Best and Worst Norwegian Cruise Ships (2025 Ranking)

I all the time say that selecting the right cruise ship can both make your trip nice or spoil it.

With the varied sort of ships by Norwegian Cruise Line, there’s an ideal alternative for each sort of traveler on the market, however (as you already know) not all of them are equal.

Some provide cutting-edge leisure, spacious cabins, and world-class eating, whereas others have a extra outdated design and restricted facilities.

For that reason, we’ve created a rating from least to most favourite, utilizing passenger suggestions, experiences on the ship, and complete value.

Maintain studying till the tip. The ship that takes the highest spot would possibly actually shock you!

19. Norwegian Prima

Because the title suggests, Norwegian Prima was the primary ship within the NCL’s Prima Class. It was launched in 2022 with genuinely excessive expectations.

Though its fashionable design, in addition to upscale options, impressed many passengers at first, passenger suggestions has been considerably combined.

Many individuals love the particular options, such because the go-kart monitor with three ranges and the mini-golf, however some others thought the design was not clear and led to overcrowding in some spots, notably close to the consuming areas and lifts.

As well as, individuals typically complain in regards to the ship’s lack of open areas and dance flooring and suppose its design favored aesthetics over usefulness.

Some leisure decisions have additionally confronted disapproval, together with few actions through the day and a present reservation system that has left some guests sad.

Eating is one other supply of dispute; there’s all kinds of choices. Nevertheless, high quality and availability relating to specialty eating choices have been inconsistent.

So in the long run, even with its fashionable attraction, Norwegian Prima actually has room for enchancment, inserting it on the backside on this rating.

18. Norwegian Daybreak

Norwegian Daybreak, which was launched in 2002 and refurbished in 2016, has been considerably upgraded over time, however many passengers suppose it’s clearly beginning to present its age.

The ship nonetheless presents a good cruising expertise, together with its many eating locations, bars, and recreational services, however totally different individuals suppose it’s not among the many greatest ones.

Some friends have reported points associated to the ship’s maintenance. The problems ranged from small issues inside cabins to greater issues in regards to the plumbing and AC.

Leisure stays a spotlight for lots of the individuals, significantly in respect to partaking dwell reveals, however in comparison towards the remainder of the ships all through the fleet, the range is considerably restricted.

Although Norwegian Daybreak continues to be dearly valued by some cruisers (particularly those that love the ship’s small and intimate measurement), another passengers may really feel tired of the ship in comparison with the extra fashionable ships within the NCL fleet.

17. Norwegian Star

Norwegian Star was launched in 2001 and is among the many older ships that NCL owns.

Totally different passengers reported {that a} sure mechanical downside has been a recurring concern with the ship’s propulsion system, which has resulted in itinerary adjustments to ports on a number of events.

The ship’s age is clear by means of many elements, from fairly worn furnishings to moderately outdated cabin designs that lack the sleekness of extra fashionable ships.

Some vacationers have additionally discovered service requirements to be pretty inconsistent.

For instance, there are studies of fairly lengthy delays on the mining eating room and occasional cleanliness points. Regardless of these deficiencies, Norwegian Star continues to offer a various number of eating choices and good leisure.

Its prior tech issues and dated design may make it a much less engaging alternative amongst NCL ships for these needing a extra polished trip.

16. Norwegian Epic

Norwegian Epic was launched in 2010 and confirmed a distinguished change in the way in which NCL designed cruise ships, providing some fascinating new options.

But passenger feedback all through the years have proven many issues. A typical critique concentrates on the ships’ fairly particular room design, notably the restroom association, which sure occupants regularly really feel lacks privateness as a result of its utterly unusual configuration.

I utterly agree, I already mentioned a number of years in the past that this design is among the stupidest issues I’ve ever seen on cruise ships.

I’m undecided in the event you’ve seen these earlier than. They’re these cabins the place the dwelling space and toilet are solely separated by a curtain. Right here’s a photograph under to provide you a greater concept.

Moreover, though the ship has many locations to eat, a number of individuals have mentioned that the meals and repair will not be all the time dependable, and a few passengers talked about lengthy traces on the buffet.

