Embarking on a cruise vacation involves numerous decisions, and for those considering Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), understanding the nuances between their ships is crucial. A key factor in selecting the perfect cruise experience is the size of the ship. Larger ships often boast more amenities and activities, while smaller vessels can offer a more intimate and personalized atmosphere. This comprehensive guide allows you to Compare Ncl Ships by size, providing detailed specifications to help you make an informed choice for your next voyage. We delve into the gross tonnage, length, passenger capacity, and more for each ship in the active Norwegian fleet, ensuring you have all the facts at your fingertips to compare Norwegian cruise line ships effectively.
1) Norwegian Encore Size: The Breakaway Plus Class Leader
The Norwegian Encore, a Breakaway Plus Class ship, claims the top spot as the largest in the NCL fleet. Constructed in 2019, this impressive vessel measures a substantial 169,116 gross tons and extends 1,094 feet in length. When you compare NCL ships, the Encore stands out not only for its size but also for its impressive capacity. It comfortably accommodates 3,998 passengers, alongside a dedicated crew of 1,735, bringing the total onboard to a bustling 5,733. For those seeking spacious accommodations, the Norwegian Encore offers 2,040 staterooms.
Norwegian Encore Size & Stats
- Gross Tonnage: 169,116 GT
- Length: 1,094 ft (333 m)
- Beam: 136 ft (41 m)
- Draft: 29 ft (9 m)
- Max Speed: 26 mph (23 kn)
- Year Built: 2019
- Years Served: 2019-present
- Passenger Capacity: 3,998
- Crew Members: 1,735
- Total on Board: 5,733
- Total Staterooms: 2,040
- Flagged Country: Bahamas
- Ship Cost: 920 Million USD
- Status: Active
2) Norwegian Bliss Size: Nearly Identical to the Encore
Closely following the Encore in size is the Norwegian Bliss. Launched in 2018, this Breakaway Plus Class ship registers at 168,028 gross tons and shares the same impressive length of 1,094 feet as its sister ship. When you compare Norwegian cruise ships, the Bliss and Encore are remarkably similar in their dimensions. The Norwegian Bliss has a passenger capacity of 4,004 and a crew of 1,716, resulting in a total of 5,720 people onboard at full capacity. Guests can choose from 2,043 well-appointed staterooms.
Norwegian Bliss Size & Stats
- Gross Tonnage: 168,028 GT
- Length: 1,094 ft (333 m)
- Beam: 136 ft (41 m)
- Draft: 29 ft (9 m)
- Max Speed: 26 mph (23 kn)
- Year Built: 2018
- Years Served: 2018-present
- Passenger Capacity: 4,004
- Crew Members: 1,716
- Total on Board: 5,720
- Total Staterooms: 2,043
- Flagged Country: Bahamas
- Ship Cost: 920 Million USD
- Status: Active
3) Norwegian Joy Size: A Breakaway Plus Class Experience
The Norwegian Joy, another member of the Breakaway Plus Class, was built in 2017 and measures 167,725 gross tons. Like its counterparts, it stretches 1,094 feet long, highlighting the consistent design within this class when you compare NCL ships by size. While slightly smaller in gross tonnage than the Bliss and Encore, the Joy still offers substantial space for 3,804 passengers and 1,821 crew members, totaling 5,625 onboard. It features 1,902 staterooms for guests.
Norwegian Joy Size & Stats
- Gross Tonnage: 167,725 GT
- Length: 1,094 ft (333 m)
- Beam: 136 ft (41 m)
- Draft: 29 ft (9 m)
- Max Speed: 26 mph (23 kn)
- Year Built: 2017
- Years Served: 2017-present
- Passenger Capacity: 3,804
- Crew Members: 1,821
- Total on Board: 5,625
- Total Staterooms: 1,902
- Flagged Country: Bahamas
- Ship Cost: 920 Million USD
- Status: Active
4) Norwegian Escape Size: Breakaway Plus Class with High Capacity
The Norwegian Escape, launched in 2015, is also categorized within the Breakaway Plus Class and boasts a gross tonnage of 167,725 GT. However, when we compare ncl ships by length, the Escape is slightly shorter at 1,069 feet. Despite the minor length difference, it impressively accommodates 4,266 passengers and 1,733 crew, reaching a total onboard of 5,999. The Escape offers the highest number of staterooms among the Breakaway Plus Class ships listed so far, with 2,175 available.
