ncl cruise ship capacity

Norwegian Cruise Line ships ranked by size from biggest to smallest — the complete list

Are you looking for the most megaresort-like, activity-packed Norwegian Cruise Line ships at sea? If so, you'll want to get on one of the biggest Norwegian Cruise Line ships.

The biggest Norwegian Cruise Line ships are, almost by definition, the Norwegian Cruise Line ships with the most "stuff" — the most pools, waterslides and other deck-top attractions ( even go-kart tracks ), as well as the most onboard restaurants, bars and showrooms. They have the biggest spas and casinos among vessels in the Norwegian fleet and the most cabins and suites — as well as the most variation in suite and cabin types.

With room for 4,000 or more passengers, the biggest Norwegian Cruise Line ships are among the most massive resorts you'll find at sea from any cruise line and are comparable to some of the biggest resorts on land, too. If you're in the "bigger is better" camp when it comes to a resort experience, these are the Norwegian Cruise Line ships for you.

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Still, Norwegian Cruise Line doesn't just operate giant vessels. The world's fourth-biggest cruise line also has quite a few relatively small cruise ships that carry just 2,000 or so people and provide a more intimate feel. In some cases, these vessels are just half the size of Norwegian Cruise Line's biggest ships. These are vessels that, notably, have fewer deck-top activities and interior venues than the biggest Norwegian cruise ships.

The smallest Norwegian Cruise Line ships are best for vacationers who like a less crowded, more intimate resort experience.

Related: The 9 classes of Norwegian Cruise Line ships, explained

To ensure you end up on the right Norwegian Cruise Line ship for you, it pays to understand which Norwegian Cruise Line ships are the biggest and which are the smallest before booking.

Here, every Norwegian Cruise Line ship currently in operation is ranked from biggest to smallest.

1. Norwegian Encore

Maiden voyage: 2019 Size: 169,116 gross tons Passenger capacity: 3,998

2. Norwegian Bliss

Maiden voyage: 2018 Size: 168,028 gross tons Passenger capacity: 4,004

3. Norwegian Joy

Maiden voyage: 2017 Size: 167,725 gross tons Passenger capacity: 3,804

4. Norwegian Escape

Maiden voyage: 2015 Size: 164,998 gross tons Passenger capacity: 4,266

5. Norwegian Epic

Maiden voyage: 2010 Size: 155,873 gross tons Passenger capacity: 4,100

6. (tied) Norwegian Getaway

Maiden voyage: 2014 Size: 145,655 gross tons Passenger capacity: 3,963

6. (tied) Norwegian Breakaway

Maiden voyage: 2013 Size: 145,655 gross tons Passenger capacity: 3,963

8. (tied) Norwegian Viva

Maiden voyage: 2023 Size: 143,535 gross tons Passenger capacity: 3,099

8. (tied) Norwegian Prima

Maiden voyage: 2022 Size: 143,535 gross tons Passenger capacity: 3,099

10. Norwegian Jade

Maiden voyage: 2006 Size: 93,558 gross tons Passenger capacity: 2,402

11. (tied) Norwegian Gem

Maiden voyage: 2007 Size: 93,530 gross tons Passenger capacity: 2,394

11. (tied) Norwegian Pearl

Maiden voyage: 2006 Size: 93,530 gross tons Passenger capacity: 2,394

13. Norwegian Jewel

Maiden voyage: 2005 Size: 93,502 gross tons Passenger capacity: 2,376

14. Norwegian Dawn

Maiden voyage: 2002 Size: 92,250 gross tons Passenger capacity: 2,340

15. Norwegian Star

Maiden voyage: 2001 Size: 91,740 gross tons Passenger capacity: 2,348

16. Pride of America

Maiden voyage: 2005 Size: 80,439 gross tons Passenger capacity: 2,186

17. Norwegian Sun

Maiden voyage: 2001 Size: 78,309 gross tons Passenger capacity: 1,936

18. Norwegian Sky

Maiden voyage: 1999 Size: 77,104 gross tons Passenger capacity: 2,004

19. Norwegian Spirit

Maiden voyage: 1998 Size: 75,904 gross tons Passenger capacity: 2,032

What is the biggest Norwegian Cruise Line ship?

The biggest Norwegian Cruise Line ship is the 4-year-old Norwegian Encore . While not quite as big as the biggest ships from rival lines Royal Caribbean , MSC Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line , Norwegian Encore is still firmly in the pantheon of the world's cruising giants.

At 169,116 tons, Norwegian Encore is bigger than all but 21 other cruise ships in the world, 15 of which are operated by the three lines mentioned above. It regularly sails with more than 4,000 passengers on board.

The biggest of four vessels in Norwegian's Breakaway Plus class of ships, Norwegian Encore is the Norwegian ship most packed with restaurants, bars, entertainment and over-the-top attractions. It's home to one of the biggest go-kart tracks on a cruise ship, the biggest laser tag area on a Norwegian ship and an unusually large virtual reality zone called Galaxy Pavilion, to name a few of its biggest attractions. There's also plenty of room to spare for multiple pools, waterslides and a kiddie splash zone.

Additionally, Norwegian Encore offers big-name shows in big, state-of-the-art theaters; a sprawling spa; a casino that fills half a deck; a dedicated children's play zone; and more than 2,000 rooms.

What is the smallest Norwegian Cruise Line ship?

The smallest Norwegian Cruise Line ship is Norwegian Spirit. At 75,904 gross tons, Norwegian Spirit is less than half the size of Norwegian Encore, the line's biggest ship. It carries just 1,966 passengers — more than 2,000 fewer than Norwegian Encore.

Unveiled in 1998, Norwegian Spirit is not only the smallest Norwegian Cruise Line ship but also the oldest ship in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet. At 25 years old, it's likely to be phased out of the Norwegian fleet in the coming years.

Norwegian Spirit, notably, was not built for Norwegian Cruise Line but for Asia-based Star Cruises. Its original name was SuperStar Leo. It was transferred to Norwegian and renamed in 2004.

In part because of its smaller size, Norwegian Spirit offers fewer venues and attractions than newer Norwegian vessels, but it still offers a lot. In all, you'll find 13 food outlets on Norwegian Spirit, including two main restaurants, a casual buffet eatery, and versions of the line's signature Cagney's Steakhouse and French eatery Le Bistro. There are more than half a dozen bars and cafes.

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

Are bigger Norwegian Cruise Line ships coming?

The answer isn't clear. Norwegian Cruise Line currently has four new cruise ships on order, and all were originally designed to be smaller than the biggest Norwegian ships currently at sea. However, Norwegian recently announced that some of the ships will be redesigned to be as much as 20% bigger .

Depending on how much bigger Norwegian makes these ships, they might become the biggest ships in the Norwegian fleet.

The four ships on order for Norwegian are all sister vessels to the recently unveiled Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Prima, which are tied as Norwegian's eighth biggest ships. The first of the four additional ships on order, Norwegian Aqua , is scheduled to begin sailing in April 2025, with the three other new vessels arriving between 2026 and 2028.

Related: The ultimate guide to Norwegian Cruise Line ships and itineraries

The four new ships are all part of what Norwegian is calling the Prima Class of ships. The first two ships in the series, Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Prima, measure 143,535 gross tons a piece, which is about 15% smaller than Norwegian Encore, Norwegian's biggest ship.

The last four ships in the series, as noted, are being redesigned to be bigger than the first two ships in the series.

Norwegian executives said the smaller size of the new Prima Class ships would give the line more options in designing itineraries, as the vessels would be able to access smaller ports around the world than some of the bigger Norwegian ships can.

What's the difference between bigger and smaller Norwegian Cruise Line ships?

To put it simply: The biggest Norwegian Cruise Line ships have room for more onboard venues and attractions than the line's older vessels.