15. Norwegian Viva

Norwegian Viva debuted in 2023 and was the second ship inside NCL’s Prima Class. The try was to mix fashionable luxurious into one thing new for passengers.

Many guests respect the ship’s up to date design, massive lodging, and upscale facilities. Nevertheless, some friends have raised issues about extra prices related to numerous onboard actions and eating choices.

For instance, the preferred sights, just like the Speedway go-kart monitor, include an additional price (which isn’t precisely low).

Moreover, whereas the ship presents many leisure choices, a lot of passengers really feel that sure actions cater extra towards particular age teams, probably leaving sure others wanting extra tailor-made experiences.

14. Norwegian Breakaway

Norwegian Breakaway was launched in 2013 and was acclaimed for its structure, which was fairly revolutionary.

All through time, passenger suggestions has spotlighted many strengths but in addition weaknesses. In a very optimistic gentle, many cruisers typically appreciated the energetic nightlife out there on the ship, together with a different choice of restaurant choices.

Additionally, many guests typically speak of the various kid-friendly options.

Nonetheless, some vacationers carry up points relating to the ways in which crowds are dealt with, particularly throughout peak instances.

Moreover, as a result of the ship gives many actions onboard, sure facilities, for instance, the Aqua Park and likewise the sports activities advanced, could grow to be extraordinarily congested throughout peak instances or sea days, affecting the traveler’s expertise.

At all times keep in mind: not all individuals have the identical experiences, and although these ships have been criticized loads, they nonetheless present particular itineraries and traits.

13. Norwegian Spirit

Norwegian Spirit is among the older vessels in NCL’s fleet.

Regardless of a major $100 million refurbishment in 2020, aimed toward modernizing its facilities and design, passenger suggestions continues to be combined.

Many friends respect the ship’s newly up to date interiors, together with the brand new adult-friendly options. Nevertheless, a number of vacationers have famous that some elements of the ship nonetheless present its age, together with decrease ceilings in widespread areas, as a result of it was initially made for Asian prospects.

Leisure choices have obtained combined opinions as nicely; whereas a number of passengers benefit from the choices, a number of really feel they’re restricted compared to bigger ships.

Ultimately, Norwegian Spirit offers a cozier cruise vibe that is perhaps optimum for many who like small ships however could also be disappointing for these used to massive, new ships.

12. Norwegian Solar

Launched in 2001, Norwegian Solar is an average-sized ship that has been up to date a number of instances, with the newest important refurbishment in 2018.

Because it’s a medium-sized ship, passengers just like the relaxed environment, together with the pleasant crew, which many say create a extra customized trip.

The number of eating choices and the ship’s cleanliness are additionally regularly highlighted positively. Nevertheless, some friends have reported that sure areas really feel dated regardless of renovations, and the dearth of recent facilities discovered on bigger ships is usually a downside for some.

11. Satisfaction of America

Satisfaction of America actually holds a particular place inside NCL’s fleet as the one main U.S.-flagged cruise ship.

The ship was launched in 2005, and it’s maybe your best option in the event you wanna go to the Hawaiian Islands.

Along with that, it’s very optimistic that it has prolonged port stays to permit passengers to deeply discover the native tradition and landscapes.

Though the itinerary receives a lot reward, the ship has attracted moderately different opinions. Some vacationers respect the Hawaiian decorations and the easy journeys between islands, with no need flights overseas.

Nevertheless, a number of others have famous that the ship’s age is kind of clear in sure areas, that the eating and leisure choices will not be very different and that there are some issues by way of service high quality.

Regardless of these a number of critiques, Satisfaction of America stays a preferred alternative amongst vacationers for a pleasant Hawaiian cruise expertise.

10. Norwegian Sky

Norwegian Sky was launched in 1999 (refurbished in 2019) and is among the smaller ships in NCL’s fleet, accommodating simply over 2,000 passengers.

This ship is regularly picked out for brief journeys, akin to 3- to 5-night voyages inside the Caribbean and inside the Bahamas.

