Norwegian Cruise Line has a fleet of ships that offer different experiences for travelers, from big floating cities with tons of entertainment to smaller ships perfect for relaxed trips. Each ship has its own style, features, and advantages, which makes choosing the right one tricky. Some ships are newer with modern amenities, while older ships still deliver a great experience but might not have the same upgrades. Knowing which ship matches your needs can make a huge difference in your vacation.
This guide ranks all Norwegian cruise ships based on their popularity, features, passenger feedback, and overall experience. We cover everything from the largest NCL cruise ship to smaller vessels, highlighting what makes them stand out or fall short. If you are planning a trip and want to pick the right ship, this guide is perfect for you. Read below to see the Norwegian cruise ships ranked from best to worst and get an honest look at all NCL ships ranked for 2026.
Best and Worst Norwegian Cruise Line Ships Ranked
Not all Norwegian Cruise Line ships are the same, and some offer a better experience than others. Some ships have bigger pools, more dining options, and more activities, while others feel dated or crowded. This list helps you see the differences clearly by ranking the Norwegian cruise ships from best to worst. It includes top favorites with modern amenities as well as ships that could use updates. If you want a clear picture of NCL ships ranked, this guide shows you all Norwegian cruise ships ranked for 2026.
Norwegian Aqua
The Aqua is the star of 2026, launched in April 2025. It carries 3,571 guests and is a very big boat. It hits the top of the list because it fixed many design problems found on older ships. It offers a much bigger pool deck and more room to walk around without feeling crowded.
This ship is famous for its Slidecoaster, a unique combination of a roller coaster and a water slide. It also has a great new Thai restaurant called Sukhothai that guests love. It ranks at the very top because it feels fancy and new, giving you the best modern experience on the ocean today.
Norwegian Jewel
Launched in 2005, Norwegian Jewel carries 2,376 passengers and weighs 93,502 tons. This ship is popular for its variety of dining options, comfortable cabins, and lively entertainment, making it a favorite for families and couples alike. It runs cruises mostly to Alaska, the Caribbean, and Hawaii, with hundreds of itineraries since it started sailing.
The Jewel stands out for having plenty of activities onboard, like theaters, pools, and bars. Passengers praise its attentive staff and smooth sailing experience. With over 1,200 cruises completed by 2026, it remains one of the most reliable and enjoyable Norwegian cruise ships rank, often landing high in NCL ship ratings among travelers.
Norwegian Escape
Norwegian Escape entered service in 2015 and is one of the largest NCL cruise ships, weighing 164,600 tons with a capacity of 4,266 passengers. It offers a wide range of dining options, water parks, and Broadway-style shows, making it perfect for families and entertainment seekers. Its Caribbean cruises are especially popular, completing over 300 sailings by 2026.
The Escape shines with its spacious cabins and modern design, keeping passengers comfortable throughout their trip. Reviewers often highlight its top-notch amenities and fun activities. Its size and variety of features make it one of the Norwegian ships ranked at the top in NCL ship ratings and one of the most requested vessels in the fleet.
Norwegian Bliss
Norwegian Bliss launched in 2018, carrying 4,004 passengers and weighing 168,028 tons. It is well known for its luxury finishes, large observation lounges, and race track at sea. Bliss mainly sails Alaska and Caribbean itineraries, offering passengers over 150 cruises each year since its debut, keeping it consistently popular among Norwegian cruise ships ranked best to worst.
Bliss offers premium dining and entertainment experiences, including theaters and interactive activities. Its spacious staterooms and decks with ocean views get high praise. Travelers often rank it near the top for comfort and style, making it one of the NCL cruise lines ships ranked highly for passengers who want modern features combined with the thrill of large cruise ship facilities.
Norwegian Pearl
Launched in 2006, Norwegian Pearl accommodates 2,394 passengers and has a tonnage of 93,530. It sails mostly to Alaska, the Caribbean, and Mexico. Guests enjoy its diverse dining, theater shows, and lively bars. With over 1,000 cruises completed by 2026, it remains a solid choice for those seeking a balanced Norwegian cruise ships rank experience.
Passengers like its family-friendly atmosphere and accessible facilities. The Pearl also has spacious cabins and quiet decks, perfect for relaxation. In ncl ship ratings, it is considered a dependable ship with modern upgrades, keeping it comfortably mid-ranked among Norwegian cruise ships ranked best to worst in 2026.
Norwegian Jade
Norwegian Jade entered service in 2006, with 2,402 passengers and 93,558 tons. It offers numerous dining venues, casinos, and entertainment options, making it a crowd favorite for Caribbean cruises. The ship has completed hundreds of trips by 2026, keeping passengers entertained with modern and classic features.
