Sun class · Norwegian · In service since 2001
Norwegian Sun
Norwegian Sun is a Sun class cruise ship operated by Norwegian, in service since 2001. At about 78,309 gross tons, it carries roughly 2,232 guests and ranks #19 by size in the 20-ship Norwegian fleet we cover.
- 78,309 gross tons
- 2,232 guests
- 847 ft long
Photo: Bev and Richard Martin., CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Ship facts
- Cruise line
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Ship class
- Sun class
- Entered service
- 2001 (25 years ago)
- Gross tonnage
- 78,309
- Guests
- 2,232
- Length
- 847 ft (258.1 m)
- Speed
- 21 knots
- Builder
- Lloyd Werft
- Flag
- The Bahamas
- IMO number
- 9218131
About Norwegian Sun
Norwegian Sun, from 2001, is a one-off ship and one of the smallest in Norwegian’s fleet. It was built by Lloyd Werft in Germany with Freestyle Cruising in mind, offering multiple restaurants and no assigned dinner times. The layout is classic and compact, and the ship has spent much of its career on longer, port-heavy itineraries, from Alaska to South America. You won’t find big attractions here, but you will find shorter lines, easy tendering and a relaxed crowd.
Best for: Destination-focused travelers who prefer a smaller, quieter ship and don’t need headline attractions.
Norwegian Sun highlights
- Freestyle dining across several restaurants
- Compact layout that’s quick to learn
- Port-heavy itineraries suited to a smaller ship
- Mandara Spa
How Norwegian Sun 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.
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 Sun FAQs
How big is Norwegian Sun?
Norwegian Sun measures about 78,309 gross tons and is about 847 feet (258 m) long. That makes it #19 of 20 Norwegian ships we cover by tonnage, and #169 among all 255 ocean cruise ships in our guide.
How many passengers does Norwegian Sun carry?
About 2,232 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 Sun built?
Norwegian Sun entered service in 2001 and was built by Lloyd Werft. Older ships are often refurbished, so ask about recent upgrades when you compare sailings.
What class of ship is Norwegian Sun?
Norwegian Sun belongs to Norwegian's Sun class. Ships in the same class share a layout and most signature features.
Is Norwegian Sun 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 Sun 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.