If you’re thinking of taking a Norwegian Cruise Line cruise, you certainly won’t be wanting for cruise ship options. At 19 ships strong until Norwegian Aqua arrives in 2025, NCL’s fleet offers some of the biggest, best, family-friendliest and overall fun ships at sea.
The line’s largest ships offer a big resort feel, while the smaller ships offer a more classic cruising experience, with fewer crowds. Not sure which is right for you? Here’s a breakdown of Norwegian cruise ships by size, biggest to smallest (by gross tons).
Norwegian Encore
Debuted in 2019, this Breakaway Plus-class ship was built by Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, for approximately $1 billion. The ship features some of Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest, best features, like the Encore Speedway (where you can go go-karting at speeds of up to 20 miles per hour), The Waterfront promenade, laser tag rink and specialty dining options like Onda by Scarpetta.
NCL will give Norwegian Encore a quick revitalization at the end of 2024, adding the Spice H20 adults-only lounge, new Haven suites and a new Mediterranean restaurant to the ship.
- Gross Tonnage: 169,166 GT
- Length: 1,094 ft
- Passenger Capacity by Double Occupancy: 3,998
- Crew Capacity: 1,735
Norwegian Bliss
The third Breakaway Plus-class ship, Norwegian Bliss was also built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. Completed in 2018, the ship features special spaces like the 180-degree observation lounge perfect for scenic Alaskan cruises. The ship was recently refurbished, in 2021.
- Gross Tonnage: 168,028 GT
- Length: 1,094 ft
- Passenger Capacity by Double Occupancy: 4,004
- Crew Capacity: 1,716
Norwegian Joy
Delivered in 2017 and built by Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, Norwegian Joy is also a member of the Breakaway Plus class. Like its sister ships, Norwegian Joy also boasts a two-level race track and NCL has been keeping the ship updated, with refurbishments taking place in 2020.
- Gross Tonnage: 167,725 GT
- Length: 1,094 ft
- Passenger Capacity by Double Occupancy: 3,776
- Crew Capacity: 1,821
Norwegian Escape
Built in 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 overall larger than prior Breakaway-class ships. At the time of its debut, Norwegian Escape boasted the largest water park in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet.
- Gross Tonnage: 164,998 GT
- Length: 1,069 ft
- Passenger Capacity by Double Occupancy: 4,218
- Crew Capacity: 1,733
Norwegian Aqua
Norwegian Aqua is the first evolution of the new Prima class design and is 10% larger than the original ships in the class. The ship, which is the first in the fleet with a female hull artist named Allison Hueman, is constructed at the Fincantieri Marghera shipyard in Italy. The vessel features the first-ever hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide, a new digital sports complex, the Aqua Slidecoaster, a Glow Court, and loads more improvements.
- Gross Tonnage: 156,300 GT
- Length: 1,056 ft
- Passenger Capacity by Double Occupancy: 3,571
- Crew Capacity: 1,733
Norwegian Epic
Built by the STX Europe Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France, Norwegian Epic debuted in 2010 (refurbished in 2020).
The current sole member of the Epic class, Norwegian Epic was intended to be followed by several other Epic-class ships, but those never materialized. Still, Norwegian Epic was a success in that, when the ship was constructed, it was the third largest in the world. Of course, now it’s been surpassed not only by other NCL ships, but also other cruise ships from lines like Royal Caribbean.
Unique features on this ship include the only tube-and-bowl waterslide at sea, a rappelling wall, bowling alley and ice bar.
- Gross Tonnage: 155,873 GT
- Length: 1,081 ft
- Passenger Capacity by Double Occupancy: 4,070
- -Crew Capacity: 1,724
Norwegian Getaway
Built in 2014, at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, and refurbished in 2020, Norwegian Getaway is a Breakaway class ship. Much like Norwegian Epic, when Norwegian Getaway debuted, it was one of the largest cruise ships in the world, in the top 10. However, it was quickly surpassed.
Unique ship features include a magic-focused Illusionarium, Grammy-themed entertainment venue and Geoffrey Zakarian-created restaurant concept.
- Gross Tonnage: 145,655 GT
- Length: 1,068 ft
- Passenger Capacity by Double Occupancy: 3,903
- Crew Capacity: 1,646
Norwegian Breakaway
The lead ship for the Breakaway-class, Norwegian Breakaway was built at Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. Delivered in 2013, the ship, much like many of the other NCL ships to debut during this time, was one of the largest in the world upon launch.
Even after Norwegian Breakaway fell out of the top 10 largest ships in the world, though, it still remained the largest cruise ship to be home-ported in New York City, full-time.
