Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) boasts an array of ships within its fleet, including some of the most innovative and family-friendly cruise ships on the oceans today.
At the moment, there are 20 NCL ships in the fleet, with Norwegian Aqua being the newest and Norwegian Spirit being the oldest. The fleet will expand even further when Norwegian Luna arrives in 2026 and Norwegian Aura in 2027.
In This Article…
- Norwegian Cruise Ships by Age – Newest to Oldest
- Norwegian Aura (2027)
- Norwegian Luna (2026)
- Norwegian Aqua (2025)
- Norwegian Viva (2023)
- Norwegian Prima (2022)
- Norwegian Encore (2019)
- Norwegian Bliss (2018)
- Norwegian Joy (2017)
- Norwegian Escape (2015)
- Norwegian Getaway (2014)
- Norwegian Breakaway (2013)
- Norwegian Epic (2010)
- Norwegian Gem (2007)
- Norwegian Jade (2006)
- Norwegian Pearl (2006)
- Norwegian Jewel (2005)
- Pride of America (2005)
- Norwegian Dawn (2002)
- Norwegian Star (2001)
- Norwegian Sun (2001)
- Norwegian Sky (1999)
- Norwegian Spirit (1998)
Norwegian Cruise Ships by Age – Newest to Oldest
So now you know which of NCL’s cruise ships are bigger than the rest and which are newer and which are older — but what else do you need to know before you book that cruise? Here are the need-to-know details on each ship, as well as a few fun facts.
We’ve listed the Norwegian Cruise Line ships by age, including the upcoming Norwegian Luna and Norwegian Aura:
Norwegian Aura (2027)
Norwegian Cruise Line is elevating its Prima-class ships once again in 2027 with the arrival of Norwegian Aura, announced on January 15, 2026, and reported by Cruise Hive. The vessel will become the largest in the fleet at an impressive 168,000 gross tons, making it 10% larger than Norwegian Aqua and Luna. There will also be a total of 1,976 staterooms.
The ship will be the first to feature Ocean Heights, a new fun zone for guests to enjoy, and it will span from 18 to 21! The space includes NCL’s first -ever mat racing dual waterslides. The entire area will also be illuminated like an aura at night. The open spaces onboard will also be 20% more expensive than Norwegian Aqua and Luna.
Norwegian Aura will debut from Barcelona in Spain on May 21, 2027. The new ship will begin its inaugural season from Miami, Florida, in June 2027 and will offer seven-day Eastern Caribbean voyages through October 2027. Aura will shift to Western Caribbean sailings from winter 2027.
- Will Arrive: May 2027
- Gross Tonnage: 168,000
- Length: 1,130 feet
- Guest Capacity: 3,840
- Shipyard: Fincantieri
Norwegian Luna (2026)
Norwegian Luna will become the second cruise ship built for the Prima Plus class and sister ship to Norwegian Aqua. The vessel will feature the thrilling Aqua Slidecoaster, a digital sports complex called Glow Court, and many of the features already found on other Prima-class ships. However, there will no longer be any go-kart track. The ship will be based out of Miami and will sail the Caribbean.
- Will Arrive: March 2026
- Gross Tonnage: 156,300
- Guest Capacity: 3,571
- Shipyard: Marghera, Fincantieri
Norwegian Aqua (2025)
Norwegian Aqua is the third Prima-class cruise ship ordered by the cruise line. The ship is also 10% larger than earlier sister ships at an increased 156,300 gross tons and a passenger capacity of 3,571. The ship is the next generation of the class and also features the first-ever hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide.
I actually sailed on the newest ship in the fleet along with Cruise Hive staff member Paul Bartlett, you can see what he thought here.
- Entered Service: April 2025
- Gross Tonnage: 156,300
- Guest Capacity: 3,571
- Shipyard: Marghera, Fincantieri
Norwegian Viva (2023)
Debuted in 2023, Norwegian Viva was built at the Italian shipyard Fincantieri. The ship features some of the same amenities and world-first offerings that can currently be seen on Norwegian Prima, Viva’s Prima-class sister.
The ship brings more than 43,000 square feet of outdoor space, more than one infinity pool and a cool dining concept called the Indulge Food Hall, which encompasses nearly a dozen restaurants all in one dining experience.
- Entered Service: August 2023
- Gross Tonnage: 142,500
- Guest Capacity: 3,215
- Shipyard: Marghera, Fincantieri
Norwegian Prima (2022)
Debuting in 2022 and kicking off the Prima class, Norwegian Prima was also built at the Italian shipyard Fincantieri. Guessed to cost the cruise line approximately $850 million to build, the ship features world-class accommodations, a wealth of suite options, and a bigger and better go-karting track, unlike anything cruisers have ever seen before.
- Entered Service: 2022
- Gross Tonnage: 143,535
- Guest Capacity: 3,099
- Shipyard: Marghera, Fincantieri
Norwegian Encore (2019)
Built by Meyer Werft in Germany, Norwegian Encore was the last Breakaway Plus ship. With nearly 30 different dining and drinking venues aboard the massive ship, as well as tons of family-friendly entertainment, cruisers certainly won’t be wanting for things to do, no matter where they sail.
- Entered Service: 2019
- Refurbished: 2024
- Gross Tonnage: 169,116
- Guest Capacity: 3,958
- Shipyard: Meyer Werft, Papenburg, Germany
Norwegian Bliss (2018)
Designed with improved energy efficiency in mind, so as to better meet Alaskan environmental regulations during Alaskan cruises, Norwegian Bliss was built by Meyer Werft in Germany.
