Norwegian Cruise Line has a proud history that stretches back to 1966. The first NCL cruise ship I was on was the S.S. Norway (a.k.a. SS.France) and due to a bad experience back then, I had not really considered the brand until last year, when I found myself booking a Transatlantic Cruise on Norwegian Joy for February 2024.
It was time, therefore, to relook at the brand, as clearly it is very popular in the cruise industry and it is ridiculously unfair to neglect them due to a bad experience from almost 30 years ago. So it was time to put that right.
When I consider any cruise, I obviously look at the itinerary. But I also look at the ships closely.
Being “new” to NCL it made sense to look at the fleet as a whole. So in this article, we are going to dig into the fleet – looking at the Norwegian Cruise Ship sizes – from the largest to the smallest, and the features each ship brings to the brand.
Norwegian Cruise Ship Sizes From the Largest To The Smallest
An Introduction to NCL and Freestyle Cruising
But before we get into that it makes sense to discuss briefly what NCL offers as their Unique Selling Point (USP) when compared to other cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line.
Back in May 2000, NCL introduced the world to the concept of Freestyle Cruising, redefining the traditional cruise experience. Freestyle cruising was designed to allow you to cruise at your own pace, offering flexible and multiple dining options with no set dining times or assigned restaurant, and more relaxed approach to cruise attire.
Apart from the set restaurant opening hours, you could technically arrive for Dinner any time at any restaurant you like, no reservations (necessarily) required.
Now that we know that Norwegian Cruise Line offers a more relaxed cruise experience, let’s consider what the fleet of ships has to offer.
Why Does Norwegian Cruise Ship Size Matter?
When you’re planning your cruise vacation, the size of the Norwegian ship you choose can have a significant impact on your experience. Let’s look at why this matters.
The bigger Norwegian ships, like the Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss, offer a wider array of amenities. These vessels pack in more restaurants, bars, theaters, and recreational activities.
This means you have more options to fill your day with diverse activities from racing go karts to indulgent thermal suites, the exclusive Vibe Beach Club, and never a dull moment.
You’ll also find The Haven, Norwegian Cruise Line’s luxury suite enclave on all but the smallest ships.
On the flip side, larger ships can mean more people, which leads to a little more hustle and bustle and the potential of queues and difficulties finding seating at the buffet or grabbing that great sun lounger spot.
If you prefer quieter, more intimate settings, this could be a downside. To get around this, bigger ships often feature more expansive public areas to mitigate crowding, but during peak times, you might find yourself in a lively, noisy atmosphere.
For ease of navigation, smaller Norwegian ships can offer a more accessible and less overwhelming layout, allowing you to get from your room to any part of the ship with ease.
When considering the environment, larger vessels require more fuel, which can have a greater environmental footprint. However, it is clear to see that responsible cruise lines like NCL are continuously working on improving fuel efficiency to address this.
Lastly, the ship size can also determine where you can go. While the largest cruise ships boast impressive amenities, they can be limited to what ports they can physically dock in.
Meanwhile, smaller ships like Norwegian Spirit can dock in more exclusive, off-the-beaten-path ports of call, offering the chance for more unique itineraries.
Choosing between larger and smaller ships really does depend on your preferences. Do you value a wide variety of activities and non-stop entertainment, or do you prioritize a peaceful atmosphere and unique destinations? Your choice of ship really can make a big difference to your cruise experience.
How To Compare Norwegian Cruise Line Ships By Size?
Now that we know that the size of a cruise ship can have a significant impact on your overall cruise experience, how do we go about comparing them?
One measurement that you will see referenced a lot on cruise websites is Gross tonnage (GT). Although it sounds like a measurement that is all about weight – It actually reflects a ship’s internal volume, which is crucial when comparing sizes. So it’s not about weight, but space!
Passenger capacity is another factor to look into. It’s the number of guests a ship can comfortably accommodate, usually based on double occupancy of the staterooms.
While the actual length of a ship, measured in feet, can give a tangible sense of size, newer ships tend to get wider and taller, rather than longer.
To better understand personal space, the Passenger Space Ratio (PSR) is your friend. It’s the gross tonnage divided by the passenger capacity, giving an idea of how roomy the ship feels. A higher PSR indicates more space per guest.
Lastly, the Passenger to Crew ratio is essential for service quality expectations. It shows the number of crew members available to attend to each guest. Norwegian Cruise Line has a very high Passenger-to-crew ratio when compared with many other cruise lines.
Remember, the biggest ship isn’t always the best fit for everyone, nor is the smallest Norwegian cruise line ship. Consider what size and features align with your ideal cruise experience.
The Complete List of NCL Cruise Ships by Size
There are currently 19 cruise ships in the NCL fleet and each ship is part of a different ship class. Generally, ships of the same class are identical or similar in size and share similar features and design elements.