Many passengers liked the extremely cozy setting and exceptionally form employees.

The 2019 refurbishment up to date the within decorations and added some new venues, akin to La Cucina, a specialty Italian restaurant, and The Native Bar & Grill. This enormously improved the eating choices.

Like a lot of the earlier ships, regardless of the refurbishments, the ship’s age continues to be fairly seen in some locations, specifically within the cabins, that are considerably smaller than the brand new ships.

Regardless of this, as talked about earlier, a number of passengers suppose Norwegian Sky is an effective alternative for a brief cruise.

9. Norwegian Getaway

Norwegian Getaway entered the fleet in 2014. It’s a comparatively massive, fashionable ship designed to offer a wide selection of leisure and eating choices.

Take into account that it has 20 eating venues, together with specialty eating places like Ocean Blue and Cagney’s Steakhouse.

Leisure can be fairly praised with Broadway-caliber reveals akin to “Million Greenback Quartet,” a pleasant nightlife scene, and a sports activities advanced that has a ropes course, climbing wall, and zip line.

Passengers additionally liked the outside promenade known as “The Waterfront” the place you could find bars and eating places with an attractive sea view.

Usually talking, Norwegian Getaway is for vacationers who’re in search of a enjoyable atmosphere with fairly a variety of eating and leisure decisions.

8. Norwegian Gem

Norwegian Gem was launched in 2007 and is a Jewel-class ship that gives an excellent steadiness between measurement and facilities.

It might accommodate about 2,400 passengers, and the ship’s structure is usually appreciated as a result of it’s straightforward to navigate and comparatively smaller in comparison with newer mega-ships.

Nevertheless, some passengers have mentioned that sure areas of the ship are beginning to present indicators of age, and the vary of onboard actions is extra restricted than on bigger ships.

Even with these minor points, Norwegian Gem continues to be a preferred alternative for cruisers looking for a mid-sized ship with a welcoming environment and an excellent mixture of facilities.

7. Norwegian Encore

Norwegian Encore was launched in 2019 and is the ultimate ship in NCL’s Breakaway Plus class.

Within the opinions, passengers regularly reward the ship’s numerous eating venues, together with specialty eating places like Cagney’s Steakhouse and Le Bistro, which provide a high-quality culinary expertise.

The ship additionally options some actually particular issues, for instance, a go-kart monitor boasting two ranges, in addition to an out of doors laser tag space.

Nonetheless, some guests said that these highly regarded actions typically require prior reserving, that it’s typically tough to discover a free spot, and that the costs are fairly excessive.

Moreover, with a capability of virtually 4,000 passengers, a number of areas throughout the ship, such because the pool deck and the buffet, would possibly grow to be crowded throughout peak instances, resulting in lengthier wait instances and decrease availability of seating.

6. Norwegian Pleasure

Norwegian Pleasure was launched in 2017 and was initially designed for the Chinese language market.

It underwent important renovations in 2019 to cater to North American cruisers. For instance, at first, Norwegian Pleasure had bigger retail and casinos, smaller gyms and spas, and tea rooms as a substitute of bars.

As you’ll be able to think about, now it options all kinds of eating choices, with some significantly numerous culinary experiences at eating places like Teppanyaki and Q Texas Smokehouse.

By way of the unfavorable elements, some passengers have reported that sure facilities, like the primary pool space, really feel undersized based on the ship’s capability, resulting in congestion throughout sea days.

Additionally, even when the ship offering a broad variety of actions, some friends suppose that the structure is a bit complicated and it’s a little bit of a problem to navigate amongst venues.

5. Norwegian Jade

Norwegian Jade was launched in 2006 and is a part of NCL’s Jewel-class ships.

Passengers often just like the ship’s elegant design and the crew. I’ve personally just lately talked to a passenger that mentioned that the the employees was sensational.

As well as, many opinions underlined an excellent stage of leisure between dwell music, theatrical productions, and themed events, which make the ship enjoyable for all friends.

The ship’s smaller measurement, accommodating round 2,400 passengers, permits for a extra intimate environment and customized service.

