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Norwegian Cruise Line

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Norwegian Cruise Line fleet

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NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line (ncl.com) was founded in 1966 (under the name "Norwegian Caribbean Line") by two shipping magnates - Knut Kloster (Norwegian, 1929-2020) and Ted Arison (Israeli, 1924-1999).

Passenger shipping operations started with one vessel ( cruiseferry /combined cruise ship and car ferry) operating on short and cheap Caribbean roundtrips from the USA. When Ted Arison left NCL in 1972 (to establish CCL-Carnival Cruise Lines ), Knut Kloster acquired more ships for NCL's Caribbean operations.

Company history and changes

The 1966-founded NCLH-Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd is an American-Bermudian corporation headquartered in Miami (Florida USA) and a stock traded company (NASDAQ) listed on NYSE ( NYC ).

In 2014, NCLH's major shareholders were three corporations - Genting Group (Malaysian/25%), Apollo Global Management (American/24%), TPG Capital (American/7%), while the remaining stocks were publicly owned.

NCL's current President and CEO is David J. Herrera (since July 2023) who succeeded Harry J. Sommer (2020-2023).

NCLH's current President and CEO (since July 2023) is Harry J. Sommer, who succeeded Frank J. Del Rio (2015-2023). NCLH's Executive VP and CFO (Chief Financial Officer) is Mark Kempa.

In 2023-2025, Frank Del Rio serves NCLH as a Senior Advisor to the Board of Directors.

• David Herrera (with NCLH since 2015) previously served as NCL’s Chief Consumer Sales and Marketing Officer (as well as NCL's Senior VP of Strategy and Corporate Development). In the period 2012-2015, he was employed by Prestige Cruise Holdings as Senior Advisor to Jason Montague (Prestige's CEO and Chairman). Along with Herrera, in 2023, Adam Malone was promoted to Chief Marketing Officer, succeeding Michael Tomoleoni.
• Prior to his NCLH employment, Frank Del Rio founded Oceania Cruises in 2002 (together with (Bob Binder and Joe Watters) and in 2002-2014 was the President of Prestige Cruise International Inc (now Prestige Cruise Holdings Inc/the parent company of Oceania and regent) until its acquisition by NCL in September 2014.

NCLH's SVP, Port Development & Construction Management team is led by Juan Kuryla, who in 2014-2021 served as PortMiami's Director and CEO. NCLH's Executive VP of Vessel Operations is Patrik Dahlgren, who in June 2023 succeeded Robin Lindsay (now NCLH's Executive VP of Newbuilds and Refurbishments). NCL's CSMO (Chief Sales & Marketing Officer) is Jason Krimmel.

In 2017, NCLH had worldwide cruise market share 9,5% (passengers) and 12,8% (revenue). NCLH (shipowner) owns and manages the fleets of three subsidiary companies/sister-brands - NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania and RSSC-Regent Seven Seas . Stats for 2020-Q4 show NCLH as the world's 4th-largest cruise shipowner by combined fleet's passenger capacity (8,3%), preceded by Carnival (39%), Royal Caribbean (24%) and MSC (11,5%).

NCLH's ownership is equally shared by Star Cruises (subsidiary of Genting Hong Kong / GHK multinational corporation specializing in resorts, leisure, and gambling) and Apollo Global Management (among the world's largest alternative asset management companies).

• In 2011, NCL had around 8% global market share. As of 2018, NCL's global market share is around 20%, ranking it world's 3rd largest passenger shipping company (after Carnival and RCCL-RCG).
• In January 2013 NCL went public. In 2013, the company had revenues USD 2,57 billion (13% increase over 2012).
• On August 31, 2014, was announced that NCLH is in "advanced talks" to buy the Miami-based Prestige Cruise Holdings Inc (owner of RSSC-Regent and Oceania /combined fleet of 8 top-luxury ships with total berths ~6500) for USD 3,025 billion (including debt's assumption). Prestige's owner (Apollo Global Management) also owns 20% of NCLH. On September 2 was announced the acquisition agreement. On November 19 the acquisition of Prestige Cruises International was completed.
• In mid-August 2017, Apollo, GHK and TPG Global affiliated funds started selling 15 million NCLH shares to a group of underwriters (Barclays Capital, Citigroup Global Markets. Goldman Sachs). The negotiated fixed price per share was USD 54.57, or total value USD 0,8185 billion.
• Until 2015, GHK was NCLH's principal shareholder, when the corporation started selling down its stake in order to buy Crystal Cruises , expand Star Cruises in Asia and create (in 2016) the premium brand Dream Cruises .

On February 21, 2012, NCL Corporation Ltd (fully owned by NCLH) acquired Sixthman Ltd (2001-founded music festival company) for USD 7,5 million. Since 2012, Sixthman operates as a theme cruise charter company serving mainly NCL.

Company changes 2018-2021

In 2018, NCLH had 8 ships on order (7x for NCL, 1x for RSSC) with deliveries planned for 2019-2027. The newest class (PRIMA/fka LEONARDO) has GT tonnage 142,500 tons and passenger capacity 3300. For the PRIMA-class ships, NCL trademarked the names Aqua , Bella, Luna, Ombra, Prima , Vela, Viva , and Ultima (all with prefix Norwegian).

On July 30, 2018, following the industry's "eco-trend", NCL announced banning fleetwide single-use plastic straws. The policy also includes the private islands Great Stirrup Cay (Bahamas) and Harvest Caye (Belize). As result, annually are eliminated 50+ million plastic straws.

In June 2019, NCL announced its exclusive partnership with Scarpetta Restaurants via LDV Hospitality (USA-based boutique hospitality company specializing in unique restaurant and bar experiences). By this deal, on the newbuild Norwegian Encore (2019) was introduced fleet's first "Onda by Scarpetta" - specialty restaurant offering dining premium experiences fleetwide. The new restaurant joins Scarpetta's land-based restaurants in NYC , The Hamptons (Long Island NY), Miami FL , Philadelphia PA , Newport RI , Las Vegas NV, and London OH. "Onda by Scarpetta" restaurant's menu showcases the unique flavors of modern Italian cuisine featuring a selection of beautifully presented seafood and signature dishes, including daily handmade pasta and traditional gourmet desserts. The new Scarpetta restaurant is similarly designed as a land-based venue, with an interior featuring walnut wood and Calacatta marble.

Since January 2020, NCL customers pay USD 9,95 per room service order. The mandatory fee was introduced in 2015 (April). Currently, from this rule are excluded only Haven Suite passengers and the Continental Breakfast orders.

On January 1, 2020, NCL became the industry's first major company to eliminate single-use plastic beverage bottles fleetwide (via partnership with the 2012-founded JUST Goods Inc).

In August 2021, NCL signed with Starbucks a partnership for delivering the coffee brand fleetwide (on all liners by 2022-Q4) as well as on NCL's private island resorts in Bahamas (Great Stirrup Cay) and Belize (Harvest Caye). By this deal, Starbucks coffees are available at all restaurants (including MDRs), plus at self-serve stations at the buffet-style restaurant Garden Cafe (on select ships). Starbucks was introduced by NCL in 2018 (on Norwegian Bliss), while Norwegian Sky became the world's ever-first ship to offer Starbucks' Nitro Cold Brew (nitrogen-infused beer).

Company changes 2022

On June 6, 2022, NCLH announced an expansion of its fleetwide sustainability program "Sail & Sustain". Extending its animal welfare policy, the shipowner is now fully committed to responsible animal food sourcing practices (regarding pork, chicken, eggs, and seafood) within the global fleet's supply chain. The goal is by the year 2025, fleetwide (NCL, Oceania, Regent) to be sourced only cage-free eggs, crate-free pork, certified sustainable seafood, and chicken purchased from American and Canadian suppliers who meet GAP (Global Animal Partnership) standards.

On June 14, 2022, NCL signed a partnership deal with Flow Beverage Corporation (USA-based health & wellness-focused company) for its "Flow Alkaline Spring Water" to become NCL's official water fleetwide. Flow Beverage's water is sourced from Seawright Springs (Augusta County, Virginia), has PH 8,1, and comes in a fully recyclable carton (made of 75% renewable materials) with a plant-based cap.

On October 3, 2022, NCLH signed with MAN Energy Solutions an MoU for retrofitting all MAN 48/60 diesel engines in the global fleet to dual-fuel (running on both diesel and methanol).

Since December 2022, fleetwide (on all NCL boats) are offered soft drinks from The Coca-Cola Company. By the new NCL-Coca-Cola contract, the brand's beverages replaced the onboard soda fountains and all the old bar equipment was changed.

Company changes 2023

In January 2023, NCLH announced its newly-established brand “Experiences At Sea”. The new program is a partnership with the NCL's subsidiary "Sixthman Festivals at Sea" and NCL’s CM&I division (Charters, Meetings & Incentives). NCLH's new brand annually schedules several themed B2Bs/back-to-back cruises/consecutive itineraries for Norwegian Pearl which target corporate clients as well as incentive and affinity-focused customers from NCLH's fleet (NCL-Norwegian, Oceania, RSSC-Regent). Experiences At Sea is managed by Anthony Diaz (Sixthman's CEO and CM&I's Senior VP). Voyages are usually themed on music (Rock, Country, Pop, Blues, Broadway celebrity performances, etc), also LGTBQIA+/Atlantis Events, Comedy Influencers, Sports, and others. The itineraries are in the Caribbean (roundtrips from Miami) and all visit NCLH's private islands - The Bahamas' Great Stirrup Cay, and Belize's Harvest Caye.

In October 2023 NCL announced that starting January 2024, the company has ~1000 solo staterooms fleetwide (across 19 ships). NCL also introduced three new cabin categories (Solo Inside, Solo Oceanview, Solo Balcony) which pricing/availability depends on itinerary/destination and demand. Also were recategorized Spa Staterooms fleetwide (Jan 2024) to increase Mandara Spa's availability and allow access to the Thermal Suites for all cabin categories.

Company changes 2024

In January 2024, NCLH signed a 10-year partnership (thru 2034) with ABB Ltd (1988-founded, Swedish-Swiss technology corporation) for upgrades and new equipment for NCL-operated vessels. The deal was for 18 vessels (14 existing plus 4 newbuilds/2025-2028) and included preventive maintenance and scheduled ABB Azipod propulsion system maintenance fleetwide. Additionally, ABB will supply propulsion control system upgrades to 11 vessels and install shore-power connections on 4 vessels.

Fun facts (company & ships)

NCL's list of "cruise industry firsts" starts with the first-ever fly-cruise deals (under the name "Cloud 9 Cruises"), the first ships capable of ferrying cars, the ever first cruise company with a private island ( Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas ), the first company to develop new Caribbean seaports of call (Jamaica's Ocho Rios ). Both NCL's first vessels - Sunward (1966) and Starward (1968) - were car ferries, but later their car decks were refitted into cabin decks (housing staterooms) and a 2-deck high theatre lounge.

A new history page for NCL Norwegian was the year 1979 when was purchased the Transatlantic ocean liner SS France - thoroughly refitted and renamed SS Norway. The liner's drydock-conversion cost USD 100+ million, but it was money well spent. Bigger than any other passenger liner, SS Norway in its time offered extra space for a great variety of onboard entertainment, thus starting the new era of "ship cruise for fun" and creating the time of mega-liners.

NCL-Norwegian is a travel brand representing one of the world's top 5 major cruise shipping companies (following Carnival, Royal Caribbean, MSC). It is best known for its revolutionary "Freestyle Cruising" (trademarked) concept signifying no fixed dining times or seatings, and no formal dress code required fleetwide.

The list of NCL's destinations includes all the world's most popular ship travel regions - Alaska and Hawaii, Europe (including UK itineraries), Bahamas-Caribbean and Bermuda, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Under the brand name "Norwegian Capricorn Line" (1997-2001), NCL operated exclusively in Australia and New Zealand. A whole new era for the company started in 2002 when it purchased the first Project America vessel (under construction at the time). The future Pride of America was towed (as hull) from its initial building yard at Pascagoula (MS, USA) to be completed in Germany by Lloyd Werft.

Pride of America is the largest US- flagged passenger ship homeported in Honolulu for year-round roundtrips to the Hawaiian Islands. Due to financial considerations, the other NCL America ships in Hawaii - Pride of Aloha (now Norwegian Sky) and Pride of Hawaii (now Norwegian Jade) - were later transferred to the company's international fleet.

NCL's Caribbean itineraries always visit the company's Bahamian private island Great Stirrup Cay (purchased in 1977). A port of call exclusively for NCL ships, Great Stirrup's vacation experience starts and ends with the "Bahama Rama Mama" tender boat (capacity of 300 passengers).

On October 17, 2012, NCLH and Meyer Werft reached an agreement for the construction of two new Breakaway-Plus class vessels with scheduled delivery in 2015 and 2017. The order for the 2nd ship was placed in July 2013. In September 2013, the two new boats were named Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Bliss , through an online campaign. The "Breakaway-Plus" project's contract value was estimated to be EUR 1.4 billion (USD 1.92 billion). Two more ships were ordered on July 14, 2014, to enter service in 2018 and 2019.

For FY2017 (fiscal year) NCLH reported the following data:

• GAAP ("Generally Accepted Accounting Principle") net income was USD 760 million (USD 633,1 million FY2016).
• The adjusted GAAP was USD 907,7 million (USD 776,3 million in 2016).
• EPS ("Earnings Per Share") was USD 3,31 (USD 2,78 in 2016).
• The adjusted EPS was USD 3,96 (USD 3,41 in 2016).
• NCLH's Net Revenue was USD 4,2 billion (11,2% increase over 2016 / USD 3,8).
• The adjusted ROIC (Return On Invested Capital") for 2017 was 16,26%.
• NCLH's total revenue reached USD 5,4 billion (10,7% increase over 2016 / USD 4,9 billion).
• Gross Yield (yield on investments before deduction of taxes and expenses) increased 4,4%.
• Adjusted Net Yield increased by 5% (Constant Currency basis).
• Marine fuel expenses in 2017 were USD 361 million.

NCL ship refurbishments

Ship refurbishments were the biggest part of "The Norwegian Edge" (fleetwide upgrade program). Drydock refurbishments started in October 2015 with NCL Epic , followed NCL Gem in November 2015. Scheduled drydocks in 2016 were for Pride of America , NCL Dawn , NCL Sun . These dry docks were longer than usual for NCL ships (some up to 3 weeks).

All NCL liners (except NCL Jewel ) were refurbished by the end of 2017 (Jewel in 2018). The "Norwegian Edge" project covered 11 vessels - all older ships launched before NCL Breakaway (2013). On all these ships NCL added new venues, and did extensive restaurant makeovers (La Cucina Italian, Cagney's Steakhouse, Le Bistro French, Moderno Churrascaria Brazilia). Decors were changed in MDRs (main dining rooms) and Lido-buffets. Most public spaces (including all lounges, bars, complimentary food bars) received new furniture and flooring, some were completely re-designed.

Another major upgrade was the shipwide Wi-Fi, installing interactive digital signage boards and way finders, new teak flooring (on open decks), new carpeting (hallways and corridors), adding more shaded seating areas, private cabanas and loungers/deck chairs on sundecks.

NCL's new drydock refurbishment program (2016-2018) was budgeted over USD 400 million. Along with the fleet upgrades, it also included updates of onboard culinary and enrichment programs, private island upgrades, enhanced cruisetour/destination amenities and services. Detailed refurbishment reviews per vessel you will find at their CruiseMapper's deckplan pages .

As part of the program was enhanced Great Stirrup Cay (NCL's private island in Bahamas), This project resulted in building new facilities, newly added bars, and lounges, redesigned and renovated venues, enhanced The Haven Suite passenger experience. Details on all these changes are available at the above island link.

In November 2017, the company MAN PrimeServ (a division of the marine engines manufacturer "MAN Diesel and Turbo") confirmed order from NCLH for SOLAS insulation upgrades for all 9 liners (44 diesel engines total) from the NCL fleet. MAN provided the necessary equipment for all engines with power output 375+ kW, which included heat insulation, spray protection, resistance to flammability and fluid density. Upgrades received all NCL ships with MAN marine diesel engines models 48/60B, 48/60A and 58/64. The project was scheduled for completion in 2018.

NCL cruise ship dining packages

On each of its ships, NCL offers up to 28 dining options. In 2016 on all ships were introduced upgraded main dining room menus (complimentary) with added new (a la carte priced) menu items. The upgraded complimentary food menus offer more variety of appetizers, soups, and salads, signature entrees, desserts. New are the seafood offerings (fresh grouper, shrimp ceviche, seared scallops).

