Should you’re pondering of taking a Norwegian Cruise Line cruise, you actually received’t be wanting for cruise ship choices. At 19 ships sturdy till Norwegian Aqua arrives in 2025, NCL’s fleet affords among the greatest, greatest, family-friendliest and general enjoyable ships at sea.
The road’s largest ships provide an enormous resort really feel, whereas the smaller ships provide a extra basic cruising expertise, with fewer crowds. Undecided which is best for you? Right here’s a breakdown of Norwegian cruise ships by dimension, greatest to smallest (by gross tons).
Norwegian Encore
Debuted in 2019, this Breakaway Plus-class ship was constructed by Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, for about $1 billion. The ship options a few of Norwegian Cruise Line’s latest, greatest options, just like the Encore Speedway (the place you’ll be able to go go-karting at speeds of as much as 20 miles per hour), The Waterfront promenade, laser tag rink and specialty eating choices like Onda by Scarpetta.
NCL will give Norwegian Encore a fast revitalization on the finish of 2024, including the Spice H20 adults-only lounge, new Haven suites and a brand new Mediterranean restaurant to the ship.
- Gross Tonnage: 169,166 GT
- Size: 1,094 ft
- Passenger Capability by Double Occupancy: 3,998
- Crew Capability: 1,735
Norwegian Bliss
The third Breakaway Plus-class ship, Norwegian Bliss was additionally constructed on the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. Accomplished in 2018, the ship options particular areas just like the 180-degree remark lounge excellent for scenic Alaskan cruises. The ship was just lately refurbished, in 2021.
- Gross Tonnage: 168,028 GT
- Size: 1,094 ft
- Passenger Capability by Double Occupancy: 4,004
- Crew Capability: 1,716
Norwegian Pleasure
Delivered in 2017 and constructed by Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, Norwegian Pleasure can also be a member of the Breakaway Plus class. Like its sister ships, Norwegian Pleasure additionally boasts a two-level race observe and NCL has been protecting the ship up to date, with refurbishments going down in 2020.
- Gross Tonnage: 167,725 GT
- Size: 1,094 ft
- Passenger Capability by Double Occupancy: 3,776
- Crew Capability: 1,821
Norwegian Escape
In-built 2015 at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, and refurbished in 2022, Norwegian Escape was the very first of the Breakaway Plus class ships and was designed to be general bigger than prior Breakaway-class ships. On the time of its debut, Norwegian Escape boasted the biggest water park within the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet.
- Gross Tonnage: 164,998 GT
- Size: 1,069 ft
- Passenger Capability by Double Occupancy: 4,218
- Crew Capability: 1,733
Norwegian Aqua
Norwegian Aqua is the primary evolution of the brand new Prima class design and is 10% bigger than the unique ships within the class. The ship, which is the primary within the fleet with a feminine hull artist named Allison Hueman, is constructed on the Fincantieri Marghera shipyard in Italy. The vessel options the first-ever hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide, a brand new digital sports activities advanced, the Aqua Slidecoaster, a Glow Court docket, and hundreds extra enhancements.
- Gross Tonnage: 156,300 GT
- Size: 1,056 ft
- Passenger Capability by Double Occupancy: 3,571
- Crew Capability: 1,733
Norwegian Epic
Constructed by the STX Europe Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France, Norwegian Epic debuted in 2010 (refurbished in 2020).
The present sole member of the Epic class, Norwegian Epic was meant to be adopted by a number of different Epic-class ships, however these by no means materialized. Nonetheless, Norwegian Epic was a hit in that, when the ship was constructed, it was the third largest on the planet. In fact, now it’s been surpassed not solely by different NCL ships, but in addition different cruise ships from strains like Royal Caribbean.
Distinctive options on this ship embrace the one tube-and-bowl waterslide at sea, a rappelling wall, bowling alley and ice bar.
- Gross Tonnage: 155,873 GT
- Size: 1,081 ft
- Passenger Capability by Double Occupancy: 4,070
- -Crew Capability: 1,724
Norwegian Getaway
In-built 2014, at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, and refurbished in 2020, Norwegian Getaway is a Breakaway class ship. Very like Norwegian Epic, when Norwegian Getaway debuted, it was one of many largest cruise ships on the planet, within the high 10. Nonetheless, it was shortly surpassed.
Distinctive ship options embrace a magic-focused Illusionarium, Grammy-themed leisure venue and Geoffrey Zakarian-created restaurant idea.
- Gross Tonnage: 145,655 GT
- Size: 1,068 ft
- Passenger Capability by Double Occupancy: 3,903
- Crew Capability: 1,646
Norwegian Breakaway
The lead ship for the Breakaway-class, Norwegian Breakaway was constructed at Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. Delivered in 2013, the ship, very similar to most of the different NCL ships to debut throughout this time, was one of many largest on the planet upon launch.
Even after Norwegian Breakaway fell out of the highest 10 largest ships on the planet, although, it nonetheless remained the biggest cruise ship to be home-ported in New York Metropolis, full-time.