Jade is praised for its activities, including waterslides, pools, and theater shows. The ship has a good balance of lively spaces and quiet areas. In ncl ship ratings, Norwegian Jade ranks as a solid mid-tier vessel, showing why it is a reliable choice among all Norwegian cruise ships ranked for comfort and value.
Norwegian Joy
Launched in 2017, Norwegian Joy carries 3,883 passengers and weighs 167,725 tons. It is designed with family and entertainment in mind, featuring a go-kart track, laser tag, and Broadway-style shows. Joy mostly sails Caribbean and Alaska cruises and has completed over 200 itineraries by 2026, keeping it high in Norwegian cruise ships ranked for fun and activities.
Passengers love its modern staterooms and entertainment options. The ship also offers multiple dining experiences from casual to specialty restaurants. Norwegian Joy is considered one of the best NCL ships ranked, giving travelers a lively and comfortable experience while being one of the larger NCL cruise ships in the fleet.
Norwegian Encore
Norwegian Encore started sailing in 2019 and carries 3,998 passengers with a tonnage of 169,116. It is known for modern features like a racing track, observation lounge, and extensive entertainment options. With over 150 cruises completed by 2026, Encore consistently ranks near the top of Norwegian cruise ships ranked best to worst among passengers looking for a lively experience.
Encore offers spacious cabins, specialty dining, and fun activities for all ages. Travelers praise its onboard entertainment and attentive staff. In ship ratings, Norwegian Encore is highly rated and stands out among Norwegian cruise ships ranked for modern amenities, fun features, and passenger satisfaction.
Norwegian Gem
Launched in 2007, Norwegian Gem carries 2,402 passengers and weighs 93,502 tons. It sails Caribbean and Alaska itineraries and features multiple restaurants, bars, and theaters. By 2026, Gem has completed more than 1,000 cruises, making it a solid choice for travelers who want a reliable and enjoyable Norwegian cruise ships rank experience.
Passengers enjoy its family-friendly activities and comfortable cabins. The ship has quiet areas and lively entertainment options. Norwegian Gem ranks as a dependable ship in ratings, keeping it in the mid-tier among Norwegian cruise ships ranked best to worst for overall value and onboard experience.
Norwegian Getaway
Norwegian Getaway launched in 2014 with 3,969 passengers and 145,655 tons. It is famous for outdoor spaces, entertainment venues, and multiple dining options. The ship sails Caribbean cruises and has completed over 250 itineraries by 2026. It is a popular choice in Norwegian ships ranked for families and couples looking for a fun onboard experience.
Getaway offers comfortable cabins, theaters, and pools with entertainment for all ages. Passengers appreciate the variety of restaurants and bars. Norwegian Getaway is consistently rated well in ratings and remains a solid mid-range option among Norwegian cruise ships ranked best to worst.
Norwegian Sky
Norwegian Sky, launched in 1999, carries 1,998 passengers and weighs 77,104 tons. It mainly sails short Caribbean cruises and is valued for its intimate feel and smaller size. By 2026, Sky has completed over 1,500 cruises, making it a favorite for travelers seeking a simpler, more relaxed NCL experience compared to the larger ships.
Passengers like its smaller crowd size and easier navigation. Its casual dining and entertainment options are popular, though some feel it lacks newer amenities. In ratings, Norwegian Sky ranks lower among Norwegian ships ranked for modern features but still offers reliable cruises for those preferring smaller vessels.
Pride of America
Launched in 2005, Pride of America carries 2,186 passengers and weighs 80,439 tons. It exclusively sails Hawaiian itineraries, offering a unique experience with scenic views and island stops. Over 800 cruises have been completed by 2026, giving passengers a chance to explore Hawaii with onboard amenities like pools, bars, and theaters.
While passengers enjoy the scenic routes, some criticize its older cabins and limited modern features. Pride of America is ranked lower in Norwegian cruise ships ranked best to worst but is appreciated for its Hawaiian-focused itineraries. In NCL ship ratings, it is considered a niche vessel that suits travelers looking for Hawaii cruises.
Norwegian Sun
Norwegian Sun, launched in 2001, carries 1,936 passengers and weighs 78,309 tons. It sails mostly Caribbean and Panama Canal cruises. With over 1,200 cruises by 2026, it provides a consistent and affordable cruising option for families and couples. It is known for its casual style and straightforward onboard experience.
Passengers enjoy the easy-going atmosphere, though some feel it lacks modern entertainment and specialty dining options. Norwegian Sun ranks lower in all NCL cruise ratings and among Norwegian cruise ships ranked best to worst, but it is reliable and affordable, making it suitable for travelers who want a simple and friendly cruise.