• Since January 31, 2016, NCL expanded brand's specialty dining menus on Norwegian Escape and introduced them fleetwide. These new menus are for at-fee restaurants - Cagney's Steakhouse, Le Bistro (French cuisine), La Cucina (Italian cuisine), Moderno Churrascaria (Brazilian Steakhouse) and Teppanyaki (sushi). Among the new menu choices are Bouillabaisse, pan-seared scallops, and sea bass filet, veal medallions, antipasti, risotto, Osso Buco Alla Milanese.
• NCL has partnered with the ACF (American Culinary Federation) for training and certification of fleet's dining and culinary teams.
• Since August 2015, NCL offers specialty dining packages available fleetwide. The new packages prices start at USD 59 per person (3-day package purchased prior departure). These deals help save on the cover charges of all onboard specialty restaurants (including Teppanyaki, Cagney's Steakhouse, Moderno Churrascaria, La Cucina, Le Bistro).
• Specialty dining packages allow NCL passengers to dine at a la carte priced and cover charge restaurants at an additional cost raging USD 7-15. Follows the list of restaurants and the cover charge / fixed fee in USD (shown in brackets): sushi bar ($7), Raw Bar ($7), Pincho Tapas Bar ($7), Bayamo ($10), Illusionarium ($10 general- and $15 premium seating), Cirque Dreams ($10 general-, $15 premium- and $35 VIP seating), Ocean Blue ($15), Dear John Hughes ($15).
• Packages can be purchased at discounted pricing online (prior to departure) or onboard (but only during the itinerary's first 2 days). On 3-day itineraries, NCL dining packages are available for purchasing only on the 1st / embarkation day. Specialty dining reservations can be made online (within 90 days prior departure) or onboard.

NCL is noted for its high-quality shipboard foods, restaurants, unique dining concepts, well-trained certified chefs-waiters-sommeliers.

• Almost all the shipboard food (98%) is made on the ship and from scratch - including all sauces, bread, pastries, and desserts.
• All ships have full-service butcheries.
• All fish is bought whole and cut and trimmed on the ship.
• Itinerary-based regional dishes and local beers and wines are always available,
• On NCL Bliss were introduced the restaurants Q (Texas BBQ smokehouse serving smoked meats, brisket, beef-pork ribs, pulled pork, various sides) and Los Lobos (Mexican, also serving tequilas and mezcals).

Private cruise island enhancements

NCL Norwegian expanded the company's plans for its Bahamian privately-owned island Great Stirrup Cay and the exclusive luxury resort destination Harvest Caye (Belize) . Harvest Caye Port has a large-sized swimming pool, private beach, shallow lagoon (watersport activities), private cabanas available for rent, as well as a huge flora and fauna diversity.

Great Stirrup Cay was last enhanced in 2014 and by 2017 spring and now provides several new offerings and amenities (for details see the island's review above).

NCL's all-inclusive cruise package

Since 2017, NCL offers all-inclusive itineraries in some markets. The company's new program was named "Premium All Inclusive" and is included in NCL's fares. The new program is only available to travelers living in select countries and as destinations - on cruises to Alaska, Hawaii, Asia, Bermuda, Caribbean, Europe, Panama Canal , South America.

• The list of "select countries" includes Scandinavia and Russia, Belgium, Holland, Liechtenstein, Portugal, Poland, Romania, Croatia, Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, Hungary, Slovenia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Greece, Malta, Cyprus, Turkey, Morocco, Libya, Tunisia, Angola, Algeria.
• Passengers 21+ yo enjoy drinks-inclusive sailings with included unlimited spirits, bottled and draft beers, wines (by the glass), cocktails (priced up to USD 15), light beers, soft drinks, juices. Even the NCL's 18% gratuity is included. A 20% discount is given on onboard purchased bottles of wine, champagne, sparkling wines.
• Passengers aged 20-20-yo enjoy unlimited soft drinks, water and juices (excluding freshly squeezed) in all onboard bars, lounges, and restaurants during the entire cruise. Here also the 18% gratuity is included.
• The new NCL package also includes bottled water (1 L) per person per day (in the stateroom) and specialty coffees (in all restaurants at mealtimes).
• All gratuities and service charge related to the new all-inclusive onboard services are ticket price-inclusive.
• Passengers in "The Haven" staterooms and those in Suites receive 250 minutes of free WiFi, USD 100 in OBC (onboard credit) and complimentary specialty restaurants reservations (3 dinners on itineraries 3-9 nights, and 4 dinners on 10+ nights itineraries).

NCL's "Premium All Inclusive" deals were introduced on April 3, 2017, and include all cabin categories. Since September 2017, NCL offers "Premium All-Inclusive Plus" package. The new offer includes 5 additional benefits for passengers booking a selection of port-intensive longer voyages (9 nights or longer) in all worldwide destinations. The additional perks are 250-min internet package, 120-min phone package, US$50 shore excursion credit (per call port), up to GBP 75 hotel credit (in select call ports) and up to GBP 150 flight credit.

In 2015, on NCL Sun and NCL Sky ships was introduced fare-inclusive open bars for all passengers 21 years and older. However, this program was terminated in 2019 (effective for itineraries on or after September 7, 2019).

Through NCL's "Free at Sea" program on both vessels, passengers continue to enjoy an unlimited open bar, complimentary specialty dining, free WiFi, excursion credits, and family members sail for free, reduced or free airfare.

NCL's Priority Access

In 2019, NCL started to test a program (Priority Access) that allows new customers to buy the perks generally associated with NCL's loyalty program (Latitudes). "Priority Access" is currently being tested on 2 liners ( Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Breakaway ) with pricing between USD 69 and 199 per stateroom.

NCL Priority Access passengers receive:

• Priority check-in, security, boarding, tendering, debarkation (homeport)
• Access to daily, complimentary Room Service Breakfast Menu
• Spa Credit (USD 50) on port days only
• Canapes (delivered on the 2nd day of the voyage)

NCL Priority Access prices (per stateroom) are:

• US$69 - for itineraries 3-5 days
• US$99 - for itineraries 6-9 days
• US$149 for itineraries 10-15 days
• US$199 for itineraries 16/16+ days

During this test period in 2019, Priority Access is limited to 25 cabins per voyage.

NCL cruise ship weddings

Since 2016, NCL offers weddings at sea, including same-gender ceremonies. The weddings are performed by the ship's Captain.

• For now, these offers are only for the company's newest (largest) vessels of the Breakaway- and Breakaway-plus classes.
• Formerly, couples were not allowed to marry at sea, but only ashore (in ports along the itinerary). They also had to produce a marriage certificate before participating in an onboard ceremony. By the NCL's new policy, cruise ship captains can perform the wedding ceremonies on the ship, with a Bahamas-issued marriage license.
• NCL also offers absolutely legal same-gender ceremonies. However, these offers are only available in port destinations where such marriages are recognized by local law. The list of such destinations in the USA includes Hawaii, Boston MA, NYC New York, Los Angeles CA, Seattle WA, Florida (Miami, Port Canaveral, Tampa), also Vancouver BC (Canada).
• NCL's new package "Wedding at Sea" includes a bridal bouquet, 1 matching boutonniere, 1 wedding cake for 2, champagne toast. The company also provides an experienced wedding coordinator.
• In addition to the "Wedding at Sea" program, NCL also offers harborside ceremonies (when the ship is docked in ports of call along the itinerary), also destination weddings (beach and resort) and vow renewals.

NCL cruise ship lifeguards

In April 2017, NCL announced it will employ certified lifeguards on some of its vessels (in summer 2017) and fleetwide (by the year 2018). The news made NCL the 3rd major cruise company with shipboard lifeguards - following Disney and Royal Caribbean .

• The onboard lifeguards are stationed only at the family pools during scheduled swimming pool hours. This staff will be "American Red Cross" trained and certified.
• NCL also offers complimentary swim vests for both adults and kids. Parents can obtain safety vests at Lido Deck's towel station during daytime hours.
• The first NCL ships with lifeguards will be Norwegian Epic (homeported in Port Canaveral), Norwegian Escape (Miami), Norwegian Getaway (Miami) and Norwegian Breakaway (NYC New York).
• NCL started testing monitoring through CCTV cameras at family pools (on fleet's largest ships only) since 2015. So adding full-time lifeguards was a decision for more safety on pool decks. However, it should be known that lifeguards don't replace parental supervision and that parents (legal guardians) remain the best form for preventing onboard accidents.
• DCL-Disney employs certified lifeguards since 2013. RCI-Royal Caribbean employs shipboard lifeguards since February 2017 (by the line's "water safety program"). RCI's onboard lifeguards are dressed in special uniforms (bright red and white) and stationed at every onboard swimming pool, including the Solarium (adults-only retreat) during the complex' opening hours.

NCL stateroom upgrades

In February 2017, NCL started a new (industry's first) cabin upgrade program that allows already booked passengers to bid for upgrades to higher-category staterooms.

• The new "Norwegian Upgrade Advantage" program was tested and approved by a group of top travel agencies. The entire system is automated and doesn't require travel agent intervention and pays commissions on the enhanced fare.
• NCL's senior sales VP Camille Olivere commented: "After final payment guests can bid on an upgrade and there's a little dial that will show them in red, yellow or green the likelihood their bid is going to be accepted. When NCL offers the cabin upgrade to the guest we email the travel agency of record, so they see the guest has been offered the ability to upgrade, and if the bid is accepted we notify the agency. The agency has to do absolutely nothing".
• Once the passengers' bids are accepted, they are assigned to an available higher-level stateroom - interior to oceanview, oceanview to balcony, balcony to Suite or The Haven staterooms. However, they can't choose the exact stateroom (number) to which they are assigned.

(NEW) NCL cruise gratuities (2022)

IMPORTANT : Since January 1, 2023, NCL's fleetwide daily tips are US$ 25 (The Haven staterooms) and US$20 (Club Balcony and below cabin categories).

Daily gratuities are per person (pp) and were effective between April 1st and December 6, 2022.

• USD 16 pp (interior, oceanview, balcony staterooms, both adults and kids) - increased from USD 13,99 pp (effective since April 1, 2018) and 14,50 (2021).
• USD 18 pp (Club Balcony Suites receiving concierge/butler services) - increased from USD 16,99 pp (effective since April 1, 2018) and 17,50 (2021).
• USD 20 pp (The Haven Suites)

Gratuities increases apply to all NCL vessels, except Norwegian Sky (which is drinks-inclusive). On NCL Sky ship, standard cabin and mini-suite passengers pay per person USD 19 per day, while suite passengers pay USD 22 per day.

Daily gratuity is an automatic service charge added to the passenger's onboard account each day.

Passengers can prepay gratuities.

The amount of gratuities is split between the ship's staff (dining, housekeeping, cabin stewards, butlers, concierges, support).

Onboard specialty restaurants (a la carte priced or cover charge venues) add an 18% gratuity service charge.

NCL Cruise Cancellation Policy

Since January 2016, NCL adjusted the company's final payment and cancellation policies. Under the new cruise cancellation policy, booked NCL customers will incur penalties further from departure date when canceling.

Before 2016, NCL itineraries 6 days or longer, canceled 56 to 75 days prior to embarkation date guaranteed full deposits back. Under the new cancellation policy, final payment for itineraries 6 or more days is due 90 days prior to departure date (vs the old policy's 75 days). Cancellation penalties start 89 days prior to departure date.

NCL's cruise deposit schedule also shifted. Previously, for itineraries 6 to 9 nights long, booked customers had to put down a USD 250 pp (per person) deposit. After January 2016, that was changed to USD 250 pp for itineraries 7 to 9 days, and USD 100 pp for itineraries 2 to 6 nights long.

Final payments for holiday sailings (Christmas and New Year) are now due 120 days prior to departure dates, only excluding Norwegian Sky .

(Coronavirus crisis) passenger shipping pause 2020-2021

Due to the COVID pandemic, NCLH's entire fleet (all vessels of the brands NCL-Norwegian, RSSC-Regent, Oceania) is with an expanded cancellation policy. All bookings on pre-scheduled itineraries (departures March 14, 2020, through April 30, 2021) were given the option to cancel (up to 48 hours prior departure) without penalties.

Eventually, NCLH canceled all NCL voyages leaving between March 14, 2020, and July 2021.

Next are listed all NCL ships and their scheduled first departure dates/homeports - BLISS (Oct 24, 2021/Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles), BREAKAWAY (Sept 26, 2021/Bermuda from NYC), DAWN (Dec 8, 2021/Tampa), ENCORE (Aug 7, 2021/Alaska from Seattle), EPIC (Sept 5, 2021/Mediterranean-Barcelona), ESCAPE (Nov 13, 2021/Port Canaveral), GEM (Aug 15, 2021/Caribbean from La Romana Dominicana), GETAWAY (Sept 13, 2021/Mediterranean-Rome), JADE (July 25, 2021/Mediterranean-Athens), JEWEL (March 29, 2022/Miami), JOY (Nov 20, 2021/Miami), PEARL (Dec 23, 2021/Miami), SKY (March 2, 2022/Miami), SPIRIT (May 7, 2022/Alaska from Seattle), STAR (April 3, 2022/Mediterranean from Barcelona), SUN (May 5, 2022/Alaska from Seattle), PRIMA (Sept 3, 2022/ Maiden Voyage /Europe-Baltic from Amsterdam), VIVA ( June 15, 2023 / Maiden Voyage /Mediterranean), PRIDE OF AMERICA (April 9, 2022/Hawaii from Honolulu).

• In late-March 2021, NCL canceled through October-November all voyages scheduled for the ships ENCORE (Alaska from Seattle), JEWEL (Alaska from Vancouver-Seward), Sun (Alaska from Seattle), BLISS (Alaska from Seattle), JADE (Europe-Baltic-Mediterranean), JOY (Bermuda from New York), GEM (Bermuda from Boston, Canada New England from Boston-Quebec).
• In early-April 2021, NCL announced new schedules for the ships JADE (7-day Mediterranean-Greek Islands from Athens/starting July 25), JOY (7-day Caribbean from Montego Bay Jamaica/starting August 15) and GEM (7-day Caribbean from La Romana-Punta Cana Dominicana/starting August 15). Previously the boats were planned to restart as follows - JOY (October 19, 2021/Caribbean from Miami), GEM (Oct 29, 2021/Bermuda from NYC), JADE (January 2, 2022/South Africa from Cape Town). JOY's ex-Greece program was canceled in May. GEM's ex-Dominicana program was canceled in June.
• In late-May 2021 were canceled JOY's Caribbean roundtrips from Montego Bay Jamaica (Aug 7 thru Oct 9) and BLISS' Alaskan program from Seattle (Aug-Oct).
• In late-June were delayed the restarts of 5 ships (Pride of America, DAWN, JOY, SKY, STAR thru 2022 March).

Itinerary of Norwegian Cruise Line

All NCL cruise ships are either new or recently refurbished. As you can see from their list below, the oldest one (NCL Sky) is just 14 years old. NCL's fleet is one of the world's biggest and most innovative ones. NCL ships are big (to really large), well-equipped, offering feature amenities and onboard activities, and sailing worldwide.

In 2023, NCL had its ever-biggest Europe-Meditarranean itinerary program by deploying in the region 10 ships (Breakaway, Dawn, Epic, Gem, Getaway, Jade, Prima, Sun, Star, Viva).

In 2008 (June-July-August) NCL started homeporting in Baltimore MD/at Maryland Cruise Terminal offering 10-day roundtrips to Bermuda (St George's) with the ship Norwegian Majesty/now Crown Iris (1992-built as Royal Majesty for Majesty Cruise Line, in service with NCL 1997-2009). In fall 2023, NCL restarted its ex-Baltimore operations and homeported 2 ships - Norwegian Sky (September-October) and Norwegian Sun (November-December).

NCL's 2024-2025 schedule includes 4 new/maiden call ports - Mina Salman-Manama Bahrain (visited by Norwegian Sky), Sokhna-Cairo Egypt (Norwegian Sun), Avarua/Rarotonga Island, Cook Islands NZ (Norwegian Sun) and Akita City Japan (Norwegian Spirit).

(NEW) NCL cruises from Jacksonville Florida

In January 2024, JAXPORT's Board of Directors approved a 3-year agreement with NCL for seasonal homeporting in  Jacksonville FL  (November to April every year through 2028).

Starting November 2025,  Norwegian Gem ship  offers roundtrip voyages visiting The Bahamas and Eastern Caribbean island destinations. Bookings opened on February 15th (2024).

Norwegian Gem's ex-Jacksonville schedule (during the inaugural season 2025-2026) included mainly 4-5-day itineraries to The Bahamas (Great Stirrup Cay, Freeport, Nassau) as well as 3x 12-day and 2x 11-day Eastern Caribbean itineraries (visiting Great Stirrup Cay, Puerto Plata Dominicana, St Thomas USVI, St John’s Antigua, Basseterre St Kitts, San Juan Puerto Rico).

NCL ships' itineraries overview

In 2021-2022, NCL has planned a collection of new European voyages with 7 liners deployed in the region and port-intensive itineraries that are often with late departure times. NCL's 2021-2022 Mediterranean program is based on homeporting in (departures from) Piraeus-Athens , Barcelona , Civitavecchia-Rome , Venice and Dubai UAE . NCL's Northern Europe cruises depart from Southampton , Amsterdam , Copenhagen , Stockholm and Reykjavik Iceland .