Like sister ship Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Breakaway additionally encompasses a Geoffrey Zakarian restaurant, plus distinctive leisure venues, like a Second Metropolis comedy membership.
- Gross Tonnage: 145,655 GT
- Size: 1,068 ft
- Passenger Capability by Double Occupancy: 3,903
- Crew Capability: 1,657
Norwegian Prima
The lead for the brand new Prima-class ships, Norwegian Prima debuted in 2022, and was the primary NCL ship to ever be constructed by Fincantieri in Italy. The ship affords among the most spacious lodging in Norwegian’s fleet and standout options upon debut included the 360-degree Ocean Boulevard, new Indulge Meals Corridor, Galaxy Pavilion and one of many quickest dry slides at sea.
- Gross Tonnage: 143,535 GT
- Size: 965 ft
- Passenger Capability by Double Occupancy: 3,099
- Crew Capability: 1,506
Norwegian Viva
Because it was in-built 2023, Norwegian Viva is the most recent ship within the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, as of late 2024. It’s additionally the second ship within the Prima class.
Whereas, with this new ship, NCL didn’t attempt to go as large as attainable, the cruise line did impress with particular options, just like the Haven space that boasts among the line’s largest suites ever; a reimagined spa and health heart; and the quickest web at sea.
The complete Prima class is being constructed by Finacantieri in Italy. The third Prima-class ship will debut in 2025.
- Gross Tonnage: 142,500 GT
- Size: 965 ft
- Passenger Capability by Double Occupancy: 3,195
- Crew Capability: 1,506
Norwegian Jade
In-built 2006 and most just lately refurbished in 2022, Norwegian Jade was constructed by Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany. With the current refurbishments, friends can now take pleasure in the brand new Pit Cease poolside eatery, in addition to cruise line favorites that had been initially lacking from this ship, just like the Bliss Extremely Lounge.
The ship, now thought-about the second Jewel-class ship, was initially referred to as Delight of Hawaii, a part of Norwegian Cruise Line’s handful of ships serving the Hawaiian market with week-long cruises.
When constructed, the ship was the costliest and largest U.S.-flagged ship ever. After simply two years in service, although, the ship was become Norwegian Jade (although the ship didn’t absolutely lose all of its Hawaiian theming till a dry dock in 2017).
- Gross Tonnage: 93,558 GT
- Size: 965 ft
- Passenger Capability by Double Occupancy: 2,352
- Crew Capability: 1,037
Norwegian Gem
In-built 2007 by Meyer Werft in Germany, and refurbished most just lately in 2022, Norwegian Gem was the fourth and remaining Jewel-class ship (in the event you’re not counting Norwegian Jade’s 2008 swap to the category).
Equally to the remainder of the Jewel-class ships, Norwegian Gem affords a really basic, mid-size cruise ship expertise. When you received’t discover flashy options right here, you will see a pleasant vary of eating places, staterooms and leisure.
- Gross Tonnage: 93,530 GT
- Size: 965 ft
- Passenger Capability by Double Occupancy: 2,344
- Crew Capability: 1,070
Norwegian Pearl
In-built 2006 by Meyer Werft, and most just lately refurbished in 2021, Norwegian Pearl is the third Jewel-class ship. The ship affords a good variety of themed specialty cruises, for fandoms, bands and extra, and has additionally been used as a coaching ship for brand spanking new crewmembers previously.
- Gross Tonnage: 93,530 GT
- Size: 965 ft
- Passenger Capability by Double Occupancy: 2,344
- Crew Capability: 1,072
Norwegian Jewel
The primary Jewel-class ship, Norwegian Jewel debuted in 2005, after supply from Meyer Werft in Germany. The ship obtained refurbishments in 2022. When the Jewel class debuted, the ships had been the biggest in Norwegian’s fleet — a minimum of till Norwegian Epic got here alongside.
- Gross Tonnage: 93,502
- Size: 965 ft
- Passenger Capability by Double Occupancy: 2,330
- Crew Capability: 1,069
Norwegian Daybreak
Accomplished in 2002 by Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, and refurbished in 2021, Norwegian Daybreak was initially constructed for Star Cruises however was in the end transferred to Norwegian Cruise Line.
Norwegian Daybreak is one in every of two Daybreak-class ships and carries the excellence of being the very first NCL ship to function hull artwork (and now NCL’s ships are fairly well-known for his or her colourful hull artwork!).
- Gross Tonnage: 92,250 GT
- Size: 965 ft
- Passenger Capability by Double Occupancy: 2,290
- Crew Capability: 1,032
Norwegian Star
Norwegian Star is the second cruise ship within the Daybreak class. Like Norwegian Daybreak, Norwegian Star was initially meant for Star Cruises, however was transferred over to NCL after Meyer Werft accomplished development in Papenburg, Germany. The ship debuted in 2001 and obtained its most up-to-date refurbishments in 2021.
- Gross Tonnage: 91,740 GT
- Size: 965 ft
- Passenger Capability by Double Occupancy: 2,298
- Crew Capability: 1,031
Delight of America
The Delight of America cruise ship is an extremely distinctive member of the NCL fleet, and doesn’t actually match into any explicit class.