On Norwegian's giant Breakaway Plus Class vessels (Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Escape), for instance, you'll find multiple pools, waterslides, a kiddie splash zone and — on most of the ships — a sprawling go-kart racing track. Each of the vessels also offers Broadway shows in giant theaters; sprawling spas; large casinos; expansive children's play zones; and more than 2,000 rooms.

Additionally, two of the biggest ships in the series, Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Joy, have what may be the largest and coolest gaming and virtual reality zones at sea.

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

Norwegian's smaller ships, by contrast, lack many of the above features. Because of their smaller size, they have a much more intimate feel, at least when compared to the biggest cruise ships at Norwegian and other mass-market lines, and they hold far fewer people. While Breakaway Plus Class ships can hold around 4,000 passengers, based on double occupancy, the line's smallest vessels are only designed to carry about 2,000 passengers at double occupancy.

Norwegian's smallest ships are a good choice for vacationers who aren't eager to travel with the huge crowds that are common on the world's biggest cruise ships. They appeal to a subset of Norwegian fans who prefer more intimacy in a cruise vessel and don't mind giving up some onboard amenities to get it. They are also often less expensive to sail on, on a per-day basis.

Related: Don't miss out on these Norwegian loyalty perks

Additionally, because of their size, the smallest ships at Norwegian are able to operate itineraries to places that aren't as easy for big ships to visit. Not all ports in the world can handle a ship the size of Norwegian Encore.

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Norwegian Cruise Line currently has 20 cruise ships. The company was established in 1966 and headquartered 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.

Norwegian Cruise Ships: Biggest to Smallest

Below is a list of all Norwegian Cruise Line ships by size, ordered from largest to smallest.

Table of Contents

Ncl cruise ships by size.

Our list of Norwegian cruise ships by size shows gross tonnage (which is a measure of internal volume, not weight), the total guest capacity of each ship, Length in Feet, ship class, and the year the vessel entered service:

List of Norwegian Cruise Ships By Size

List of norwegian cruise ships by age with photos.

The cruise line is recently 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, from newest to oldest.

Norwegian Aqua – 2025

Norwegian Aqua is scheduled to become Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship in the fleet beginning in April 2025. She will be sailing Seven-Day Caribbean Voyages from Port Canaveral, Fla. She is the first ship in the brand new Prima Plus Class. She is 156,300 GRTs and carries 3,571 passengers (based on two per cabin).

Norwegian Aqua will premiere the first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide, the Aqua Slidecoaster. Complete with exhilarating dual slides and a magnetic lift that propels adventurous guests through two different courses, this NCL-exclusive experience will feature three stories of exciting twists and turns around the ship’s funnel.

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 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 the  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 art world, 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). Acclaimed artist Peter Max completed the hull ships’ colorful artwork.

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 ships to be ordered. A dispute ultimately resulted in delivering only one ship in the Epic Class. 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 , and 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 to 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 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

Ncl ship classes.

Norwegian Cruise Line has six different classes of cruise ships, with three others being their class. Each class of ship has a unique architectural design 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 Line ship classes

Norwegian Cruise Line Ships FAQs

What are the different classes of norwegian cruise line ships.

Norwegian Cruise Line ships are categorized into Breakaway Plus Class, Jewel Class, Prima Class, Dawn Class, Sun Class, and Breakaway Class.

How many ships are in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet?

As of 2024, the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet consists of several ships, including new additions such as Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva and other existing vessels for 20 when you include the Norwegian Aqua (scheduled for April 2025).

What is the smallest Norwegian Cruise Line ship?

The smallest NCL ship is the Norwegian Spirit, which is 75,904 GRT and carries 2,018 passengers (based on two per cabin).

What are the characteristics of the Breakaway Plus Class ships?

The Breakaway Plus Class ships are known for being the largest and most innovative ships in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, offering a wide range of amenities and entertainment options.

How does the size of Norwegian Cruise Line ships compare to other cruise lines?

Norwegian Cruise Line offers a variety of ship sizes, from the largest in the Breakaway Plus Class to smaller ships, providing options for different preferences within the cruise industry.

Are there any new additions to the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet in 2024?

Yes, Norwegian Cruise Line has introduced new ships, such as Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, as part of their continuous expansion and growth in the cruise industry.

What are some notable features of Norwegian Cruise Line ships?

Norwegian Cruise Line ships are known for their innovative design, onboard activities such as laser tag, go-cart tracks, escape rooms, entertainment options like Broadway shows at sea, and dining experiences, offering passengers a unique and enjoyable cruise experience.

How many Breakaway Plus-class ships are currently in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet?

There are four Breakaway Plus-class ships in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, each offering distinct amenities and experiences for passengers.

What are some other cruise lines under Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings?

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings also includes Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, offering various cruise experiences across its brands.

What sets Norwegian Cruise Line apart in the cruise industry?

Norwegian Cruise Line is known for its various ship sizes, innovative features, and unique amenities, catering to a diverse range of preferences within the cruise industry.

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Cruise Ship Passenger Capacity

View cruise ship ratings and learn what is average/normal and max cruise ship passenger capacity. Cruise ships capacity (passengers and crew/hotel staff) and space ratios of the world's most famous ships are sorted alphabetically by the names of their owners (companies, lines, and operators) according to the official cruise ship data.

Most online travel media publish ship ratings based on onboard amenities (dining/entertainment), itineraries/destinations, special/unique facilities, and experiences. Some ratings are based on website visitors' feedbacks and conducted polls. However, while the latter ratings could by easily manipulated, "expert review" based ratings could be only suggestive as top-rated will be always the largest liners and the  newest vessels .

Cruise Ship Capacity

The "full" cruise ship passenger capacity is based on double occupancy (2 guests per cabin). The cabin's capacity varies according to stateroom's type, category, and also by line and ship. A standard passenger ship cabin usually accommodates 2 or 3 guests, but there are some "smaller" and "bigger" exceptions.

Our survey also includes smaller ships (under 500 passengers), and some ships are intentionally omitted from the big table to be included in the small one (about passenger capacity of top luxury cruise ships, with emphasis made on their highest guests-to-crew ratio. If searching for a particular vessel, use the Ctrl+F key combination and type the name in the search box. Good to know things:

• Ships will sail at varying capacities depending on itinerary and season.
• The average cruise ship passenger capacity is around 3,000 guests for ocean liners and around 150 guests for bigger river cruise ships.
• The largest cruise ship passenger capacity is 5,412 (at double occupancy) and 6,318 max capacity if all berths are occupied. And, of course, these big numbers are part of the specifications of the first in the  list of the biggest cruise ships in the world  - the Oasis ship of Royal Caribbean International.
• Single cruise cabins (called also "studios", or "solo cabins"), though rarely available, offer some of the cheapest rates for solo travelers by avoiding the double occupancy policy of all the major cruise ship companies, with the range of single supplement rates being between 50 and 100% (depending on line and ship).
• Family suite cruise accommodations generally have the biggest passenger capacity (up to 6 guests) and are some of the most expensive cabin categories (again, not available on all ships). Cheap suites are available on most Carnival, Royal Caribbean, MSC, and Costa ships.

Max (largest) passenger capacity of a cruise ship would signify this ideal financial situation, when all the berths, plus all upper and lower bunks, "Pullman" beds and single and double sofa beds (available in types and numbers according to the ship's cabin grades) are all occupied by the most numerous crowd the ship can ever gather on board. However, on most of the sailings, even the full-ship capacity (at double occupancy level) is not reached. This automatically opens the "big ships doors" for great deals, like kids sail for free, buy one get one free, free cabin upgrades, bonus amenities, and also huge price discounts on luxury cruise deals. For more info, you can read our survey on unsold cruise cabins/cheap cruise upgrades .