Ship deployments, homeports and itineraries 2023-2024-2025

In September 2020, NCL announced its winter 2022-2023 worldwide program for 13 (of its 18) liners.

EXTRAORDINARY JOURNEYS

The new sailings offer a selection of Extraordinary Journeys - longer, one-of-a-kind port-rich cruises.

• Beginning November 12, 2022, Norwegian Jewel offers a selection of Panama Canal cruises featuring 12-day experiences from Los Angeles , San Diego , and Colon Panama , allowing passengers to plan additional vacation days pre-/post-cruise. The itineraries call at Cabo San Lucas , Puerto Vallarta , Acapulco , Huatulco , Puerto Quetzal , San Juan del Sur , Puntarenas , and Acajutla .
• Norwegian Getaway embarks on a 13-day European trip from Southampton UK to Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy on November 14, 2022. The vessel is scheduled to debut in Oporto and Villefranche-sur-Mer and call at Cadiz-Seville ( Cadiz ), Malaga , Cartagena , Palma de Mallorca , Barcelona , Lisbon , Paris (Le Havre) , Florence/Pisa (Livorno) , and Naples .

PANAMA CANAL

From October 2022 through March 2023, Norwegian Cruise Line offers a variety of itineraries ranging from 8 to 21-day sailings traversing the Panama Canal onboard 6x NCL boats (Encore, Jewel, Pearl, Bliss, Gem, Joy).

Norwegian Encore begins a 21-day Panama Canal cruise on October 23, 2022, sailing from Seattle WA, repositioning to Miami FL. During the sailing, 8 out of 11 port-of-calls include a minimum of 9 to 11 hours of port time.

Norwegian Joy debuts in Port Canaveral FL as she departs on a 14-day trip from Orlando to Los Angeles CA on December 4. During the voyage, she also calls at San Juan Del Sur for the first time and visits Cartagena, Puerto Caldera (Puntarenas), Puerto Quetzal, Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo San Lucas.

Kicking off the New Year, NCL Norwegian Gem offers 11- and 12-day voyages to and from NYC and Panama City in January-February 2023. During her 12-day cruise from New York City on January 2, she debuts in Puerto Limon and the Pacific Cruise Terminal in Panama City during an 11-day trip on January 14.

Norwegian Encore transits the Panama Canal during the 21-day Extraordinary Journey (relocation voyage starting October 13, 2024/from Seattle WA to Miami FL) that visits San Francisco, Los Angeles, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco, Puerto Quetzal, Panama City, Cartagena, George Town, and PortMiami.

Beginning January 28, 2022, through May 17, 2023, NCL offers a range of 5- to 14-day sailings across the Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean. NCL's itineraries include visits to Harvest Caye (resort destination in Belize), as well as calls at its private island resort in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay. Ships sailing the Caribbean include NCL Bliss, Breakaway, Dawn, Encore, Epic, Escape, Gem, Getaway, Pearl, and Sky.

• Norwegian Encore sails an 11-day Southern Caribbean roundtrip from Miami on December 23, 2022, making her debut in Castries, St. Lucia, and Saint John's, and visiting Oranjestad Aruba , Willemstad Curacao , Kralendijk Bonaire , St. Thomas, and Puerto Plata.
• Norwegian Breakaway, which is currently the newest and largest ship sailing from New Orleans (Port NOLA) , offers a mix of 5-, 7-, and 9-day roundtrip sailings to the Western Caribbean starting November 20, 2022.
• As of December 17, 2022, Norwegian Bliss calls Miami Florida home as she embarks on a season of 7-day Western Caribbean roundtrip sailings through April 1, 2023, with calls at Roatan Island , Harvest Caye , Costa Maya , and Cozumel .
• On January 8 and February 26, 2023, passengers can embark on NCL Norwegian Getaway for a 12-day roundtrip sailing in the Southern Caribbean from New York City. The liner debuts in St. John's, Antigua , and calls at San Juan , Basseterre , Castries , Bridgetown , Puerto Plata , and St Thomas USVI

Sailing roundtrip from New York , Norwegian Prima offers 10-to-12-day Caribbean cruises beginning November 2024 through to March 2025 visiting Puerto Plata, San Juan, Basseterre, St. Thomas, Tortola, and Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda.

For the 2nd year, Norwegian Viva homeports in San Juan Puerto Rico from December 2024 through to April 2025 offering 7-day roundtrip Southern Caribbean voyages with zero sea days. The itineraries include calls to Castries and Bridgetown on the east, while select itineraries call to the ABC Islands: Oranjestad, Aruba; Kralendijk, Bonaire; Willemstad, Curacao; and more on the west side of the Caribbean.

Norwegian Escape offers 7- and 14-day Caribbean voyages from December 2024 through to March 2025 from Galveston, Texas. The vessel's 7-day Western Caribbean itineraries visit Costa Maya, and Cozumel in Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; and Harvest Caye Belize. For guests searching for an extended vacation, the 14-day Eastern Caribbean voyages include visits to Cozumel, Mexico; St. Thomas, USVI; Castries, St. Lucia; George Town, Grand Cayman; Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas, and more.

MEXICAN RIVIERA

Sailing from the West Coast between Los Angeles CA and San Diego CA, passengers can take in the Mexican Riviera beauty with a mix of 5-, 7-, and 8-day roundtrip sailings between Norwegian Bliss, Joy, and Jewel beginning October 30, 2022, through April 16, 2023.

Norwegian Joy kicks off her sailings on December 18, 2022, with an 8-day roundtrip sailing where she visits San Diego CA for the first time.

From December 23, 2022, through April 8, 2023, NCL Norwegian Getaway sails select 8-day voyages to the Bahamas and Florida from New York City which include calls at Port Canaveral, Nassau, and Great Stirrup Cay. Beginning January 20, 2023, through May 29, 2023, NCL Norwegian Sky sails 3- and 4-day roundtrip voyages from Miami FL, calling at Nassau, Freeport, and Great Stirrup Cay.

In November 2022, NCL Norwegian Joy offers passengers a Bahamian winter escape on 5- and 7-day roundtrip sailings from New York City featuring overnights at the Royal Naval Dockyard. NCL Getaway also offers 5-night voyages (December 2022 and February-March 2023).

NCL's winter 2024-2025 and summer 2025 voyages sail to bucket-list destinations in Europe, Alaska, and the Caribbean. Sailing to ~400 destinations worldwide, guests can choose from a range of tropical itineraries to the Caribbean and voyages from the Extraordinary Journeys collection that sail to once-in-a-lifetime destinations, such as aspirational regions around the globe like the grand pyramids in Egypt, and more.

Highlights from the 2024-2025 deployment include:

GREEK ISLES and HOLY LAND (Israel and Egypt)

Norwegian Viva, the 2nd ship from the Prima Class set to debut in August next year, offers select roundtrip 7-day Greek Isles cruises from Athens (Piraeus), as well as 9-to-11-day voyages between Haifa (Tel Aviv-Nazareth, Israel), Athens (Piraeus), and Istanbul (Turkey) from May through November 2025. The sailings call at Iraklion, Santorini, Mykonos, and Rhodes in Greece, offer 15-hour long port stays in Ashdod (Jerusalem, Israel), and visit Alexandria and Port Said (Cairo), Egypt, allowing plenty of time for passengers to visit Giza's pyramids.

NORTHERN EUROPE

From May through to September 2025, Norwegian Prima sails a series of 10-and-11-day voyages from London (Southampton), England UK and Reykjavik (Iceland) offering itineraries calling to Geiranger, Norway, home to Geirangerfjord. The itineraries also call to Alesund, Flam, Bergen, Brussels/Bruges (Zeebrugge), Akureyri, Isafjordur, and Amsterdam.

SOUTHERN EUROPE-MEDITERRANEAN

Starting April 2025 through to October 2025, Norwegian Breakaway offers a series of 9- and 10-day roundtrip Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona with an overnight in Livorno (to Florence and Pisa) providing 2 days to explore the destination. The two itineraries call to bucket-list destinations like Ibiza, Cagliari, Naples, Rome (Civitavecchia), Cannes, and more.

During the Alaska cruise season from late April through to October 2025, Norwegian Joy returns to The Last Frontier and offers 9- and 10-day roundtrip sailings from Seattle WA to allow for a longer experience for guests. Her voyages include scenic sailings to Glacier Bay NP ; and Hubbard Glacier . Select cruises also visit Ketchikan and Icy Strait Point .

NCL cruises to Cuba

In December 2016, NCLH (shipowner) received permission to operate cruises to Cuba, beginning March 2017. The first-ever NCL ship visiting Cuba was Norwegian Sky.

• NCL Sky's itinerary program offered 4-night roundtrips from Miami that included Havana overnights. The itinerary also visited Great Stirrup Cay (Bahamas) .
• In 2018, NCL expanded its Cuban program to a total of 63 itineraries, most of which offer Havana overnight.
• Norwegian Sun completed her first Cuban season (from Port Canaveral ) with the last roundtrip on September 3, 2018, then moved to Miami for select itineraries before the South American (fall/winter) season. Being the first Port Canaveral-homeported vessel to Cuba, NCL Sun served 30,000+ tourists on 15 roundtrips (4-day Cuba itinerary) during summer 2018 season, visiting Key West Florida and Havana (overnight). Following the successful first season, NCL Sun returned to Port Canaveral in April 2019 with Cuban itineraries.

IMPORTANT: On June 4, 2019, the US Government announced new regulations (economic sanctions) that ended group travel to Cuba, including via US-homeported cruise liners, effective immediately. The ban relates to "private and corporate aircraft, cruise ships, sailboats, fishing boats, and other similar aircraft and vessels". The US travel restrictions impacted hundreds of pre-scheduled itineraries, which were adjusted to no longer stop in Cuban seaports.

NCL's Cuban program was based on two Florida-homeported liners - Norwegian Sky (from Miami) and Norwegian Sun (from Port Canaveral). Following the US Gov's June 2019-issued ban on group travel to Cuba from the USA, NCL revised all its scheduled itineraries visiting Cuban seaports. All planned departures beyond September 2 (2019) were auto-canceled. Cuba-visiting itineraries prior to September 2nd were modified to exclude Havana and visit other Caribbean ports - including in Bahamas ( Great Stirrup Cay Island , Freeport , Nassau ) and Florida ( Key West )

According to the current Cuban law, US citizens of Cuban origin (born in Cuba) are not allowed to visit the island country (including on cruise vessels). Regardless of their US citizenship status, Cuba-born Americans were denied booking on itineraries visiting ports in Cuba. However, the situation changed in April 2016, after Carnival Corporation negotiated with the Cuban government for allowing ships with Cuban-born passengers, as such US citizens are allowed to visit the country on USA-Cuba charter flights. The Carnival-fathom line started Miami to Cuba voyages in May 2016.

Alaska Airlines offers regular nonstop flights to Havana from Los Angeles (California USA). An 80-min ling JetBlue flight from Fort Lauderdale (Florida) to Havana costs less than USD 100. Previously, air travel from the USA to Cuba was thought charter flights only.

Norwegian Cruise Line related cruise news

NCLH-Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings orders 8 new ships from Fincantieri

NCLH-Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has announced the commissioning of 8 vessels across its 3 brands, slated for delivery between 2026 and 2036...

Port Seattle starts 2024 Alaskan cruise season with Norwegian Bliss ship

The 2024 Alaskan season commenced on Saturday with the arrival of NCL's cruise ship Norwegian Bliss at Pier 66, marking the beginning of anticipated...

NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line announces cancellation of multiple 2025 sailings (7 ships)

NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line announced the cancellation of several voyages scheduled for 2025 across its fleet, citing necessary drydock maintenance...

8 NCL's Norwegian Dawn cruise passengers stranded on African island amid allegations of ship...

8 cruise tourists from the Norwegian Dawn ship found themselves stranded on Sao Tome Island (Sao Tome and Príncipe, central-west Africa...

Norwegian Cruise Line introduces 'NCL Connect' to empower travel agents

NCL/Norwegian Cruise Line has introduced 'NCL Connect', a co-branding and marketing solution aimed at enhancing the sales and marketing efforts of...

Search underway for 3 missing Colombians from Norwegian Sky cruise ship

The Department of Immigration and the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force are soliciting assistance from the public in locating three Colombian...

Norwegian Joy's refurbishment details/changes unveiled (SPA, Suites, Beach Club)

NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line has unveiled a series of enhancements aboard the Norwegian Joy following a 3-week drydock refurbishment project. Among the...

Cholera fears prompt Mauritius to refuse entry to NCL cruise ship Norwegian Dawn

Mauritius has declined permission for an NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line ship to dock at Port Louis, citing concerns about a potential illness outbreak (of...

Venice removed from NCL-Norwegian's 2024-2025 cruise itineraries due to regulatory measures

A leading cruise line has adjusted its itineraries for 2024 and 2025, omitting Venice City amidst the ongoing measures to regulate tourism. NCL...

NCL's ship Norwegian Joy completes a drydock refurbishment in Rotterdam

The NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line ship Norwegian Joy has concluded a 3-week dry dock at Damen Shiprepair Rotterdam/Holland, unveiling new...

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Norwegian Cruise Line

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line |

Find a Cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line

with a cruise advisor

Norwegian Cruise Line is known for its fun, laid-back ambiance and inventive "freestyle cruising" concept, which features no enforced dress codes, no fixed dining times, and a plethora of onboard entertainment and family-friendly activities. Norwegian's 19-ship fleet sails all over the world, with itineraries lasting anywhere from three to 21 days. The cruise line is also planning to add longer sailings, fewer sea days and more days in port in the winter 2024 and 2025 seasons and in the summer of 2025. Norwegian’s destinations include Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, South America, Africa and more.

During your voyage, you can catch live shows like "The Choir of Man," the award-winning musical “Six”  and “Beetlejuice: The Musical” on the line’s newest ship, Norwegian Viva.  Meanwhile, youngsters and teens can spend time at onboard aqua parks, race tracks, and kids clubs, and play virtual reality games at Galaxy Pavilion.

When it comes to dining, Norwegian's options are varied. The cruise line's Freestyle Dining program allows you to nosh in globally inspired eateries, such as a French-style bistro, a Brazilian Steakhouse and a Japanese teppanyaki restaurant. You can also choose to have your meals at a traditional cruise buffet or dine in a formal dining room. Notably, the main dining rooms don't feature fixed dining times or assigned seating. Guests on board the new Prima class ships, Norwegian Prima and Viva, will also find Indulge Food Hall. The complimentary internationally inspired venue features dishes from India, Italy and Latin America along with comfort food like hearty Texas barbeque.

Norwegian Cruise Line's ships are large mass-market ships, carrying between 1,936 and 4,266 passengers, but they also offer an element of luxury, especially in The Haven, the line’s ship-within-a-ship concept. While Norwegian's vessels can feel crowded in certain venues, such as the main pool deck and at the buffet restaurant, they maintain a ratio of approximately one staff member per every two or three passengers – even when ships are filled at double occupancy.

U.S. News Insider Tip: For time away from the kids and the crowds, look for adults-only or mostly adult venues (these vary by ship) like Vibe Beach Club, Spice H2O, Infinity Beach (Prima class ships) and Mandara Spa. If you book accommodations in The Haven (the line’s ship-within-a-ship concept), the Haven Sundeck is reserved for guests 16 and older. – Gwen Pratesi, Contributor

Pros & Cons

No fixed dress codes

Wide variety of onboard restaurants, entertainment and activities

Some ships offer stateroom options designed for solo travelers

Long lines may occur at dining venues and venues for evening entertainment

Some onboard activities are not included in cruise rates

Meals at specialty restaurants cost extra

• Expert Rating » 3.9
• Traveler Rating » 3.8
• Health Rating » 4.6

Norwegian Cruise Line has been ranked based on an expert evaluation of the line's level of luxury, as well as an assessment of user reviews and health ratings.

• # 4 in Best Cruise Lines for Families
• # 8 in Best Cruise Lines for the Money
• # 8 in Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean
• # 9 in Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean

Explore Photos

Norwegian Cruise Line Ships

Norwegian Joy

Norwegian Jewel

Norwegian Bliss

Norwegian Prima

Norwegian Encore

Norwegian Breakaway

Norwegian Escape

Norwegian Pearl

Norwegian Dawn

Norwegian Sky

Norwegian Jade

Norwegian Getaway

Norwegian Sun

Norwegian Spirit

Norwegian Viva

Pride of America

Norwegian Gem

Norwegian Star

Norwegian Epic

Before You Book

• Deposits for Norwegian cruises vary by cruise length and cabin category. Final payments for all cruises must be made 120 days prior to sailing.
• Cancellation policies vary greatly by room type, cruise length and timing. All requests for refunds must be made in writing to Norwegian Cruise Line. For more information about cancellation policies, visit  ncl.com . 
• Passengers with medical issues or special needs should notify Norwegian between 90 days (for those who need an interpreter) and 45 days prior to departure. Those with service dogs must notify the cruise line at least two weeks in advance. You can call 1-866-584-9756 or email [email protected] for more information.

