Explore our 2025 rankings of Norwegian Cruise Ships, highlighting the Best and Worst options. Make an informed choice for your next unforgettable cruise adventure!
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is known for its flexible and modern approach to cruising, giving guests the freedom to plan their vacation their way. With "Freestyle Cruising," travelers can dine whenever and wherever they like, enjoy a variety of entertainment, and choose from a mix of large, activity-packed ships and smaller, more intimate vessels. The fleet sails to incredible destinations like the Caribbean, Alaska, and Europe, offering a mix of relaxation and adventure. On board, guests can enjoy diverse dining options, Broadway-style shows, pools, spas, and family-friendly activities.
NCL continues to expand, currently operating 19 cruise ships with 8 more on order. The cruise line is known for innovation, being one of the first to eliminate set dining times and introducing unique onboard attractions. Their "More At Sea" package adds extra value with perks like unlimited beverages, specialty dining, and shore excursion credits. Whether travelers are looking for an action-packed vacation or a relaxing getaway, NCL offers something for everyone with its diverse fleet and wide range of onboard experiences.
NCL is a cruise line that’s great for families and younger travelers looking for a trip filled with variety, good food, and exciting destinations. Their fleet offers a mix of smaller ships that provide a more laid-back experience, and modern ships packed with attractions like water slides, go-karts, and live entertainment. But which is the best Norwegian cruise ship? We’ve ranked all the NCL ships from best to worst. This guide includes the latest 2025 review data, giving you the most up-to-date opinions on the fleet.
Norwegian Jewel is often ranked among the best Norwegian cruise ships, offering a mix of comfort, entertainment, and great dining. With space for 2,330 passengers and a crew of 1,069, service feels personal. The ship got a major update in 2022, refreshing over 25 areas, including bars, lounges, and restaurants. It’s a great choice for families, thanks to its kids’ clubs, arcades, and waterslides. Adults can enjoy the casino, theater, and spa. With trips to the Caribbean, Europe, and beyond, it’s one of Norwegian’s top-rated cruise ships.
Norwegian Escape is one of the best Norwegian cruise ships for travelers who want variety. It can hold 4,218 guests with 1,733 crew members, offering plenty of dining, entertainment, and activities. The ship has 16 restaurants, including 10 specialty options, and bars like District Brew House and The Cellars. Kids love the aqua park, while adults can enjoy live shows, comedy acts, and casino games. With The Haven’s private suites and solo traveler cabins, it’s ranked among the nicest Norwegian cruise ships for all types of cruisers.
Norwegian Encore is one of the top-rated Norwegian cruise ships for those who love entertainment and adventure. It carries 3,958 guests with a crew of 1,735, offering a mix of dining, activities, and nightlife. The ship is known for having the longest racetrack at sea, virtual reality games, and exciting waterslides. With bars, lounges, and live shows like Choir of Man, nights are just as lively. Staterooms range from solo cabins to The Haven’s luxury suites, making it one of the best Norwegian ships ranked for any traveler.
Norwegian Bliss is one of the nicest Norwegian cruise ships, packed with activities, dining, and entertainment. It carries 3,958 guests at double occupancy and up to 4,900 total, with 1,716 crew members providing service across its venues. The ship features a thrilling racetrack, laser tag, pools, and virtual reality games. Nights are lively with bars, nightclubs, and Broadway-style performances. Dining includes complimentary and specialty options, from steakhouses to Texas-style barbecues. With suites in The Haven, it ranks among the best Norwegian ships for a luxury experience.
Norwegian Pearl, one of the best NCL cruise ships, carries 2,344 guests and 1,072 crew members. It offers activities for all ages, including basketball, video games, and card lounges. Parents can relax at the casino while kids enjoy supervised youth clubs. Dining includes seven complimentary options and six specialty restaurants, with favorites like Cagney’s Steakhouse. Staterooms range from inside cabins to The Haven’s luxurious suites. With its mix of entertainment and service, Norwegian Pearl ranks among the best Norwegian ships for a well-rounded cruise.
Norwegian Joy, one of the best Norwegian ships, welcomes 3,776 guests and 1,821 crew members. Staterooms range from inside and Oceanview cabins to concierge rooms and the Haven suites, which come with butler service and private sundecks. Dining includes three complimentary main restaurants and seven specialty venues serving French, Japanese, Italian, and more. Cruisers can shop at duty-free stores, catch a comedy show, or try laser tag and the racetrack. As one of the best Norwegian ships ranked, Joy offers a mix of fun and comfort.