Cruise passengers-to-space ratio

The ship's "space ratio" (by definition) is the enclosed space (measured in ft3/cubic feet) per passenger. A ship of 45,000 GT (gross tonnage) with capacity 1,000 passengers will have a space ratio 45 (or 45ft3=45000/1000). So if your ship has generally smaller cabins but very large public spaces, she will have a higher space ratio, and the higher the space ratio number, the more guests will enjoy a sense of spaciousness on board.

Average/max cruise passenger capacity

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For boats that are dead and forgotten see at CruiseMapper's Scrapped Cruise Ships hub.

Cruise Ship Ratings

0 (or no Stars) doesn't mean the ship is the worst ever, but not yet rated.

"Specialty" means usually a smaller ship offering deals on adventure or expedition cruises. Emphasis on itinerary/destination and unique experiences rather than onboard services/amenities/activities. Cabins are modest (as size and amenities), but also comfortable.

3 Stars mean "Contemporary" and big resort-like experiences on bigger ships with a multi-generational clientele, a huge variety of family and kids programs, at least 2 swimming pools, huge fitness/spa centers, distinct nightlife (clubs, a casino, deck parties), several dining options. Cabins range from cozy Inside to large family suites and many connecting/adjoining rooms. Itineraries from 3 to 7-night in length (repeating, round-trip) leaving from big and popular ports.

4 Stars mean a "Premium" product, medium-sized ships with higher guest-to-crew ratios compared to similar-sized mainstream ships. The onboard experience - fewer kids, larger than average cabins with upgraded (luxurious) amenities, high-level of service, dining, and entertainment, extensive enrichment programs, a luxury spa, longer itineraries (from 7 to 14 and even 21-night in length).

5 Stars mean a "Deluxe" product, from medium-size to small cruise ships with deluxe staterooms, bedding and cabin amenities, impeccable service, multiple specialties (gourmet) dining options, also less entertainment and onboard activities. The itinerary is mostly port-intensive, and longer than 10 nights, with deals on back-to-back cruises .

6 Stars mean "Best Luxury" on small ships, intimate cruising experiences, highest guest-to-crew ratios (fewer guests). These are mostly ships with all-inclusive cruise deals - gratuities and beverages (often alcohol) and gourmet (specialty restaurant) dining are all included in the fares (often with shore excursions and tours), spacious staterooms and public spaces, the highest level of service. Many of these are all-suite ships (with different category suites). Port-intensive itineraries and exotic destinations, often offering deals on Around the World Cruises .

All cruise ship ratings are based on CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) categorizations, and reviews from "WMPH Vacations" (iCruise, AlaskaCruises, EuropeCruises, HawaiiCruiseOutlet, RegentCruises, and CruiseCheap) specialists and advisors. Cruise ratings also may vary on the ship's age, size, cabins/venues/amenities, passenger feedback, etc. Besides CLIA and WMPH, other cruise vessel rating sources are Berlitz Guide, Fieldings Guide, Sterns Guide, CruiseCritic, CruiseReviews, and CruiseMates.

Cruise ship star ratings meaning

5,5 stars rating - a top luxury cruising, impeccable and highly personalized service, finest quality food & amenities; attention to detail, perfect maintenance, spacious accommodations, gourmet cuisine, the highest level of service, authentic furnishings, top of the line fitness & spa facilities.

5 stars rating - the highest level of food/service in a premium cruising market, high-quality meals, attentive service, well-equipped staterooms (not necessarily large), list of cabin amenities include bathrobes; butler service, public spaces are with beautiful decors.

4,5 stars rating - friendly decor, good maintenance, full range of onboard activities.

4 stars rating - best overall experience, above-average food & service, satisfactory entertainment.

3,5 stars rating - an average overall experience, very small to large accommodations, good service, delicious food, kids facilities without dedicated areas, mediocre entertainment.

3 stars rating - modest experience on an older cruise ship, may not have balcony cabins, mediocre food & lack of proper service, expect interesting destinations/itineraries.

2 stars rating - the ship is comparable to a low-budget hotel, a major refurbishment needed for refit and renovation of public areas and staterooms, lousy service (the staff will only supply the most basic service), itineraries with little or no popular (cheap charging) ports of call.

Norwegian Bliss

The  Norwegian Bliss  was built in 2018 and is among Norwegian’s 19 ships in its fleet. The Bliss is included in the cruise line’s Breakaway Plus Class. In the cruise ship stats below, you’ll find the Norwegian Bliss vs all of the other Norwegian ships.

Norwegian Bliss Size

How big is the Norwegian Bliss? Below, you’ll find all of the relevant cruise ship stats, specs and dimensions for the Norwegian Bliss. Included in these statistics are passenger capacity, length, year built, year renovated, cost to build, gross tonnage, engine info, number of rooms, deck counts and more!

Norwegian Bliss Capacity

Passenger Capacity refers to the total number of people that the Norwegian Bliss can accommodate. Of course, there are also crew members on board. Below, find the total onboard capacity, including staff and cruise guests.

Norwegian Avg: 3,073 guests

Norwegian Bliss Passenger Capacity: The passenger capacity for the Norwegian Bliss is 4,004 guests . The average capacity for the 19 active ships in Norwegian’s fleet is 3,073 passengers. The passenger capacity range for all Norwegian ships has a minimum of 1,936 guests and a maximum of 4,266 passengers.

Norwegian Avg: 1,303 staff

Norwegian Bliss Crew Members: Staff on the Norwegian Bliss include 1,716 crew members. That’s a guest to staff ratio of 2.3 to 1. The average Norwegian ship includes 1,303 employees and has a passenger to staff ratio of 2.4 to 1.

Norwegian Bliss Passenger Capacity and Crew

vs Norwegian Fleet

Norwegian Bliss Length

How long is the Bliss? From end to end, the Norwegian Bliss length equals 1094 feet (334 meters). Compare that to the average ship length of all 19 active vessels in Norwegian’s fleet, measuring 987 feet (301 meters).

Norwegian Avg: 987 feet

The smallest Norwegian ship (in terms of length) measures 832 feet (254 meters) from end to end. The longest vessel spans 1094 feet (334 meters).

Our chart below shows the length of the Norwegian Bliss vs all other active Norwegian ships.

Norwegian Bliss Ship Length

vs all Norwegian Ships

Norwegian Bliss Built Date

When was the Norwegian Bliss Built? The Norwegian Bliss was built in 2018 and joined the cruise line’s Breakaway Plus Class.

Norwegian includes 19 active ships. The oldest in the fleet was built in 1998. The average Norwegian ship is 14 years old and the median build date for all active ships is 2010

Norwegian Avg: 2007

When was the last Norwegian Bliss Dry Dock? The Norwegian Bliss has not experienced dry dock improvements yet.

renovation date

Renovations included the following: The Norwegian Bliss has not yet undergone refurbishment. There has not been a dry dock needed as the Bliss is relatively new, having been constructed in 2018.

Norwegian Bliss Deck Plans

The Norwegian Bliss has a total of 16 passenger decks. The lowest level available to guests is Deck 5. The highest passenger deck is Deck 20.

What does the Norwegian Bliss offer in terms of “things to do?” The ship features 20 restaurants, 18 bars, 30 activities, and 14 other features for your enjoyment.

Click below to access deck plans for the Norwegian Bliss. The resulting page will provide a floor plan and summary of all “things to do” offered on that level of the ship.

Norwegian Bliss - All Deck Plans

• Norwegian Bliss - Deck 5
• Norwegian Bliss - Deck 6
• Norwegian Bliss - Deck 7
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• Norwegian Bliss - Deck 9
• Norwegian Bliss - Deck 10
• Norwegian Bliss - Deck 11
• Norwegian Bliss - Deck 12
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• Norwegian Bliss - Deck 14
• Norwegian Bliss - Deck 15
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• Norwegian Bliss - Deck 18
• Norwegian Bliss - Deck 19
• Norwegian Bliss - Deck 20

Norwegian Bliss Info

Frequently asked questions, what is the norwegian bliss ship class.