Before You Board

• You must provide all necessary travel documents depending on the itinerary, including a passport valid for six months after the completion of your cruise or a government-issued photo ID coupled with a birth certificate, an original certificate of naturalization or an original U.S. citizenship certificate if you are visiting non-U.S. ports of call. If your port of call requires a visa, it is your responsibility to secure it beforehand. It’s important to know that even on a close-looped cruise (a cruise sailing roundtrip from a U.S. port) if you had to depart unexpectedly from a foreign port, you would need to have a passport. Refer to NCL’s website to make sure you have the proper documentation before booking your cruise.
• You must complete your online check-in at least three days prior to sailing to view and print your eDocs. The documents will no longer be available within 72 hours of your sailing. Vaccinations may be required for travel to certain international destinations. For updated information on required immunizations, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  and  World Health Organization . 
• You should arrive no earlier than one hour before your scheduled embarkation time and should board the ship at least two hours prior to your scheduled departure time (both times will be noted in your eDocs). You can complete your online check-in and reserve your port arrival time as early as 21 days prior to your sail date. Keep in mind that check-in must be completed prior to arriving at the terminal.
• Norwegian allows cruisers to bring up to two pieces of luggage on board. Suitcases may not exceed 50 pounds each. Be sure to have luggage tags attached that are clearly marked with your name, address and contact information.
• You can pre-request shore excursions up to six months in advance of your scheduled sail date on Norwegian Cruise Line's website or by calling 1-866-625-1167.
• You can make reservations at specialty restaurants on Norwegian's website starting 90 days before you board.

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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Norwegian Cruise Ships by Size, Age and Class (Updated 2022)

Norwegian Cruise Line has an active fleet of seventeen ships with a further two ships due in 2022-23 ( Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva ) plus, a further four more ships due between 2024-27.

The fleet is primarily based in the United States and sails frequently from the ports of Miami and Port Canaveral. However, they do also sail from New York.

Additional sailings take place throughout Europe, including Southampton.

In this guide, we will cover all the different ships in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet and how they compare to each other.

Introduction to Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line or NCL as it is more commonly known amongst cruisers started off back in 1966. However, it didn’t actually cruise from Norway originally!

It was founded by two men, Knut Kloster and perhaps more famously known now, Ted Arison (of Carnival Cruise Line ).

Their first vessel Sunward , a modified car ferry which also provided passenger services operated between the ports of Southampton and Gibraltar. It wasn’t long after that that Ted Arison left to found Carnival Cruise Line and Knut Kloster grew Norwegian Cruise Line to what it is today.

It wasn’t until 1971 that Norwegian Cruise Line had its first custom-built cruise ship, Starward delivered into service. Like the original Sunward the two ships also had car-carrying capacity, albeit via a well-concealed stern (rear) door system.

Fast forward to 2000 and NCL was sold to Star Cruises (a subsidiary of Genting Hong Kong) – this lasted until 2007 when Star Cruises sold 50% to an investment management company ( Apollo Management ) and then in 2013 the company reorganized again to become Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.

Since 2013, the company has acquired two further cruise brands ( Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises ) and continues to grow the NCL fleet with several new builds announced for the current decade.

Norwegian Cruise Line Frequently Asked Questions

Is norwegian cruise line going to survive.

Whilst NCL has been one of the slowest to return to service (with Norwegian Getaway still not due back in service until November 2022) the cruise line has taken on additional debt to manage the day-to-day operations of the company and therefore it is more than likely to stay around!

What is the largest Norwegian Cruise Line ship?

Norwegian Encore is currently the largest NCL ship at 169,116 GRT and able to carry 3,998 passengers.

What is the smallest Norwegian Cruise Line ship?

The smallest NCL ship is Norwegian Spirit at 75,904 GRT and able to carry 2,018 passengers – half of the largest ships in the fleet.

Which Norwegian Cruise Line ship is the newest?

Norwegian Prima will be the newest ship to join the fleet in August 2022.

Which Norwegian Cruise Line ship is the oldest?

Norwegian Spirit is the oldest ship in the fleet. Which entered service in 1998 and was last refurbished in 2020.

Is Norwegian Cruise Line owned by Royal Caribbean?

No. It is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. They also own luxury brands Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Norwegian Cruise Line Ships by Size (from largest to smallest)

What does ‘tonnage (grt)’ mean.

GRT (Gross Registered Tonnage) is a term used to calculate the volume inside a ship. It is a measure of cubic capacity and is calculated by the total volume from inside the hull and decks of the ship. 1 GRT = 100 cubic feet of space. In essence, the bigger the GRT – the more ‘space’ the ship has for passengers, cargo, etc.

How are ‘Passengers (Max)’ calculated?

You’ll see multiple numbers for passengers on ships – this is because many ships include extra beds in cabins (such as the sofa/couch can convert to a pull-out bed) – but the majority of cabins usually have 2 people in them. the ‘Max’ number is if every cabin used their additional pull-out bed, etc. This number is unlikely to be reached very frequently.

Norwegian Cruise Line Ships by Age (from newest to oldest)

Are all norwegian cruise ships new builds.

Actually, NCL has possibly one of the most complicated fleets as a good majority of their ships are fairly old (compared to some of the other cruise lines).

Norwegian Sky for example was originally constructed as Costa Olympia , but was actually sold during construction to NCL and sailed as Pride of Aloha from 2004-2008.

Both Norwegian Star and Norwegian Dawn were both originally ordered for Star Cruises ( Superstar Libra and Superstar Scorpio respectively) but ended up being transferred to NCL before they launched.

Norwegian Spirit was built as SuperStar Leo for Star Cruises and sailed with them from 1998 until 2004 when she transferred to NCL and was renamed.

Norwegian Jade was previously named Pride of Hawaii for NCL America. She entered service in 2006 and was transferred to NCL, renamed and has been sailing for them since 2008.

Norwegian Cruise Line Ships by Class (from newest to oldest)

Final thoughts.

Norwegian Cruise Line is a large cruise line in the industry, but has been overtaken by many others ( Carnival Cruise Line , Royal Caribbean to name just two) – however, NCL has been groundbreaking when it comes to bringing new ideas to the cruise industry.

They were the first to offer a more casual-relaxed dining approach, with any-time dining instead of the traditional two-set timed dining system that other lines previously (and still) use.

Thanks to the SS Norway (which NCL acquired in 1979 – then named France ), Norwegian rebuilt the liner as a cruise ship and added vast amounts of extra space for entertaining cruise passengers – something that set the boom in large cruise ships in the industry going.

These days, Norwegian is a very popular cruise line that still brings out a number of ‘firsts’ over other lines (such as Go-Karting at sea), and whilst their fleet is on the slightly older side, they will have some much newer and larger vessels being delivered over the next few years.

Enjoy this guide? Read our other comparison guides on Carnival Cruise Line , Holland America Line and MSC Cruises .

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List of NCL (Norwegian Cruise Line) ships by age, size & dates

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) offers amazing cruises in Alaska, Hawaii, Bahamas, Europe and the Caribbean. Norwegian Star is sailing from Southampton in 2020 and Norwegian Epic sails around the Mediterranean.

NCL ships are sizeable, with plenty of space for families. The facilities on board include everything from pleasant accommodation to a variety of lounges, bars and casinos. There is the luxury of full spas, as well as gyms (fitness centres), water parks and excellent shopping.

There are plenty of activities available or relax at one of their shows. NCL offers Freestyle Dining, which means that you can opt to eat whenever you wish - no fixed time.

ON THIS PAGE WE ARE LISTING THE SHIPS:

• In alphabetical order
• From newest to oldest (year built)
• With The Haven

NCL Ships by alphabetical order

Norwegian bliss.

One of NCL's newer ships, the Norwegian Bliss was designed for the breathtaking sights of both Alaska and The Caribbean. Take in your slice of heaven in the Observation Lounge at the front of the ship. Choose from two Broadway shows or have a giggle with the comedians in the Social Comedy Club, before dancing the night away with the DJs.

Launched : 2018 | Occupancy: 4,004

NORWEGIAN BREAKAWAY

As with all of NCL's ships, Norwegian Breakaway offers everything travellers would expect to have on-board to have a fantastic cruise holiday. There are 9 complimentary dining options and over 16 more speciality restaurants. There are 3 sensational theatre shows to choose from or rock out at Syd Norman's Pour House with live rock 'n' roll performances.

Launched: 2012 | Occupancy: 4,028

NORWEGIAN DAWN

Having undergone a major overhaul in 2016, Norwegian Dawn has a similar feel to being on a yacht. The sleek lines and quality finishes provide the traveler with a luxury feel, without compromising on comfort. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon wine tasting in The Cellars wine bar or taking your chances with Lady Luck in the Dawn Club casino. Blackjack anyone?

Refurbished: 2016 | Occupancy: 4,080

NORWEGIAN ENCORE

This beauty of a ship offers amazing views with floor-to-ceiling windows in the Horizon Lounge and the District Brew House. Take a stroll along The Waterfront promenade, stopping for a bite to eat or a sundowner cocktail. Kick things up a gear with a race on the Speedway or relax poolside while the kids play in the Aquapark.

Launched: 2019 | Occupancy: 3,998

NORWEGIAN EPIC

There will be no opportunity for boredom with the outstanding entertainment on the Norwegian Epic. There are shows like Priscilla Queen of the Desert, based on the movie of the same name, and Burn the Floor - a ballroom extravaganza. Have an intriguing family night spent solving clues to break the spell at Escape the Big Top.

Refurbished: 2015 | Occupancy: 4,100

NORWEGIAN ESCAPE

As one of the newer NCL ships, Norwegian Escape was designed to help you escape from the everyday and be immersed in the "on-board" experience. Indulge in Latin-inspired cuisine at Bayamo seafood restaurant or share delicious food with friends and family at Pinchos Tapas Bar, both of these eateries brought to you by Iron Chef Jose Garces.

Launched: 2015 | Occupancy: 4,248

NORWEGIAN GEM

This gem of a ship is the ideal option for cruises to Bermuda, the Caribbean or to discover the beauty of Canada and New England from her decks. Departures are from New York or Boston, as well as the option to cruise one-way between Boston and Quebec (or vice versa).

Refurbished: 2015 | Occupancy: 2,466

NORWEGIAN GETAWAY

With a wide range of staterooms on offer, Norwegian Getaway caters to everyone from the solo traveler to those craving indulgences with spa staterooms, not forgetting families with roomy two-bedroom family suites. Get your adrenaline rushing with five water slides or sweat it out on one of the three levels of activities in the Sports Complex.

Launched: 2014 | Occupancy: 4,028

NORWEGIAN JADE

Norwegian Jade has gone through substantial upgrades, meaning new enhancements to make your journey that much more enjoyable. Pull in at the Pit Stop - a great new way to combine fun and food at the side of the pool. Get clubbing in the brand new Bliss Ultra Lounge - the hottest dance spot on the ship!

Refurbished: 2017 | Occupancy: 2,402

NORWEGIAN JEWEL

As the namesake of the Jewel-Class cruise ships, you can bet Norwegian Jewel’s got it all. As well as offering some of the largest Suites & Villas at sea, there are staterooms to accommodate everyone’s need and budget. When it comes to food and entertainment, this ship´s filled with excitement: 18 dining choices, 13 bars and lounges and that`s just the beginning.

Refurbished: 2014 | Occupancy: 2,466

NORWEGIAN JOY

Celebrate Alaska aboard the Norwegian Joy, discover the beauty of the Mexican Riviera or marvel at the engineering behind the Panama Canal with this vessel's different itineraries. Indulge in a different dining experience every night with 8 speciality restaurants available - from seafood to French cuisine to Sushi and more.

Launched: 2018 | Occupancy: 4,004

NORWEGIAN PEARL

Whether cruising through the Panama Canal, exploring the breezy islands of the Caribbean, or discovering parts of Europe, the Norwegian Pearl is the best way to get there. Book a 3-bedroom garden villa for the ultimate luxurious experience.

Refurbished: 2017 | Occupancy: 2,846

NORWEGIAN PRIMA

Norwegian Prima, is set to debut in 2022. The ship is designed with world-class accommodations and a wealth of suite options, as well as a bigger and better go-karting track than anything cruisers have ever seen before. Prima is also set to be the most spacious new cruise ship at sea, with expansive outdoor deck spaces, an infinity pool designed to blend into the ocean and outdoor firepits.

Debut: 2022 | Occupancy: 3,950

NORWEGIAN SKY

Offering 3 or 4 days cruises to the Bahamas, the newly renovated Norwegian Sky will transport you in style to your destination. Featuring a full day at NCL's private island idyll, Great Stirrup Cay, you have the option to go snorkeling with turtles and a wide variety of exotic tropical fish in the azure-blue waters. Or perhaps you prefer to catch a tan on the white sand beaches.

Refurbished: 2019 | Occupancy: 2,450

NORWEGIAN SPIRIT

Norwegian Spirit has been completely overhauled with brand new designs, all aimed at the adult cruiser! This costly renovation offers a new-look ship with every stateroom modernized, each bar and lounge changed, not forgetting even more high-end dining experiences such as the elegant Italian restaurant Onda by Scarpetta. As of December 2021, the ship will be paying its inaugural visit to Australia and New Zealand.

Refurbished: 2020 | Occupancy: 2,018

NORWEGIAN STAR

Explore the Mexican Riviera from aboard the Norwegian Star. Refurbished in 2018, she has plenty to keep you occupied, day and night. From 17 different restaurants to opulent theatre productions, hot tubs to a spacious spa, casino to sports court, there are endless options from which to choose.

Refurbished: 2018 | Occupancy: 4,080

NORWEGIAN SUN

Whether you are cruising to the Bahamas, sipping cocktails in the Caribbean, being awed by the locks of the famous Panama Canal, or viewing the jaw-dropping beauty of Alaska, the Norwegian Sun has everything to satisfy the needs of any aspirational world traveler.

Refurbished: 2018 | Occupancy: 2,400

NORWEGIAN VIVA

Norwegian Viva is set to debut in 2023, and will feature a variety of world-first offerings and amenities. The ship will have more than 43,000 square feet of outdoor space, as well as an infinity pool and the Indulge Food Hall, which will include a dozen restaurants. Norwegian Viva is sure to be a luxurious and exciting experience for cruise travellers.

Debut: 2023 | Occupancy: 3,950

PRIDE OF AMERICA

If you are looking for the best way to explore Hawaii year round, then look no further. Pride of America embraces the local cuisine with special dishes such as the Pineapple Beurre Blanc with the freshest seafood. There are ample bars and lounges where you can sit back, sip on a tropical cocktail and soak up views of Kilauea Volcano and the Na Pali Coast.

Refurbished: 2016 | Occupancy: 2,440

Which is NCL's newest cruise ship?

Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship is the incredible Norwegian Prima. Currently, under construction in Italy, this brand new vessel will set sail on her maiden voyage in August 2022. She’s the first of six new Prima-class cruise ships to be built for NCL, and she’s sure to impress with her innovative design and luxurious amenities.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s oldest ship is the fabulous Norwegian Spirit. Launched back in 1998, she was recently refurbished with a $100 million refit that saw the addition of 14 new venues including an additional main dining room and an expanded Spa. So if you’re looking for a classic NCL cruise, the Spirit is definitely the ship for you!

*the last time the ship was in dry dock

NCL Cruise Ships by size

Norwegian Cruise Line's biggest ship is the Norwegian Encore with a gross tonnage of 169,116 GT. This Breakaway Plus-class ship has 20 decks, of which 16 are accessible to guests and a length of 333 meters. With its sister ship, the Norwegian Bliss, the Encore can accommodate the most amount of passengers with 4,903 if every available bed are occupied. The smallest Norwegian Cruise Line ship is the Norwegian Spirit with a gross tonnage of 75,904 GT. This ship has 13 decks, of which 7 have cabins. The ship is 284m long with a beam of 37m.

Norwegian Cruise Line Ships by class

The current NCL fleet of 17 ships, will increase to 19 cruise ships once the two new Prima-class vessels have joined (Prima in August 2022 & the Viva in 2023).

Prima Class The first vessel in the class, Norwegian Prima, is due to be launched in August 2022. With a maximum capacity of 3,950 guests, it will be the most spacious new cruise ship at sea. Features include expansive outdoor deck spaces, an infinity pool designed to blend into the ocean, outdoor firepits and a glass bridge walkway. The second ship in the class, Viva, is due to be launched in 2023.

Breakaway Plus Class Ships The Breakaway Plus class ships were launched between 2015 and 2019. The class currently has four ships: Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Escape. All of the Breakaway Plus-class cruise ships are over 168,000 GT and can accommodate more than 4,000 guests. These vessels offer more than 20 dining options, including several new speciality restaurants.

Breakaway Class ships The Breakaway-class vessels are slightly smaller than their Breakaway Plus counterparts but offer a similar range of features and amenities. The class includes two ships: Norwegian Getaway (launched in 2014) and Norwegian Breakaway (launched in 2013). Both have a capacity of approximately 4,819 guests.

