The Best Norwegian Cruise Ships: Cruises and by Ship!
- Angie - Your Guide
- Mar 1
- 13 min read
Ever wonder what makes Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) one of the most beloved names in cruising? With a reputation for innovation, freestyle cruising, and unique itineraries, NCL offers travelers the flexibility to create their dream vacation. Whether you’re a cruise enthusiast, a first-timer, or a curious adventurer, exploring NCL's incredible ships will inspire your next global adventure!
Today, we’re taking a deep dive into the best Norwegian Cruise Line ships in the fleet, their world-class itineraries, and everything you need to know to book the voyage of a lifetime. Norwegian Cruises are a favorite of mine, the freestyle feel and a great mix of people. Plus, so many worldwide itineraries, you can always find a cruise you would want to take. I have taken several and my next cruise will put me at the Platinum level for the Norwegian ships.
Norwegian Cruise Line Fleet Overview
NCL has something for everyone within its diverse fleet, designed to cater to different styles, preferences, and budgets. From innovative features to intimate experiences, NCL’s ships guarantee luxurious vacations at sea.
Sun Class (Small and Intimate)
Passenger capacity: ~1,900
Ships include: Norwegian Spirit, Norwegian Sky
Perfect for those seeking smaller, cozier ships, the Sun Class provides a nostalgic cruising experience. These vessels cater to travelers yearning for intimate settings, shorter itineraries, or unique destinations like Cuba. My first NCL cruise was on one of these older ships, the Sky, and I thought it was perfect. A 4 day, cheap price out of Miami and a great way to see if you like to cruise. A trip to Nassau and Freeport Bahamas in an interior cabin.
Dawn Class (Mid-Sized Luxury)
Passenger capacity: ~2,300
Ships include: Norwegian Star, Norwegian Dawn
Balancing ambiance and modern amenities, these ships offer mid-sized luxury. Dawn Class ships combine relaxation with engaging entertainment, ideal for cultural destinations like the Mediterranean.
Jewel-Class Ships (Versatility on the Seas)
Passenger capacity: ~2,400
Ships include: Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jade
Known for versatile itineraries and onboard comfort, these ships shine thanks to their laid-back vibe, great dining options, and spaces designed for families and small groups. This class is my favorite ship in all the fleet.
Pride of America (Specific for Hawaii)
Passenger Capacity: 2186
Only the Pride of America in this Class
This cruise ship is interesting, as it is the only NCL ship that flies American flags. Usually, cruise ships fly flags for other countries, due to convenience, or laws. This is a mostly German built ship, with some parts from the United States, so the government let the ship become registered as a US ship. This ship does not have a casino, mainly due to the fact it never leaves US waters as it circles Hawaii.
Epic Class (The One and Only)
Passenger Class: 4,100
Only includes the Norwegian Epic
Compares to the Breakaway Class in size, but the interior is very different. Curvy walls in all cabins and one of the largest casino areas I've seen on any ship for any cruise line.
Breakaway Class (Entertainment-Focused Family Fun)
Passenger capacity: ~4,000
Ships include: Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway
Big, bold, and filled with fun! These ships are packed with Broadway-style entertainment, waterslides, dining galore, and a wide array of accommodations for families or solo travelers.
Breakaway Plus Class (For Families and Luxury Seekers)
Passenger capacity: ~4,200+
Ships include: Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Joy
Think Breakaway Class—but leveled up! More dining, bigger theaters, and exclusive luxury spaces like The Haven make this a popular choice for families looking to entertain everyone.
Prima Class (Leading Innovation)
Passenger capacity: ~3,100
Ships include: Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Viva
The Prima Class is turning heads with cutting-edge design, upscale restaurants, infinity pools, and outdoor social spaces. Luxurious, modern, and a standout—Prima Class delivers an experience like no other.
Prima Plus Class (Newest Ship)
Passenger Capacity: 3,571
Ship Includes: Aqua and more to come.
Released in the spring of 2025, this newest ship and largest ship is 10% larger than the Prima class, and 156,300 gross tons. Offers 123 staterooms with butler service and many family fun activities. This will be an expensive cruise since it is a new cruise ship but will be traveling to Bermuda and other Caribbean destinations. If you want the best, the Norwegian Aqua is the way to go.
Why the Prima and Breakaway Plus Classes Stand Out
Prima Class ships like Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva are redefining cruising luxury with their breathtaking infinity pools, upscale dining, and environmentally conscious designs. These large ship styles cater to cruise thrill-seekers who prioritize high-end amenities and sleek modernity. Also, if you are looking for luxury, the Prima Class stands out if you book The Haven Suites. NCL is not considered a luxury cruise line, but the Haven ups the luxury level for sure.