Norwegian Escape Size & Stats
- Gross Tonnage: 167,725 GT
- Length: 1,069 ft (326 m)
- Beam: 136 ft (41 m)
- Draft: 28 ft (9 m)
- Max Speed: 26 mph (23 kn)
- Year Built: 2015
- Years Served: 2015-present
- Passenger Capacity: 4,266
- Crew Members: 1,733
- Total on Board: 5,999
- Total Staterooms: 2,175
- Flagged Country: Bahamas
- Ship Cost: 920 Million USD
- Status: Active
5) Norwegian Epic Size: The Epic Class Pioneer
Stepping into the Epic Class, we find the Norwegian Epic, built in 2010. This ship has a gross tonnage of 155,873 GT and a length of 1,081 feet. When you compare NCL ships for your cruise, the Epic stands out as the leader of its class. It carries 4,100 passengers and 1,724 crew members, totaling 5,824 onboard. The Norwegian Epic provides 2,114 staterooms for its guests. Notably, the beam of the Norwegian Epic is wider than the Breakaway Plus class ships at 171 feet, contributing to its unique design and guest experience.
Norwegian Epic Size & Stats
- Gross Tonnage: 155,873 GT
- Length: 1,081 ft (329 m)
- Beam: 171 ft (52 m)
- Draft: 29 ft (9 m)
- Max Speed: 25 mph (22 kn)
- Year Built: 2010
- Years Served: 2010-present
- Passenger Capacity: 4,100
- Crew Members: 1,724
- Total on Board: 5,824
- Total Staterooms: 2,114
- Flagged Country: Bahamas
- Ship Cost: 1,200 Million USD
- Status: Active
6) Norwegian Breakaway Size: Leading the Breakaway Class
The Norwegian Breakaway, the namesake of the Breakaway Class, was constructed in 2013 and measures 145,655 gross tons. Its length is 1,068 feet. When you compare Norwegian cruise line ships, the Breakaway marks a step down in size from the Epic and Breakaway Plus classes, while still offering significant amenities. It accommodates 3,963 passengers and 1,657 crew, totaling 5,620 onboard. Guests can choose from 2,014 staterooms.
Norwegian Breakaway Size & Stats
- Gross Tonnage: 145,655 GT
- Length: 1,068 ft (326 m)
- Beam: 170 ft (52 m)
- Draft: 28 ft (9 m)
- Max Speed: 25 mph (22 kn)
- Year Built: 2013
- Years Served: 2013-present
- Passenger Capacity: 3,963
- Crew Members: 1,657
- Total on Board: 5,620
- Total Staterooms: 2,014
- Flagged Country: Bahamas
- Ship Cost: 840 Million USD
- Status: Active
7) Norwegian Getaway Size: Breakaway Class Sister Ship
Launched in 2014, the Norwegian Getaway is a sister ship to the Breakaway, sharing the same gross tonnage of 145,655 GT and length of 1,068 feet. When you compare NCL ships, the Getaway and Breakaway offer a very similar experience in terms of size and capacity. The Getaway has a passenger capacity of 3,963 and a crew of 1,646, resulting in 5,609 total onboard. It features 2,012 staterooms for passengers.
Norwegian Getaway Size & Stats
- Gross Tonnage: 145,655 GT
- Length: 1,068 ft (326 m)
- Beam: 170 ft (52 m)
- Draft: 28 ft (9 m)
- Max Speed: 25 mph (22 kn)
- Year Built: 2014
- Years Served: 2014-present
- Passenger Capacity: 3,963
- Crew Members: 1,646
- Total on Board: 5,609
- Total Staterooms: 2,012
- Flagged Country: Bahamas
- Ship Cost: 780 Million USD
- Status: Active
8) Norwegian Prima Size: Introducing the Prima Class
The Norwegian Prima, built in 2022, marks the beginning of the Prima Class. It has a gross tonnage of 143,525 GT and a shorter length of 965 feet compared to the Breakaway Class. As you compare ncl ships by dimensions, the Prima introduces a slightly smaller, yet modern design. It accommodates 3,950 passengers and 1,388 crew members, totaling 5,338 onboard. The Norwegian Prima offers 1,647 staterooms.