Jewel Class ship The Jewel-class vessels were launched with Norwegian Jewel in 2005. These ships offer a great mix of a large number of amenities with a smaller ship size, making them more intimate and personal. The Jewel class includes four ships: Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Gem. All have a maximum capacity of approximately 2,800 guests.

Dawn Class ships The first Dawn-class ship was launched in 2001 with the introduction of Norwegian Dawn. The class currently includes two ships: Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Star. The Dawn-class vessels are similar in size to the Jewel-class ships but offer a different range of features and amenities.

Sun Class ship The Sun-class vessels were launched in 1999 and are the oldest class in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet. The class currently includes two ships: Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun. Both vessels have a maximum capacity of approximately 2,400 guests.

Epic Class The Epic-class is currently represented by just one ship: Norwegian Epic. Launched in 2010, it is the most expensive NCL ship ever built, costing 1.2 billion dollars. It has a maximum capacity of 4,100 guests and offers a range of unique features not found on any other NCL vessel.

Unclassed ships The Norwegian Spirit is part of the unclassed ships, however as it was originally built for Star Cruises as SuperStar Leo, we can add it into the Lea Class. The Pride of America sails all year around the Hawaiian islands. As she doesn't have any other ports nearby to add a non-American port to her itinerary, she is the only US-flagged NCL cruise ship.

Which NCL ships have The Haven?

Norwegian Cruise Line's Haven is an exclusive VIP area with the most luxurious accommodation, butler service and an exclusive sundeck.

The Haven allows passengers to enjoy everything from a private bar and lounge to a custom restaurant, secluded sun deck and calm courtyard, without ever leaving the suite complex. The exclusive sun deck is typically at the very top of the ship and forward, meaning it's the perfect place to sunbathe in peace or have a drink while you sail into a new port. You don't even have to leave for meals because The Haven has its own restaurant.

It's available on all cruise ships except for Norwegian Sun, Norwegian Sky, Norwegian Spirit and Pride of America.

The Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings LTD. owns Norwegian Cruise Line; Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

There is no strict dress code on the Norwegian Cruise Line, but in the evening, depending on where you dine, the dress code is either casual or smart casual. So, pack some nicer clothes if you're looking to dress up, but feel free to wear whatever you feel most comfortable in as well.

Norwegian Cruise Line does not allow pets onboard the ship with the exception of service animals. If you are traveling with a service animal, you must notify Norwegian Cruise Line in advance and provide documentation from a qualified professional verifying that the animal is a trained service animal.

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Norwegian Cruise Line Fleet

The list of ncl cruise line’s ships.

Currently, the NCL cruise line’s fleet consists of 19 ships . The newest cruise ship is Norwegian Viva , whereas the oldest one is represented by Norwegian Spirit . She was built in 1998

Class: Prima

Norwegian Viva

Gross Tonnage 142,500 gt

Norwegian Prima

Class: Breakaway Plus

Norwegian Encore

Gross Tonnage 169,145 gt

Norwegian Bliss

Gross Tonnage 167,800 gt

Norwegian Joy

Norwegian Escape

Gross Tonnage 164,600 gt

Class: Breakaway

Norwegian Getaway

Gross Tonnage 146,600 gt

Norwegian Breakaway

Gross Tonnage 144,017 gt

Class: Epic

Norwegian Epic

Gross Tonnage 153,000 gt

Class: Jewel

Norwegian Gem

Gross Tonnage 93,530 gt

Norwegian Pearl

Norwegian Jade

Gross Tonnage 93,558 gt

Norwegian Jewel

Gross Tonnage 93,502 gt

Class: America

Pride of America

Gross Tonnage 81,000 gt

Class: Dawn

Norwegian Dawn

Gross Tonnage 92,250 gt

Norwegian Star

Gross Tonnage 91,740 gt

Norwegian Sun

Gross Tonnage 78,309 gt

Norwegian Sky

Gross Tonnage 77,104 gt

Class: Other

Norwegian Spirit

Gross Tonnage 75,338 gt

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AWARD-WINNING CRUISE SHIPS

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When you sail with Norwegian Cruise Line, you are cruising on the most innovative and accommodating fleet on the high seas. Our award-winning fleet was built for Freestyle, designed to give you freedom and flexibility. Choose your ship, choose your destination and step on board for the perfect holiday.

Explore Our Ships

Norwegian Aqua

Prima class.

• DESTINATIONS
• Northern Europe
• Ship 156,300 Gross Register Tonnage
• Guest 3,571 Guest Capacity double occupancy
• Year 2025 Year Built

Norwegian Bliss

Breakaway plus class.

• Transatlantic
• Panama Canal
• Extraordinary Journeys
• Ship 168,028 Gross Register Tonnage
• Guest 4,004 Guest Capacity double occupancy
• Year 2021 Refurbished Year Built 2018

Norwegian Breakaway

Breakaway class.

• Mediterranean
• Canada & New England
• Ship 145,655 Gross Register Tonnage
• Guest 3,963 Guest Capacity double occupancy
• Year 2020 Refurbished Year Built 2013

Norwegian Dawn

• Greek Isles
• Ship 92,250 Gross Register Tonnage
• Guest 2,340 Guest Capacity double occupancy
• Year 2021 Refurbished Year Built 2002

Norwegian Encore

• Ship 169,116 Gross Register Tonnage
• Guest 3,998 Guest Capacity double occupancy
• Year 2019 Year Built

Norwegian Epic

• Ship 155,873 Gross Register Tonnage
• Guest 4,100 Guest Capacity double occupancy
• Year 2020 Refurbished Year Built 2010

Norwegian Escape

• Ship 164,998 Gross Register Tonnage
• Guest 4,266 Guest Capacity double occupancy
• Year 2022 Refurbished Year Built 2015

Norwegian Gem

Jewel class.

• Ship 93,530 Gross Register Tonnage
• Guest 2,394 Guest Capacity double occupancy
• Year 2022 Refurbished Year Built 2007

Norwegian Getaway

• Year 2020 Refurbished Year Built 2014

Norwegian Jade

• South America
• Pacific Coastal
• Ship 93,558 Gross Register Tonnage
• Guest 2,402 Guest Capacity double occupancy
• Year 2022 Refurbished Year Built 2006

Norwegian Jewel

• Ship 93,502 Gross Register Tonnage
• Guest 2,376 Guest Capacity double occupancy
• Year 2022 Refurbished Year Built 2005

Norwegian Joy

• Ship 167,725 Gross Register Tonnage
• Guest 3,776 Guest Capacity double occupancy
• Year 2024 Refurbished Year Built 2017

Norwegian Pearl

• Year 2021 Refurbished Year Built 2006

Norwegian Prima

• Ship 143,535 Gross Register Tonnage
• Guest 3,099 Guest Capacity double occupancy
• Year 2022 Year Built

Norwegian Sky

• Ship 77,104 Gross Register Tonnage
• Guest 2,004 Guest Capacity double occupancy
• Year 2022 Refurbished Year Built 1999

Norwegian Spirit

• Australia & New Zealand
• Ship 75,904 Gross Register Tonnage
• Guest 2,032 Guest Capacity double occupancy
• Year 2022 Refurbished Year Built 1998

Norwegian Star

• Ship 91,740 Gross Register Tonnage
• Guest 2,348 Guest Capacity double occupancy
• Year 2021 Refurbished Year Built 2001

Norwegian Sun

• South Pacific
• Ship 78,309 Gross Register Tonnage
• Guest 1,936 Guest Capacity double occupancy

Norwegian Viva

• Ship 142,500 Gross Register Tonnage
• Year 2023 Year Built

Pride of America

• Ship 80,439 Gross Register Tonnage
• Guest 2,186 Guest Capacity double occupancy

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Norwegian Cruise Line currently has 19 cruise ships in service. Established in 1966 with its headquarters in Miami, FL, Norwegian Cruise Line has been an industry innovator. With its “First Fleet of the Caribbean” with four dedicated ships sailing in 1971.

It’s no wonder this trend-setting cruise line now carries over 2.2 million guests annually.

Norwegian Cruise Line was also the first cruise line to have a private island experience starting back in 1977, with it’s purchase of Great Stirrup Caye in the Bahamas .

List of Norwegian Cruise Ships By Age With Photos

Recently, the cruise line has been known for its beautiful hull artwork, multi-level go-cart race tracks at sea, and more. We hope you enjoy our comprehensive list of Norwegian  cruise ships by age listed newest to oldest.

Norwegian Viva – 2023

Norwegian Viva is Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship in the fleet, the second ship in the popular Prima Class, and sister to Norwegian Prima. She is 142,500 GRTs and carries 3,100 passengers (based on two per cabin).

Norwegian Prima – 2022

Norwegian Prima is the first ship in the innovative and popular  Prima Class , and sister to  Norwegian Viva . She is 142,500 GRTs and carries 3,100 passengers (based on two per cabin).

Norwegian Encore – 2019

Norwegian Encore is currently the largest Norwegian Cruise Line fleet ship at 169,116 GRTs. She carries 3,998 passengers (based on two per cabin) and is the last ship built in fan favorite Breakaway Plus Class .

Norwegian Bliss – 2018

Norwegian Bliss is the third ship in the Breakaway Plus Class . She is 168,028 GRTs and carries 4,004 passengers (based on two per cabin).

Norwegian Joy – 2017

Norwegian Joy is the second ship in the Breakaway Plus Class . She is 167,725 GRTs and carries 3,804 passengers (based on two per cabin).

Norwegian Escape – 2015

Norwegian Escape is the first ship in the Breakaway Plus Class . She is 165,157 GRTs and carries 4,266 passengers (based on two per cabin). Renowned marine artist Guy Harvey completed the ship’s hull artwork.

Norwegian Getaway – 2014

Norwegian Getaway is the second ship in the Breakaway Class . She is 145,655 GRTs and carries 3,963 passengers (based on two per cabin). The ship’s mural on the hull was designed by David “LEBO” Le Batard. Known as  Lebo in the artworld, he is recognized for working in a wide spectrum of creative mediums including murals, paintings & sculptures.

Norwegian Breakaway – 2013

Norwegian Breakaway is the first ship in the Breakaway Class . She is 145,655 GRTs and carries 3,963 passengers (based on two per cabin). The hull artwork was completed by artist, Peter Max.

Norwegian Epic – 2010

Norwegian Epic is 155,873 GRTs and carries 4,100 passengers (based on two per cabin). Norwegian Epic was originally one of three ship’s to be ordered. A dispute ultimately resulted in only one ship in the Epic Class being delivered. When built Norwegian Epic was the third largest cruise ship in the world in June of 2010.

Norwegian Gem – 2007

Norwegian Gem is the final ship in the Jewel Class . She is 93,530 GRTs and carries 2,394 passengers (based on two per cabin). She was delivered to Norwegian Cruise Line on October 1, 2007 and received a major refurbishment in 2015.

Norwegian Pearl – 2006

Norwegian Pearl is the third ship in the Jewel Class . She is 93,530 GRTs and carries 2,394 passengers (based on two per cabin). She began service in 2006 and received a major refurbishment in 2017.

Norwegian Jade – 2006

Norwegian Jade is the second ship in the Jewel Class . She is 93,558 GRTs and carries 2,402 passengers (based on two per cabin). She was originally built as  Pride of Hawaii  for their NCL America division. Norwegian Jade  was also used as a floating hotel during the  2014 Winter Olympics  in Sochi.

Norwegian Jewel – 2005

Norwegian Jewel is the first ship in the Jewel Class . She is 93,502 GRTs and carries 2,376 passengers (based on two per cabin). The ship’s Godmother is former First Lady, Melania Trump. She launched in 2005 and received a major refurbishment in 2018.

Pride of America – 2005

Pride of America is the only ship in the Pride of America Class . She is 80,439 GRTs and carries 2,186 passengers (based on two per cabin). The initial construction of the vessel began in 2000 in the United States as part of a plan for a US-built and US-flagged cruise ship under Project America. Still, the project failed and she was eventually purchased by Norwegian Cruise Lines and completed in Germany.

Pride of America was inaugurated in 2005 and was the first new U.S. flagged, deep-water vessel cruise ship in nearly fifty years since the  SS  Argentina  of 1958. The Godmother, is a former U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.

Norwegian Dawn – 2002

Norwegian Dawn is the second ship in the Dawn Class and is the sister of Norwegian Star. She is 92,250 GRTs and carries 2,340 passengers (based on two per cabin). She was originally intended to operate with  Star Cruises  under the name  SuperStar Scorpio , but it was later decided that she would be delivered to  Star’s  then subsidiary,  Norwegian Cruise Line  as the Norwegian Dawn in December 2002. Her Godmother is actress Kim Cattrall.

Norwegian Star – 2001

Norwegian Star is the first ship in the Dawn Class and is the sister of Norwegian Dawn. She is 91,740 GRTs and carries 2,348 passengers (based on two per cabin). The ship was originally ordered by and intended for  Star Cruises , it was originally named  SuperStar Libra  before being transferred to Star’s then subsidiary, Norwegian Cruise Line.

Norwegian Sun – 2001

Norwegian Sun is the second ship in the Sun Class and is the sister of Norwegian Sky. She is 78,309 GRTs and carries 1,936 passengers (based on two per cabin).

Norwegian Sky – 1999

Norwegian Sky is the first ship in the Sun Class and is the sister of Norwegian Sun. She is 77,104 GRTs and carries 2,004 passengers (based on two per cabin).  She sailed from 2004 and 2008, as  Pride of Aloha  for  NCL America .

Norwegian Spirit – 1998

Norwegian Spirit is the only ship in the Leo Class . She is 75,904 GRTs and carries 2,018 passengers (based on two per cabin). She was built in 1998 for  Star Cruises  as  SuperStar Leo  by the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. In 2004 she was transferred to NCL and renamed  Norwegian Spirit.

List of Norwegian Cruise Ships Newest to Oldest

The many different classes of norwegian ships.

Norwegian Cruise Line currently has six different classes of cruise ships with three other ships being their own individual class. Each class of ship is a unique architectural design and has it’s own unique layout and features. Most ships in a particular class have an almost identical layout with some minor changes.

The table below shows the Norwegian Cruise Line ship classes .

Norwegian Cruise Ships on order

Faq on norwegian cruise line, what is the newest norwegian cruise line ship.

The newest Norwegian Cruise Line ship is Norwegian Viva . She is the second ship in the lines’ new Prima Class .

What is the newest class of Norwegian Cruise Line ship?

The newest class of Norwegian Cruise Line ship is the Prima Class. The first ship in this class is the Norwegian Prima, which was launched in 2022. The Prima Class ships feature innovative designs, modern amenities, and unique experiences for passengers.

What is the oldest Norwegian Cruise Line ship?

The oldest Norwegian Cruise Line ship is the Norwegian Spirit. It was launched in 1998 and is part of the Leo Class of ships.

Which Norwegian ship is the biggest in the fleet?

Norwegian Cruise Line’s biggest ship is the Norwegian Encore at 169,116 GRTs and the capacity for 3,998 guests at double occupancy. The Norwegian Encore debuted in 2019. While not Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, she is packed with fan favorites and has become one of the brand’s most popular ships in the fleet.

Which Norwegian cruise ships have a racetrack and go carts?

The Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Encore all have a speedway and go-carts.

These ships feature a unique attraction called “Norwegian Speedway, go-kart,” which allows guests to experience high-speed go kart racing at sea.

Do Norwegian cruise ships have hair dryers in the rooms?

Yes, Norwegian cruise ships do have hair dryers in the rooms for guests’ convenience. Hair dryers are typically provided in the cabins.

Do any Norwegian ships have laundry facilities?

Yes, Norwegian Cruise Line ships do have onboard laundry facilities. Guests can take advantage of self-service laundromats conveniently located on the ships. The laundry facilities are equipped with washers, dryers, and ironing boards for guests to use during their voyage. This allows guests the convenience of laundering their clothes while on their cruise , ensuring a fresh and clean wardrobe throughout their trip.

Do Norwegian ships have casinos?

Yes, Norwegian Cruise Line ships have casinos onboard. The casinos offer a variety of games such as slot machines, blackjack, poker, roulette, and more. Guests can enjoy the excitement of gambling and try their luck while sailing to different destinations. Please note that access to the casino is restricted to passengers who are at least 18 years old or the legal age to gamble in the cruising region, whichever is higher.

Who owns Norwegian cruise line?

Norwegian Cruise Line is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.

Which cruise ships have the Haven?

The Haven is available on  Norwegian Escape ,  Norwegian Getaway ,  Norwegian Breakaway ,  Norwegian Bliss , and  Norwegian Epic .

The Haven is a luxurious ship-within-a-ship concept offered by Norwegian Cruise Line. It provides exclusive accommodations , amenities, and access to various private areas for Haven guests. The following Norwegian Cruise Line ships have the Haven.

Take a 360 Virtual Tour of  The Haven’s Spa Suite with Balcony  on Norwegian Escape (requires Adobe Flash Player).

