Every Norwegian Cruise Line Ship, Ranked for 2025

Norwegian’s fleet stretches from brand-new resort ships with splashy thrill rides to smaller classics that feel like easygoing floating hotels. I ranked every ship on a mix of real-world factors that matter once you are onboard: cabin comfort and variety, pool deck design, family features, dining depth, crowd flow on sea days, adults-only spaces, spa quality, entertainment, and how well the ship’s layout fits its usual itineraries. Newer hardware scores well, but thoughtful refurbishments and smooth operations can lift an older favorite. Use this as a practical guide to pick the ship that actually matches how you travel.

Norwegian Aqua

Norwegian Aqua is the newest ship and an easy top pick if you want the latest spaces and the widest cabin choices. The star is the Aqua Slidecoaster that loops above the pool deck and gives sea days a theme-park buzz. Ocean Boulevard wraps the ship with alfresco dining, glass-bottom Oceanwalks, an expanded Infinity Beach, and daybeds that feel like a boutique resort. Inside, Indulge Food Hall offers fast, excellent bites from multiple counters so your group can eat together without a long sit-down. Families love the bigger splash zone and the kids’ club upgrades, while adults drift to the thermal suite and the adults-only Vibe sundeck. Production shows lean modern, and the expanded suite categories include roomy duplexes that make multigenerational trips easier.

Norwegian Viva

Viva carries the sleek Prima-class look with wide promenades and a smart balance of quiet nooks and high-energy spaces. The Viva Speedway adds a multi-level go-kart track for bragging rights, while the Drop and the Rush dry slides move people between decks with a thrill. Ocean Boulevard’s outdoor dining choices keep evenings breezy and relaxed, and Indulge Food Hall solves the what-do-we-eat question in five minutes. Cabins feel contemporary and well lit, and bathrooms are a clear step up from older designs. Crowds spread out well thanks to the many small venues, so bars and lounges stay lively without feeling packed. If you want a newer ship with variety but a calmer vibe than the largest megaships, Viva nails it.

Norwegian Prima

Prima set the template with more outdoor space at the waterline and a strong focus on design. Infinity pools tucked into Ocean Boulevard make sea days feel like a beach club, and there are plenty of shaded daybeds for reading between dips. The take-what-you-want style of Indulge Food Hall is still one of the best quick-service concepts at sea. Entertainment trades giant theaters for multiple smaller venues, so you can catch live music sets and comedy without lining up an hour early. Staterooms gain storage and better lighting compared with earlier classes, and Haven suites enjoy a beautifully designed private sun deck and restaurant. It is a modern, medium-large ship that feels intentionally laid out.

Norwegian Encore

Encore is the most complete of the Breakaway-Plus ships, with a superb Observation Lounge that makes Alaska and Caribbean sea days special. The Speedway race track, augmented reality laser tag, and Galaxy Pavilion keep teens and tech-lovers busy between port calls. The Waterfront promenade adds real outdoor dining and strolling space so you are not stuck on a single pool deck. Specialty dining is deep, from teppanyaki to steakhouse classics, and quick snacks at the Local are a reliable late-night fix. Cabins are comfortable and numerous connecting options make family layouts simple. If you like a big-ship menu of choices with polished operations, Encore is a sweet spot.

Norwegian Bliss

Bliss was built with scenic cruising in mind, and its forward Observation Lounge is one of the best places at sea to watch glaciers or sunsets. The pool deck is broad and well organized, with plenty of shade lines and a separate kids’ splash zone. The Speedway karts, laser tag, and a strong arcade keep sea days packed with options beyond the pool. Dining spreads across familiar favorites and buzzy signatures, and the Waterfront tables make balmy evenings feel like a boardwalk stroll. Cabins are modern and quiet for a ship this size, and the Mandara Spa has a generous thermal suite. For Alaska, Pacific Coast, or Caribbean itineraries with maximum onboard variety, Bliss delivers.