Norwegian Prima Size & Stats
- Gross Tonnage: 143,525 GT
- Length: 965 ft (294 m)
- Beam: 135 ft (41 m)
- Draft: 29 ft (9 m)
- Max Speed: 25 mph (22 kn)
- Year Built: 2022
- Years Served: 2022 – present
- Passenger Capacity: 3,950
- Crew Members: 1,388
- Total on Board: 5,338
- Total Staterooms: 1,647
- Flagged Country: Bahamas
- Ship Cost: 850 Million USD
- Status: Active
9) Norwegian Viva Size: Prima Class Twin
The Norwegian Viva, a sister ship to the Prima, was built in 2023 and shares the same gross tonnage of 143,525 GT and length of 965 feet. When you compare Norwegian cruise ships in the Prima Class, the Viva and Prima are virtually identical in size and capacity. The Viva also carries 3,950 passengers and 1,388 crew, for a total of 5,338 onboard. It mirrors the Prima with 1,647 staterooms.
Norwegian Viva Size & Stats
- Gross Tonnage: 143,525 GT
- Length: 965 ft (294 m)
- Beam: 135 ft (41 m)
- Draft: 29 ft (9 m)
- Max Speed: 25 mph (22 kn)
- Year Built: 2023
- Years Served: Future – 2023
- Passenger Capacity: 3,950
- Crew Members: 1,388
- Total on Board: 5,338
- Total Staterooms: 1,647
- Flagged Country: Bahamas
- Ship Cost: 850 Million USD
- Status: Active
10) Norwegian Jade Size: Jewel Class Mid-Sized Option
Moving into the Jewel Class, we encounter the Norwegian Jade, built in 2006. This ship is significantly smaller than the newer classes, with a gross tonnage of 93,558 GT, but maintains a length of 965 feet, similar to the Prima Class. When you compare ncl ships across different classes, the Jewel Class offers a more moderate size. The Jade accommodates 2,402 passengers and 1,037 crew, totaling 3,439 onboard. It provides 1,201 staterooms.
Norwegian Jade Size & Stats
- Gross Tonnage: 93,558 GT
- Length: 965 ft (294 m)
- Beam: 125 ft (38 m)
- Draft: 27 ft (8 m)
- Max Speed: 29 mph (25 kn)
- Year Built: 2006
- Years Served: 2006-present
- Passenger Capacity: 2,402
- Crew Members: 1,037
- Total on Board: 3,439
- Total Staterooms: 1,201
- Flagged Country: Bahamas
- Ship Cost: 390 Million USD
- Status: Active
11) Norwegian Pearl Size: Jewel Class Twin with Slight Variations
The Norwegian Pearl, constructed in 2006, is a sister ship to the Jade within the Jewel Class, boasting a gross tonnage of 93,530 GT and a length of 965 feet. When you compare NCL Jewel Class ships, the Pearl is very similar to the Jade. It carries 2,394 passengers and 1,072 crew, totaling 3,466 onboard. The Pearl offers 1,195 staterooms, a slight variation from the Jade.
Norwegian Pearl Size & Stats
- Gross Tonnage: 93,530 GT
- Length: 965 ft (294 m)
- Beam: 125 ft (38 m)
- Draft: 27 ft (8 m)
- Max Speed: 29 mph (25 kn)
- Year Built: 2006
- Years Served: 2006-present
- Passenger Capacity: 2,394
- Crew Members: 1,072
- Total on Board: 3,466
- Total Staterooms: 1,195
- Flagged Country: Bahamas
- Ship Cost: 390 Million USD
- Status: Active
12) Norwegian Gem Size: Another Jewel Class Offering
The Norwegian Gem, built in 2007, continues the Jewel Class line with a gross tonnage of 93,530 GT and a length of 965 feet. When you compare NCL ship sizes within the Jewel Class, the Gem aligns closely with the Pearl and Jade. It accommodates 2,394 passengers and 1,070 crew, totaling 3,464 people onboard. The Gem features 1,197 staterooms.
