All of Norwegian Cruise Lines Ranked

Norwegian Cruise Line has established itself as one of the great masters of the sea. Their ships are decadently decorated, clean, and host a fleet of unique entertainment options. They also have interesting itineraries, from Northern Europe, to the Pacific Coast, to a seven-day cruise along Hawaii’s heavenly shorelines. 

If you’re a remote worker or a digital nomad, you’ll love this fun fact: all their ships are outfitted with StarLink, making them the cruise line with some of the most reliable Internet speeds to help you stay connected. 

In a fleet of 19 ships, we’re going to work our way from more intimate settings with only 1,800 passengers on board to full-blown party ships that can accommodate over 4,000 future friends. 

Norwegian Sun

Guest Capacity: 1,880
Year Built: 2018

One of the first things you’ll see as you walk up to this ship is its bright, bold colors. You just know good things are on the horizon. And, as a smaller ship, you’re also about to be well tended to. Yet, nothing is lacking on board this beauty. Norwegian Sun’s award-winning spa, Mandara, is ready to treat you. And, with specialty dining spots like Cagney’s Steakhouse and La Cucina, your evenings will be unforgettable. During the day, you’ll find yourself gracing the Spinnaker Lounge all the way up on deck 12 before or after taking a dip in their expansive pool or resting in a lounger beside. 

Cruise Destinations

• Alaska
• Asia
• Australia and New Zealand
• The Caribbean
• Hawaii
• Northern Europe
• The Panama Canal
• The South Pacific

Norwegian Sky

Guest Capacity: 1,950
Year Built: 2019

Again, we have to reiterate that one of the best features of Norwegian’s fleet is the fact that their ships are outfitted with Starlink. This is such a relief for those who work remotely or need to check in from time to time. Their staterooms are also like something straight out of an issue of Architectural Digest. On board the Sky, you’ll find La Cucina again for some decadent Italian fare, as well as Le Bistro if you’re more in the mood for a French affair. Each of these smaller ships also allows you to take a spin with Lady Luck at their onboard casinos. As for some of their shore excursions, if you choose The Bahamas, you’re looking at an opportunity to parasail over the sea or swim with the dolphins – such heavenly delights. 

Cruise Destinations

• Africa
• Asia
• The Bahamas
• Canada and New England
• The Caribbean
• The Greek Isles
• The Mediterranean
• Northern Europe
• The Panama Canal

Norwegian Spirit

Guest Capacity: 1,970
Year Built: 2020

Rounding out this decadent class of smaller ships designed with the adult traveler in mind, you’ll find everything you desire on board the Norwegian Spirit, as well. Many passengers like to start their day in the Thermal Suite where they can relax, rejuvenate, and soak up the glorious views out over the sea. Come nightfall, there’s a Comedy Club that delivers all the laughs, especially after you’ve enjoyed a decadent meal at any of their onsite eateries. When you wake up in the morning and step onto your balcony, you’ll see that the sky’s the limit, especially when you’re headed for any one of the fabulous destinations the ship sails to, from Alaska to Asia, to Australia and New Zealand. 

Cruise Destinations

• Alaska
• Asia
• Australia and New Zealand
• Hawaii

Pride of America

Guest Capacity: 2,150
Year Built: 2016

You’ll notice right from the start that this ship is a little bit different. She’s the Pride of America because she’s the only ship that sails year-round from Honolulu, introducing people from all over the world to the splendors of Hawaii. With onboard hot tubs, saunas, and Norwegian Cruise Lines’s (NCL’s) famous Mandara Spa, you’ll love every moment on and off board the ship. With four islands in seven days, there are no sea days, but no luxury has been removed from this ship. The staterooms are the lap of luxury, with an equal number of lounges and restaurants to the aforementioned ships. While you’re ashore, there will be no shortage of excitement, from tours of volcanoes to surfing, to dips in pools of water surrounded by waterfalls. If Hawaii’s been on your mind, this is the only way to see it. 