Norwegian Joy

Joy brings the Breakaway-Plus formula with a big Observation Lounge, go-karts, and an adults-only Vibe sundeck that sells out passes for a reason. The ship runs a calm daytime rhythm, then flips to live-music energy across multiple lounges at night. Dining is broad and reliable, from bao buns and noodles to steak and seafood in more formal settings. Families get a strong kids’ club and a quiet teen space that does not feel like an afterthought. Cabins are practical, with good storage and plenty of connecting and family options. Joy shines when you want the amenities of a modern megaship without the most intense party vibe.

Norwegian Escape

Escape introduced the Breakaway-Plus layout and still feels like a crowd-pleaser with tons of dining and a wide Waterfront promenade. The ropes course and water slides keep sea days busy, while the District Brew House and Sugarcane Mojito Bar are evening staples. Spice H2O gives adults a retreat during the day that converts into a themed deck party at night. Cabins are efficient and comfortable, and there are many family-friendly categories near the kids’ spaces. Theater productions lean mainstream, and late-night snacks at the Local are dependable. Escape is a great value when you want the big-ship toolkit on popular Caribbean runs.

Norwegian Getaway

Getaway’s claim to fame is the lively Waterfront, where a perimeter of alfresco bars and restaurants turns evenings into a casual crawl. The main pool deck is energetic, and Spice H2O adds an adults-only zone to balance the day. Waterslides and a ropes course keep kids happy, while live music venues mean you can hear a band without committing to a full show. Specialty dining covers all the bases from Italian comfort to seafood and steak. Cabins are compact but smartly laid out with good lighting and storage. For sun-focused itineraries where you will be out on deck, Getaway still feels current and fun.

Norwegian Breakaway

Breakaway set the template with the Waterfront and a focus on spreading people out across multiple mid-sized venues. The pool area is lively and benefits from nearby quick bites so you do not lose your chair every time you grab lunch. Slides, ropes, and mini-golf give families a full day’s worth of options without leaving the top deck. Evenings revolve around dueling pianos, lively bar programs, and approachable theater productions. Staterooms are comfortable and quiet if you book away from the busiest corridors. Breakaway shines when you want a classic big-ship routine with lots of small choices rather than a few giant venues.

Norwegian Epic

Epic is the outlier with its curvy layout, unique cabin bathrooms, and a nightlife district that still packs in multiple venues side by side. The pool complex is large and fringed with fast-casual options that keep lines moving. Spice H2O works well as an adult retreat by day and a party deck after dark. Specialty restaurants run the gamut, and the Spiegel Tent can host dinner shows that feel different from a typical main theater night. Cabins are quirky but work once you settle into the layout, and single Studio staterooms with their private lounge remain a huge win for solo travelers. If you like variety and a little weirdness, Epic is memorably different.

Norwegian Gem

Gem is the most balanced of the Jewel-class ships, with a friendly scale that makes everything feel close without being crowded. The pool deck is simple and calm, and Great Outdoors aft seating turns breakfast and sunsets into rituals. Dining is surprisingly broad for a mid-size ship, and O’Sheehan’s-style pub grub anchors late nights. Cabins are comfortable with good storage, and connecting options make family planning straightforward. Entertainment leans toward live bands, comedy, and game shows instead of giant productions. Gem suits travelers who want a classic cruise feel with modern touches and easy pacing.

Norwegian Jade

Jade’s 2020s refresh kept her public rooms elegant and bright, and the flow between atrium bars, lounges, and dining rooms feels natural. The pool area is manageable and rarely chaotic, with a quieter vibe than the largest ships. Specialty restaurants punch above their weight, and the buffet’s aft terrace is a favorite for sea-day lunches. Cabins are practical and well maintained, and the spa offers a restful thermal suite for a ship this size. Evenings bring strong live-music sets and approachable theater shows that do not require a long line. Jade is an easygoing choice for port-intense Mediterranean and Caribbean itineraries.