The ship belongs to the Norwegian class of ships known as the Breakaway Plus class.

What does the Norwegian Bliss offer in terms of things to do?

The ship features 20 restaurants, 18 bars, 30 activities, 2 shows and 14 other venues for your enjoyment. You can click on our ship deck plans or details pages for a full list of activities, sorted by feature type.

How many decks are on the Norwegian Bliss?

The Norwegian Bliss has a total of 16 passenger decks. The lowest deck is Level 5. The upper most passenger deck is Level 20.

What is the Norwegian Bliss capacity?

We're often asked how many passengers are on the Norwegian Bliss. The ship's capacity is 4,004. When comparing the occupancy to the average Norwegian passenger capacity, you'll find that the average ship in the fleet holds 3,073 guests. Feel free to look at our graph above to see where this ship falls in line with all other live Norwegian ships.

How old is the Norwegian Bliss?

The Norwegian Bliss was built in 2018. Norwegian includes 19 active ships. The oldest in the fleet was built in 1998. The average Norwegian ship is 14 years old and the median build date for all active ships is 2011

Is the Norwegian Bliss a good ship?

Each of Norwegian's ships offers a unique layout with features and activities catered to all. Whether the Norwegian Bliss is right for you will depend on your individual preferences. Do you prefer a larger or smaller ship with many or fewer guests? Are you hoping for many family activities or entertainment options for an older clientele. Our deck maps layout and activities list provide a helpful guide to what you'll find on board. Feel free to explore the see if this ship is suited towards your preferences.

How long is the Norwegian Bliss?

From end to end, the Spectrum of the Seas length equals 1,094 feet (334 meters). Compare that to the average ship length of all 19 active vessels in Norwegian fleet, measuring 987 feet (301 meters). Please see our size comparison chart above to see how this ship falls in line with all other active ships in the fleet.

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The ultimate guide to Norwegian Cruise Line ships and itineraries

L ooking for a cruise where you can do what you want, whenever you want, without a lot of structure and rules? Norwegian Cruise Line could be your brand.

The Miami-based cruise line pioneered the idea of "freestyle cruising" — cruising without rigid dining schedules, dress codes and formal nights — and it's still the go-to line for vacationers who want a floating resort experience with a casual, laissez-faire vibe.

Instead of a few big main restaurants with fixed seating times, Norwegian ships offer a wide range of eateries and no assigned seating times — just make a reservation. When it's time for dinner, if you want to dress up, fine. There's no rule saying you must, though.

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Norwegian vessels also offer lots of options for daytime fun but are particularly well known for evening entertainment. You'll find everything from music halls with Beatles cover bands and dueling piano bars to theaters with some of the most elaborate shows at sea — including some big-name Broadway productions.

Norwegian ships are also loaded with bars, lounges and nightclubs, including always-busy casinos. Put it all together, and you have vessels with a very lively atmosphere — particularly at night. If you had to compare Norwegian ships to something on land, you'd probably say they were like floating versions of the casino resorts you find in Las Vegas.

Just to be clear, Norwegian is a big-ship line . Its largest vessels are among the biggest cruise ships at sea (they must be, to accommodate everything mentioned above). If you want an intimate cruise experience, Norwegian probably isn't a good choice.

That said, the line does offer some smaller ships that aren't quite as big and bustling as its giants.

Norwegian is also a mass-market brand, not a luxury cruise operator. Still, as we'll explain below, it offers a wide range of accommodations, some of which fall squarely in the luxury segment. In some cases, its ships have an exclusive area full of high-end cabins and suites called The Haven that comes with its own private pools, lounge areas and even restaurants.

In short, if you want to turn a Norwegian cruise into a luxury experience , you can do that, too. Norwegian really is the line where you make the trip what you want it to be.

Related: Which cruise brand is right for you?

3 things TPG loves about Norwegian Cruise Line

• The do-what-you-want freestyle vibe
• The wide range of restaurants, bars and nightspots
• The stellar entertainment

What we could do without

• The sky-high extra charges

The Norwegian Cruise Line fleet

Norwegian is the world's fourth-largest cruise line by passenger capacity, with 19 ships that together offer 56,780 berths.

Smaller only than Royal Caribbean , Carnival Cruise Line and MSC Cruises , the brand has become increasingly known for having some of the biggest, most amenity-filled vessels at sea. The line doesn't just operate giant ships, though. More than half of its fleet is comprised of 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 upwards of 3,000 to 4,000 passengers at double occupancy (and even more with every berth filled). At around 143,000 to nearly 170,000 tons, all eight currently rank among the 50 biggest cruise ships in the world (although their rankings will shift downward as more big ships debut).

Related: How to book a cruise with points and miles

However, Norwegian's 10 older ships 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 something more modest. The key, depending on your tastes, is getting on the right ship in the fleet.

On the big-ship end of the spectrum, Norwegian's four relatively new Breakaway Plus-class vessels — Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Escape — are the line's premier offerings. While not quite as big as Royal Caribbean's giant, Oasis-class ships , they are firmly in the pantheon of the world's cruising giants. They are the Norwegian vessels most packed with restaurants, bars, entertainment and over-the-top attractions.

Unveiled in 2019, Norwegian Encore is, notably, the 23rd 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). At 169,116 tons, it's bigger than all but three Carnival ships. Only Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises have significantly more bigger vessels.

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

Around 17% smaller than Norwegian's biggest vessels, Prima and Viva are the first tow of six sister ships that the line will roll out between now and 2027 that will significantly change the composition of its fleet. While not the biggest vessels in the Norwegian fleet, these ships will be notably packed with restaurants, bars, entertainment venues and decktop attractions. They also mark a more upscale turn for the line, with more space per passenger than earlier Norwegian ships and lots of suites.

Related: I've been on nearly every Norwegian ship. Here are my first impressions of Norwegian Prima

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

One notable outlier among the smaller ships is the 2,186-passenger Pride of America. 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 the only big cruise vessel based year-round in Hawaii.

Pride of America notably operates with a mostly U.S. crew, in keeping with regulations governing cruise itineraries that only include U.S. ports.

Related: Our take on the new Norwegian Encore

Destinations and itineraries

Norwegian sails almost everywhere in the world, but its heaviest presence is in the Caribbean, Europe and Alaska.

In a typical summer, the line will deploy nearly half its ships to Europe while sending several more to the West Coast to sail to Alaska from Seattle; Vancouver, British Columbia; and Seward, Alaska. It'll also operate trips to Bermuda from New York City and Boston, usually with two ships, and trips to the Bahamas and the Caribbean out of Miami.

During the winter, the line will move many of its vessels to North America to operate sailings to the Caribbean and Bahamas. It also sends a few ships to Asia, Australia and South America, and it'll typically keep a single vessel in Europe, too.

As mentioned above, the line also operates one ship (Pride of America) in Hawaii year-round. It's the only cruise line to offer year-round voyages in Hawaii.

In North America, Norwegian ships sail out of Baltimore; Boston; Galveston, Texas; New York City; Miami; Tampa; San Juan, Puerto Rico; New Orleans; San Diego; Los Angeles; San Francisco; Seattle; Honolulu; Vancouver, British Columbia; Quebec City; and Seward, Alaska.

In Europe, Norwegian ships sail out of Amsterdam; Stockholm; Copenhagen; Oslo and Tromso, Norway; Southampton and Portsmouth, England; Le Havre, France; Reykjavik; Lisbon, Portugal; Barcelona; Civitavecchia (the port for Rome) and Trieste, Italy (near Venice); Piraeus, Greece (the port for Athens); and Istanbul.

