Norwegian Cruise Line ships ranked by size from biggest to smallest — the complete list
Are you looking for the most megaresort-like, activity-packed Norwegian Cruise Line ships at sea? If so, you’ll want to sail on one of the biggest Norwegian Cruise Line ships.
The biggest Norwegian Cruise Line ships are, almost by definition, the Norwegian Cruise Line ships with the most “stuff” — the most pools, waterslides and other top-deck attractions (even go-kart tracks), as well as the most onboard restaurants, bars and showrooms. They have the biggest spas and casinos among vessels in the Norwegian fleet and the most cabins and suites — as well as the most variation in suite and cabin types.
With room for 4,000 or more passengers, the biggest Norwegian Cruise Line ships are also among the most massive resorts you’ll find at sea from any cruise line. They’re comparable to some of the largest resorts on land, too. If you’re in the “bigger is better” camp when it comes to a resort experience, these are the Norwegian Cruise Line ships for you.
Still, Norwegian Cruise Line doesn’t just operate giant vessels. The world’s fourth-biggest cruise line also has quite a few relatively small cruise ships that carry about 2,000 people and provide a more intimate feel. In some cases, these vessels are just half the size of Norwegian Cruise Line’s biggest ships. These are vessels that, notably, have fewer outdoor activities and interior venues than the biggest Norwegian cruise ships.
The smallest Norwegian Cruise Line ships are best for vacationers who like a less crowded, more intimate resort experience.
Related: Norwegian Cruise Line ship classes explained
To ensure you end up on the right Norwegian Cruise Line ship for you, it pays to understand which Norwegian Cruise Line ships are the biggest and which are the smallest before booking.
Here, every Norwegian Cruise Line ship currently in operation is ranked from biggest to smallest.
Note that passenger capacity numbers listed below are for double occupancy (two people per cabin).
1. Norwegian Encore
Maiden voyage: 2019
Size: 169,116 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 3,998
2. Norwegian Bliss
Maiden voyage: 2018
Size: 168,028 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 4,004
3. Norwegian Joy
Maiden voyage: 2017
Size: 167,725 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 3,804
4. Norwegian Escape
Maiden voyage: 2015
Size: 164,998 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 4,266
5. Norwegian Aqua
Maiden voyage: 2025
Size: 156,300 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 3,571
6. Norwegian Epic
Maiden voyage: 2010
Size: 155,873 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 4,100
7. (tied) Norwegian Getaway
Maiden voyage: 2014
Size: 145,655 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 3,963
7. (tied) Norwegian Breakaway
Maiden voyage: 2013
Size: 145,655 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 3,963
9. (tied) Norwegian Viva
Maiden voyage: 2023
Size: 143,535 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 3,099
9. (tied) Norwegian Prima
Maiden voyage: 2022
Size: 143,535 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 3,099
11. Norwegian Jade
Maiden voyage: 2006
Size: 93,558 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 2,402
12. (tied) Norwegian Gem
Maiden voyage: 2007
Size: 93,530 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 2,394
12. (tied) Norwegian Pearl
Maiden voyage: 2006
Size: 93,530 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 2,394
14. Norwegian Jewel
Maiden voyage: 2005
Size: 93,502 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 2,376
15. Norwegian Dawn
Maiden voyage: 2002
Size: 92,250 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 2,340
16. Norwegian Star
Maiden voyage: 2001
Size: 91,740 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 2,348
17. Pride of America
Maiden voyage: 2005
Size: 80,439 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 2,186
18. Norwegian Sun
Maiden voyage: 2001
Size: 78,309 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 1,936
19. Norwegian Sky
Maiden voyage: 1999
Size: 77,104 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 2,004
20. Norwegian Spirit
Maiden voyage: 1998
Size: 75,904 gross tons
Passenger capacity: 2,032
What is the biggest Norwegian Cruise Line ship?
The biggest Norwegian Cruise Line ship is Norwegian Encore. It's not quite as big as the largest ships from rival lines Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line, but Norwegian Encore is still firmly in the pantheon of the world’s cruising giants.
At 169,116 tons, Norwegian Encore is bigger than all but 26 other cruise ships in the world, 20 of which are operated by the three lines mentioned above. It regularly sails with more than 4,000 passengers on board.