Total, Norwegian Jade is (and will nonetheless be) a favourite amongst cruisers looking for a basic cruising expertise with a contact of recent aptitude.​

4. Norwegian Pearl

Norwegian Pearl was launched in 2006 and is a Jewel-class ship.

Passengers typically love the ship’s very imaginative decor, with jewel-tone carpeting in addition to actually particular design components that rigorously contribute to its specific ambiance.

The ships provide each many numerous eating venues and an fascinating sort of leisure.

Particularly, Norwegian Pearl typically sails for theme cruises, for instance, music-focused journeys. Some time again, I additionally advised you in regards to the cruise the place solely the crew can be dressed, and that’s on Norwegian Pearl.

Nevertheless, some vacationers have famous that sure cabins, particularly these positioned on decks 5, 8, and 11, could expertise noise. To keep away from these sorts of issues, I like to recommend you check out the article on the cabins to keep away from on Norwegian ships.

3. Norwegian Bliss

Norwegian Bliss was launched in 2018, it’s a Breakaway Plus-class ship, and passengers actually love its refined design and array of recent facilities.

One in every of its most noticeable options is the massive Remark Lounge, a 20,000 square-foot space providing wide-ranging sights, making it highly regarded throughout Alaska journeys.

As well as, the ships has about 27 meals venues, together with an informal self-service space, a French bistro, and Ocean Blue catering to seafood lovers.

Passengers additionally liked the reveals and leisure, however as all the time occurs with bigger ships, a number of friends have reported that regularly visited areas can grow to be packed.

2. Norwegian Escape

Norwegian Escape was launched in 2015, and just like the earlier ship is a part of the Breakaway Plus-class.

This ship has garnered optimistic opinions for its intensive facilities. Passengers typically spotlight the ship’s numerous eating choices, which embody specialty eating places like Bayamo by Ocean Blue and Cagney’s Steakhouse. And likewise The Waterfront, which permits friends to take pleasure in ocean views whereas eating or stress-free.

Cruisers additionally like the colourful nightlife on this ship. Many opinions talked about venues like The District Brew Home, recognized for its intensive choice of craft beers.

As typical, the unfavorable opinions concentrate on the crowdedness that sure areas can attain throughout standard actions or peak instances, however as we’ve discovered, this occurs on just about each massive ship of each cruise line.

1. Norwegian Jewel

Norwegian Jewel was launched in 2005 and is the namesake amongst NCL’s Jewel-class ships.

Through the years, it has persistently gotten optimistic opinions from passengers and critics alike, and following refurbishment in late 2018, the ship additionally has modernized cabins, refreshed public areas, and up to date eating venues.

Incessantly, guests reward the boat’s fairly cozy setting, which is moderately preferable among the many fleet’s greater and extra packed ships. Take into account that Norwegian Jewel can accommodate round 2,376 individuals, so it gives a extra intimate cruise. ​

The eating choices are fairly numerous and cater nicely to many culinary preferences. Guests can select between French delicacies at Le Bistro and Italian dishes at La Cucina. Extra venues have been additionally added like The Pit Cease, a Nineteen Fifties-style bar with views of the pool.. ​

I’ve additionally learn very optimistic issues in regards to the leisure, with the Stardust Theater that hosts quite a lot of reveals, akin to aerial acts and magic performances.

Talking of lodging, the alternatives vary from cozy inside cabins to the luxurious Haven suites. This gives choices for various budgets and preferences. We mentioned this in additional element within the article on the 7 issues Norwegian does higher than some other cruise line

The reality is that Norwegian Jewel would possibly lack among the fancier sights out there on newer ships, akin to rock-climbing partitions or the go-kart monitor, however it compensates with its nice ambiance and excellent service.

This combine has introduced Norwegian Jewel to the highest of the checklist, making it well liked by each skilled and new cruise passengers.

Clearly, opinions can change. For instance, the itinerary performs an important position, which is why I like to recommend trying out the checklist of the ten Greatest and Worst Cruise Ports of 2025.