Cruise Destinations

• Hawaii

Norwegian Star

Guest Capacity: 2,300
Year Built: 2018

As we step up to a larger class of ships, our horizons will continue to broaden. With sports courts, walking tracks, casinos, spa treatments, and a host of pools, you can relax your way all the way to The Mediterranean, Mexico, or Northern Europe. While there are plenty of kid-friendly features and itineraries, the Norwegian Star has one interesting feature for Mom and Dad alone – Spice H20, an adults-only escape where you can sip cocktails beside a magical waterfall by day and dance beneath the stars at night. With wood paneling and crisp, white sheets, the staterooms certainly fit the definition of stately. Here, too, your appetite will be wholly satiated with their signature Cagney’s Steakhouse, La Cucina, or Le Bistro, along with a host of beautiful lounges spread throughout the ship. 

Cruise Destinations

• The Mediterranean
• Mexico
• Northern Europe
• The Panama Canal
• South America

Norwegian Dawn

Guest Capacity: 2,340
Year Built: 2016

Norwegian Dawn is another mid-size maiden that sets sails for some of the more unique destinations than the other ships in NCL’s fleet, such as Africa, UAE, Seychelles, Kenya, and Tanzania. On board, the cuisine is equally international, as this is the ship where we meet Los Lobos Cantina, a sophisticated Mexican restaurant that celebrates traditional plates with a modern twist. There’s also a decadent wine bar, The Cellars, as well as their signature casino and spa. With swimming pools, sports courts, and jogging tracks, you can start your day any way you like. 

Cruise Destinations

• Africa
• Asia
• The Caribbean
• The Greek Isles
• The Mediterranean
• Northern Europe

Norwegian Jewel

Guest Capacity: 2,340
Year Built: 2018

Here, too, we meet another ship that certainly lives up to her name. The Norwegian Jewel truly has spectacular decor that creates an elegant design you can comfortably relax into. If whiskey whets your whistle more than vino, you can kick off date night at Maltings Beer & Whiskey Bar for a tantalizing tasting. There’s also Sugarcane Mojito Bar and Bliss Ultra Lounge, along with ten other bars and lounges with their own unique vibe. Play pool at the pub, dance under the stars at night, and, when it’s time to call it a day, sink into your ultra-luxe, well-appointed room, whether you’re living like the king of the castle up in a suite or an interior room for some savings. 

Cruise Destinations

• The Bahamas
• Bermuda
• Canada and New England
• The Caribbean
• The Mediterranean
• Northern Europe
• The Panama Canal

Norwegian Jade

Guest Capacity: 2,340
Year Built: 2017

The Norwegian Jade is a fan-favorite for her cruises to the Caribbean. But she’s also happy to take you up to Alaska or over to Asia. Here, you’ll find modern decor in your stateroom before soaking up the views on deck from one of the hot tubs. You can also try your hand at the roulette table in the casino or let one of their talented massage therapists try their hand at any number of spa treatments. With such an eclectic list of cruise destinations, the cuisine on board this ship takes things up a notch, as well, by adding in Brazilian fare at Moderno Churascaria – a must-do one night when you’re on board the ship.  

Cruise Destinations

• Alaska
• Asia
• The Bahamas
• The Caribbean
• Mexico
• The Pacific Coast
• The Panama Canal
• South America

Norwegian Pearl

Guest Capacity: 2,340
Year Built: 2017

You might be noticing that this class of ships is rather large. It’s the sweet spot in an array of beautifully outfitted ships. The Norwegian Pearl has many of the same offerings, including that brilliant Brazilian steakhouse. If you’ve had a long night dancing under the stars, there’s also a 24-hour eatery to send you off to bed with sweet dreams. It’s worth noting that the Mandara Spa has over 30 services on board these ships, whether you’re in the mood for a hot stone massage, a relaxing moment in the sauna, or a facial. You’ll find the rooms here follow modern, sleek designs, making it the perfect way to sink into the sheets at night, whether you’ve spent the day enjoying the onboard amenities or roaming the streets of Barcelona. 

