higher.
When was Norwegian Star built?
Norwegian Star entered service in 2001 and was built by Meyer Werft. Older ships are often refurbished, so ask about recent upgrades when you compare sailings.
What class of ship is Norwegian Star?
Norwegian Star belongs to Norwegian's Dawn class, alongside Norwegian Dawn. Ships in the same class share a layout and most signature features.
Is Norwegian Star good for families?
Splash Academy offers free supervised programs for kids 3 to 12, grouped by age, while Entourage gives teens 13 to 17 their own space and activities. Guppies sessions invite parents with babies and toddlers to join in. Facilities vary by ship, so check what Norwegian Star offers for your kids' ages.
Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.
Sources: Wikidata, Wikipedia, Norwegian official site.