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The 9 classes of Norwegian Cruise Line ships, explained

Some cruise lines — Viking , for instance — have fleets where many of the ships have the same basic design. Norwegian Cruise Line is not one of them.

If you're thinking of booking a Norwegian cruise, an important thing to know is that there is a wide variation in the size and style of the vessels in the line's fleet.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Four of Norwegian's 19 ships — Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Encore — are among the 30 biggest ships in the world. As such, they're loaded with huge numbers of cabins, restaurants, bars, showrooms and deck-top amusements.

They are, in a nutshell, floating megaresorts .

The line also operates smaller vessels that barely crack the top 100 list of biggest cruise ships. These ships generally have fewer venues and attractions than the bigger ships. However, they still offer a lot for cruisers. Norwegian is a line known for packing oodles of restaurants, bars and entertainment on its vessels — even its smaller ones.

The good news for those of you trying to get a handle on all the options within the Norwegian fleet is that the line's 19 ships can be bunched into just eight groups of vessels with similar amenities. If you know one member of the group, you know them all.

Each of these groups — known as "classes" in cruise industry lingo — is made up of ships that were constructed around the same time in the same basic design.

Related: Everything to know about cabins and suites on Norwegian ships

An introduction to Norwegian Cruise Line ships

Smaller only than Royal Caribbean , Carnival Cruise Line and MSC Cruises , Norwegian has become increasingly known for some of the biggest, most amenity-filled vessels at sea. As mentioned above, though, the line doesn't just operate giant ships. More than half its fleet comprises vessels that, by today's standards, are considered almost midsize.

Indeed, Norwegian is essentially two cruise lines in one. The line's nine newest ships are big, bustling floating megaresorts that can carry upward of 3,000 to 4,000 passengers at double occupancy (even more with every berth filled). At around 144,000 to nearly 170,000 tons, all nine currently rank among the 50 biggest cruise ships in the world (although their rankings will shift downward as more big ships debut).

Norwegian's 10 older ships, by contrast, are much more modest in size, measuring around 75,000 to 94,000 tons and carrying closer to 2,000 passengers at double occupancy.

Norwegian thus appeals both to cruisers who like a giant resort vibe and those who prefer a resort experience that is more modest. The key, depending on your tastes, is getting on the right ship in the fleet for you.

On the big-ship end of the spectrum, Norwegian's four new Breakaway Plus vessels — Norwegian Encore , Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Escape — are the line's premier offerings.

One step down in size from the Breakaway Plus ships are the still-quite-large Breakaway-class ships — Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway — and the one-of-a-kind Norwegian Epic.

The smallest of the line's big ships are the recently unveiled Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Prima. They are the first two of a new series of six vessels that will transform the brand. Measuring about 143,500 tons a piece, these two new ships are about 17% smaller than Norwegian's biggest vessels.

Norwegian's 10 smaller vessels break down into five classes, though many are roughly the same size and offer similar amenities.

Prima class

Ships in class: Norwegian Prima (2022), Norwegian Viva (2023).

Size: 143,535 tons.

The Prima class of ships is the latest and greatest at Norwegian Cruise Line — the vessels that every NCL fan wants to book.

Only two ships in the series (Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Prima ) are currently in operation. Four more sister vessels are on order for delivery by 2027.

Under development since 2017, these ships mark Norwegian's first new class of vessel in more than a decade. At 143,535 tons, they are notably smaller than the ships the line has been adding in recent years — a factor that will give them access to smaller ports around the world.

That said, Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Prima and their coming sisters still are relatively big ships that pack a lot of over-the-top amenities. Both Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Prima have ridiculously big go-kart tracks spread over three decks (a cruise industry first). The ships also boast The Drop, a 10-story dry slide that the line says provides more G-force than an accelerating Formula One race car.

Additionally, the vessels each are home to a three-deck theater that converts into a Las Vegas-style nightclub, along with a list of interactive, real-life game shows, including at-sea versions of "The Price Is Right," "Supermarket Sweep," "Press Your Luck" and "Beat the Clock."

Related: I've been on nearly every Norwegian ship afloat; here are my first impressions of Norwegian Prima

Still, the new Prima class is about more than flashy entertainment and activities. It marks a more upscale turn for the line. Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Prima offer the largest variety of suite categories (13) for a large ocean ship, the largest three-bedroom suites of any new cruise vessel and the brand's largest-ever inside, ocean-view and balcony cabins.

The entire back of each of the ships is dedicated to an upscale, "ship-within-a-ship" private suite area called The Haven that rises eight decks high and includes 107 suites, a sprawling private indoor lounge area, private outdoor lounge and pool areas, and a private restaurant. Other vessels feature The Haven areas, but none as big as this one.

In addition, the public areas of Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Prima feel more spacious than many of the other 17 ships in the Norwegian fleet. And, indeed, they are. The Prima-class ships are being built with a higher ratio of space to passengers, which itself is an upscale touch.

Norwegian Cruise Line also says the Prima-class vessels offer the most outdoor deck space of any new cruise ship — including more total pool deck space than any other ships in the brand's fleet.

Note that the last four ships in the Prima-class series, due to debut between 2025 and 2027, are being redesigned to be bigger than the first two ships in the series.

Related: 11 venues, 32 dishes, four days: See what happened when I tried to test every dish at Prima's new Indulge Food Hall

Breakaway Plus class

Ships in class: Norwegian Encore (2019), Norwegian Bliss (2018), Norwegian Joy (2017), Norwegian Escape (2015).

Size: 164,600 to 169,145 tons.

These are the Norwegian ships you go on if you're a fan of megaresorts.

While not quite as big as Royal Caribbean's giant Oasis-class ships , Norwegian's Breakaway Plus-class vessels are firmly in the pantheon of the world's cruising giants. They are the Norwegian ships most packed with restaurants, bars, entertainment and over-the-top attractions. There are so many of these things that you won't be able to do it all in a single, weeklong cruise.

The Breakaway Plus ships are so big, in fact, that they have room for giant go-kart tracks and laser tag areas on their top decks (on all of the vessels in the series except Norwegian Escape). There's also plenty of room to spare for multiple pools, waterslides and a kiddie splash zone.

Each of the vessels also offers real Broadway shows in big, state-of-the-art theaters, sprawling spas, casinos that fill half a deck, dedicated children's play zones, and more than 2,000 rooms.

In addition, the two newest ships in this series, Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Joy, have large gaming and virtual reality zones called the Galaxy Pavilion.

For meals, you'll find at least 20 venues on each of these ships, including multiple main dining rooms and a buffet that come with no extra charge and such extra-charge eateries as a teppanyaki restaurant, a steakhouse, a high-end French restaurant and a Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville at Sea.

With lots of family-friendly attractions such as the go-kart tracks and laser tag courses, these ships appeal heavily to families with children, particularly teens, but they draw a lot of couples, too. They are also popular with solo travelers, thanks to their unusually large complexes of cabins for one (something you'll find on the Breakaway and Epic classes of ships, too).

Related: The ultimate guide to Norwegian's Latitudes Rewards loyalty program

All four of the Breakaway Plus ships have large, private, two-deck-high suite enclaves called The Haven that come with their own pool areas, restaurants and lounges. They're some of the most spectacular suite complexes anywhere at sea .

The biggest of these ships, Norwegian Encore, measures 169,116 tons, making it the 18th-biggest cruise ship in the world as of this story's publishing (it will drop in the rankings over the coming years as additional megaships debut). That's bigger than all but one Carnival ship and every Princess Cruises ship. Only Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises have a significant number of bigger vessels.

Norwegian Encore can hold more than 5,000 passengers with all berths filled.

Breakaway class

Ships in class: Norwegian Getaway (2014), Norwegian Breakaway (2013).

Size: 145,655 tons.

These vessels are similar to the Breakaway Plus-class ships but slightly smaller. Or, put another way, the Breakaway Plus-class ships are a stretched version of the Breakaway-class ships.

You'll find many of the same eateries, bars, lounges and entertainment venues on the Breakaway-class ships that you'll find on the Breakaway Plus-class vessels. The slightly smaller size of these vessels means there's just a tad less "stuff" on board.

The top decks of the Breakaway-class ships have two pool areas and water parks with waterslides, for instance — just like the Breakaway Plus-class ships. However, they don't have go-kart tracks or laser tag courses. Instead of the latter attractions, you'll find an adults-only pool area called Spice H2O at the back of the vessels. At night, it transforms into a dance club.

Related: Every Norwegian Cruise Line ship ranked from biggest to smallest

The Breakaway-class ships also boast full-size ropes courses on their top decks. Indeed, they were the first cruise ships ever to have such a feature. Other deck-top features include miniature golf courses on both vessels and basketball courts that double as volleyball courts.

On the entertainment front, both ships offer Broadway shows in their main theaters and have a circuslike show in a secondary theater called "Cirque Dreams." The latter is a dinner show that comes with an extra charge. They're also home to "Howl at the Moon" dueling piano shows and a version of the Latin-themed dance show "Burn the Floor."

Like the Breakaway Plus vessels, the Breakaway ships have large complexes for solo travelers, as well as large, private The Haven suite complexes.

In general, as with the Breakaway Plus ships, these vessels are best for vacationers who like a megaresort-type experience, and they appeal heavily to families with children who love all their deck-top attractions. Each of the two ships in this series — Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway — holds about 4,000 passengers at double occupancy.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Norwegian ship

Ships in class: Norwegian Epic (2010).

Size: 155,873 tons.

Norwegian Epic is an outlier in the Norwegian fleet. Unveiled in 2010, it was originally supposed to be the first of a series of up to three similar vessels. However, after disagreements with the shipyard that built it, Norwegian eventually canceled an order for a second ship in the series and an option for a third ship in the series, leaving Norwegian Epic in a class of one.

While roughly comparable in size to the Breakaway Plus- and Breakaway-class ships (it's a bit smaller than the former vessels and a bit bigger than the latter vessels), Norwegian Epic has a notably different design that includes some unique features.

Perhaps most notably, balcony cabins on the ship have an unusual design that includes curved walls, rounded bed corners, and a sink and vanity area that is in the main living space (for all to see), separate from a closed-off toilet area. The toilet area is behind a translucent door that some cruisers find less private than they had hoped.

Norwegian Epic is also home to the only tube-and-bowl waterslide at sea and has such rare-for-cruise-ships attractions as a rappelling wall and a three-lane bowling alley. It also features an ice bar where customers wear parkas while sipping drinks.

Still, Norwegian Epic also offers a lot that will be familiar to Norwegian fans, including many of the line's signature restaurants, bars and entertainment.

Standout features on Norwegian Epic include a water park with some of the most over-the-top waterslides at sea (including the aforementioned tube-and-bowl slide). It also offers a version of the Burn the Floor dance show that played on Broadway and on the West End in London, as well as a Howl at the Moon piano bar and a recreation of the Cavern Club nightspot in Liverpool, England, where The Beatles got their start (complete with a The Beatles cover band).

In addition, Norwegian Epic has the line's biggest solo cabin complex (with 128 rooms for one) and a giant The Haven private suite complex.

At 155,873 tons, Norwegian Epic currently ranks as the 34th biggest cruise vessel in the world. Notably, it was the world's third-largest ship when it debuted in 2010. That tells you just how much the cruise industry has grown in recent years.

Norwegian Epic carries 4,100 passengers at double occupancy.

Jewel class

Ships in class: Norwegian Gem (2007), Norwegian Jade (2006), Norwegian Pearl (2006), Norwegian Jewel (2005).

Size: About 93,500 tons.

Are you unsure if you want to sail on a megaship with 4,000 or more people but still want a vessel with a good amount of features and activities? The Jewel-class ships may be the perfect solution.

At 93,500 tons, the four vessels in the series are nearly 50% smaller than the line's Breakaway Plus-class ships but still big enough that they have a lot to offer.

Each of the vessels has more than a dozen food venues, including three main restaurants, a casual buffet, a steakhouse, a French restaurant and a teppanyaki eatery.

You'll also find multiple pools on each of the ships, along with whirlpools, basketball courts and golf driving nets. Each of the ships also has a theater, spa, casino, and multiple bars and lounges.

What you won't find on the ships, because of their smaller size, are all the gee-whiz attractions such as go-kart tracks, laser tag courses and large water-park areas that Norwegian has put on its bigger vessels. If you can't live without those sorts of features on a cruise ship, then the Jewel class probably isn't for you.

Note that Norwegian Gem does have a climbing wall and a single waterslide. Norwegian Pearl has a climbing wall but no waterslide. Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Jade have neither of the attractions.

Related: Norwegian Cruise Line ships listed from newest to oldest

Each of the Jewel-class ships holds around 2,400 passengers at double occupancy (plus a few hundred more with every berth filled). That's about 40% fewer passengers than you'll find on the biggest Norwegian ships.

That makes them perfect for cruisers who want to get away from the sort of crowds that are on the biggest megaships without giving up many of the amenities that big ships have to offer.

Pride of America class

Ships in class: Pride of America (2005).

Size: 80,439 tons.

Like Norwegian Epic, Pride of America is an outlier in the Norwegian fleet. In fact, it's perhaps an even bigger outlier than the former vessel.

Sporting a patriotic U.S. theme (you'll find venues named after Thomas Jefferson and John Adams) and a distinct array of lounges and entertainment, it's a ship specifically designed to sail year-round in Hawaii — the only one of its kind at any line.

Pride of America notably flies a U.S. flag and operates with a mostly U.S. crew, in keeping with regulations governing cruise itineraries that only include U.S. ports. That's a big difference from any other big cruise vessel in the world.

Related: The best Hawaii cruises for every type of traveler

It's also the only Norwegian vessel without a casino, in keeping with local Hawaii regulations.

If you sail on Pride of America, you'll find such one-of-a-kind eateries as the classic American car-themed Cadillac Diner. You'll also find some of Norwegian's signature offerings, including a Cagney's steak house and Italian eatery La Cucina. The ship's other onboard attractions include a showroom, lounges, bars and a top deck with extensive open-air pool and sun lounging areas.

Thanks to its ownership of Pride of America, Norwegian is the undisputed leader in Hawaii cruises. Most cruise lines that offer sailings to Hawaii only offer a limited number of such trips during a few months each year. Norwegian, by contrast, offers sailings around the Hawaiian Islands every week of the year — the only cruise line in the world to do so.

An iconic presence in Hawaii, Pride of America has been permanently dedicated to the archipelago since its debut in 2005. It offers a repeating seven-night itinerary that begins each Saturday in Honolulu and brings the chance to visit four different Hawaiian islands on a single, seven-night trip.

Beginning and ending on the island of Oahu, the itinerary includes two days each on Maui, Kauai and Hawaii. The two-day visit to Maui involves an overnight stay at the port of Kahului. The two-day visit to Kauai involves an overnight stay at the port of Nawiliwili. The two-day visit to Hawaii is split between a call at Hilo and a call at Kona.

Ships in class: Norwegian Dawn (2002), Norwegian Star (2001).

Size: 92,250 and 91,740 tons.

The Dawn-class ships are similar to the Jewel-class ships in size and amenities, with a few differences.

Like the former vessels, the Dawn-class ships have around a dozen food-serving venues, including three main restaurants, a casual buffet, a Brazilian churrascaria (barbecue) restaurant, a French restaurant and a teppanyaki eatery.

You'll also find multiple pools on each of the ships, whirlpools, basketball courts and golf driving nets. Each of the ships also has a theater, spa, casino, and multiple bars and lounges.

Like the Jewel-class ships, the Dawn-class vessels lack the sort of big attractions such as go-kart tracks and large water parks found on bigger Norwegian vessels. In addition, there are no Broadway musicals on Dawn-class ships, and they don't have a private The Haven suite area (though they do have several giant suites called Garden Villas that measure more than 6,000 square feet).

If you can't live without those sorts of features on a cruise ship, then the Dawn class probably isn't for you.

Ships in class: Norwegian Sun (2001), Norwegian Sky (1999).

Size: 78,309 and 77,104 tons.

Dating to 2001 and 1999, respectively, Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Sky are among the smallest ships at Norwegian. They offer fewer onboard attractions and amenities than is typical for the line's vessels.

In general, they appeal to cruisers looking for a more intimate experience on a cruise ship than what you'll find on the big Norwegian ships. They also draw cruisers who care more about the destinations that they visit on a cruise than onboard attractions.

On each of the vessels, you'll find more than half a dozen eateries, including several main dining rooms, a casual buffet, a diner-style pub, a steakhouse, an Italian trattoria and a French bistro.

On their top decks, the ships have pools (one on Sun, two on Sky), whirlpools, a basketball court that doubles as a volleyball court, golf driving nets and a jogging track. The ships also have casinos and theaters with nightly shows.

Unlike most bigger Norwegian ships, neither of the vessels has a private The Haven suite complex or solo cabins.

Ships in class: Norwegian Spirit (1998).

Size: 75,904 tons.

Dating to 1998, Norwegian Spirit is Norwegian's smallest and oldest ship, and — like the line's Sun-class ships — it generally appeals to cruisers looking for a more intimate experience than you'll find on the big Norwegian ships.