Comparison at a Glance | Prima Class | Breakaway Plus Class |
Target Audience | Luxury & Innovation Seekers | Families & Multi-Generational Groups |
Passenger Capacity | ~3,100 | ~4,200+ |
Notable Features | Infinity Pools, World-Class Design | Waterslides, Go-Karts, Family Fun |
Signature Restaurants | Palomar, Nama Sushi | Teppanyaki, Cagney’s Steakhouse |
Best Norwegian Cruise Ship for Families
On the other hand, Breakaway Plus Class ships (think the Norwegian Bliss or Norwegian Encore) shine for families. They combine large-scale entertainment like go-kart tracks, water slides, pools and hot tubs. Kids of all ages love it. The whole family will love this ship! Also, exclusive spaces like The Haven for your quiet moments are great. Destinations like Alaska become even more unforgettable on the Bliss and the observation lounge is amazing! It offers the best views, while being inside the ship.
Best ship based on my client reviews
The Bliss: As a travel agent, everyone who has taken the NCL Bliss has fallen in love with it. Some claim they don't care where the ship is going, they love this ship so much they would go anywhere on it.
Best Norwegian Cruise Ship for Solo Travelers
The Epic: With their cute little solo studios and a 2-level solo lounge, this is my favorite and many other avid cruisers favorite for those traveling solo. I personally love the large casino, and the Shakers lounge on the Epic that is near all the action. Random fact, or at least it is this way right now, the Shakers Martini Bar has some seats behind a wall, beside the bar. It is a neat little area that can be a good place to visit during the day to get away from everyone and relax for a few. Go check it out and let me know if it is still there after the extensive refurbishment the ship is going to be going through soon. Check out my video of the Epic solo studio and lounge.
Best Norwegian Cruise Ship for budget travelers
The Gem Class: is perfect, with 4 ships that are affordable, but offer various itineraries. You can find amazing deals for transatlantic and specialty cruising on this class of ship. The Gem does the shorter 4-day cruises at times and leaves from convenient spots on the east coast of the United States. The Jade is amazing for Alaska for those who can't afford the Bliss. I have taken 3 cruises in the Gem Class and will continue to come back for more.
Explore Top NCL Destinations
NCL’s global routes deliver something for everyone, from natural wonders to timeless cities. My most recent ports of call have been in the Mediterranean and Caribbean. Here are a few highlights of what NCL has to offer:
Norwegian Fjords & Northern Lights (Northern Europe)
Known for their tranquil beauty, cruises to Norway showcase rugged cliffs, secluded villages, and the luminous Northern Lights. This can be a fan favorite but can also be one of the most expensive. If you catch the first cruise of the year, or the last cruise of the year, in this section of the world, it will give you the best chance for Northern Lights, as summer cruises will not be due to less darkness at night. This has been one of the most expensive cruises to take when doing research, but well worth it if you get the chance.
Panama Canal (Engineering Marvel)
Experience awe-inspiring man-made wonders and vibrant ports, connecting you between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Cruising the Panama Canal is a dream for many. Usually, these cruises enter into the canal and spend a day and come back out in the Caribbean. But you can find some that cross into the Pacific Ocean and travel up the coast of Mexico, ending in a different port from where you began your cruise. This cruise tends to be longer, usually a 10-day cruise with stops in the Caribbean too.
Mediterranean (History Awaits)
Step back in time while visiting Greece, Italy, and Spain, indulging in the region’s rich history, art, and cuisine. Pick cruises that leave from Athens, Rome or Barcelona, with each cruise having a variety of ports to visit in the area. Each cruise is different, for example, one cruise might stop in Naples Italy, but the next week stop in Salerno Italy on the Amalfi coast instead. Checkout my review of the NCL Gem- a Transatlantic cruise that left from the Mediterranean Sea.
Caribbean (Paradise Found)
Discover idyllic beaches, vibrant cultures, and tropical sunshine at stunning destinations like Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic. This is by far the most common cruise taken by US citizens. With so many different cruises to choose from, from 4 days to 10, leaving from various ports, and picking the cruise ship. This is by far the most popular cruise area, as well as the lowest price cruises too. Caribbean cruises leave from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, Tampa, NYC and soon from Jacksonville and Philadelphia. Check out my blog review of the NCL Epic
Alaska (Glaciers and More)
Get ready to be swept away by the breathtaking beauty of Alaska’s untamed wilderness! Marvel at towering glaciers that shimmer like diamonds, witness majestic wildlife like whales and bald eagles, and explore charming coastal towns that embody rugged adventure. From snow-capped peaks to tranquil fjords, Alaska promises a thrilling escape into nature’s icy grandeur.