Like sister ship Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Breakaway also features a Geoffrey Zakarian restaurant, plus unique entertainment venues, like a Second City comedy club.
- Gross Tonnage: 145,655 GT
- Length: 1,068 ft
- Passenger Capacity by Double Occupancy: 3,903
- Crew Capacity: 1,657
Norwegian Prima
The lead for the new Prima-class ships, Norwegian Prima debuted in 2022, and was the first NCL ship to ever be built by Fincantieri in Italy. The ship offers some of the most spacious accommodations in Norwegian’s fleet and standout features upon debut included the 360-degree Ocean Boulevard, new Indulge Food Hall, Galaxy Pavilion and one of the fastest dry slides at sea.
- Gross Tonnage: 143,535 GT
- Length: 965 ft
- Passenger Capacity by Double Occupancy: 3,099
- Crew Capacity: 1,506
Norwegian Viva
As it was built in 2023, Norwegian Viva is the newest ship in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, as of late 2024. It’s also the second ship in the Prima class.
While, with this new ship, NCL didn’t try to go as big as possible, the cruise line did impress with special features, like the Haven area that boasts some of the line’s largest suites ever; a reimagined spa and fitness center; and the fastest internet at sea.
The entire Prima class is being built by Finacantieri in Italy. The third Prima-class ship will debut in 2025.
- Gross Tonnage: 142,500 GT
- Length: 965 ft
- Passenger Capacity by Double Occupancy: 3,195
- Crew Capacity: 1,506
Norwegian Jade
Built in 2006 and most recently refurbished in 2022, Norwegian Jade was built by Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany. With the recent refurbishments, guests can now enjoy the new Pit Stop poolside eatery, as well as cruise line favorites that were originally missing from this ship, like the Bliss Ultra Lounge.
The ship, now considered the second Jewel-class ship, was originally known as Pride of Hawaii, part of Norwegian Cruise Line’s handful of ships serving the Hawaiian market with week-long cruises.
When built, the ship was the most expensive and largest U.S.-flagged ship ever. After just two years in service, though, the ship was turned into Norwegian Jade (though the ship didn’t fully lose all of its Hawaiian theming until a dry dock in 2017).
- Gross Tonnage: 93,558 GT
- Length: 965 ft
- Passenger Capacity by Double Occupancy: 2,352
- Crew Capacity: 1,037
Norwegian Gem
Built in 2007 by Meyer Werft in Germany, and refurbished most recently in 2022, Norwegian Gem was the fourth and final Jewel-class ship (if you’re not counting Norwegian Jade’s 2008 switch to the class).
Similarly to the rest of the Jewel-class ships, Norwegian Gem offers a very classic, mid-size cruise ship experience. While you won’t find flashy features here, you will find a nice range of restaurants, staterooms and entertainment.
- Gross Tonnage: 93,530 GT
- Length: 965 ft
- Passenger Capacity by Double Occupancy: 2,344
- Crew Capacity: 1,070
Norwegian Pearl
Built in 2006 by Meyer Werft, and most recently refurbished in 2021, Norwegian Pearl is the third Jewel-class ship. The ship offers a fair number of themed specialty cruises, for fandoms, bands and more, and has also been used as a training ship for new crewmembers in the past.
- Gross Tonnage: 93,530 GT
- Length: 965 ft
- Passenger Capacity by Double Occupancy: 2,344
- Crew Capacity: 1,072
Norwegian Jewel
The first Jewel-class ship, Norwegian Jewel debuted in 2005, after delivery from Meyer Werft in Germany. The ship received refurbishments in 2022. When the Jewel class debuted, the ships were the largest in Norwegian’s fleet — at least until Norwegian Epic came along.
- Gross Tonnage: 93,502
- Length: 965 ft
- Passenger Capacity by Double Occupancy: 2,330
- Crew Capacity: 1,069
Norwegian Dawn
Completed in 2002 by Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, and refurbished in 2021, Norwegian Dawn was originally constructed for Star Cruises but was ultimately transferred to Norwegian Cruise Line.
Norwegian Dawn is one of two Dawn-class ships and carries the distinction of being the very first NCL ship to feature hull art (and now NCL’s ships are quite famous for their colorful hull art!).
- Gross Tonnage: 92,250 GT
- Length: 965 ft
- Passenger Capacity by Double Occupancy: 2,290
- Crew Capacity: 1,032
Norwegian Star
Norwegian Star is the second cruise ship in the Dawn class. Like Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Star was originally intended for Star Cruises, but was transferred over to NCL after Meyer Werft completed construction in Papenburg, Germany. The ship debuted in 2001 and received its most recent refurbishments in 2021.