Related: The best Caribbean cruise for every type of traveler

Who sails Norwegian Cruise Line?

Norwegian appeals to vacationers who want a big-resort experience at sea with lots of options for dining and entertainment. In that, it's similar to Royal Caribbean — perhaps its closest competitor.

However, unlike Royal Caribbean, Norwegian hasn't retained any of the trappings of old-style cruising. There are no formal nights, as you'll still find on Royal Caribbean ships, or dress codes. Norwegian has also thoroughly done away with the concept of big main restaurants with fixed seating.

Because of that, Norwegian is popular with people who are seeking flexibility — freedom to eat when they want, with whom they want and to dress however they want, for sure, but also more freedom in general to just set their own schedule day and night.

Norwegian cruises are very unstructured vacations, and that's by design.

Like Royal Caribbean ships, Norwegian vessels have an inordinate amount of teen- and tween-friendly attractions — everything from some of the largest waterslides at sea to the only go-kart tracks on the ocean . That makes them particularly appealing to families, including multigenerational groups. Families are a big part of Norwegian's business.

It's not just families that flock to Norwegian, though. The line's ships are designed to offer a little something for everyone, and thus they appeal to a wide demographic, including couples of all ages and even solo travelers (the line has been a leader in adding solo cabins to ships in recent years). They also draw customers with a wide range of incomes.

At their core, Norwegian ships are mass-market ships, with entry-level cabins that are affordable to middle-class travelers. However, overlaid across most vessels are high-end suites and services that are at a luxury level, and the line draws a good number of luxury-seeking travelers.

The exclusive, keycard-accessed suite complex called The Haven (found on 13 of Norwegian's 19 ships) comes with private lounges, pools and other tony features. It's essentially a small, luxury vessel that has been planted atop otherwise middle-class, mass-market megaships. These complexes appeal to well-heeled travelers who want a luxury cruising experience while also getting all the fun attractions, entertainment and dining venues only a mass-market megaship can offer.

Cabins and suites

Norwegian is known for offering a wide range of accommodations on its ships. You'll find everything from relatively low-cost, windowless inside cabins that measure as little as 135 square feet (perfect for the budget traveler) to massive, multi-room suites that are more than 50 times that size.

At the high end, the accommodations are aimed at affluent travelers who, for whatever reason, prefer the megaship experience to that of a luxury ship, and they truly are among the most spectacular accommodations at sea.

Some, such as the giant Garden Villas found on six Norwegian ships — Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Star — sprawl over thousands of square feet and have as many as three bedrooms plus separate living rooms and dining rooms.

The Garden Villas also have private outdoor sun decks and courtyards with hot tubs. Additionally, the Garden Villas on Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Star include private outdoor dining areas and steam rooms.

Depending on the ship, top suites can come with perks such as private butlers and concierges who attend to your every need, access to a private restaurant, a private suite lounge and sun deck, reserved seating in entertainment venues and priority boarding and disembarkation.

On more than half of Norwegian's ships, many of the top suites are part of The Haven. Billed as an upscale "ship within a ship" and aimed at luxury travelers, The Haven is located at the very top of vessels and often comes with private lounges, pools, sunning areas and even restaurants.

Norwegian is also heralded for kicking off the trend of more solo cabins on cruise ships . In 2010, it debuted an entire zone of small studio cabins for one — 128 in all — on its then-new, 4,070-passenger Norwegian Epic, and it has since added them to seven more new ships.

The studio cabins are tiny at just 100 square feet. However, they're superbly designed to maximize storage space. On the ships that have them, they are clustered around an exclusive Studio Lounge where solo travelers can mingle at daily happy hour gatherings.

Related: What it takes to get concierge lounge access on a cruise ship

Restaurants and dining

Norwegian was an early pioneer of the idea of giving cruisers lots of choices when it comes to restaurants on ships, and even its smallest vessels offer a wide range of options.

On Norwegian's recently built Breakaway Plus-class ships, there are up to 20 places to grab a bite, ranging from high-end French restaurants and steakhouses to casual pubs.

Every vessel has two or three main restaurants and a casual buffet where meals are included in the fare — the latter is usually called the Garden Cafe.

Other included-in-the-fare venues found on some ships include O'Sheehan's Neighborhood Bar and Grill, a casual pub; an outdoor bar and grill called Topsiders; and casual Asian restaurants that go by many names including Shanghai's Noodle Bar, Ginza and Bamboo.

Also, every ship has a least four and often many more extra-charge eateries. Two found across the entire fleet are Cagney's, the line's signature steakhouse, and Le Bistro, a fine French restaurant. Every ship also has an Italian restaurant, called Onda by Scarpetta or La Cucina. There also are churrascaria restaurants called Moderno on most Norwegian vessels.

On some ships, you'll also find Ocean Blue, a seafood restaurant; The District Brew House, a gastropub serving craft beers; and a Mexican spot called either Los Lobos or Los Lobos Cantina. Every vessel has some sort of sushi restaurant, often called Sushi or Wasabi, and there are hibachi-style teppanyaki restaurants on nearly every Norwegian vessel.

You might even find Starbucks stores on some ships (the one-year-old Norwegian Prima has two!) and there are Starbucks products on every Norwegian vessel. Also, some ships have private restaurants just for passengers staying in The Haven.

Some of the extra-charge restaurants come with a flat fee (the teppanyaki outlets are $59 per person, not including the cost of drinks). However, most are a la carte, with sometimes hefty pricing. One thing you need to know upfront about going on a Norwegian cruise is that there are a lot of extra charges — and sometimes quite high extra charges — on the line's ships, particularly for things like restaurants.

A surf-and-turf dish at Ocean Blue that combines an 8-ounce filet mignon with a lobster tail costs $55, for example. If you just order a whole lobster, you'll be out $49. The least expensive entree on the menu, a roasted cauliflower steak, is $22.

If you know you want to eat at several extra-charge restaurants during a single voyage, you can buy one of several dining packages that offer meals at a discount.

Related: The 7 best meals you can have at sea

Entertainment and activities

Few lines offer as broad a range of entertainment and activities on their ships as Norwegian. The line's biggest vessels offer multiple entertainment venues, from theaters to comedy clubs; a wide range of deck-top attractions; large casinos; full-service spas; and even virtual reality attractions. You'll also find a seemingly endless array of bars, lounges and nightspots.

Theaters and shows

Entertainment is one of the core areas where Norwegian excels, and if you're the kind of person who loves nights out with live music and lively performances on your vacations, you're going to love the line.

Many of Norwegian's biggest ships have state-of-the-art theaters as big as those you'd find on Broadway, with big-name productions to match. Norwegian Bliss, for instance, has the Tony Award-winning "Jersey Boys."

In some cases, the Broadway shows are cut down slightly from the original versions, and the casts aren't quite as seasoned as what you'll find on Broadway. However, these are quality productions. The best part is they are entirely free. Compare that with the hundreds of dollars you'd spend to take your family to a show in New York City.

Norwegian ships also are jam-packed with music venues. Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Epic, for instance, have the Cavern Club, a reproduction of the British club that gave rise to the Beatles. It comes complete with a cover band that plays the group's greatest hits.

There are also Howl at the Moon dueling piano bars on some Norwegian ships, and there's the lively Q Texas Smokehouse found on Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Joy (a music-and-food concept that pairs live music with barbecue).

In addition, several Norwegian ships offer dinner theater venues with circus-type productions, and one vessel, Norwegian Getaway, features a magic-infused dinner theater show in a steampunk-inspired space called The Illusionarium.

Several ships also offer comedy club entertainment.