Hawaii (Island Hop)
Say "Aloha" to paradise as you island hop through the enchanting Hawaiian archipelago! Each island has its own unique charm—feel the fiery energy of the Big Island’s active volcanoes, soak in Maui’s golden sunsets along pristine beaches, or lose yourself in the lush, emerald valleys of Kauai. Don’t forget Oahu, where you can ride the waves on world-famous surf beaches or revel in the hustle and bustle of Waikiki. With its vibrant culture, jaw-dropping landscapes, and endless adventure, Hawaii is the ultimate destination to explore, relax, and fall in love with nature’s beauty! This also tends to be one of the most expensive cruises to take, and the cruise ship is always the NCL Pride of America.
Unparalleled Onboard Activities
There's never a dull moment on NCL ships, thanks to incredible activities onboard:
Broadway Shows: Enjoy award-worthy performances like Jersey Boys or Kinky Boots. These live shows are great. Plus, there are also comedy shows, games shows that pull people out of the audience to play, like Wheel of Fortune.
Interactive Experiences: From go-kart racing on Norwegian Encore to virtual gaming on Prima-class ships. Go bowling on the Epic.
Freestyle Cruising: Forget rigid schedules, and strict dining times. Choose how and when to dine, dress, and explore.
Solo Travel Options: Prefer an exclusive retreat? Studio cabins offer privacy and events to connect with fellow solo travelers. NCL has the best cruise ships for solo travelers. They are leading the way in the cruise industry to cater to solo travelers by not charging double occupancy rates for a large percentage of cabins and also have larger amounts of solo studios than other cruise lines. I personally saw this on the Gem last year when there were over 300 solo cruisers onboard a transatlantic cruise.
Family-Friendly activities: From basketball to mini golf, there is more than 1 fun thing to do on the Norwegian Fleet. Rock climbing, arcade, ping pong, plus a new coaster in the Aqua. Every ship offers something different, but plenty for a family, even on the older ships too.
Kid Friendly Clubs: Guppies for ages under 3, Splash Club is for ages 3 to 13. Older children can visit Entourage, this is for ages 13 to 17. (Not on NCL Spirit)
Games: Trivia, Deal or no Deal, Bingo and so much more await you every day. Check them out they can be a blast,
Spa and Fitness Center: Take a yoga class, get a workout in the gym, get a massage, or buy a pass to the Thermal Spa (available on some ships). Work out hard and relax afterwards.
Endless Dining Options Await
From all-day buffets to elegant meals under candlelight, NCL’s dining options never disappoint.
Specialty Restaurants: You can pay ala carte or use the dining credits from the More at Sea program if you purchased it. The list below are all the specialty restaurants, but not all of them are on every ship. Specialty Dining Packages: Guests often recommend packages offering immense variety and value.
Cagney's Steakhouse: (classic steakhouse) Steak and some seafood options. Add a lobster tail for a fee, it's delicious.
Le Bistro: (French cuisine) Love the Lamb Chops and Escargot
Moderno Churrascaria: (Brazilian steakhouse) A great experience if you have not tried this style of steakhouse. Try the grilled pineapple too!
Teppanyaki: (Japanese hibachi) Hibachi is always great!
La Cucina: (Italian cuisine) I loved the Lasagna and Cannoli.
Palomar: A Mediterranean seafood restaurant featuring dishes like fresh lobster, sea scallops, and sea bass, along with steak options.
Food Republic: A fusion restaurant with options like sushi, noodles, spicy Korean fried chicken, and Peruvian beef skewers.
Los Lobos: A Mexican restaurant known for tableside guacamole, tacos, burritos, and churros.
Hasuki: A Japanese grill with teppanyaki-style cooking and an entertaining dining experience.
Onda by Scarpetta: An Italian restaurant offering pasta, pizza, seafood, and desserts in a unique setting.
Nama Sushi & Sashimi: A sushi restaurant with freshly prepared sushi and sashimi, paired with sake flights.
Sushi Bar: Great sushi, for "a la carte" prices
Also, you can order room service for a fee, sometimes it's worth it just to relax in your room. I did it once, when I was exhausted from my day of walking in Florence, Italy. So fish and chips were perfect for dinner, in my balcony cabin.
Food that is included in the price of the cruise. Not all of these are on every ship. And some ships have a Haven restaurant that is included in the price for those that booked the Haven Suites.