Cruise Destinations

• The Bahamas
• Bermuda
• The Caribbean
• The Greek Isles
• The Mediterranean
• Northern Europe
• The Panama Canal

Norwegian Gem

Guest Capacity: 2,340
Year Built: 2015

What’s better than a cruise ship lined with gemstones? The Norwegian Gem is as pretty as a picture, much like the Sun. You’ll find all the onboard eateries we’ve come to know and love so far, as well as a bevy of bars and lounges like Magnum’s Champagne & Wine Bar. During the day, you might enjoy an umbrella drink at Topsiders before dancing the night away at Spinnaker Lounge. This is a popular choice for those looking to cruise around Canada and New England. The views out over Nova Scotia while onboard the ship are the kind of thing that will stay with you forever. 

Cruise Destinations

• The Bahamas
• Canada and New England
• The Caribbean
• The Mediterranean
• The Panama Canal

Norwegian Viva

Guest Capacity: 3,100
Year Built: 2023

Here we go again – into another class of floating cities. Everything feels bigger on the Viva, from the accommodations to the poolside treats. With a lovely 360° Ocean Boulevard on board, you can savor the sea every moment of every day. When you’re not there, your toes will be drawn to the waters of the Infinity pool. If this is a family affair, there’s lots of fun to be had in the three-story race track and the arcade filled with virtual-reality games. There’s something else really special to consider here: if you can swing it, The Haven is an exclusive enclave on board the ship with 24-hour butler service, world-class amenities, and a host of premium accommodations. 

Cruise Destinations

• The Caribbean
• The Greek Isles
• The Mediterranean
• Northern Europe

Norwegian Prima

Guest Capacity: 3,100
Year Built: 2022

The Norwegian Prima is eager to please in much the same way. Certainly, you’ll find yourself enjoying the 360° Ocean Boulevard. There’s also a lovely indoor outdoor lounge where you can stargaze after a day spent in the Infinity pool. Another way to tempt your tastebuds is to take a journey through the onsite Indulge Food Hall. For the young at heart, you can also swoosh down the fastest dry slide at sea before racing to the race track or enjoying an evening filled with entertainment. Again, if you can dream big, The Haven is worth every last dollar and dime. 

Cruise Destinations

• Bermuda
• The Caribbean
• Northern Europe

Norwegian Joy

Guest Capacity: 3,730
Year Built: 2019

NCL likes to bill this ship as the “ultimate joyride,” and, boy, are they right. Even with a suite of gorgeous staterooms, you’ll find yourself spending most of your time out on the decks. The adults-only Vibe Beach Club is a fun way to soak up the sun. When it’s time for some family fun, the Norwegian Joy Speedway will certainly help you capture the moment. When it’s five o’clock somewhere, most people head to the Observation Lounge for 180-degree panoramas of the sea. As for dinner, you’ll find Le Bistrot, in addition to Q Texas Steakhouse, and Ocean Blue when it’s time for some savory seafood. 

Cruise Destinations

• Alaska
• The Bahamas
• The Caribbean
• Mexico
• The Panama Canal

Norwegian Getaway

Guest Capacity: 3,900
Year Built: 2019

As just a slightly larger ship, the Norwegian Getaway is eager to help you get away to The Bahamas, Bermuda, or The Caribbean in style. Here, you’ll find a quarter-mile promenade, The Waterfront, that’s spectacular whether you’re tethered to a port or out at sea. For something a little more thrill-seeking, head to the Ropes Course and Sports Complex. There’s also a Free Fall water slide and the thrills delivered by The Whip. After all that fun or a day out on the pink sandy beaches of Bermuda, there’s only one thing left to do: enjoy a decadent spa service before indulging in a meal at any one of their insatiable eateries. 

Cruise Destinations

• The Bahamas
• Bermuda
• Canada and New England
• The Caribbean

Norwegian Breakaway

Guest Capacity: 3,900
Year Built: 2018

The Norwegian Breakaway features a lot of the same luxuries as her sisters in this class. If you have a Transatlantic journey on your hands, this is a wonderful option. Again, you can start your day with a visit to the Thermal Suite before lounging alongside any of the beautiful pools with an umbrella drink in hand. Nearly every international cuisine is also covered at their onsite eateries, all of which are happy to serve you before stepping into an evening filled with dancing beneath the stars or world-class entertainment in the form of an original production or live music. 