Other interior attractions and activities

In addition to entertainment spaces, the interiors of Norwegian ships are loaded with other venues where passengers can kick back and let loose day and night.

All but one Norwegian ship (Pride of America) has a casino, and on the line's bigger vessels, they are huge operations. The casino on Norwegian Encore has more than 300 slot machines and 26 table games (including blackjack, roulette, poker and craps), plus its own bar.

On the line's big Breakaway-class and Breakaway Plus-class ships, the casino — along with a large proportion of all onboard restaurants, bars and clubs — sprawls across three central decks connected by an atrium-like space known as 678 Ocean Place (the name derives from the location of the decks, which on each ship are decks 6, 7 and 8). At night, these three-deck complexes become bustling places.

The Breakaway- and Breakaway Plus-class ships have innovative outdoor promenades called The Waterfront lined with seating for many restaurants and bars. The Waterfront is located on Deck 8 of each of the ships, which is one of the main decks for restaurants on them all.

Like the ships of the Breakaway and Breakaway-plus classes, the Prima Class ships have a lively zone that mixes casino space, bars, eateries and entertainment that sprawls across decks 6, 7 and 8. These vessels also have outdoor eating space in an area called Ocean Boulevard.

In addition, Norwegian two new Prima Class ships (Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva), as well as another relatively new Norwegian vessels — Norwegian Encore — have innovative gaming and virtual reality zones called Galaxy Pavilion (a fourth Galaxy Pavilion area on Norwegian Joy is being removed during an overhaul in dry dock scheduled for early 2024).

There's nothing quite like Galaxy Pavilion in the cruise world. The venue has an amazing array of high-tech virtual reality experiences, including incredibly realistic race car simulators (on Norwegian Encore, there are eight in a row along one wall), hang gliding simulators, virtual mazes and a virtual reality "Jurassic Park" ride.

The Galaxy Pavilion on Norwegian Encore is the biggest of them all. Among added features, it includes a 45-minute escape room experience laced with special effects. Themed around a Spanish galleon, it's designed to be played by up to six people at a time.

Just be warned that you'll pay a hefty fee to play in the Galaxy Pavilion. A weeklong pass to the venue will set you back $199 per person. There also are hourlong passes available for $29 per person, or you can sample a single ride for $8 (except for the escape room, which is priced separately at $15 per person).

There's also a bowling alley on Norwegian Epic and duck pin bowling lanes on Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Breakaway.

Norwegian ships also all have Mandara Spas, which can be quite big on the bigger vessels, and there are fitness centers on every ship.

Deck-top attractions

What you'll find on the top decks of Norwegian ships will vary quite a bit depending on the vessel. The line's smaller ships will have at least one or two pools, sunning areas and usually a sports court area — but not all that much else.

The big ships are a different story.

On the line's Breakaway-, Breakaway Plus- and Epic-class ships, you'll find giant waterslides and kiddie splash zones and, in some cases, even more over-the-top attractions such as go-kart tracks and laser tag arenas.

The go-kart tracks (now on Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Joy) are quickly becoming Norwegian's signature can-you-believe-this-is-on-a-ship attraction, and they truly are impressive. The biggest two of them, on Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Prima, are nearly 1,400 feet long and sprawl over three decks.

Note that this is some serious go-karting. The cars that Norwegian uses can hit speeds up to 32 miles per hour. Three of the speedways, on Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Encore, also feature middle-of-the-track observation areas where your family and friends can cheer you on to victory — and even shoot you with "lasers" that'll give you a boost of power.

The open-air laser tag arenas also are significant venues that are unlike anything you'll find atop the ships of other lines. The one on Norwegian Encore, which is the largest laser tag arena ever put on a ship, is themed around the lost city of Atlantis and spans the back of the vessel.

As is the case with the Galaxy Pavilion attractions mentioned above, the go-kart and laser tag experiences on Norwegian ships don't come cheap. You'll pay $15 per person for an eight-lap romp on the go-karts. Joining a five-minute laser shootout costs $10 per person. In both cases, you can buy a weeklong pass for $199.

The top decks of a few Norwegian ships — mostly the bigger ones — also have a ropes course, a climbing wall or both. Some vessels also have miniature golf courses.

You'll find an exclusive, extra-charge, adults-only VIP sunning area on seven Norwegian ships called Vibe Beach Club. The biggest of these areas is on Norwegian Encore, where Vibe Beach Club is an expansive private lounge with a full-service bar, cabanas and two hot tubs designed to hold up to 270 people — far more than on other ships.

For those with money to burn (pricing on Norwegian Encore recently was $99 per person for a day pass), the Vibe Beach Clubs are lovely, secluded deck-top hideaways. However, there's a downside for everyone else on board the ships that have them, which is that they take away from the deck-top lounge space available to everybody else.

Related: The 12 cruise ships with the most spectacular attractions at sea

Children's programs

As is typical for big-ship cruise lines, Norwegian has an extensive children's program, with programs and activities for children as young as 6 months through the age of 17.

The heart of the program, called Splash Academy, brings free, supervised activities daily for children ages 3 to 12. The line splits children here up into three age groups: Turtles (ages 3 to 5), Seals (ages 6 to 9) and Dolphins (ages 10 to 12), and they each have their own age-appropriate activities ranging from treasure hunts to video game competitions. On many ships, there are extensive dedicated spaces for the different groups.

While the free programming ends at 10:30 p.m., you can pay extra to leave your kids at Splash Academy past 10:30 p.m. until 1:30 a.m., when it's billed as the Late Night Fun Zone.

Norwegian also has rooms on its ships for babies and toddlers ages 6 months to 3 years. Called Guppies, the program offers parents a place to play with their youngest children, with occasional youth staff-led activities and games.

Norwegian also offers dedicated teen zones and programming on ships for children ages 13 to 17. Called Entourage, the teen zone is a place for teens to hang out, dance and play games, and it's supervised by counselors who plan activities and challenges.

What to know before you go

Required documents.

A passport is required for all cruises leaving from a non-U.S. port and all Panama Canal sailings (regardless of departure port). If you're a U.S. citizen, you don't need a passport for most sailings from U.S. ports (including sailings to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, the Mexican Riviera and Alaska).

Instead, you can travel with a state-certified birth certificate or other proof of citizenship and a driver's license or other government-issued photo identification. That said, Norwegian strongly recommends that all travelers bring a passport.

Passports must be valid for at least six months after your trip, and the name on your reservation must be exactly as it's printed on your passport or other official proof of nationality.

Norwegian adds an automatic service charge of $20 to $25 per person, per day, to final bills, depending on your cabin category. Depending on the service you receive, you can adjust the amount up or down at the guest services desk before disembarking. In addition, a 20% gratuity is added to the bill at bars, extra-charge specialty restaurants and ship spas.

Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on a cruise ship

Norwegian has been rolling out faster Wi-Fi systems across its fleet in recent years, so you can now stream video on ships.

Pricing changes over time, but the fastest "premium" service on Norwegian vessels recently was priced at $39.99 per person per day, if you bought it in advance. Norwegian also offers a less expensive plan that doesn't allow video streaming for $29.99 per person per day if purchased in advance.

This pricing is quite a bit higher than what some other lines, such as Carnival or Princess, charge for Wi-Fi. Princess recently was charging just $14.99 per person per day for a WiFi package.

Related: Wi-Fi on ships really is getting better

Carry-on drinks policy

Norwegian allows you to bring bottles of your own wine or Champagne on board, but it will charge you a hefty corkage fee of $15 per bottle for the privilege — even if you plan to drink the bottle in your room. This is a more draconian policy than you'll find at most lines. Most lines allow passengers to bring at least a bottle or two of their own wine on board at no charge.

Smoking policy

On all ships, smoking (including e-cigarette smoking) is only allowed in designated outdoor areas, cigar lounges (for cigar smoking only) and casinos. It's forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies. Passengers caught smoking in their cabins will be fined $250 per occurrence.

