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When it comes to cruising, Norwegian Cruise Line stands out as a trailblazer in delivering unforgettable maritime experiences. With a fleet that spans from classic ocean liners to cutting-edge vessels, Norwegian Cruise Line offers something for every type of traveller.
Whether you’re drawn to the sleek and modern Prima class, with its luxurious accommodations and innovative amenities, or the time-honoured charm of its older ships, Norwegian Cruise Line has redefined what it means to cruise in style.
In this blog post, I’ll cover how many ships are in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, and break down the six different ship classes which those vessels fall into. Hopefully, this will help you choose which ships in the fleet will best suit your travel style!
How many ships does Norwegian Cruise Line have?
Norwegian Cruise Line operates a fleet of 19 ships as of 2024. These ships are divided into various classes, including Breakaway, Breakaway Plus, Jewel, and Prima – see below for more details on the ship classes.
The company regularly expands its fleet and adds new vessels – most recently adding Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, launched in 2021 and 2022 respectively. So the number of ships in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet could change with new additions or retirements.
Who owns Norwegian Cruise Line?
Norwegian Cruise Line is wholly owned by the parent company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.
The cruise line was originally founded in 1966 by Knut Kloster and Ted Arison, with one ship managed under the Arison Shipping Company. After Arison left to form Carnival Cruise Lines, Kloster acquired additional ships and relaunched the company as Norwegian Caribbean Lines. He later sold the company in 2000 to Star Cruises.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Ship Classes Explained
Sixteen of Norwegian’s 19 ships are divided into six different classes: Sun, Dawn, Jewel, Breakaway, Breakaway Plus, and Prima.
The other three ships – Norwegian Epic, Pride of America and Norwegian Spirit – fall into their own classes. Whether you’re cruising solo, travelling with the family, or looking for a romantic getaway – the Norwegian fleet definitely has a ship to suit you!
Sun Class
Ships: Norwegian Sun, Norwegian Sky
Sizes: 77,104 and 78,309 tons
These ships are older and smaller than the newer classes, providing a more intimate and relaxed cruising experience.
With their smaller size, Sun Class ships create a less crowded and more laid-back environment, making them ideal for travellers who prefer quieter, more relaxed settings. The ambience on board is more informal, appealing to guests looking for a classic cruise experience without the large-scale amenities of the newer mega-ships.
Dawn Class
Ships: Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Star
Size: 92,250 and 91,740 tons
The Dawn Class ships in Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet are mid-sized vessels designed to offer a balanced cruising experience with a variety of amenities.
These ships are smaller than Norwegian’s mega-ships, providing a more intimate and less crowded atmosphere – whilst still offering a variety of facilities and entertainment options. They’re popular with guests seeking a comfortable and balanced cruising experience, with a good mix of entertainment, dining, and relaxation without the overwhelming scale of larger vessels.
Jewel Class
Ships: Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Gem
Size: All four vessels are around 93,500 tons
The Jewel Class ships in Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet are mid-sized vessels that provide a more intimate and refined cruising experience compared with the line’s larger, newer classes.
These ships provide a relaxed, yet refined experience with a touch of luxury, but they still maintain a casual, laid-back vibe typical of Norwegian’s Freestyle Cruising concept. They cater to a wide range of guests, including couples, families, and solo travelers who want a balance of comfort, entertainment, and global exploration.
Breakaway Class
Ships: Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway
Size: 145,655 and 146,600 tons
Introduced in the early 2010s, the Breakway Class ships set a standard for modern cruising. These larger ships are known for their balance of large-scale amenities, entertainment options, and family-friendly features, all while maintaining Norwegian’s signature Freestyle Cruising experience.
The Breakaway Class ships offer a lively, modern, and energetic atmosphere and cater to a wide audience of travellers. Both ships feature large multi-slide water parks, ropes courses, mini-golf, and sports courts.
Breakaway Plus Class
Ships: Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Escape
Size: Vessels range from 164,998 to 169,116 tons
The Breakaway Plus Class is Norwegian Cruise Line’s largest and most advanced class of ships, offering a wide array of activities, dining, entertainment, and luxury features. These vessels are bigger and more sophisticated than the original Breakaway Class, incorporating the latest amenities and innovations -think go-kart tracks, laser tag arena and Aqua Parks with waterslides.
Prima Class
Ships: Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Viva (plus the Norwegian Aqua launching
in 2025)
Size: Both vessels are 143,500
Prima class is one of Norwegian’s newer and more innovative ship classes. The ships are designed with a focus on modern luxury and spaciousness and feature sleek, contemporary designs and plenty of outdoor spaces.
Both vessels are equipped with a range of entertainment options, including a ropes course, water slides, and multiple pools. Overall, the Prima class is designed to offer a premium cruising experience with plenty of modern amenities and innovative features.
All Ships in the Norwegian Cruise Line Fleet
Here is a list of Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet, organized by ship size based on gross tonnage (GT), length, and passenger capacity (at double occupancy):
1. Prima Class
- Norwegian Prima: 143,500 GT, 294 meters, 3,215 passengers
- Norwegian Viva: 143,500 GT, 294 meters, 3,215 passengers
2. Breakaway Plus Class
- Norwegian Encore: 169,116 GT, 326 meters, 3,998 passengers
- Norwegian Bliss: 168,028 GT, 326 meters, 4,004 passengers
- Norwegian Joy: 167,725 GT, 326 meters, 3,804 passengers
- Norwegian Escape: 164,998 GT, 326 meters, 4,266 passengers
3. Breakaway Class
- Norwegian Getaway: 146,600 GT, 326 meters, 3,963 passengers
- Norwegian Breakaway: 145,655 GT, 326 meters, 3,963 passengers
4. Epic Class
- Norwegian Epic: 155,873 GT, 329 meters, 4,228 passengers
5. Jewel Class
- Norwegian Jewel: 93,502 GT, 294 meters, 2,388 passengers
- Norwegian Jade: 93,558 GT, 294 meters, 2,402 passengers
- Norwegian Pearl: 93,530 GT, 294 meters, 2,394 passengers
- Norwegian Gem: 93,530 GT, 294 meters, 2,394 passengers
6. Dawn Class
- Norwegian Dawn: 92,250 GT, 294 meters, 2,340 passengers
- Norwegian Star: 91,740 GT, 294 meters, 2,348 passengers
7. America Class
- Pride of America: 80,439 GT, 281 meters, 2,192 passengers
8. Sun Class
- Norwegian Sun: 78,309 GT, 258 meters, 1,936 passengers
- Norwegian Sky: 77,104 GT, 258 meters, 2,004 passengers
9. Leo Class
- Norwegian Spirit: 75,904 GT, 268 meters, 2,018 passengers
I hope you’ve found this overview of the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet helpful. Got a question? Scroll down to leave a comment!