Norwegian Spirit
Launched in 1998, Norwegian Spirit carries 2,018 passengers and has a tonnage of 78,309. It sails Caribbean and Mediterranean cruises and is praised for its spacious public areas and classic design. By 2026, Spirit has completed more than 1,400 cruises, but it shows its age compared to newer NCL ships, impacting its ranking.
While passengers enjoy its calm and classic atmosphere, outdated cabins and limited new features put it lower in ratings. Norwegian Spirit is mid-to-low among Norwegian cruise ships ranked best to worst, appealing mainly to travelers who enjoy older ships with simpler amenities.
Norwegian Breakaway
Norwegian Breakaway launched in 2013 and carries 4,000 passengers with a tonnage of 146,600. It offers large pools, dining options, and entertainment venues. With over 300 cruises by 2026, it is popular for Caribbean itineraries. It is considered one of the larger NCL cruise ships and is ranked in the middle among Norwegian cruise ships ranked best to worst.
Breakaway provides spacious cabins and fun entertainment, but some passengers feel the ship can get crowded. Its large size sometimes makes the service slower. In ratings, it is average compared to newer ships like Bliss or Encore, still a good choice for travelers seeking variety and activity options.
Norwegian Viva
Norwegian Viva, launched in 2023, carries 3,219 passengers and weighs 142,500 tons. It is one of the newest NCL ships with modern amenities, specialty dining, and entertainment. Despite being new, early reviews point to some operational adjustments needed. By 2026, it has completed over 50 cruises and is watched closely in Norwegian cruise ships ranked lists.
Passengers appreciate its modern cabins and features, but some feel it has room for improvement in service speed. Norwegian Viva is ranked mid-range in NCL ship ratings for now but has potential to climb the Norwegian cruise ships ranked best to worst list as operations settle and more cruises are completed.
Norwegian Epic
Norwegian Epic launched in 2010 and carries 4,100 passengers with a tonnage of 155,873. It offers large theaters, restaurants, and activities. Epic has completed over 250 cruises by 2026, but its sheer size can make it feel crowded, lowering its ranking among Norwegian ships ranked.
While Epic provides plenty of entertainment and dining, passengers often report long waits and busy decks. It is rated lower in ratings compared to smaller, newer vessels. Norwegian Epic remains on the lower side among Norwegian cruise ships ranked best to worst due to its size and older features.
Norwegian Star
Launched in 2001, Norwegian Star carries 2,348 passengers and weighs 91,740 tons. It sails Caribbean and Panama Canal itineraries with casual dining and entertainment. Star has completed over 1,000 cruises by 2026 but shows signs of age in cabins and public areas, impacting its position in Norwegian cruise ships ranked lists.
Passengers enjoy its straightforward cruising style, though amenities are dated. Norwegian Star ranks lower in NCL ship ratings, and among all Norwegian cruise ships ranked, it is considered a budget-friendly but older option. It suits travelers looking for a simpler cruise experience without the newest features.
Norwegian Dawn
Norwegian Dawn, launched in 2002, carries 2,340 passengers and weighs 91,740 tons. It sails Caribbean and Bermuda cruises and has completed over 1,100 trips by 2026. The ship has multiple dining and entertainment options, but some passengers feel cabins and public spaces are outdated.
While Dawn still offers a reliable cruise experience, limited modern features put it lower in NCL ship ratings. Norwegian Dawn ranks near the bottom among Norwegian ships ranked, appealing mainly to travelers looking for an affordable option with a familiar cruising style rather than the newest amenities.
Norwegian Prima
Launched in 2022, Norwegian Prima carries 3,100 passengers and weighs 142,500 tons. It is one of the newest ships with modern design, pools, dining, and entertainment. By 2026, it has completed over 80 cruises, but some passengers feel initial service operations are still smoothing out.
Passengers praise its modern look and large cabins, but small issues with service speed keep it from topping NCL ship ratings. Norwegian Prima is lowest ranked among Norwegian cruise ships ranked best to worst, with potential to rise as it settles into regular cruising schedules.
The Best Norwegian Ship Classes
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.
Which Norwegian Ship Should You Choose?
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.
Conclusion
Ranking Norwegian cruise ships from best to worst helps travelers pick the right ship for their style. Some ships like Norwegian Bliss and Jewel top the list for modern features, entertainment, and comfort, while older ships like Norwegian Star or Dawn rank lower due to dated amenities. By checking all Norwegian cruise ships ranked, you can see which NCL ships ranked fit your vacation plans. Use this guide to compare NCL ship ratings and choose the best experience.
