Norwegian Cruise Line ships ranked by size from largest to smallest — the full list
Are you looking for the biggest, most action-packed resort? Norwegian Cruise Line cruise ship? If so, you’ll want to board one of Norwegian Cruise Line’s largest ships.
By definition, Norwegian Cruise Line’s largest ships are the ones with the most “stuff” — the most pools, water slides, and on-board attractions (even go-kart tracks), as well as the most restaurants, bars, and galleries on board. They have the largest spas and casinos of any ship in the Norwegian fleet and the most cabins and suites—as well as the widest variety of suites and cabins.
With 4,000 or more passengers, Norwegian Cruise Line’s largest ships are also some of the largest resorts you’ll find at sea from any cruise line. They’re also comparable to some of the largest land-based resorts. If you’re in the “bigger is better” camp when it comes to vacation experiences, then Norwegian Cruise Line’s ships are for you.
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Norwegian Cruise Line doesn’t just operate giant ships, however. The world’s fourth-largest cruise line also operates a number of relatively small ships that carry around 2,000 people and have a more intimate feel. In some cases, these ships are half the size of Norwegian Cruise Line’s largest ships, and they notably have fewer on-board activities and interior venues than Norwegian’s largest ships.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s smallest ships are best suited to travelers who prefer a private, less crowded vacation experience.
Related: Norwegian Cruise Line’s 9 Ship Classes Explained
To make sure you choose the right Norwegian Cruise Line ship, you should find out which Norwegian Cruise Line ships are the largest and which are the smallest before booking.
Here, every Norwegian Cruise Line ship currently in operation is ranked from largest to smallest.
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1. Norwegian Encore
Maiden voyage: 2019
Size: 169,116 tons total
Passenger capacity: 3,998
2. Norwegian Joy
Maiden voyage: 2018
Size: 168,028 tons total
Passenger capacity: 4.004
3. Norwegian Joy
Maiden voyage: 2017
Size: 167,725 tons total
Passenger capacity: 3,804
4. The Norwegian Escape
Maiden voyage: 2015
Size: 164,998 tons total
Passenger capacity: 4,266
5. Norwegian Epic
Maiden voyage: 2010
Size: 155,873 tons total
Passenger capacity: 4,100
6. (tie) Norwegian Getaway
Maiden voyage: 2014
Size: 145,655 tons total
Passenger capacity: 3,963
6. (tie) Norwegian Breakaway
Maiden voyage: 2013
Size: 145,655 tons total
Passenger capacity: 3,963
8. (tie) Norway Viva
Maiden voyage: 2023
Size: 143,535 tons total
Passenger capacity: 3,099
8. (draw) Prima Norway
Maiden voyage: 2022
Size: 143,535 tons total
Passenger capacity: 3,099
10. Norwegian Jade
Maiden voyage: 2006
Size: 93,558 tons total
Passenger capacity: 2,402
11. (tie) Norwegian Gem
Maiden voyage: 2007
Size: 93,530 tons total
Passenger capacity: 2,394
11. (tie) Norwegian Pearl
Maiden voyage: 2006
Size: 93,530 tons total
Passenger capacity: 2,394
13. The Norwegian Pearl
Maiden voyage: 2005
Size: 93,502 tons total
Passenger capacity: 2,376
14. Norwegian Dawn
Maiden voyage: 2002
Size: 92,250 tons total
Passenger capacity: 2,340
15. Norwegian Star
Maiden voyage: 2001
Size: 91,740 tons total
Passenger capacity: 2,348
16. The Pride of America
Maiden voyage: 2005
Size: 80,439 tons total
Passenger capacity: 2,186
17. Norwegian Sun
Maiden voyage: 2001
Size: 78,309 tons total
Passenger capacity: 1,936
18. Norwegian sky
Maiden voyage: 1999
Size: 77,104 tons total
Passenger capacity: 2.004
19. Norwegian Spirit
Maiden voyage: 1998
Size: 75,904 tons total
Passenger capacity: 2,032
What is Norwegian Cruise Line’s largest ship?
Norwegian Cruise Line’s largest ship is a 5-year-old ship. Norwegian Encore. Although not as large as the largest ships from rival lines Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises And Carnival Cruise LineNorwegian Encore remains firmly in the pantheon of the world’s cruise giants.
At 169,116 gross tons, Norwegian Encore is larger than all but 26 other cruise ships in the world, including 20 operated by the three lines mentioned above. It regularly carries more than 4,000 passengers.