The biggest of four vessels in Norwegian’s Breakaway Plus Class of ships, Norwegian Encore is the Norwegian ship most packed with restaurants, bars, entertainment and over-the-top attractions. It’s home to one of the biggest go-kart tracks on a cruise ship and an unusually large virtual reality zone called Galaxy Pavilion, to name a few of its biggest attractions. There’s also plenty of room to spare for multiple pools, waterslides and a kiddie splash zone.
Additionally, Norwegian Encore offers spectacular shows in big state-of-the-art theaters, a sprawling spa, a casino that fills half a deck, a dedicated children’s play zone and more than 2,000 cabins.
What is the smallest Norwegian Cruise Line ship?
The smallest Norwegian Cruise Line ship is Norwegian Spirit. At 75,904 gross tons, Norwegian Spirit is less than half the size of Norwegian Encore, the line’s biggest ship. It carries just 1,966 passengers — more than 2,000 fewer than Norwegian Encore.
Unveiled in 1998, Norwegian Spirit is not only the smallest Norwegian Cruise Line ship but also the oldest ship in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet. At 26 years old, it’s likely to be phased out in the coming years.
Notably, the vessel 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.
In part because of its smaller size, Norwegian Spirit houses fewer venues and attractions than newer Norwegian vessels, but it still offers a lot. In all, you’ll find 13 food outlets on Norwegian Spirit, including two main restaurants, a casual buffet eatery and versions of the line’s signature Cagney’s Steakhouse and French eatery Le Bistro. There are more than half a dozen bars and cafes.
Top-deck attractions on Norwegian Spirit include several pools, whirlpools, waterslides, a basketball court and a jogging track. The ship also has a casino, spa, nightclub and theater.
Are bigger Norwegian Cruise Line ships coming?
Yes. Norwegian Cruise Line recently ordered four giant new ships that are expected to start sailing between 2030 and 2036.
Norwegian at the time said the vessels would measure about 200,000 gross tons, which is about 18% bigger than Norwegian Encore, the biggest ship in the Norwegian fleet.
All four vessels have been ordered from Italian shipbuilding company Fincantieri, which has built many of Norwegian’s ships. As of now, they’re scheduled to be finished and ready to sail in 2030, 2032, 2034 and 2036, respectively.
Norwegian already had four other new cruise ships on order, all of which are in the same Prima Class series as the recently launched Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva. All four have been redesigned to be as much as 20% bigger than those first two Prima Class vessels, but they’ll still all be smaller than the latest ships that Norwegian has ordered.
The first of these four additional Prima Class ships on order, Norwegian Aqua, is scheduled to begin sailing in April 2025, with the three other new vessels arriving between 2026 and 2028.
Related: The ultimate guide to Norwegian Cruise Line ships and itineraries
Norwegian executives said the smaller size of the new Prima Class ships would give the line more options in designing itineraries, as the vessels would be able to access smaller ports around the world than some of the bigger Norwegian ships can.
What’s the difference between bigger and smaller Norwegian Cruise Line ships?
To put it simply, the biggest Norwegian Cruise Line ships have room for more onboard venues and attractions than the line’s older vessels.
On Norwegian’s giant Breakaway Plus Class vessels (Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Escape), for instance, you’ll find multiple pools, waterslides, a kiddie splash zone and — on most of the ships — a sprawling go-kart racing track. Each of the vessels also offers Broadway shows in giant theaters, huge spas, large casinos, expansive children’s play zones and more than 2,000 cabins.
Additionally, two of the ships in the series, Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Joy, have some of the largest gaming and virtual reality zones at sea.
Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Norwegian ship
Norwegian’s smaller ships, by contrast, lack many of the above features. Because of their smaller size, they have a much more intimate feel, at least when compared to the biggest cruise ships at Norwegian and other mass-market lines, and they hold far fewer people. While Breakaway Plus Class ships can hold around 4,000 passengers, based on double occupancy, the line’s smallest vessels are only designed to carry about 2,000 passengers at double occupancy.
Norwegian’s smallest ships are a good choice for vacationers who aren’t eager to travel with the huge crowds that are common on the world’s biggest cruise ships. They appeal to a subset of Norwegian fans who prefer more intimacy in a cruise vessel and don’t mind giving up some onboard amenities to get it. They are also often less expensive to sail on a per-day basis.
Related: Don’t miss out on these Norwegian loyalty perks
Additionally, because of their size, the smallest ships at Norwegian are able to operate itineraries to places that aren’t as easy for big ships to visit. Not all ports in the world can handle a ship the size of Norwegian Encore.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.