Norwegian Gem Size & Stats
- Gross Tonnage: 93,530 GT
- Length: 965 ft (294 m)
- Beam: 125 ft (38 m)
- Draft: 27 ft (8 m)
- Max Speed: 29 mph (25 kn)
- Year Built: 2007
- Years Served: 2007-present
- Passenger Capacity: 2,394
- Crew Members: 1,070
- Total on Board: 3,464
- Total Staterooms: 1,197
- Flagged Country: Bahamas
- Ship Cost: 390 Million USD
- Status: Active
13) Norwegian Jewel Size: The Original Jewel Class Ship
The Norwegian Jewel, the first of the Jewel Class built in 2005, has a gross tonnage of 93,502 GT and a length of 965 feet. When you compare NCL ships, the Jewel Class offers a consistent size profile, and the Jewel is no exception. It carries 2,376 passengers and 1,069 crew, for a total of 3,445 onboard. The Norwegian Jewel provides 1,190 staterooms.
Norwegian Jewel Size & Stats
- Gross Tonnage: 93,502 GT
- Length: 965 ft (294 m)
- Beam: 125 ft (38 m)
- Draft: 28 ft (9 m)
- Max Speed: 30 mph (26 kn)
- Year Built: 2005
- Years Served: 2005-present
- Passenger Capacity: 2,376
- Crew Members: 1,069
- Total on Board: 3,445
- Total Staterooms: 1,190
- Flagged Country: Bahamas
- Ship Cost: 390 Million USD
- Status: Active
14) Norwegian Dawn Size: Dawn Class Comfort
The Norwegian Dawn, launched in 2002, represents the Dawn Class and has a gross tonnage of 92,250 GT, with a length of 965 feet. As you compare NCL ships by class, the Dawn Class is slightly smaller than the Jewel Class. It accommodates 2,340 passengers and 1,032 crew members, totaling 3,372 onboard. The Dawn offers 1,170 staterooms.
Norwegian Dawn Size & Stats
- Gross Tonnage: 92,250 GT
- Length: 965 ft (294 m)
- Beam: 125 ft (38 m)
- Draft: 38 ft (12 m)
- Max Speed: 29 mph (25 kn)
- Year Built: 2002
- Years Served: 2002-present
- Passenger Capacity: 2,340
- Crew Members: 1,032
- Total on Board: 3,372
- Total Staterooms: 1,170
- Flagged Country: Bahamas
- Ship Cost: 400 Million USD
- Status: Active
15) Norwegian Star Size: Dawn Class Sister
The Norwegian Star, built in 2001, is a sister ship to the Dawn, sharing the Dawn Class designation. It has a gross tonnage of 91,740 GT and a length of 965 feet. When you compare Norwegian cruise line ships of the Dawn Class, the Star and Dawn are very similar. The Star carries 2,348 passengers and 1,031 crew, for a total of 3,379 onboard. It provides 1,174 staterooms.
Norwegian Star Size & Stats
- Gross Tonnage: 91,740 GT
- Length: 965 ft (294 m)
- Beam: 125 ft (38 m)
- Draft: 27 ft (8 m)
- Max Speed: 28 mph (24 kn)
- Year Built: 2001
- Years Served: 2001-present
- Passenger Capacity: 2,348
- Crew Members: 1,031
- Total on Board: 3,379
- Total Staterooms: 1,174
- Flagged Country: Bahamas
- Ship Cost: 400 Million USD
- Status: Active
16) Pride of America Size: Unique American Flagged Ship
The Pride of America, built in 2005, is unique as the only NCL ship flagged in the United States (Hawaii). It has a gross tonnage of 80,439 GT and a length of 920 feet. When you compare ncl ships in terms of flag and destination, the Pride of America stands out, primarily serving Hawaiian itineraries. It accommodates 2,186 passengers and 927 crew members, totaling 3,113 onboard. The Pride of America offers 1,101 staterooms.