Norwegian Getaway, one of the best Norwegian ships, carries 3,903 guests and 1,646 crew members. Renovated in 2020, it now features a Starbucks and a live music venue. The Waterfront, a quarter mile-long area lined with restaurants, bars, and shops, adds to its appeal. Families love the multistory water park, while couples enjoy fine dining at Ocean Blue. Staterooms include studio cabins for solo travelers and the Haven suites with butler service. As one of the best Norwegian cruise ships, Getaway offers a mix of fun and style.
Norwegian Jade, one of the best Norwegian cruise ships, carries 2,352 passengers with 1,037 crew members. Renovated in 2022, it offers a variety of lodging options, from inside cabins to the Haven suites with private courtyards. Dining choices include 12 restaurants, six of which are specialty venues. Guests can enjoy bars, lounges, and live entertainment. The ship also features a spa, youth clubs, and sports activities. Ranked among the top-rated Norwegian cruise ships, Jade delivers a mix of comfort, service, and fun for all ages.
Norwegian Gem, one of the best-ranked NCL ships, carries 2,344 passengers and 1,070 crew members. Updated in 2022, it offers a range of staterooms, including inside, Oceanview, balcony, and suite options. Guests staying in The Haven enjoy concierge service, a private restaurant, and access to an exclusive courtyard. Dining includes 14 restaurants, with six specialty venues. Activities cover everything from sports courts and pools to spa treatments. In the list of Norwegian ships ranked it’s a great pick for families, couples, and solo travelers.
Norwegian Sky, one of the best NCL ships, was completely refurbished in 2022. With space for 1,944 passengers and 899 crew members, it now offers updated staterooms, new dining choices, and refreshed lounges. Guests can pick from Inside, Oceanview, Balcony, and Suite cabins, with suites offering up to 835 square feet. Dining includes 10 restaurants, featuring multiple specialty options. Families can enjoy a kids' pool, a video arcade, and youth programs. Ranked among the nicest Norwegian cruise ships, it’s a great pick for a fun and relaxing trip.
Pride of America, one of the best Norwegian ships, is the only cruise ship that sails around Hawaii all year. Renovated in 2022, it carries 2,150 guests and 927 crew members. The ship highlights Hawaiian culture with a hands-on learning center and themed areas inspired by U.S. landmarks. Guests can choose from Studio cabins for solo travelers, Inside and Oceanview staterooms, or spacious Suites. With 13 dining options, including the Aloha Café and Cagney’s Steakhouse, it ranks among the top-rated Norwegian cruise ships for a special island experience.
Norwegian Sun, one of the best Norwegian ships for a smaller cruise experience, carries 1,878 guests and 906 crew members. A major update in 2018 added new dining spots like Los Lobos Cantina and the Bliss Ultra Lounge. The ship is known for its larger-than-average staterooms, with Inside and Oceanview cabins ranging from 145 to 249 square feet. Guests can pick from 13 dining venues, including a sushi bar and a French restaurant. As one of the best norwegian ships ranked, it sails to Hawaii, Alaska, Asia, and beyond.
Norwegian Spirit, one of the nicest Norwegian cruise ships, offers a mix of entertainment, dining, and relaxation for its 1,972 guests. The ship was refurbished in 2022, adding modern updates to its staterooms, restaurants, and public spaces. Travelers can enjoy a basketball court, casino, water park, and multiple hot tubs, including one just for kids. Dining includes over a dozen venues, with favorites like Onda by Scarpetta. As one of the best Norwegian ships ranked for special itineraries, it sails to destinations across North America, Australia, and Asia.
Norwegian Breakaway, one of the best ncl ships, is packed with entertainment, dining, and family-friendly fun. Built in 2013 and refurbished in 2020, it holds nearly 5,000 guests and 1,657 crew members. The ship features two Aqua Parks, a three-level ropes course, and clubs for kids and teens. Dining includes over 15 venues, from a steakhouse to a noodle bar. As one of the nicest Norwegian cruise ships, it sails from major cities like New York and Miami to destinations across the Caribbean, Europe, Bermuda, and Canada.