At 75,904 tons, Norwegian Spirit is less than half the size of Norwegian's biggest ships, and it carries just 1,966 passengers — more than 2,000 fewer than the Norwegian biggies.

It also offers fewer (but still quite a few) venues and attractions. In all, you'll find 13 food outlets on board, 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.

Deck-top attractions include several pools, whirlpools, waterslides, a basketball court and a jogging track. The ship also has a casino, spa, nightclub and theater.

Of note, Norwegian Spirit originally was built for Asia-based Star Cruises (where it was called SuperStar Leo).

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This major cruise line operator just announced its biggest ship order ever

One of the world’s leading cruise operators unveiled its biggest ship order ever on Monday.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. will take delivery of eight ships between 2026 and 2036 across its three brands. 

Norwegian Cruise Line will welcome four ships in 2030, 2032, 2034 and 2036, each with a capacity of close to 5,000 guests. The additions are subject to financing.

The vessels will follow the line’s previously announced Prima-Plus class vessels.

The upscale Oceania Cruises will take delivery of two 1,450-guest ships in 2027 and 2029, and luxury line Regent Seven Seas Cruises will add two ships in 2026 and 2029, each accommodating 850 passengers.

"This strategic new-ship order across all three of our award-winning brands provides for the steady introduction of cutting-edge vessels into our fleet and solidifies our long-term growth,” Harry Sommer, the company’s president and CEO, said in a news release . “It also allows us to significantly leverage our operating scale, strengthen our commitment to innovation and enhance our ability to offer our guests new products and experiences, all while providing opportunities to enhance the efficiency of our fleet.”

Specifics about the ships’ accommodations and amenities will be announced “in the coming months,” according to the release.

The company will also add a new multi-ship pier at its private Bahamas island, Great Stirrup Cay, scheduled for completion by late 2025. The pier will be able to accommodate two large ships at once.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

• Cruise Knowledge

Norwegian Cruise Ships by Age — Newest to Oldest

Doug Parker

• December 18, 2023

Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet of 19 ships spans nearly three decades, catering to various vacation styles and budgets.

From the oldest ship in service, which dates back to the late 90s, to the newest vessel, Norwegian Viva, the cruise line has always forged its path and earned a devoted following as a result.

List of Norwegian Cruise Line Ships Newest to Oldest

The table below shows the ship’s name, class, age, gross registered tonnage, and how many guests it carries at double occupancy.

In this article, we’ve compiled an overview of all ships in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, organized from newest to oldest, along with some key features.

Norwegian Viva

Key Features: Ocean Boulevard, Indulge Food Hall, The Concourse, Infinity Beach, Galaxy Pavilion, Viva Speedway, The Drop, The Rush, and Metropolitan Bar

Norwegian Prima

Key Features: The Rush dueling slides, Norwegian Speedway go-kart racetrack, Infinity Beach sundeck, Onda by Scarpetta Italian restaurant, Palomar Mediterranean restaurant, Mandara Spa with a waterfall and charcoal sauna, Syd Norman’s Pour House, Galaxy Pavilion virtual reality games, and The Haven ship-within-a-ship complex

Norwegian Encore

Key Features : Go-karting racetrack, laser tag, Galaxy Pavilion virtual reality games, an aqua park, The Choir of Man show, Happy Hour Prohibition: The Musical, Onda by Scarpetta Italian restaurant, Social Comedy & Night Club, and The Cavern Club

Norwegian Bliss

Key Features : Observation Lounge, go-karting racetrack, laser tag, Los Lobos specialty restaurant, Jersey Boys Broadway show, Mandara Spa with thermal suite, and Q Texas Smokehouse

Norwegian Joy

Key Features : Go-kart racetrack, laser tag, Q Texas Smokehouse, Galaxy Pavilion virtual reality games, an aqua park, Mandara Spa & Salon, Footloose show, Elements show, Social Comedy and Night Club, and The Cavern Club

Norwegian Escape

Key Features : Moderno Churrascaria, After Midnight show, Howl at the Moon show, The Choir of Man show, a ropes course, Entourage Teen Club, an aqua park, and 678 Ocean Place

Norwegian Getaway

Key Features : An aqua park, Entourage Teen Club, Getaway Casino, Mandara Spa & Salon with thermal suite, Splash Academy kids’ clubs, a sports complex, Burn the Floor show, Syd Norman’s Pour House, Howl at the Moon show, Million Dollar Quartet

Norwegian Breakaway

Key Features : Syd Norman’s Pour House, The Waterfront oceanside promenade, Bliss Ultra Lounge, Burn the Floor show, five multi-story waterslides, and the largest ropes course at sea

Norwegian Epic

Key Features : Burn the Floor, Howl at the Moon, an aqua park, Bliss Ultra Lounge, bowling alley, Mandara Spa & Salon, Entourage Teen Club, and Headliners Comedy Club

Norwegian Gem

Key Features : La Cucina Italian restaurant, Cagney’s Steakhouse, Gem Club Casino Bar, Entourage Teen Club, Mandara Spa & Salon with thermal suite, Splash Academy kids’ clubs, Blazing Boots show, Get Down Tonight show, and Swing! The Musical

Norwegian Jade

Key Features : Jade Club, Moderno Churrascaria Brazilian steakhouse , Entourage Teen Club, Mandara Spa & Salon with thermal suite, Splash Academy kids’ clubs, Bliss Lounge, Spinnaker Lounge, Sugarcane Mojito Bar, Blazing Boots show, Elements show, and Palace of Lights

Norwegian Pearl

Key Features : Mandara Spa with thermal suite, O’Sheehan’s 24 hours a day restaurant, Lotus Garden Asian restaurant, Legends In Concert show, Sugarcane Mojito Bar, Splash Academy kids’ clubs, and La Cucina Italian restaurant

Norwegian Jewel

Key Features : Bliss Ultra Lounge, Entourage Teen Club, Velvet show, Moderno Churrascaria Brazilian steakhouse, Rock You Tonight show, Sugarcane Mojito Bar, O’Sheehan’s , and Magnum’s Champagne & Wine Bar

Pride of America

Key Features : Mandara Spa, Splash Academy kids’ clubs, Lights, Camera, Music! show, Cadillac Diner, Cagney’s Steakhouse, La Cucina Italian restaurant, Gold Rush Saloon, Napa Wine Bar, and Entourage Teen Club

Norwegian Spirit

Key Features : Silk Asian restaurant, Bier Garten, Onda by Scarpetta Italian restaurant, Spice H2O adults-only sundeck, Blazing Boots show, Elements show, World Beat show, a spa with thermal suite, and Henry’s Pub

Norwegian Dawn

Key Features : Moderno Churrascaria Brazilian steakhouse, Dawn Club Casino, Elements show, Mandara Spa, Sugarcane Mojito Bar, and Entourage Teen Club

Norwegian Star

Key Features : Moderno Churrascaria Brazilian steakhouse, Le Bistro restaurant, Ginza Asian restaurant, Sugarcane Mojito Bar, Spice H2O adults-only sundeck, Band on the Run show, Mandara Spa with thermal suite, Paradis show, Splash Academy kids’ clubs

MORE: Bimini Cruise Port: Everything You Need To Know

Norwegian Sun

Key Features : Mandara Spa, Rock You Tonight show, World Beat show, Splash Academy kids’ clubs, Los Lobos Cantina, Cagney’s Steakhouse, Moderno Churrascaria Brazilian Steakhouse, and the Sun Casino

Norwegian Sky

Key Features : Le Bistro restaurant, Cagney’s Steakhouse, Sugarcane Mojito Bar, Pinnacle Lounge and Sushi Bar, Mandara Spa, Rock You Tonight show, Sky Casino, and The Local Bar & Grill open 24 hours a day

RELATED: NCL Ships Listed by Age

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Norwegian Ships by Size [2023] with Comparison Chart

Below you'll find a complete list of Norwegian Ships by Size . From their smallest, active ship (NCL Spirit) to the largest Norwegian cruise ship (and newest), the NCL Encore. You'll find a sizable difference between NCL's largest and the smallest ships in their fleet. In fact, the difference is over 2x the gross tonnage!

We've create a new post to see how these ships rank on a global scale. Norwegian has one ship that made the list of 20 Largest Cruise Ships in the World ! Click to find out which vessel made it and where it ranks. There we also analyze Norwegian's average ship size versus all other lines!

Often we're asked if size affects price. The cost of a Norwegian cruise isn't directly correlated with size. You won't find that the bigger the ship, the more the cost. Nor will you find the opposite. You won't necessarily pay less for the largest NCL ship vs the smallest. It will all depend on the specific itinerary. To get a sense of pricing, please use our widget below.

Now on to sizing. To find your specific NCL ship, feel free to use our menu below. Clicking on any will let you quickly jump to that ship's stats.

First, a little clarification is needed before viewing our sizing chart. We're measuring Norwegian ships size using the metric, "Gross Tonnage." This always causes a bit of confusion amongst our community members. It's not simply "weight" that determines this size measurement. The definition is technical and boring, but we'll provide it anyway.

Are you still awake? Good. So why do we use this measurement to determine Norwegian Ships Size? As noted above, it's used for safety rules and whatnot. As such, it's the standard across this cruise line and all others. Every passenger cruise ship will have this measurement . That makes it easy to compare ship size across ship, class, line and more.

Additionally, you'll find a number of other stats in our ship list. These include ship length, beam, draft, passenger count, and a few others.

Ok, we're done with today's maritime measurement course. Here's the good stuff.

Norwegian Ships by Size (Largest to Smallest)

Click above to  pin this Norwegian Cruise Ships by Size Infograph to your cruise planning board , so you can refer back to it when choosing your next ship!

That's every NCL Cruise Ship currently active in their fleet. You can see the vast difference in ship size. This is particularly dramatic when looking at Norwegian's newest ship, the NCL Encore, vs the smallest Norwegian ship ever built! Here's a visual representation showing the smallest in the fleet's history vs this new behemoth. !

The experience on these two ships will be completely different! On the newest Norwegian Escape, you'll be lucky to experience half of the venues on the ship. Whereas the smaller ships offer a more quaint and personal experience. In just a day or two, you'll have your bearings and likely a fixed routine on these ships. Which is better? That's all going to depend on personal preferences!

Here's a menu of all Norwegian Ships by Size. Click on any for quick access to ship stats for that vessel.

• 1) Norwegian Encore
• 2) Norwegian Bliss
• 3) Norwegian Joy
• 4) Norwegian Escape
• 5) Norwegian Epic
• 6) Norwegian Breakaway
• 7) Norwegian Getaway
• 8) Norwegian Prima
• 9) Norwegian Viva
• 10) Norwegian Jade
• 11) Norwegian Gem
• 12) Norwegian Pearl
• 13) Norwegian Jewel
• 14) Norwegian Dawn
• 15) Norwegian Star
• 16) Norwegian Pride of America
• 17) Norwegian Sun
• 18) Norwegian Sky
• 19) Norwegian Spirit

Below we've listed all Norwegian Ships by size, including a bit more info.

1) Norwegian Encore Size

The NCL Encore has a construction date of 2019 and a total size of 169,116 gross tons. The ship measures 1,094 feet (333 meters) in length and falls in line as number 1 among Norwegian Cruise Line’s 19 active cruise ships. It’s included in NCL’s Breakaway Plus Class. At full capacity, the Norwegian Encore holds 6,038 passengers. That includes 3,998 cruise vacationers and 1,735 staff members. The Norwegian Encore total number of staterooms is 2,040.

• Gross Tonnage : 169,116 GT
• Ship Length : 1,094 feet (333 meters)
• Beam : 136 feet (41 meters)
• Draft : 29 feet (9 meters)
• Max Speed : 26 mph (23 knots)
• Year Built : 2019
• Years Served : 2019-present
• Capacity : 3,998 passengers
• Crew Members : 1,735
• Total on Board : 6,038
• Total Staterooms : 2,040
• Flagged Country : Bahamas
• Ship Cost : $920 Million
• Status : active

2) Norwegian Bliss Size

The NCL Bliss has a construction date of 2018 and a total size of 168,028 gross tons. The ship measures 1,094 feet (333 meters) in length and falls in line as number 2 among Norwegian Cruise Line’s 19 active cruise ships. It’s included in NCL’s Breakaway Plus Class. At full capacity, the Norwegian Bliss holds 6,224 passengers. That includes 4,004 cruise vacationers and 1,716 staff members. The Norwegian Bliss total number of staterooms is 2,220.

• Gross Tonnage : 168,028 GT
• Year Built : 2018
• Years Served : 2018-present
• Capacity : 4,004 passengers
• Crew Members : 1,716
• Total on Board : 6,224
• Total Staterooms : 2,220

3) Norwegian Joy Size

The NCL Joy has a construction date of 2017 and a total size of 167,725 gross tons. The ship measures 1,094 feet (333 meters) in length and falls in line as number 3 among Norwegian Cruise Line’s 19 active cruise ships. It’s included in NCL’s Breakaway Plus Class. At full capacity, the Norwegian Joy holds 5,730 passengers. That includes 3,804 cruise vacationers and 1,821 staff members. The Norwegian Joy total number of staterooms is 1,926.

• Gross Tonnage : 167,725 GT
• Year Built : 2017
• Years Served : 2017-present
• Capacity : 3,804 passengers
• Crew Members : 1,821
• Total on Board : 5,730
• Total Staterooms : 1,926

4) Norwegian Escape Size

The NCL Escape has a construction date of 2015 and a total size of 167,725 gross tons. The ship measures 1,069 feet (326 meters) in length and falls in line as number 4 among Norwegian Cruise Line’s 19 active cruise ships. It’s included in NCL’s Breakaway Plus Class. At full capacity, the Norwegian Escape holds 6,358 passengers. That includes 4,266 cruise vacationers and 1,733 staff members. The Norwegian Escape total number of staterooms is 2,092.

• Ship Length : 1,069 feet (326 meters)
• Draft : 28 feet (9 meters)
• Year Built : 2015
• Years Served : 2015-present
• Capacity : 4,266 passengers
• Crew Members : 1,733
• Total on Board : 6,358
• Total Staterooms : 2,092

5) Norwegian Epic Size

The NCL Epic has a construction date of 2010 and a total size of 155,873 gross tons. The ship measures 1,081 feet (329 meters) in length and falls in line as number 5 among Norwegian Cruise Line’s 19 active cruise ships. It’s included in NCL’s Epic Class. At full capacity, the Norwegian Epic holds 6,222 passengers. That includes 4,100 cruise vacationers and 1,724 staff members. The Norwegian Epic total number of staterooms is 2,122.

• Gross Tonnage : 155,873 GT
• Ship Length : 1,081 feet (329 meters)
• Beam : 171 feet (52 meters)
• Max Speed : 25 mph (22 knots)
• Year Built : 2010
• Years Served : 2010-present
• Capacity : 4,100 passengers
• Crew Members : 1,724
• Total on Board : 6,222
• Total Staterooms : 2,122
• Ship Cost : $1,200 Million

6) Norwegian Breakaway Size

The NCL Breakaway has a construction date of 2013 and a total size of 145,655 gross tons. The ship measures 1,068 feet (326 meters) in length and falls in line as number 6 among Norwegian Cruise Line’s 19 active cruise ships. It’s included in NCL’s Breakaway Class. At full capacity, the Norwegian Breakaway holds 5,977 passengers. That includes 3,963 cruise vacationers and 1,657 staff members. The Norwegian Breakaway total number of staterooms is 2,014.

• Gross Tonnage : 145,655 GT
• Ship Length : 1,068 feet (326 meters)
• Beam : 170 feet (52 meters)
• Year Built : 2013
• Years Served : 2013-present
• Capacity : 3,963 passengers
• Crew Members : 1,657
• Total on Board : 5,977
• Total Staterooms : 2,014
• Ship Cost : $840 Million

7) Norwegian Getaway Size

The NCL Getaway has a construction date of 2014 and a total size of 145,655 gross tons. The ship measures 1,068 feet (326 meters) in length and falls in line as number 7 among Norwegian Cruise Line’s 19 active cruise ships. It’s included in NCL’s Breakaway Class. At full capacity, the Norwegian Getaway holds 5,971 passengers. That includes 3,963 cruise vacationers and 1,646 staff members. The Norwegian Getaway total number of staterooms is 2,008.

• Year Built : 2014
• Years Served : 2014-present
• Crew Members : 1,646
• Total on Board : 5,971
• Total Staterooms : 2,008
• Ship Cost : $780 Million

8) Norwegian Prima Size

The NCL Prima has a construction date of 2022 and a total size of 143,525 gross tons. The ship measures 965 feet (294 meters) in length and falls in line as number 8 among Norwegian Cruise Line’s 19 active cruise ships. It’s included in NCL’s Prima Class. At full capacity, the Norwegian Prima holds 5,596 passengers. That includes 3,950 cruise vacationers and 1,388 staff members. The Norwegian Prima total number of staterooms is 1,646.