Unlike many cruise vessels, Norwegian ships do not have self-serve launderettes on cabin decks for passenger use. Instead, the line offers extra-charge laundry and dry cleaning services.

Related: Everything you need to know about cruise ship laundry services

Electrical outlets

All cabins on Norwegian vessels have standard North American-style, 110-volt outlets and European-style, 220-volt outlets. Some cabins also have USB ports.

The currency used on all Norwegian itineraries is U.S. dollars. All vessels operate on a cashless system with any onboard purchases you make posting automatically to your onboard account. You'll receive a cruise card you can use to make charges. This same card also lets you into your cabin.

Drinking age

The official drinking age on Norwegian ships is 21. That said, passengers who are 18 to 20 can purchase and consume beer or wine on ships in international waters with permission from parents or legal guardians. The parent or legal guardian must be on board and sign a waiver at guest services. The lower drinking age in international waters does not apply during sailings in Alaska and Hawaii.

Norwegian Cruise Line may be the most laid-back line out there when it comes to dress codes. You can basically wear whatever you want, whenever you want.

The line specifically says that casual wear (think: khakis, jeans, shorts and casual shirts for men; casual dresses, skirts, shorts, jeans and tops for women) is just fine anytime during the day, at the buffet and in most specialty restaurants.

The line just recommends a step up to "smart casual" outfits in its more formal dining rooms and upscale specialty restaurants. In keeping with Norwegian's laid-backness, this might still mean nothing more than a crisper pair of jeans, or maybe slacks with a collared shirt, for men. Definitely no need for a jacket. For women, slacks, jeans, dresses, skirts and tops will do fine.

Related: What to pack for your first cruise

Norwegian Cruise Line loyalty program

Norwegian has a point-based frequent cruiser program, Latitudes Rewards, that has seven tiers, ranging from Bronze (requiring 1 point) to Ambassador (700 points).

Members earn points for every night they sail on one of the line's ships. They get an additional point for every night they stay in a concierge room, a suite (not including stays in minisuites, or stays in suites resulting from an upgrade) or a room in The Haven. They also get an additional point for every night booked through a Latitudes Rewards Insider Offer.

Hitting the first tier, Bronze, takes one cruise. Reaching the second tier, Silver (20 points), would take at the most three cruises if you're doing seven-night trips.

Related: Everything you need to know about the Norwegian loyalty program

Lower tiers don't bring all that much in terms of truly valuable benefits. You'll get things like priority check-in and discounted spa treatments performed while ships are in port. However, higher levels of the program start to be enticing.

Platinum (75 points) brings free dinners at two extra-charge restaurants, a discount on an internet package, behind-the-scenes ship tours and concierge service.

The top Ambassador level brings a truly wonderful perk: a one-time complimentary seven-night cruise in a balcony cabin. You can pick almost any sailing except trips around Christmas and the new year.

In contrast to airline frequent-flyer programs, cruise line loyalty programs do not require you to requalify for status every year. So, yes, the perks with lower tiers aren't great. But it's not as difficult as it might at first seem to hit the more rewarding higher tiers in just a few years if you're cruising a lot.

A passenger staying in suites and booking through Latitudes Rewards Insider Offers could get to the Platinum level with just four seven-night cruises.

Related: The TPG guide to cruise line loyalty programs

How much does a Norwegian cruise cost?

Norwegian designs its ships to appeal to a broad mix of people, in part by offering a wide range of cabin types at varying price points. On a typical sailing, you might find an entry-level cabin for around $100 a night while a high-end suite is five to 15 times that amount.

At the time of this story's posting, A The Haven two-bedroom family villa on Norwegian Jewel for a seven-night Alaska cruise in August 2024, for example, was going for $13,978 per person, based on double occupancy. That's more than 13 times the cost of the least expensive inside cabin (which was starting at $1,058 per person, based on double occupancy). Oceanview cabins on the same sailing started at $1,698 per person, based on double occupancy.

Note the "based on double occupancy" caveat in the above paragraph. As is typical for cruise lines, Norwegian charges on a per-person basis, not per room, and it prices most cabins based on two people occupying a room. It does offer some cabins for solo travelers on some ships that are priced based on single occupancy.

In general, Norwegian's newer ships including Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Prima and the Breakaway-class and Breakaway Plus-class vessels will be more expensive than the line's older, smaller ships. However, there are many factors that go into pricing for any given cruise, including the popularity of the specific itinerary, the time of year when the cruise is taking place and changing demand trends.

As you might expect, pricing for all ships will generally be lower during offseason periods such as September and October.

The timing of when you book can also matter. Cruises book up much further in advance than airplanes or hotels, and many cruisers will tell you the best pricing for any given sailing often is available when cruises first go on sale (which can be a good two years before a departure). Booking far in advance will also give you the best chance of getting your preferred cabin type and location on a ship.

Once on board a Norwegian ship, you'll pay extra for most drinks, extra-charge restaurants, spa services, shore excursions, internet service and a few other things — unless you've bought a package for some of these items in advance. Some onboard activities such as go-karting also come with an extra charge. What's included in the fare is your lodging, meals (in non-extra-charge restaurants) and most entertainment.

Related: 15 ways that first-time cruisers waste money on a cruise

How to book

If you're sure you know what sort of cabin you want, on which ship, on which itinerary — and about a dozen other things — you can head over to ncl.com to make a booking directly.

That said, given the complexity of booking a cruise (there are a lot of decisions to make during the booking process — trust us) we recommend you use a seasoned travel agent who specializes in cruises.

A good travel agent will quiz you about your particular interests, travel style and preferences, and steer you to the perfect cruise line, ship, itinerary and cabin for you. They can also help you if something goes wrong just before, during or after your voyage.

If you're sure Norwegian is your line, look for a travel agent who specializes in trips with the brand. You want someone who understands all the little quirks that are unique to Norwegian's cabin categories and, preferably, has done ship inspections to see the cabins firsthand.

Whether you use a travel agent or not, make sure to maximize your purchase when paying for the cruise by using a card that offers extra points for travel purchases . This could be the Chase Sapphire Reserve , which offers 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on travel and dining (excluding the annual $300 travel credit), or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card , which brings 2 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on travel and 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on dining.

Bottom line

For big-ship lovers, Norwegian pretty much has it all. There's tons of great entertainment on Norwegian's vessels, plenty of venues for eating and drinking, and all sorts of deck-top diversions — at least on the line's newest ships. Throw in the brand's low starting prices, and it's an even more compelling package.

If we have a gripe with the line, it's about the "extra-charge creep" we've been seeing for attractions on Norwegian ships such as go-karts and laser tag in recent years, and the higher a la carte prices spreading across the line's onboard restaurants.

Then again, you get what you pay for, as the saying goes. If you're on a tight budget, there are plenty of included-in-the-fare choices for dining and entertainment. If money is no object, you can follow a different "journey" through the ship, as Norwegian executives like to say, to a far more high-end vacation.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

• Norwegian Cruise Line

NCL Ship passenger capacity?

By jingle5616 , August 4, 2021 in Norwegian Cruise Line

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Can anyone tell me what passenger capacity NCL is sailing with during the start up?

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9 minutes ago, jingle5616 said: Can anyone tell me what passenger capacity NCL is sailing with during the start up?

I've been told multiple times that it'll be 60%

BermudaBound2014

3 hours ago, bkrickles1 said: I've been told multiple times that it'll be 60%

I thought it was 60% week 1.

100% week 3

did I miss a memo? 

9 minutes ago, BermudaBound2014 said: I thought it was 60% week 1. 80% week 2 100% week 3   did I miss a memo? 