Pride of America Size & Stats
- Gross Tonnage: 80,439 GT
- Length: 920 ft (280 m)
- Beam: 106 ft (32 m)
- Draft: 26 ft (8 m)
- Max Speed: 26 mph (23 kn)
- Year Built: 2005
- Years Served: 2005-present
- Passenger Capacity: 2,186
- Crew Members: 927
- Total on Board: 3,113
- Total Staterooms: 1,101
- Flagged Country: Hawaii
- Ship Cost: 450 Million USD
- Status: Active
17) Norwegian Sun Size: Sun Class Comfort and Intimacy
The Norwegian Sun, constructed in 2001, represents the Sun Class and has a gross tonnage of 78,309 GT and a length of 848 feet. When you compare NCL ships for a more intimate experience, the Sun Class ships are among the smallest in the fleet. The Sun carries 1,936 passengers and 906 crew, totaling 2,842 onboard. It features 968 staterooms.
Norwegian Sun Size & Stats
- Gross Tonnage: 78,309 GT
- Length: 848 ft (258 m)
- Beam: 123 ft (37 m)
- Draft: 26 ft (8 m)
- Max Speed: 26 mph (23 kn)
- Year Built: 2001
- Years Served: 2001-present
- Passenger Capacity: 1,936
- Crew Members: 906
- Total on Board: 2,842
- Total Staterooms: 968
- Flagged Country: Bahamas
- Ship Cost: 330 Million USD
- Status: Active
18) Norwegian Sky Size: Sun Class Sister with Varied Service History
The Norwegian Sky, built in 1999, is another Sun Class ship with a gross tonnage of 77,104 GT and a length of 832 feet. When you compare NCL ships of the Sun Class, the Sky is similar in size to the Sun, though slightly smaller. It accommodates 2,004 passengers and 899 crew, totaling 2,903 onboard. The Sky offers 1,002 staterooms. Notably, the Norwegian Sky has had a slightly varied service history compared to other ships in the fleet.
Norwegian Sky Size & Stats
- Gross Tonnage: 77,104 GT
- Length: 832 ft (254 m)
- Beam: 123 ft (37 m)
- Draft: 26 ft (8 m)
- Max Speed: 26 mph (23 kn)
- Year Built: 1999
- Years Served: 1999-2004 & 2008-present
- Passenger Capacity: 2,004
- Crew Members: 899
- Total on Board: 2,903
- Total Staterooms: 1,002
- Flagged Country: Bahamas
- Ship Cost: 330 Million USD
- Status: Active
19) Norwegian Spirit Size: The Smallest in the Active Fleet
The Norwegian Spirit, built in 1998, is the smallest active ship in the NCL fleet, with a gross tonnage of 75,904 GT and a length of 880 feet. When you compare NCL ships for size, the Spirit represents the lower end of the spectrum. It carries 2,018 passengers and 912 crew, totaling 2,930 onboard. The Spirit offers 1,025 staterooms. Despite being the smallest, it still provides a full cruise experience.
Norwegian Spirit Size & Stats
- Gross Tonnage: 75,904 GT
- Length: 880 ft (268 m)
- Beam: 121 ft (37 m)
- Draft: 26 ft (8 m)
- Max Speed: 28 mph (24 kn)
- Year Built: 1998
- Years Served: 2004-present
- Passenger Capacity: 2,018
- Crew Members: 912
- Total on Board: 2,930
- Total Staterooms: 1,025
- Flagged Country: Bahamas
- Ship Cost: 350 Million USD
- Status: Active
Conclusion:
When you compare NCL ships, it’s evident that Norwegian Cruise Line offers a diverse fleet with ships of varying sizes to suit different preferences. From the mega-ships of the Breakaway Plus Class like Norwegian Encore and Bliss, to the more intimate vessels like Norwegian Spirit and Sun, understanding the size differences is key to selecting the ideal cruise for your needs. Consider whether you prioritize expansive amenities and a wide array of activities found on larger ships, or a cozier, more personal experience offered by the smaller ones. This guide provides a detailed comparison of Norwegian cruise line ships, empowering you to choose the perfect vessel for your unforgettable cruise vacation.