Initially meant to be a part of a U.S.-flagged cruise ship mission, the ship was bought by NCL throughout development, and thus constructed by two totally different builders: Litton-Ingalls in Mississippi and Lloyd Werft in Germany.
Nonetheless, whereas the cruise line did depart from the unique builders, Norwegian did maintain to a part of the ship’s unique mission: serving the Hawaiian market as one of many first ships of its form in a long time. Right this moment, the ship nonetheless serves routes to and from Honolulu.
- Gross Tonnage: 80,439 GT
- Size: 920 ft
- Passenger Capability by Double Occupancy: 2,150
- Crew Capability: 927
Norwegian Solar
The third Solar-class ship for Norwegian Cruise Line, Norwegian Solar was constructed by Lloyd Werft in Germany and took its maiden voyage in 2001.
The ship is unquestionably amongst a few of Norwegian Cruise Line’s older, smaller ships, however in the event you’re on the lookout for a low-key cruise, whereby the main target is admittedly on the vacation spot and never essentially the on-board resort-style facilities, you might discover that Norwegian Solar is your excellent match.
- Gross Tonnage: 78,309 GT
- Size: 848 ft
- Passenger Capability by Double Occupancy: 1,878
- Crew Capability: 906
Norwegian Sky
Norwegian Sky has existed below a number of names.
Initially, the ship was alleged to be Costa Olympia, a Costa Cruises ship. That future by no means materialized, although, and the ship grew to become Norwegian Sky earlier than Lloyd Werft in Germany competed the ship in 1999.
Nonetheless, for a four-year interval through the early 2000s, the ship operated as Delight of Aloha. After that, it was anticipated the ship can be transferred to Star Cruises, and it was additionally rumored that NCL perhaps would promote the ship to Pullmantur Cruises. Finally, although, this Solar-class ship ended proper again up with NCL.
- Gross Tonnage: 77,104 GT
- Size: 848 ft
- Passenger Capability by Double Occupancy: 1,944
- Crew Capability: 899
Norwegian Spirit
Final, however actually not least, there’s Norwegian Spirit, the oldest and smallest of all of them.
In-built 1998 by Meyer Werft, Norwegian Spirit — like Norwegian Sky — has additionally lived below a number of names and cruise strains. It truly didn’t even change into Norwegian Spirit till 2004; earlier than that, the Star Cruises ship was referred to as SuperStar Leo. As such, that is Norwegian’s lone “Leo-class” ship.
Norwegian Spirit obtained substantial renovations in 2020, getting greater than a dozen new bars and eating places, in addition to revamped staterooms.
- Gross Tonnage: 75,904
- Size: 880 ft
- Passenger Capability by Double Occupancy: 1,972
- Crew Capability: 904
What’s the Largest Norwegian Cruise Line Ship?
As of the latter half of 2024, the biggest Norwegian cruise line ship is Norwegian Encore, measuring in at 169,166 gross tons, with a passenger capability of three,998 at double occupancy. Nonetheless, whereas spectacular, this ship remains to be not as massive as among the different greatest ships from cruise strains, corresponding to Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line.
That mentioned, you’ll possible not even discover that Norwegian Encore is smaller than among the high greatest cruise ships on the planet. It’s nonetheless full of 1000’s of stateroom and suite choices, eating and consuming venues, leisure and enjoyable actions like a go-karting observe.
What’s the Smallest Norwegian Cruise Line Ship?
The smallest Norwegian Cruise Line ship is Norwegian Spirit, measuring in at 75,904 GT, with a passenger capability of 1,972 individuals at double occupancy. As such, it’s lower than half the dimensions of Norwegian Encore (by gross tonnage) and holds about half as many individuals.
Moreover, Norwegian Spirit is one in every of Norwegian Cruise Line’s oldest ships. So, remains to be price cruising on?
Learn Additionally: Norwegian Cruise Ships by Age – Latest to Oldest
Sure — whereas it doesn’t provide all the flamboyant bells and whistles just like the go-kart racetrack or laser tag enviornment which might be on Norwegian Encore, it does nonetheless provide all the primary facilities and actions you anticipate on a cruise ship, like a number of restaurant choices, swimming pools, theaters, a on line casino and spa. It additionally affords a extra intimate cruising expertise, in case you’re not loopy about crowds.
Are Any Bigger NCL Cruise Ships Coming within the Future?
Sure — however you’ll have to attend fairly some time for them. Norwegian Cruise Line has ordered a handful of recent, greater ships, however they’re solely slated to start crusing after 2030.
As soon as they launch, the ships are estimated to measure in at round 200,000 GT, which is sort of a bit bigger than Norwegian’s present ships, however nonetheless not as massive as Royal Caribbean’s present greatest ships.
Norwegian Cruise Line does have just a few different new ships anticipated to debut earlier than 2030, however none of those might be any bigger than the prevailing Norwegian Encore.