• Gross Tonnage : 143,525 GT
• Ship Length : 965 feet (294 meters)
• Beam : 135 feet (41 meters)
• Year Built : 2022
• Years Served : 2022 - present
• Capacity : 3,950 passengers
• Crew Members : 1,388
• Total on Board : 5,596
• Total Staterooms : 1,646
• Ship Cost : $850 Million

9) Norwegian Viva Size

The NCL Viva has a construction date of 2023 and a total size of 142,500 gross tons. The ship measures 965 feet (294 meters) in length and falls in line as number 9 among Norwegian Cruise Line’s 19 active cruise ships. It’s included in NCL’s Prima Class. At full capacity, the Norwegian Viva holds 5,596 passengers. That includes 3,950 cruise vacationers and 1,388 staff members. The Norwegian Viva total number of staterooms is 1,646.

• Gross Tonnage : 142,500 GT
• Year Built : 2023
• Years Served : Future - 2023

10) Norwegian Jade Size

The NCL Jade has a construction date of 2006 and a total size of 93,558 gross tons. The ship measures 965 feet (294 meters) in length and falls in line as number 10 among Norwegian Cruise Line’s 19 active cruise ships. It’s included in NCL’s Jewel Class. At full capacity, the Norwegian Jade holds 3,593 passengers. That includes 2,402 cruise vacationers and 1,037 staff members. The Norwegian Jade total number of staterooms is 1,191.

• Gross Tonnage : 93,558 GT
• Beam : 125 feet (38 meters)
• Draft : 27 feet (8 meters)
• Max Speed : 29 mph (25 knots)
• Year Built : 2006
• Years Served : 2006-present
• Capacity : 2,402 passengers
• Crew Members : 1,037
• Total on Board : 3,593
• Total Staterooms : 1,191
• Ship Cost : $390 Million

11) Norwegian Gem Size

The NCL Gem has a construction date of 2007 and a total size of 93,530 gross tons. The ship measures 965 feet (294 meters) in length and falls in line as number 11 among Norwegian Cruise Line’s 19 active cruise ships. It’s included in NCL’s Jewel Class. At full capacity, the Norwegian Gem holds 3,591 passengers. That includes 2,394 cruise vacationers and 1,070 staff members. The Norwegian Gem total number of staterooms is 1,197.

• Gross Tonnage : 93,530 GT
• Year Built : 2007
• Years Served : 2007-present
• Capacity : 2,394 passengers
• Crew Members : 1,070
• Total on Board : 3,591
• Total Staterooms : 1,197

12) Norwegian Pearl Size

The NCL Pearl has a construction date of 2006 and a total size of 93,530 gross tons. The ship measures 965 feet (294 meters) in length and falls in line as number 12 among Norwegian Cruise Line’s 19 active cruise ships. It’s included in NCL’s Jewel Class. At full capacity, the Norwegian Pearl holds 3,591 passengers. That includes 2,394 cruise vacationers and 1,072 staff members. The Norwegian Pearl total number of staterooms is 1,197.

• Crew Members : 1,072

13) Norwegian Jewel Size

The NCL Jewel has a construction date of 2005 and a total size of 93,502 gross tons. The ship measures 965 feet (294 meters) in length and falls in line as number 13 among Norwegian Cruise Line’s 19 active cruise ships. It’s included in NCL’s Jewel Class. At full capacity, the Norwegian Jewel holds 3,573 passengers. That includes 2,376 cruise vacationers and 1,069 staff members. The Norwegian Jewel total number of staterooms is 1,197.

• Gross Tonnage : 93,502 GT
• Max Speed : 30 mph (26 knots)
• Year Built : 2005
• Years Served : 2005-present
• Capacity : 2,376 passengers
• Crew Members : 1,069
• Total on Board : 3,573

14) Norwegian Dawn Size

The NCL Dawn has a construction date of 2002 and a total size of 92,250 gross tons. The ship measures 965 feet (294 meters) in length and falls in line as number 14 among Norwegian Cruise Line’s 19 active cruise ships. It’s included in NCL’s Dawn Class. At full capacity, the Norwegian Dawn holds 3,372 passengers. That includes 2,340 cruise vacationers and 1,032 staff members. The Norwegian Dawn total number of staterooms is 1,032.

• Gross Tonnage : 92,250 GT
• Draft : 38 feet (12 meters)
• Year Built : 2002
• Years Served : 2002-present
• Capacity : 2,340 passengers
• Crew Members : 1,032
• Total on Board : 3,372
• Total Staterooms : 1,032
• Ship Cost : $400 Million

15) Norwegian Star Size

The NCL Star has a construction date of 2001 and a total size of 91,740 gross tons. The ship measures 965 feet (294 meters) in length and falls in line as number 15 among Norwegian Cruise Line’s 19 active cruise ships. It’s included in NCL’s Dawn Class. At full capacity, the Norwegian Star holds 3,524 passengers. That includes 2,348 cruise vacationers and 1,031 staff members. The Norwegian Star total number of staterooms is 1,176.

• Gross Tonnage : 91,740 GT
• Max Speed : 28 mph (24 knots)
• Year Built : 2001
• Years Served : 2001-present
• Capacity : 2,348 passengers
• Crew Members : 1,031
• Total on Board : 3,524
• Total Staterooms : 1,176

16) Norwegian Pride of America Size

The NCL Pride of America has a construction date of 2005 and a total size of 80,439 gross tons. The ship measures 920 feet (280 meters) in length and falls in line as number 16 among Norwegian Cruise Line’s 19 active cruise ships. It’s included in NCL’s Pride of America Class. At full capacity, the Norwegian Pride of America holds 3,280 passengers. That includes 2,186 cruise vacationers and 927 staff members. The Norwegian Pride of America total number of staterooms is 1,094.

• Gross Tonnage : 80,439 GT
• Ship Length : 920 feet (280 meters)
• Beam : 106 feet (32 meters)
• Draft : 26 feet (8 meters)
• Capacity : 2,186 passengers
• Crew Members : 927
• Total on Board : 3,280
• Total Staterooms : 1,094
• Flagged Country : Hawaii
• Ship Cost : $450 Million

17) Norwegian Sun Size

The NCL Sun has a construction date of 2001 and a total size of 78,309 gross tons. The ship measures 848 feet (258 meters) in length and falls in line as number 17 among Norwegian Cruise Line’s 19 active cruise ships. It’s included in NCL’s Sun Class. At full capacity, the Norwegian Sun holds 2,904 passengers. That includes 1,936 cruise vacationers and 906 staff members. The Norwegian Sun total number of staterooms is 968.

• Gross Tonnage : 78,309 GT
• Ship Length : 848 feet (258 meters)
• Beam : 123 feet (37 meters)
• Capacity : 1,936 passengers
• Crew Members : 906
• Total on Board : 2,904
• Total Staterooms : 968
• Ship Cost : $330 Million

18) Norwegian Sky Size

The NCL Sky has a construction date of 1999 and a total size of 77,104 gross tons. The ship measures 832 feet (254 meters) in length and falls in line as number 18 among Norwegian Cruise Line’s 19 active cruise ships. It’s included in NCL’s Sun Class. At full capacity, the Norwegian Sky holds 3,006 passengers. That includes 2,004 cruise vacationers and 899 staff members. The Norwegian Sky total number of staterooms is 1,002.

• Gross Tonnage : 77,104 GT
• Ship Length : 832 feet (254 meters)
• Year Built : 1999
• Years Served : 1999-2004 & 2008-present
• Capacity : 2,004 passengers
• Crew Members : 899
• Total on Board : 3,006
• Total Staterooms : 1,002

19) Norwegian Spirit Size

The NCL Spirit has a construction date of 1998 and a total size of 75,904 gross tons. The ship measures 880 feet (268 meters) in length and falls in line as number 19 among Norwegian Cruise Line’s 19 active cruise ships. It’s included in NCL’s Spirit Class. At full capacity, the Norwegian Spirit holds 3,026 passengers. That includes 2,018 cruise vacationers and 912 staff members. The Norwegian Spirit total number of staterooms is 1,008.

• Gross Tonnage : 75,904 GT
• Ship Length : 880 feet (268 meters)
• Beam : 121 feet (37 meters)
• Year Built : 1998
• Years Served : 2004-present
• Capacity : 2,018 passengers
• Crew Members : 912
• Total on Board : 3,026
• Total Staterooms : 1,008
• Ship Cost : $350 Million

Norwegian Cruise Ships by Size FAQ

We're constantly asked about NCL's ships and size statistics. Here are the most frequently asked questions for your convenience!

Which Norwegian cruise ship is the biggest? The NCL Encore is the largest of Norwegian's 19 cruise ships. It has a gross tonnage of 169,116 and spans 1,094 feet (333 meters) in length. It was built in 2019 and holds 6,038 passengers (including crew).

Which NCL cruise ship is the smallest? Norwegian's smallest, active cruise ship is the Spirit with a gross tonnage measuring 75,904. She's served with the fleet since 2004 and measures 880 feet (268 meters) in length.

How big is a Norwegian cruise ship? NCL's fleet varies in size as seen from our chart. The smallest, active ship holds 2,930 total passengers (including staff) and measures 880 feet in length. The newest NCL ship, the Encore, is significantly bigger. It holds 5,733 passengers and spans 1,094 feet in length. For reference, the Eiffel Tower is roughly 900 feet high! See our chart above for everything in the middle.

We hope that the above list of Norwegian Cruise Ships by size help you to find your ideal cruise.

If you enjoyed this, feel free to check out our post, Carnival Ships by Size .

Please use the "Share" buttons below to help other NCL fans find this sizing info!

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Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Orders 8 New Ships for 3 Brands from Fincantieri

• April 8, 2024

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings today unveiled the most comprehensive newbuild order in its history—a total of eight vessels, representing nearly 25,000 additional berths, with new classes of ships for each of its three brands—and the construction of a multi-ship pier at Great Stirrup Cay, the company’s private island destination in the Bahamas and its top-rated Caribbean port of call, according to a press release.

The new ship orders across all three brands are scheduled for delivery over a ten-year period, between 2026 and 2036.

Following the delivery of four Prima-Plus class ships from 2025 through 2028, Norwegian Cruise Line is expected to take delivery of four approximately 200,000-gross-ton ships, each with a capacity of nearly 5,000 guests, in 2030, 2032, 2034 and 2036, which are subject to financing.

Building on the success of its Allura Class ships, the last one being delivered in 2025, Oceania Cruises is scheduled to take delivery of two 86,000-gross-ton ships, each with a capacity of 1,450 guests in 2027 and 2029.

Lastly, following the Explorer Class ships, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is scheduled to take delivery of two 77,000-gross-ton ships, each with a capacity of 850 guests, in 2026 and 2029.

“This strategic new-ship order across all three of our award-winning brands provides for the steady introduction of cutting-edge vessels into our fleet and solidifies our long-term growth. It also allows us to significantly leverage our operating scale, strengthen our commitment to innovation and enhance our ability to offer our guests new products and experiences, all while providing opportunities to enhance the efficiency of our fleet,” said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.

“We are likewise excited with the addition of a new pier at Great Stirrup Cay to support our increased capacity in the Caribbean and multiple ships to call on the island, enhancing our guest experience and bringing seamless and reliable access to our private island year-round.”

In partnership with the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri , each brand will design their new ship class and focus on creating the largest, most efficient, and innovative vessels of their respective fleet.

“Over the years, our long-standing relationship with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has been rooted in a shared vision for the future of maritime travel, consistently setting new standards for innovation, luxury, sustainability, and guest satisfaction in the cruise industry,” said Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director at Fincantieri. “We are thrilled to work on these new build orders and deliver emblematic cruise ships that will embody our shared legacy of excellence for generations to come.”

Mark A. Kempa, chief financial officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, commented: “we expect that these strategic investments will secure our growth trajectory, significantly boost our earnings profile, and enhance shareholder value well into the future. With a favorable payment structure that includes pre-delivery financing and modest initial installment payments for these ship orders, we still anticipate strong Net Leverage reduction of 1.5 turns by the end of 2024, relative to 2023, and expect the Company to continue reducing Net Leverage each year for the foreseeable future.”

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Charting New Waters: Norwegian Cruise Line Unveils Ambitious Plans For Eight Ships

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd  (NYSE:NCLH) has unveiled a total of eight vessels, representing nearly 25,000 additional berths to be built across three brands.

The company also launched the construction of a multi-ship pier at Great Stirrup Cay, the company’s private island destination in the Bahamas and its Caribbean port of call. 

The strategy is expected to boost Norwegian Cruise’s product offering, guest experiences, and operational infrastructure.

The new ship orders across all three brands are scheduled for delivery over a ten-year period, between 2026 and 2036.

After the delivery of four Prima-Plus class ships from 2025 through 2028, the cruise operator is expected to take delivery of four approximately 200,000-gross-ton ships, each with a capacity of nearly 5,000 guests, in 2030, 2032, 2034, and 2036.

Oceania Cruises is scheduled to take delivery of two 86,000-gross-ton ships, each with a capacity of 1,450 guests in 2027 and 2029. 

Finally, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is scheduled to take delivery of two 77,000-gross-ton ships, each with a capacity of 850 guests, in 2026 and 2029.

“This strategic new-ship order across all three of our award-winning brands provides for the steady introduction of cutting-edge vessels into our fleet and solidifies our long-term growth,” said President and CEO Harry Sommer.

The company has obtained export credit financing with favorable terms to fund 80% of the contract price of each of the two Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises ships.

The new pier development in the Bahamas is set to begin in summer 2024 and be completed by late 2025 with an investment of about $150 million.

Stifel  analyst Steven Wieczynski reiterated a Buy rating on the shares with a price target of $25.

NCLH now has 13 ships on order over the next 12 years for a combined 41,000 berths, representing about 65% capacity growth, noted the analyst.

With a historically smaller fleet, the company has been building new ships more aggressively versus peers in order to enter/serve certain markets.

Over the next decade this will not only give NCLH the biggest growth story within the cruise industry but will also allow them to continue entering new markets with minimal cannibalization to their fleet, the analyst noted.

Owning cruise stocks when supply growth has been low for an extended period of time, as per the analyst. While the headline of eight ships might make investors panic, the analyst urged them to look at the fine print.

Overall, according to the analyst, the positives surely outweigh the negatives.

Price Action : NCLH shares are trading lower by 2.35% at $18.93 on the last check Tuesday.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

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Subscriber only, travel | 8 new ships coming to norwegian cruise line, sister brands plus dock at great stirrup cay.

The parent company to Norwegian Cruise Line announced Monday a major order for eight new ships among its three brands as well as the construction of a pier to allow its cruise ships to dock instead of tender to its private Bahamas island for the first time.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings said it was planning to bring on four new ships for NCL, two new ships for upper premium brand Oceania Cruises and two ships for luxury brand Regent Seven Seas, all to be built at Fincantieri shipyard in Italy and debut during a 10-year run from 2026-2036.

The NCL ships would be the largest ever built for the line at around 200,000 gross tons and capacity of about 5,000 guests. They won’t arrive until after the final delivery of its Prima-Plus class ships expected between 2025-2028, the larger sister ships to the Norwegian Prima and Viva that debuted in the last couple of years. The four ships from the unnamed class of vessel would arrive in 2030, 2032, 2034 and 2036.

The new class for Oceania Cruises, which in 2023 debuted its first new ship in more than a decade — the Oceania Allura — will also be the largest ever built for the line at 86,000 gross tons and a capacity of 1,450 guests. They’re expected in 2027 and 2029.

And the Regent Seven Seas fleet’s new vessels will also be larger coming in at 77,000 gross tons with a capacity of 850 guests. They’re expected in 2026 and 2029. Regent just debuted the third of its Explorer class ships in December 2023.

“This strategic new-ship order across all three of our award-winning brands provides for the steady introduction of cutting-edge vessels into our fleet and solidifies our long-term growth,” said NCLH president and CEO Harry Sommer in a press release. “It also allows us to significantly leverage our operating scale, strengthen our commitment to innovation and enhance our ability to offer our guests new products and experiences, all while providing opportunities to enhance the efficiency of our fleet.”

No other details about the ships were released. Financing is already in place to fund 80% of the cost for the four ships among the Oceania and Regent orders, but financing for the four NCL ships is not finalized.

The eight ships expects to add 25,000 more to the three cruise lines’ passenger capacity.

In addition, the line is set to construct a multi-ship pier at Great Stirrup Cay, the popular Bahamas private destination visited by all three brands. The move follows the introduction of a dock that can support two Oasis-class vessels at neighboring Perfect Day at Coco Cay for Royal Caribbean while other private Bahamas destinations including Disney’s Castaway Cay and its new Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point feature tenderless docks for easy access.

“We are likewise excited with the addition of a new pier at Great Stirrup Cay to support our increased capacity in the Caribbean and multiple ships to call on the island, enhancing our guest experience and bringing seamless and reliable access to our private island year-round,” Sommer said.

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