The largest of Norwegian’s four Breakaway Plus Class ships, Norwegian Encore is the Norwegian ship with the most lavish restaurants, bars, entertainment, and attractions. It’s home to one of the largest go-kart tracks on a cruise ship and an unusually large virtual reality area called the Galaxy Pavilion, to name a few of its biggest attractions. There’s also plenty of room for multiple pools, water slides, and splash zones for kids.
In addition, Norwegian Encore offers spectacular shows in large, state-of-the-art theaters, a sprawling spa, a half-deck casino, a dedicated children’s play area and more than 2,000 rooms.
What is Norwegian Cruise Line’s smallest ship?
Norwegian Cruise Line’s smallest ship is the Norwegian Spirit. At 75,904 gross tons, the Norwegian Spirit is less than half the size of the Norwegian Encore, the line’s largest ship. It carries just 1,966 passengers—2,000 fewer than the Norwegian Encore.
Launched in 1998, Norwegian Spirit is not only Norwegian Cruise Line’s smallest ship, but also the oldest in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet. At 26 years old, it is likely to be phased out of Norwegian’s fleet in the coming years.
Norwegian Spirit, notably, was not built for Norwegian Cruise Line but for Asia-based Star Cruises. Its original name was SuperStar Leo. It was transferred to Norwegian and renamed in 2004.
Partly because of its smaller size, Norwegian Spirit offers fewer venues and attractions than newer Norwegian ships, but it still offers plenty. In total, you’ll find 13 dining options on Norwegian Spirit, including two main restaurants, a casual buffet, and versions of the signature restaurant Cagney’s Steakhouse and French eatery Le Bistro. There are more than half a dozen bars and cafes.
Onboard attractions on the Norwegian Spirit include several pools, hot tubs, water slides, a basketball court and a jogging track. The ship also has a casino, spa, nightclub and movie theater.
Are there larger Norwegian Cruise Line ships coming?
Yes! Norwegian Cruise Line in April has ordered four giant new ships expected to begin operations between 2030 and 2036.
At the time, Norwegian said the ships had a combined gross tonnage of about 200,000 tonnes, about 18% larger than the largest ship in Norwegian’s fleet (the Norwegian Encore).
All four ships were ordered from Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, which has built many of Norway’s ships, and are currently scheduled to be completed and ready to sail in 2030, 2032, 2034 and 2036.
Norwegian has four other new cruise ships on order, all in the same Prima Class as the newly launched Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva. All four ships are Redesigned to be up to 20% larger than the first two Prima-class ships. But they are all still smaller than the latest ships Norwegian has ordered.
The first of four Prima-class ships ordered, Norwegian Sea Wateris expected to enter service in April 2025, with three other new ships due to arrive between 2026 and 2028.
Related: The Complete Guide to Norwegian Cruise Line Ships and Itineraries
Norwegian executives say the smaller size of the new Prima-class ships will give the company more options in designing itineraries, as the ships can access smaller ports around the world than some of Norwegian’s larger ships.
What is the difference between Norwegian Cruise Line’s large and small ships?
Simply put: Norwegian Cruise Line’s largest ships have room for more sites and attractions than the line’s older ships.
For example, on Norwegian’s massive Breakaway Plus Class ships (Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy, and Norwegian Escape), you’ll find multiple pools, water slides, kids’ play areas, and—on most ships—large go-kart tracks. Each ship also offers Broadway shows in giant theaters, sprawling spas, large casinos, massive kids’ play areas, and more than 2,000 rooms.
Additionally, two of the ships in the series, Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Joy, may have the largest and most exciting gaming and virtual reality areas at sea.
Related: 5 Best Destinations You Can Visit on a Norwegian Cruise
Norwegian’s smaller ships, by contrast, lack many of these features. Because of their smaller size, they feel much more intimate, at least compared to Norwegian’s largest ships and those of other mass-market lines, and they carry far fewer people. While the Breakaway Plus Class ships can carry around 4,000 passengers, based on a double occupancy, the line’s smallest ships are designed to carry around 2,000 passengers at double occupancy.
Norwegian’s smallest ships are a good choice for travelers who don’t want to travel with the large crowds typically found on the world’s largest cruise ships. They appeal to a group of Norwegian fans who prefer more privacy on a cruise ship and don’t mind giving up some onboard amenities to get it. They’re also often cheaper to sail on a daily basis.
Related: Don’t Miss These Norwegian Loyalty Perks
Additionally, because of their size, Norwegian’s smallest ships can travel to places that larger ships can’t easily visit. Not every port in the world can handle a ship the size of the Norwegian Encore.
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