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.

NCL Ships by alphabetical order

BREAKAWAY PLUS CLASS

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 Bliss in Ketchikan Alaska - the Bliss is the third breakaway plus class vessels that entered NCL service
BREAKAWAY CLASS

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 Breakaway in New York - part of the Norwegian cruise line breakaway plus class ships
DAWN CLASS

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 Dawn at Sea
BREAKAWAY PLUS CLASS

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 Encore at Sea
EPIC CLASS

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 Epic in Miami
BREAKAWAY PLUS CLASS

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 Escape in the Caribbean
JEWEL CLASS

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 Gem outside New York
BREAKAWAY CLASS

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 Getaway in Stockholm,Sweden
JEWEL CLASS

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 Jade in Alesund Norway
JEWEL CLASS

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 Jewel in Alaska Tracy Arm
BREAKAWAY PLUS CLASS

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 Joy at sea
JEWEL CLASS

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 Pearl in Alaska
PRIMA CLASS

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 Prima the latest NCL cruise ship
SUN CLASS

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 Sky in Miami
UNCLASSED

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

The first NCL Ship the Norwegian Spirit in Kyoto (Kobe) the ship has a maximum guest capacity of 2,414
DAWN CLASS

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 Star in Katakolon, Greece 538x300
SUN CLASS

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 Sun in Alaska
PRIMA CLASS

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

Norwegian Viva renders to be launched in Summer 2023
UNCLASSED

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

Pride of America in Hawaii

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!

List of NCL Ships from Newest to Oldest: Year Built Last refurb* Cost (USD)
Norwegian Viva (planned) 2023   850
Norwegian Prima 2022   850
Norwegian Encore 2019   920
Norwegian Bliss 2018   920
Norwegian Joy 2017 2019 920
Norwegian Escape 2015   920
Norwegian Getaway 2014 2019 840
Norwegian Breakaway 2013 2018 840
Norwegian Epic 2010 2020 1.2 Bill
Norwegian Gem 2007 2015 700
Norwegian Jade 2006 2017 390
Norwegian Pearl 2006 2017 390
Norwegian Jewel 2005 2018 390
Pride of America 2005 2016 450
Norwegian Dawn 2002 2016 459
Norwegian Star 2001 2018 400
Norwegian Sun 2001 2018 330
Norwegian Sky 1999 2019 360
Norwegian Spirit 1998 2020 350

*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 Name by size Gross Tonnage Max Passengers Length (m) Beam (m) Decks
Norwegian Encore 169,116 4,903 333 41 20
Norwegian Bliss 168,028 4,903 333 41 20
Norwegian Joy 167,725 4,622 333 41 20
Norwegian Escape 164,998 5,218 333 41 20
Norwegian Epic 155,873 5,074 329 41 19
Norwegian Getaway 146,600 4,819 326 51 18
Norwegian Breakaway 145,655 4,819 326 52 18
Norwegian Prima 142,500 3,950 294 41 20
Norwegian Viva (to be launched) 142,500 3,950 294 41 20
Norwegian Jade 93,558 2,882 294 38 15
Norwegian Gem 93,530 2,873 294 32 15
Norwegian Pearl 93,530 2,873 294 38 15
Norwegian Jewel 93,502 2,866 294 38 15
Norwegian Dawn 92,250 2,808 294 38 14
Norwegian Star 91,740 2,813 294 38 14
Pride of America 80,439 2,630 281 37 14
Norwegian Sun 78,309 2,323 258 38 12
Norwegian Sky 77,104 2,405 258 32 12
Norwegian Spirit 75,904 2,414 268 37 13

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.

FAQ

There are a total of nineteen Norwegian cruises in the fleet, with two more ships set to join in 2022 and 2023. This provides plenty of options for cruise-goers, whether they're looking for a short getaway or an extended voyage.

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.