Norwegian Pearl

Pearl’s layout is intuitive, which means you spend less time hunting for venues and more time enjoying them. The pool deck works well for families, and the Great Outdoors aft area is a reliable place to sit with a breeze. Dining choices span familiar favorites with a few surprises, and service teams feel seasoned and steady. Cabins are comfortable, with minisuites and balcony rooms that fit small families without stress. Nightlife focuses on live music, trivia, and themed parties that feel inclusive rather than crowded. Pearl is a dependable mid-sizer that lets the itinerary lead.

Norwegian Jewel

Jewel runs a calm ship with friendly service and a footprint that makes port days simple and sea days restful. The main pool and hot tubs handle families well without feeling like a water park. Specialty restaurants and the main dining rooms execute consistently, and the café and aft terrace are underrated for slow mornings. Cabins are bright with good storage, and housekeeping keeps the older hardware feeling fresh. Evenings lean into music, comedy, and interactive games that fill the atrium. Jewel is a comfortable home base when you care more about ports and conversations than sheer spectacle.

Norwegian Dawn

Dawn is beloved for feeling like a traditional cruise ship with modern reliability. The atrium anchors daily life with coffee, music, and guest services all within steps. The pool deck is relaxed, and the promenade makes a great walking loop at sunset. Dining covers all the essentials, and specialty venues provide a nice splurge without the pressure to book every night. Cabins are well kept, and oceanviews and balconies make great value on itineraries with constant scenery. Dawn fits travelers who want a strong itinerary and a ship that keeps routines simple and pleasant.

Norwegian Star

Star mirrors Dawn’s strengths with a gentle pace and a crew that keeps things smooth. The pool and hot tubs handle families without noise spilling everywhere, and the promenade gives you a real ocean connection. Dining is varied enough to keep a week interesting, with a few smaller venues that become favorites quickly. Staterooms are practical, and upgrades in soft goods keep them feeling fresh. Evening entertainment rotates among bands, guest performers, and approachable theater shows. Star is a calm, value-smart option for seeing a lot of ports without giving up comfort on sea days.

Norwegian Sun

Sun is compact, which makes it easy to learn in an afternoon and navigate without elevator marathons. The pool deck is peaceful, and shaded seating is better than you expect on a ship this size. Dining sticks to crowd-pleasing menus with a couple of specialty standouts, and the café becomes a social hub at breakfast. Cabins are smaller but thoughtfully arranged, and oceanview rooms can be a great deal. Evenings feel personal, with crew-guest interactions that you do not always get on the largest ships. Sun is a great pick for port-heavy routes and travelers who prefer a quieter soundtrack.

Norwegian Sky

Sky is a short-break specialist that also tackles longer runs with a lean, friendly style. The pool area and adjacent bars keep the day moving, and you can always find a shady spot to read. Dining is straightforward, with quick service that suits people who want to get back to the pool or ashore. Cabins are compact but bright, and balconies are worth it on warm-weather itineraries. Entertainment is casual and social, from karaoke to lively house bands. Sky works best for quick getaways or as a simple platform for beach-forward routes.

Norwegian Spirit

Spirit is the smallest ship in the fleet and feels like a classic ocean liner inside, with cozy lounges and an understated pool deck. The big refit modernized cabins and public rooms, so the ship looks crisp and contemporary without losing her character. Dining is quietly excellent for her size, and the specialty venues feel intimate rather than crowded. The thermal suite is a surprising highlight, and sea days pass easily between spa time and a shaded lounger. Evenings center on live music and small-venue shows that feel like a private performance. Spirit is ideal if you want a ship that feels personal and lets the destinations shine.

Pride of America

Pride of America is unique, sailing year-round, U.S.-flagged itineraries in Hawaii with no international sea day detours. The schedule is all about time in port, with long days on multiple islands and minimal time stuck onboard. Public spaces are patriotic and bright, and the pool deck stays relaxed because many guests are off exploring. Dining is geared to quick turnarounds, and specialty venues provide a treat when you finally slow down. Cabins are comfortable and functional for an itinerary where your days start early and end happily tired. If your goal is to see as much of Hawaii as possible in a single week, Pride of America is the simplest way to do it.

This article was written by Hunter and edited with AI Assistance