Cruise Destinations

• The Bahamas
• Bermuda
• Canada and New England
• The Caribbean
• The Mediterranean
• Northern Europe

Norwegian Encore

Guest Capacity: 3,960
Year Built: 2019

On board the Encore, you’ll find similar tickets to paradise, whether that’s the snow-capped mountains of Alaska, the Pacific Coast, or Cabo San Lucas. During the day, it’s off to the Thermal Suite for some time spent in the sauna or the salt room. At mid-day, it’s off to the Observation Lounge to remind yourself how lucky you are. In the evening, savor a moonlit dinner along The Waterfront before dancing the night away and then sealing the deal with a nightcap in your room right before you arise to the spectacular views delivered by their floor-to-ceiling glass panoramas as soon as you draw back the curtains. 

Cruise Destinations

• Alaska
• The Caribbean
• Mexico
• Northern Europe
• Pacific Coast

Norwegian Bliss

Guest Capacity: 3,960
Year Built: 2018

An interesting point here is that the Norwegian Bliss is the largest ship in the NCL fleet, but that doesn’t mean it’s overcrowded with fellow travelers. Instead, you can spread out and have some fun as you cruise to The Caribbean, Northern Europe, or the Panama Canal. There’s the Bliss Speedway when you’re ready to chase some thrills, galactic laser tag, and nine holes of mini golf for some family fun. The dining options are particularly delightful, with Asian, Italian, and French cuisines to choose from. For something a little different, you can also sample countless flights of beer at The District Brew House. The staterooms are show-stopping, making you think you’re at a five-star hotel. Even the entertainment options extend to new heights with shows put on by The Jersey Boys to help you remember, “Oh, what a night” every evening was while onboard the Bliss. 

Cruise Destinations

• Alaska
• The Bahamas
• Bermuda
• The Caribbean
• Mexico
• Northern Europe
• Pacific Coast
• The Panama Canal

Norwegian Epic

Guest Capacity: 4,100
Year Built: 2020

The clean and contemporary designs onboard the Norwegian Epic will take your breath away as it steals you away to The Greek Isles or the Mediterranean. With Spice H2O for some adults-only fun and Posh Beach Club to soak up the sun, every day will feel like an epic adventure. There’s also a Climbing Wall and an Aqua Park when it’s back to some family-friendly fun. In the evening, the Ice Bar and Shaker’s Martini & Champagne Bar are the place to be. Another nice feature about the Epic is that it features studios for solo travelers. This is a nice way to broaden your horizons and make some lovely friends throughout your onboard and on-land adventures. If that’s something you’re interested in, here’s an additional list of 15 cruise lines perfect for solo travelers. 

Cruise Destinations

• The Caribbean
• The Greek Isles
• The Mediterranean

Norwegian Escape

Guest Capacity: 4,220
Year Built: 2015

We’ll seal the deal with the last ship in the fleet that can accommodate quite a few future friends. The Norwegian Escape is basically a playground for the young at heart with ropes courses, a plank for only those brave enough to walk it, and NCL’s signature Aqua Park. With casinos, live music, a slew of unique bars and lounges, and a full menu of international eateries, you’ll love every minute of your escape to paradise.  

Cruise Destinations

• The Bahamas
• Bermuda
• Canada and New England
• The Caribbean
• The Mediterranean

Come, Sail Away

That’s quite an impressive lineup, isn’t it? Particularly with those middle-range class ships that cover so many island getaways, you’re sure to find an itinerary that suits your travel dates, desired destinations, and budget. 

NCL has made quite a name for itself – and it’s easy to see why. But before you go, come check out our large library of travel tips. Here at Travel Reveal, we love setting sail on the seas. It’s one of our favorite, low-stress ways to travel. And, if all goes well, here’s hoping we’re out there building pink sand castles in the sun with you someday!