There are currently 9 different classes of ship in the Norwegian fleet:-
- Prima Class (The prima class of ships includes Viva, Prima, and the soon-to-launch Norwegian Aqua)
- Breakaway Plus Class ships (three ships – Encore, Bliss and Joy)
- Breakaway Class (three ships – Escape Getaway and Breakaway)
- Epic Class (one ship only – the Norwegian Epic)
- Jewel Class (four ships – Jade, Gem, Pearl, and Jewel)
- Dawn Class (two ships in the series – Dawn and Star)
- Pride Class (one ship only – Pride of America)
- Sun Class (two ships – Sun and Sky)
- Leo Class (one ship only – Spirit)
Norwegian Encore – The Largest Norwegian Cruise Line Ship
- Ship Class: Breakaway Plus
- Year Launched: 2019
- Last Refurbished: Not Available
- Gross Registered Tonnage: 169145
- Total Passengers: 3998
- Total Crew: 1735
- Passenger to Crew Ratio: 2.3
- Passenger to Space Ratio: 42.3
- Length: 1094 feet
- Width: 136 feet
- Total Decks: 20
Norwegian Bliss
- Ship Class: Breakaway Plus
- Year Launched: 2018
- Last Refurbished: April 2023
- Gross Registered Tonnage: 168028
- Total Passengers: 4002
- Total Crew: 1700
- Passenger to Crew Ratio: 2.4
- Passenger to Space Ratio: 42.0
- Length: 1094 feet
- Width: 136 feet
- Total Decks: 20
Norwegian Joy
- Ship Class: Breakaway Plus
- Year Launched: 2017
- Last Refurbished: February 2024
- Gross Registered Tonnage: 167725
- Total Passengers: 3883
- Total Crew: 1821
- Passenger to Crew Ratio: 2.1
- Passenger to Space Ratio: 43.2
- Length: 1094 feet
- Width: 136 feet
- Total Decks: 20
You can read our Norwegian Joy Review here.
Norwegian Escape
- Ship Class: Breakaway
- Year Launched: 2015
- Last Refurbished: October 2020
- Gross Registered Tonnage: 164600
- Total Passengers: 4266
- Total Crew: 1733
- Passenger to Crew Ratio: 2.5
- Passenger to Space Ratio: 38.6
- Length: 1069 feet
- Width: 136 feet
- Total Decks: 20
Norwegian Epic
- Ship Class: Epic
- Year Launched: 2010
- Last Refurbished: November 2020
- Gross Registered Tonnage: 155873
- Total Passengers: 4100
- Total Crew: 1724
- Passenger to Crew Ratio: 2.4
- Passenger to Space Ratio: 38.0
- Length: 1081 feet
- Width: 133 feet
- Total Decks: 19
Norwegian Getaway
- Ship Class: Breakaway
- Year Launched: 2014
- Last Refurbished: November 2023
- Gross Registered Tonnage: 145655
- Total Passengers: 3963
- Total Crew: 1646
- Passenger to Crew Ratio: 2.4
- Passenger to Space Ratio: 36.8
- Length: 1068 feet
- Width: 130 feet
- Total Decks: 18
Norwegian Breakaway
- Ship Class: Breakaway
- Year Launched: 2013
- Last Refurbished: April 2023
- Gross Registered Tonnage: 145655
- Total Passengers: 3963
- Total Crew: 1657
- Passenger to Crew Ratio: 2.4
- Passenger to Space Ratio: 36.8
- Length: 1068 feet
- Width: 130 feet
- Total Decks: 18
Norwegian Viva – Norwegian Cruise Line’s Newest Ship
- Ship Class: Prima
- Year Launched: 2023
- Last Refurbished: Not Available
- Gross Registered Tonnage: 142500
- Total Passengers: 3099
- Total Crew: 1506
- Passenger to Crew Ratio: 2.1
- Passenger to Space Ratio: 46.0
- Length: 981 feet
- Width: 133 feet
- Total Decks: 20
Norwegian Prima
- Ship Class: Prima
- Year Launched: 2022
- Last Refurbished: Not Available
- Gross Registered Tonnage: 142500
- Total Passengers: 3099
- Total Crew: 1506
- Passenger to Crew Ratio: 2.1
- Passenger to Space Ratio: 46.0
- Length: 981 feet
- Width: 133 feet
- Total Decks: 20
Norwegian Jade
- Ship Class: Jewel
- Year Launched: 2006
- Last Refurbished: February 2122
- Gross Registered Tonnage: 93558
- Total Passengers: 2402
- Total Crew: 1037
- Passenger to Crew Ratio: 2.3
- Passenger to Space Ratio: 39.0
- Length: 965 feet
- Width: 125 feet
- Total Decks: 15
Norwegian Gem
- Ship Class: Jewel
- Year Launched: 2007
- Last Refurbished: November 2020
- Gross Registered Tonnage: 93530
- Total Passengers: 2394
- Total Crew: 1070
- Passenger to Crew Ratio: 2.2
- Passenger to Space Ratio: 39.1
- Length: 965 feet
- Width: 125 feet
- Total Decks: 15
Norwegian Pearl
- Ship Class: Jewel
- Year Launched: 2006
- Last Refurbished: November 2021
- Gross Registered Tonnage: 93530
- Total Passengers: 2394
- Total Crew: 1099