- Gross Tonnage: 91,740 GT
- Length: 965 ft
- Passenger Capacity by Double Occupancy: 2,298
- Crew Capacity: 1,031
Pride of America
The Pride of America cruise ship is an incredibly unique member of the NCL fleet, and doesn’t really fit into any particular class.
Originally intended to be part of a U.S.-flagged cruise ship project, the ship was purchased by NCL during construction, and thus built by two different builders: Litton-Ingalls in Mississippi and Lloyd Werft in Germany.
However, while the cruise line did depart from the original builders, Norwegian did keep to part of the ship’s original mission: serving the Hawaiian market as one of the first ships of its kind in decades. Today, the ship still serves routes to and from Honolulu.
- Gross Tonnage: 80,439 GT
- Length: 920 ft
- Passenger Capacity by Double Occupancy: 2,150
- Crew Capacity: 927
Norwegian Sun
The third Sun-class ship for Norwegian Cruise Line, Norwegian Sun was built by Lloyd Werft in Germany and took its maiden voyage in 2001.
The ship is definitely among some of Norwegian Cruise Line’s older, smaller ships, but if you’re looking for a low-key cruise, wherein the focus is really on the destination and not necessarily the on-board resort-style amenities, you may find that Norwegian Sun is your perfect fit.
- Gross Tonnage: 78,309 GT
- Length: 848 ft
- Passenger Capacity by Double Occupancy: 1,878
- Crew Capacity: 906
Norwegian Sky
Norwegian Sky has existed under several names.
Originally, the ship was supposed to be Costa Olympia, a Costa Cruises ship. That destiny never materialized, though, and the ship became Norwegian Sky before Lloyd Werft in Germany competed the ship in 1999.
However, for a four-year period during the early 2000s, the ship operated as Pride of Aloha. After that, it was expected the ship would be transferred to Star Cruises, and it was also rumored that NCL maybe would sell the ship to Pullmantur Cruises. Eventually, though, this Sun-class ship ended right back up with NCL.
- Gross Tonnage: 77,104 GT
- Length: 848 ft
- Passenger Capacity by Double Occupancy: 1,944
- Crew Capacity: 899
Norwegian Spirit
Last, but certainly not least, there’s Norwegian Spirit, the oldest and smallest of them all.
Built in 1998 by Meyer Werft, Norwegian Spirit — like Norwegian Sky — has also lived under several names and cruise lines. It actually didn’t even become Norwegian Spirit until 2004; before that, the Star Cruises ship was known as SuperStar Leo. As such, this is Norwegian’s lone “Leo-class” ship.
Norwegian Spirit received substantial renovations in 2020, getting more than a dozen new bars and restaurants, as well as revamped staterooms.
- Gross Tonnage: 75,904
- Length: 880 ft
- Passenger Capacity by Double Occupancy: 1,972
- Crew Capacity: 904
What’s the Largest Norwegian Cruise Line Ship?
As of the latter half of 2024, the largest Norwegian cruise line ship is Norwegian Encore, measuring in at 169,166 gross tons, with a passenger capacity of 3,998 at double occupancy. However, while impressive, this ship is still not as large as some of the other biggest ships from cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line.
That said, you’ll likely not even notice that Norwegian Encore is smaller than some of the top biggest cruise ships in the world. It’s still packed with thousands of stateroom and suite options, dining and drinking venues, entertainment and fun activities like a go-karting track.
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 capacity of 1,972 people at double occupancy. As such, it’s less than half the size of Norwegian Encore (by gross tonnage) and holds about half as many people.
Additionally, Norwegian Spirit is one of Norwegian Cruise Line’s oldest ships. So, is still worth cruising on?
Read Also: Norwegian Cruise Ships by Age – Newest to Oldest
Yes — while it doesn’t offer all the fancy bells and whistles like the go-kart racetrack or laser tag arena that are on Norwegian Encore, it does still offer all the main amenities and activities you expect on a cruise ship, like multiple restaurant options, pools, theaters, a casino and spa. It also offers a more intimate cruising experience, in case you’re not crazy about crowds.
Are Any Larger NCL Cruise Ships Coming in the Future?
Yes — but you’ll have to wait quite a while for them. Norwegian Cruise Line has ordered a handful of new, bigger ships, but they’re only slated to begin sailing after 2030.
Once they launch, the ships are estimated to measure in at around 200,000 GT, which is quite a bit larger than Norwegian’s current ships, but still not as large as Royal Caribbean’s current biggest ships.
Norwegian Cruise Line does have a few other new ships expected to debut before 2030, but none of these will be any larger than the existing Norwegian Encore.
