Norwegian Cruise Line Ships By Age - NCL Ships Newest to Oldest
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) boasts a diverse fleet that caters to a wide range of cruisers, from those seeking intimate and classic experiences to those who want the latest in luxury and innovation. This guide takes a closer look at NCL's ships, ordered from newest to oldest, and explores essential details like gross tonnage, guest capacity, and refurbishment history. Understanding these factors can help you find the perfect ship for your next adventure.
Information of Note: Gross Tonnage and Guest Capacity
Gross Tonnage (GRT): Gross tonnage measures the interior volume of a ship, including all usable passenger spaces like staterooms, dining areas, and entertainment venues. While it doesn’t represent weight, it does give a sense of how spacious and feature-packed a ship might be. Larger GRT often means more amenities, making the ship feel less crowded despite high passenger capacity.
Guest Capacity: Guest capacity is calculated based on double occupancy, meaning two people per stateroom - even though most staterooms can fit up to 4 passengers. This provides a realistic estimate of how many passengers the ship is designed to comfortably host. Larger ships with higher capacities often come with expansive facilities to ensure guests have plenty of space to relax and enjoy their vacation.
Norwegian Cruise Line Ships: Newest to Oldest
Norwegian Luna
Class: Prima
Built: 2025
Last Refurbished: N/A
Guest Capacity: 3,571
Gross Tonnage: 156,300
Norwegian Aqua
Class: Prima
Built: 2025
Last Refurbished: N/A
Guest Capacity: 3,571
Gross Tonnage: 125,300
Norwegian Viva
Class: Prima
Built: 2023
Last Refurbished: N/A
Guest Capacity: 3,195
Gross Tonnage: 142,500
Norwegian Prima
Class: Prima
Built: 2022
Last Refurbished: N/A
Guest Capacity: 3,099
Gross Tonnage: 143,535
Norwegian Joy
Class: Breakaway Plus
Built: 2017
Last Refurbished: 2024
Guest Capacity: 3,776
Gross Tonnage: 167,725
Norwegian Bliss
Class: Breakaway Plus
Built: 2018
Last Refurbished: 2021
Guest Capacity: 3,958
Gross Tonnage: 168,028
Norwegian Encore
Class: Breakaway Plus
Built: 2019
Last Refurbished: N/A
Guest Capacity: 3,958
Gross Tonnage: 169,116
Norwegian Escape
Class: Breakaway Plus
Built: 2015
Last Refurbished: 2022
Guest Capacity: 4,218
Gross Tonnage: 164,998
Norwegian Getaway
Class: Breakaway
Built: 2014
Last Refurbished: 2020
Guest Capacity: 3,903
Gross Tonnage: 145,655
Norwegian Breakaway
Class: Breakaway
Built: 2013
Last Refurbished: 2020
Guest Capacity: 3,903
Gross Tonnage: 145,655
Norwegian Epic
Class: Epic
Built: 2010
Last Refurbished: 2020
Guest Capacity: 4,070
Gross Tonnage: 155,873
Norwegian Gem
Class: Jewel
Built: 2007
Last Refurbished: 2022
Guest Capacity: 2,344
Gross Tonnage: 93,530
Norwegian Jade
Class: Jewel
Built: 2006
Last Refurbished: 2022
Guest Capacity: 2,352
Gross Tonnage: 93,558
Norwegian Pearl
Class: Jewel
Built: 2006
Last Refurbished: 2021
Guest Capacity: 2,344
Gross Tonnage: 93,530
Norwegian Jewel
Class: Jewel
Built: 2005
Last Refurbished: 2022
Guest Capacity: 2,330
Gross Tonnage: 93,502
Pride of America
Built: 2005
Last Refurbished: 2022
Guest Capacity: 2,150
Gross Tonnage: 80,439
Norwegian Dawn
Class: Dawn
Built: 2002
Last Refurbished: 2021
Guest Capacity: 2,290
Gross Tonnage: 92,250
Norwegian Star
Class: Dawn
Built: 2001
Last Refurbished: 2021
Guest Capacity: 2,298
Gross Tonnage: 91,740
Norwegian Sun
Class: Sun
Built: 2001
Last Refurbished: 2021
Guest Capacity: 1,878
Gross Tonnage: 78,309
Norwegian Sky
Class: Sun
Built: 1999
Last Refurbished: 2024
Guest Capacity: 1,944
Gross Tonnage: 77,104
Norwegian Spirit
Built: 1998
Last Refurbished: 2022
Guest Capacity: 1,972
Gross Tonnage: 75,904
Key Trends in Norwegian Cruise Line’s Fleet
Norwegian Cruise Line continues to innovate with larger, more advanced ships that offer spacious interiors, enhanced dining, and entertainment options. Newer ships like the Prima class prioritize guest comfort and cutting-edge design. Regular refurbishments keep older vessels competitive, ensuring that even the oldest ships maintain modern amenities and appeal. The fleet's diverse range of sizes and features caters to a variety of traveler preferences, from family-friendly cruises to more intimate experiences.
Conclusion
Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet reflects decades of innovation and commitment to providing exceptional cruising experiences. Whether you’re looking for the latest and most luxurious ship or a classic, refurbished vessel, NCL offers something for every type of traveler. Use this guide to choose the perfect ship for your dream getaway, and prepare for an unforgettable journey.
Aerial ship photos courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line.