You may be right but I've asked multiple pcc's and a couple of people directly with NCL and they only talk about 60% capacity.

I asked specifically about my sailing on the Joy in January and was told 60% too.

Bottom line, I don't think anyone knows exactly what's going to happen.

Personally, a key date for me is November 13th, which is when the Joy is supposed to start sailing for real.

I'm an optimist that believes this current spike of the delta variant will be mostly over by then and we'll be able to see some normalcy return to cruising.

Fingers crossed.

SwimmingDragon

I believe it's 60% for the first month of sailing for a ship then 80% the next and then 100% after 2 months of completed sailing. 

Muckyduckway

1 hour ago, SwimmingDragon said: I believe it's 60% for the first month of sailing for a ship then 80% the next and then 100% after 2 months of completed sailing. 

That's what I read too, but according to a report on the first Jade cruise they were sailing at just under 75%.

1 minute ago, Muckyduckway said: That's what I read too, but according to a report on the first Jade cruise they were sailing at just under 75%.

Yes- ncl stated they sailed with 75%. I thought perhaps the trial run on jade was 60%- leaving this weeks sailing to go at 80% and next week at 100% but admittedly I’m getting confused with all the changes and unfortunately I can’t find anything in writing. 

1 minute ago, BermudaBound2014 said: Yes- ncl stated they sailed with 75%. I thought perhaps the trial run on jade was 60%- leaving this weeks sailing to go at 80% and next week at 100% but admittedly I’m getting confused with all the changes and unfortunately I can’t find anything in writing. 

I remember Frank del Rio saying that months ago, but (and this is obviously just my opinion) it may have been aspirational rather than realistic. Plus, it's possible they're only filling the ships to 60% capacity to begin with, meaning people aren't buying in the numbers they'd hoped for.

BirdTravels

2 hours ago, BermudaBound2014 said: I thought it was 60% week 1. 80% week 2 100% week 3   did I miss a memo? 

Never seen these numbers. NCL states

Controlled Guest Capacity . We will initially control the guest capacity onboard each ship to provide even more space per guest.

"In a letter to the CDC, Norwegian said it will begin trips at a reduced capacity of 60%. It then plans to gradually ramp up its fleet departing from U.S. ports and increase capacity by 20% every 30 days."

Quoted from Reuters report here:

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-nrwn-crs-ln-hldg-idUSKBN2BS148

ClevelandCruisin

Probably less than 100% for awhile. Maybe no more than 80%. They have to be able to control guest areas. Just a guess though. Who knows what they will do with the Delta variant out of control.

24 minutes ago, ClevelandCruisin said: Probably less than 100% for awhile. Maybe no more than 80%. They have to be able to control guest areas. Just a guess though. Who knows what they will do with the Delta variant out of control.

Masks. Social Distancing. Just about everything that you avoid by being on a fully vaccinated cruise. 

11 hours ago, jingle5616 said: Can anyone tell me what passenger capacity NCL is sailing with during the start up?

I was just told 60% but 100% in Haven 😡

36 minutes ago, 4 cruisers said: I was just told 60% but 100% in Haven 😡

I understand your being upset. And, remember that the Haven even at full capacity still probably has more than enough square footage per person than other places on the ship. With exception to the restaurant and bar area... depending on which ship you are on. Then again, I could be wrong... 🤔

scooter6139

When I called and spoke to an NCL customer service person, I asked this specific question.  He stated the Encore would sail on August 7th with only 40 - to 50% capacity.  "Much below 50 percent" is what he said.  I would have been satisfied with 60-70%.

HaveWeMetYet

With the covid drama and mask requirements coming back I doubt you will have to worry about a cruise over 50 percent capacity for the next several months.

18 hours ago, SwimmingDragon said: I understand your being upset. And, remember that the Haven even at full capacity still probably has more than enough square footage per person than other places on the ship. With exception to the restaurant and bar area... depending on which ship you are on. Then again, I could be wrong... 🤔

Yeah I think even with 100% in the Haven, if the rest of the ship is at 60%, more people will spend time outside of the Haven and thin it out a bit there as well.  Even besides that, it’ll still be nice to have the emptier ship when going out for the shows, specialty dining, entertainment, casino, etc.  

zerooveride

NCLH CEO Frank del Rio just confirmed during a Press Briefing that there will only be 60% capacity for the first 30 days of sailing on their ships. His previous letter is still NCL policy. 

3 hours ago, zerooveride said: NCLH CEO Frank del Rio just confirmed during a Press Briefing that there will only be 60% capacity for the first 30 days of sailing on their ships. His previous letter is still NCL policy. 

I listened to the briefing. I believe DelRio said there will be between 60%-70% for the first month. He hopes to be at 100% after 60 days.

14 minutes ago, BermudaBound2014 said: I listened to the briefing. I believe DelRio said there will be between 60%-70% for the first month. He hopes to be at 100% after 60 days.

I heard him specifically say 60% then increases of 20% per month thereafter until it reached 100%. This was inline with his previous letter earlier this year to the CDC.

15 minutes ago, zerooveride said: I heard him specifically say 60% then increases of 20% per month thereafter until it reached 100%. This was inline with his previous letter earlier this year to the CDC.

Sorry, but this is the actual transcript from this mornings earnings call. Here is a cut and paste of Mr. DelRio's responce to a question posed from JPMorgan's team. I've linked the entire transcript here you want to read it.

Frank J. Del Rio   --   President and Chief Executive Officer

Yeah. As Mark mentioned, we're starting every vessel in the 60% to 70% range of load factor . That's not anyone's requirement, it's not a CDC mandate. It's something we think is a responsible way to start operations, train our crew, get our feet wet, so to speak. If all goes well, after 30 days, we'll increase that to 80% load, and after 60 days, we will resume trying to fill the vessel as in pre-pandemic level.

There is an audio available also if you want to actually hear the words come out of Frank's mouth. I'm not dogging on you, but the mind is fascinating and often hears only what we want it to hear.,

24 minutes ago, zerooveride said: I heard him specifically say 60% then increases of 20% per month thereafter until it reached 100%. This was inline with his previous letter earlier this year to the CDC.

Does what Del Rio say really matter? 

Didn't NCL's first cruise back,  Jade from Athens 07/25/2021, leave out of port with 75% capacity???

1 hour ago, BermudaBound2014 said:   Sorry, but this is the actual transcript from this mornings earnings call. Here is a cut and paste of Mr. DelRio's responce to a question posed from JPMorgan's team. I've linked the entire transcript here you want to read it.     Frank J. Del Rio   --   President and Chief Executive Officer Yeah. As Mark mentioned, we're starting every vessel in the 60% to 70% range of load factor . That's not anyone's requirement, it's not a CDC mandate. It's something we think is a responsible way to start operations, train our crew, get our feet wet, so to speak. If all goes well, after 30 days, we'll increase that to 80% load, and after 60 days, we will resume trying to fill the vessel as in pre-pandemic level.   There is an audio available also if you want to actually hear the words come out of Frank's mouth. I'm not dogging on you, but the mind is fascinating and often hears only what we want it to hear.,

I was not referring to what he said on the earnings call, I was specifically referring to his comments at the Press Briefing at the Port of Seattle. He may have very well said one thing to investors and another to the press, that is not an uncommon occurrence. 

  @zerooveride    So, to which audience do you believe he was telling the truth?

3 hours ago, rad798 said: Does what Del Rio say really matter?  Didn't NCL's first cruise back,  Jade from Athens 07/25/2021, leave out of port with 75% capacity???

I read somewhere they sailed with 75% also but can't confirm officially. Was this in a statement from NCL or hearsay?

You can find videos from today's Press Panel by going here and selecting video:

https://publicity.gettyimages.com/event/norwegian-cruise-line-great-cruise-comeback

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