Norwegian Viva, one of the best Norwegian cruise ships, made its debut in August 2023, offering top-rated entertainment, dining, and activities. It carries 3,195 guests and 1,506 crew members, with features like two 10-story slides, a three-level racetrack, and infinity pools. The ship has 14 dining venues, including a Mediterranean restaurant and a Japanese grill. Cabins range from solo-friendly Studio rooms to spacious suites in The Haven. One of the NCL ships ranked, Viva, sails through the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and transatlantic routes.
Norwegian Epic finest Norwegian cruise ship, first set sail in 2010 and was last updated in 2020. With space for 4,070 passengers and 1,724 crew members, it ranks among the top-rated Norwegian cruise ships. On board, guests can enjoy a water park, a bowling alley, live shows, and a unique ice bar. Dining includes 15 options, from sushi to French cuisine. The ship sails from Europe and the Caribbean, making it an average contender when looking at the best Norwegian ships ranked.
Norwegian Star was built with Freestyle Cruising in mind, giving passengers plenty of dining choices, entertainment, and a casual vibe. The ship has a good mix of restaurants, from buffets to specialty spots, making it easy to find something tasty. While it doesn’t have the flashy features of newer ships, there’s still a fun atmosphere with live shows, bars, and activities. Some areas feel a bit tricky to navigate, but the friendly service and relaxed setting make up for it. It’s a solid pick for those wanting variety without strict schedules.
Norwegian Dawn brings a mix of classic cruising and Freestyle Cruising, giving passengers plenty of ways to enjoy their time at sea. The ship has a fun mix of dining spots, bars, and entertainment, but the layout can feel tricky to navigate. It’s packed with places to eat, from steakhouses to Italian and seafood options, along with bars that keep the energy going. While it’s not the newest ship, updates have kept it fresh. It’s a great pick for those who want variety without sticking to a strict schedule.
Norwegian Prima is one of the newest ships in the fleet, bringing a fresh take on cruising with a smaller size and a sleek design. It feels more open, with fewer crowds and a modern touch that sets it apart. There’s no shortage of entertainment, with VR gaming, go-karts, and plenty of dining options, though many come with extra charges. While it looks impressive, some travelers feel the service doesn’t match the high-end feel. It’s a ship that offers variety but might not be for everyone.
Based on customer reviews, the Jewel Class and Breakaway Plus Class are the top-rated ship classes in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet. The Jewel Class may not be the newest, but it remains a favorite among loyal NCL guests. These ships offer a great mix of dining, entertainment, and a classic cruise feel without feeling too large or overwhelming. Their design makes it easy to get around, and passengers appreciate the welcoming atmosphere and variety of onboard experiences.
The Breakaway Plus Class ships are the biggest in the fleet, packed with restaurants, entertainment, and activities for all types of travelers. Their size allows for a wide range of features, from delicious dining to thrilling onboard attractions, making them a popular choice. Many guests enjoy the spacious layout and exciting options available at sea. With the upcoming Prima Plus Class and future ship designs, there’s plenty of expectation for what’s next in NCL’s lineup.
Norwegian Cruise Line has evolved over the years, with a noticeable shift in ship design and onboard experiences since the launch of Norwegian Epic. The newer ships bring a fresh take on cruising, offering more family-friendly entertainment and exciting attractions while still maintaining NCL’s signature dining and live shows. Meanwhile, the older ships provide a more classic cruise atmosphere with a modern touch, making them a great choice for those who enjoy a traditional experience with plenty of variety.
For families, the newer ships are packed with fun activities, from thrilling water slides to interactive entertainment. At the same time, the smaller ships offer incredible itineraries, taking guests to some of the most scenic and unique destinations. No matter which ships you choose, there are plenty of options to customize your experience, from specialty dining to beverage packages, allowing travelers to make the most of their cruise with ease.
Your best Norwegian Cruise ship depends on the kind of cruise experience you want. If you’re traveling with family, the larger ships in the fleet offer thrilling water slides, kids’ clubs, and interactive entertainment designed for all ages. For those who enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere with live music, specialty dining, and scenic itineraries, the smaller ships provide a more intimate setting while still offering plenty to do. By looking at Norwegian Cruise Line reviews, you can find the right ship, whether you’re after adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both.
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