- Passenger to Crew Ratio: 2.2
- Passenger to Space Ratio: 39.1
- Length: 965 feet
- Width: 106 feet
- Total Decks: 15
Norwegian Jewel
- Ship Class: Jewel
- Year Launched: 2005
- Last Refurbished: November 2021
- Gross Registered Tonnage: 93502
- Total Passengers: 2376
- Total Crew: 1100
- Passenger to Crew Ratio: 2.2
- Passenger to Space Ratio: 39.4
- Length: 864 feet
- Width: 106 feet
- Total Decks: 15
Norwegian Dawn
- Ship Class: Dawn
- Year Launched: 2002
- Last Refurbished: May 2021
- Gross Registered Tonnage: 92250
- Total Passengers: 2340
- Total Crew: 1032
- Passenger to Crew Ratio: 2.3
- Passenger to Space Ratio: 39.4
- Length: 965 feet
- Width: 106 feet
- Total Decks: 15
Norwegian Star
- Ship Class: Dawn
- Year Launched: 2001
- Last Refurbished: May 2018
- Gross Registered Tonnage: 91740
- Total Passengers: 2348
- Total Crew: 1031
- Passenger to Crew Ratio: 2.3
- Passenger to Space Ratio: 39.1
- Length: 965 feet
- Width: 106 feet
- Total Decks: 15
Pride of America
- Ship Class: Pride of America
- Year Launched: 2005
- Last Refurbished: March 2021
- Gross Registered Tonnage: 80439
- Total Passengers: 2186
- Total Crew: 927
- Passenger to Crew Ratio: 2.4
- Passenger to Space Ratio: 36.8
- Length: 845 feet
- Width: 106 feet
- Total Decks: 15
Norwegian Sun
- Ship Class: Sun
- Year Launched: 2001
- Last Refurbished: March 2018
- Gross Registered Tonnage: 78309
- Total Passengers: 1976
- Total Crew: 906
- Passenger to Crew Ratio: 2.2
- Passenger to Space Ratio: 39.6
- Length: 848 feet
- Width: 123 feet
- Total Decks: 13
Norwegian Sky
- Ship Class: Sun
- Year Launched: 1999
- Last Refurbished: January 2019
- Gross Registered Tonnage: 77104
- Total Passengers: 1928
- Total Crew: 766
- Passenger to Crew Ratio: 2.5
- Passenger to Space Ratio: 40.0
- Length: 832 feet
- Width: 118 feet
- Total Decks: 12
Norwegian Spirit – The Smallest Norwegian Cruise Line Ship and the Oldest
- Ship Class: Leo
- Year Launched: 1998
- Last Refurbished: January 2020
- Gross Registered Tonnage: 75904
- Total Passengers: 2018
- Total Crew: 912
- Passenger to Crew Ratio: 2.2
- Passenger to Space Ratio: 37.6
- Length: 879 feet
- Width: 105 feet
- Total Decks: 14
Whether it’s Prima Class, Breakaway Plus Class, or the Intimate Sun Class, There is an NCL Ship for Everyone
Norwegian Cruise Line boasts a diverse fleet, giving you wide range of options to find the ship that perfectly matches your cruise vacation needs.
In comparing ship sizes, you’ll discover that the Norwegian Encore stands out as the largest in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, tipping the scales at 169,116 gross tons with a passenger capacity reaching 3,998.
At the other end of the scale at less than half the size of Encore is the smallest ship in the Norwegian fleet, the Norwegian Spirit with a gross tonnage of 75,904 and a passenger capacity of 2,018.
The company is not standing still – Norwegian Aqua is due to be launched in 2025 and will be a further enhancement of the Prima class ships that debuted with the recently unveiled Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Prima.
Choosing your ship will depend on what you’re looking for—a larger ship with endless activities and dining options, or a smaller ship for a cozier, more personal journey.
What really stands out to me in Norwegian’s fleet is their average Passenger to Crew ratio – Fleet wide they have an average ratio of just 2.28 passengers to every one member of the crew. Compare that to Royal Caribbean’s fleet which has an average ratio of 3.21 passengers for each crew member. It’s no wonder the Norwegian fans praise the attention that crew members give them on Norwegian vessels.
Whichever you choose, know that Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet is designed to create the perfect balance between relaxation, excitement, and discovery for your ocean getaway.
Have you sailed with Norwegian before? What is your favorite ship in the fleet? Do you prefer the new cruise ships like Norwegian Prima and Viva, or do you prefer the older ships like Norwegian Spirit and Pride of America? Let us know in the comments.