Buffet: variety of food options. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. From pizza, Chinese, soups, salads, desserts, ice cream plus American favorites too. Every evening at dinner there is a different theme, plus all classic favorites too.
Great Outdoors Buffet: Offers breakfast and lunch, similar to the buffet, just slightly different hours, in case you wake up late and want breakfast food, or lunch at 2:30PM
Poolside Grill: Cheeseburgers, hotdogs and fries with a few other options
Main Dining Rooms: Classic sit-down dining, a little fancy, but you don't need to dress up for. (Just don't wear bathing suits) Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, and slight changes to the menu daily. From Mahi Mahi to Pork Schnitzel, there are a variety of options.
O'Sheehan's Pub or The Local Bar and Grill: 24-hour dining for fish and fries to burgers and more. A great place to have breakfast when you don't want to go to a buffet.
Wasabi: Chinese Restaurant, great wontons
Indulge Food Hall: Serving a variety of food options.
Booking Tips to Secure the Best Deal.
CruiseFirst Certificate: Book your cruise and pay later while benefiting from special discounts.
CruiseNext Certificate: Ideal for repeat cruisers—lock in perks for your next voyage. Sometimes NCL offers deals where you can place 2 or 3 of these certificates down on a cruise. This can really help with a down payment or knocking some money off of a cruise. While onboard a cruise you can buy a certificate for $250, and get 1 for free. That's why double up deals are good when booking a cruise, its like you get a free $250 toward the cruise.
More at Sea Program: Enjoy complimentary onboard credit, alcohol, shore excursion credits, basic Wi-Fi, and an airfare deal. This does come with extra costs compared to basic cruise prices but can be worth it.
Buy Stock in NCL: If you have 100 shares in Norwegian Cruise line stock, you can receive On Board Credit for having stock. Plus, it is a great way to earn money as long as the stock prices go up. I earned $800 off my 100 shares of NCL this past year. If you would like to lean more, click here.
Taking a cruise, extra costs, and things to consider
There are a few things to consider if taking a cruise that can or will cost you more money than the base cost of cruise.
Travel Insurance: A must have in my opinion. You don't expect to get sick, but what if, can cost you big time! If you need an airlift off the ship that can be $10,000. Or you are taken off the ship in Jamaica and placed in hospital. You will need to find a flight home after you are released from hospital and travel insurance can help with the cost of this.
Tips and Gratuities: You can pay for them when you book the cruise, which is added on the base price of the cruise, or you can wait till the end of cruise to pay and it is added on to your cabin account.
Shore Excursions: If you purchase from NCL there is an extra cost. You can purchase from Viator or GetYourGuide, as they can be cheaper, but you must make sure you are back to the ship on time, before departure, or the cruise line will leave you behind. Whereas if you purchased the shore excursion with NCL the ship will not leave without you.
Bottled Water: not included in the price of cruise. NCL sells Flow water cartons onboard. You can do like me and bring a refillable bottle with you and fill it up daily to take around the ship or off the ship while exploring the ports. Click here to learn more about water on a cruise ship.
Transportation to and from port: NCL offers shuttles you can pay to take you to and from the airport if needed. If not, use Ubers, or taxis to help out. Just remember this is an additional fee. From past experience, NCL shuttles typically are more expensive than doing it on your own.
Port Cancelations: This unfortunately is something that all cruise lines have to deal with from time to time. In recent years NCL has had to make many changes to itinerary due to weather, port congestion, port fee/ tax changes in the country they planned to visit and even dock worker strikes. NCL for the most part has no control over some of these changes. I have missed ports due to strikes, and weather. Something you can not plan for. One way to balance this out is to buy travel insurance that covers port changes.
Lastly, I must mention, I always suggest, if you are flying to your embarkation port for a cruise, fly in 1 day early. Airplanes can be unreliable at times. There could be storms or other weather issues delaying or canceling your flight, or even mechanical issues that could do the same. If you are flying down the day of cruise, you are missing your cruise, if you flight is delayed so late that you miss the ship. Talk about ruining a vacation....
Choose the Ship and Cruise of Your Dreams
Whether it’s exploring Norway’s unspoiled beauty or gliding across the Caribbean seas, Norwegian Cruise Line delivers unmatched experiences. With a ship (and itinerary) to suit every traveler and budget, there’s no reason not to set sail. Enjoy exploring a natural wonder or a historic city, the choice is yours. In my eyes there is no better way to see the world than a Norwegian cruise vacation.
What are you waiting for? Book your cruise today and discover why so many travelers call Norwegian Cruise Line their dream vacation partner.
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