The ship offers 20 decks and more than 2,200 cabins. Like other Breakaway Plus ships, Norwegian Bliss offers a wealth of dining options and entertainment spaces.
- Entered Service: 2018
- Refurbished: 2025
- Gross Tonnage: 168,028
- Guest Capacity: 4,010
- Shipyard: Meyer Werft, Papenburg, Germany
Norwegian Joy (2017)
Another mammoth Breakaway Plus-class ship, Norwegian Joy, was likewise built by Meyer Werft in Germany. Delivered in 2017, the ship has sailed around both Asia and North America.
Despite being in the same class, Norwegian Joy does stand apart in a few ways, from sister ship and predecessor Norwegian Escape. Norwegian Joy, for example, has a lower guest capacity, but also more restaurants, a larger casino and more shopping options.
- Entered Service: 2017
- Refurbished: 2024
- Gross Tonnage: 167,725
- Guest Capacity: 3,776
- Shipyard: Meyer Werft, Papenburg, Germany
Norwegian Escape (2015)
The first of the Breakaway Plus-class ships, Norwegian Escape was likewise built by Meyer Werft in Germany. When Norwegian Escape debuted, it featured the largest water park in the entire NCL fleet.
- Entered Service: 2015
- Refurbished: 2022
- Gross Tonnage: 164,998
- Guest Capacity: 4,218
- Shipyard: Meyer Werft, Papenburg, Germany
Norwegian Getaway (2014)
One of two Breakaway-class ships, Norwegian Getaway was built by Meyer Werft in Germany and, at the time of its debut, was the ninth-largest cruise ship in the world. It featured a range of new amenities specific to its class, such as restaurants helmed by celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian and Grammy and magic-themed entertainment areas.
- Entered Service: 2014
- Refurbished: 2024
- Gross Tonnage: 145,655
- Guest Capacity: 3,903
- Shipyard: Meyer Werft, Papenburg, Germany
Norwegian Breakaway (2013)
The first Breakaway-class ship, Norwegian Breakaway was actually named by the public, via a contest that NCL hosted in 2011. Built by Meyer Werft in Germany, Norwegian Breakaway shares many amenities with sister ship Norwegian Getaway, such as a Geoffrey Zakarian-designed restaurant.
- Entered Service: 2013
- Refurbished: 2025
- Gross Tonnage: 145,655
- Guest Capacity: 3,903
- Shipyard: Meyer Werft, Papenburg, Germany
Norwegian Epic (2010)
One of NCL’s stand-alone ships without a class, Norwegian Epic debuted in 2010 after being built at the STX France Cruise SA, Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard. When built, the ship was the third-largest in the world.
Originally, the cruise ship was intended to have some sister ships, but a dispute with the builder caused the other two ships to be canceled, leaving Norwegian Epic alone.
- Entered Service: 2010
- Refurbished: 2025
- Gross Tonnage: 155,873
- Guest Capacity: 4,070
- Shipyard: Chantiers de l’Atlantique, France
Norwegian Gem (2007)
The last Jewel-class ship, Norwegian Gem, was built in 2007 by Meyer Werft in Germany. Built at a cost of $700 million, the ship shares exterior features with Norwegian’s Dawn Class, though its interior and amenities are all Jewel-class.
- Entered Service: 2007
- Refurbished: 2022
- Gross Tonnage: 93,530
- Guest Capacity: 2,344
- Shipyard: Meyer Werft, Papenburg, Germany
Norwegian Jade (2006)
Originally built by Meyer Werft in Germany as Pride of Hawaii, Norwegian Jade received a rebranding in 2008 when Pride of Hawaii was removed from the Hawaiian market and redeployed.
Along with the name change, the ship also received new livery and extra features at that time, including the addition of a casino.
- Entered Service: 2006
- Refurbished: 2022
- Gross Tonnage: 93,558
- Guest Capacity: 2,352
- Shipyard: Meyer Werft, Papenburg, Germany
Norwegian Pearl (2006)
Launched in 2006, Norwegian Pearl was built by Meyer Werft in Germany. The ship has made appearances on a variety of television shows and documentaries and frequently hosts themed or special interest cruises.
- Entered Service: 2006
- Refurbished: 2021
- Gross Tonnage: 93,530
- Guest Capacity: 2,344
- Shipyard: Meyer Werft, Papenburg, Germany
Norwegian Jewel (2005)
The first Jewel-class ship, Norwegian Jewel, debuted in 2005 after being built by Meyer Werft in Germany. Similar to sister ship Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Jewel has connections to several pop culture figures; the ship’s godmother is former First Lady Melania Trump and the ship appeared on an episode of The Apprentice.
- Entered Service: 2005
- Refurbished: 2022
- Gross Tonnage: 93,502
- Guest Capacity: 2,330
- Shipyard: Meyer Werft, Papenburg, Germany
Pride of America (2005)
Built partially in Mississippi and partially in Germany, Pride of America was part of an NCL effort to build and flag several cruise ships within the United States.
When inaugurated in 2005, the ship was the first new U.S.-flagged deep-water cruise ship in multiple decades. Because of its U.S. registration, the ship has no casino, a mostly U.S. crew and only sails around the United States.
- Entered Service: 2005
- Refurbished: 2025
- Gross Tonnage: 80,439
- Guest Capacity: 2,180
- Shipyard: Lloyd Werft, Germany
Norwegian Dawn (2002)
Built by Meyer Werft in Germany (and originally built for Star Cruises), Norwegian Dawn was the first NCL cruise ship to feature hull art. Now, the cruise line is known for its colorful exteriors.
- Entered Service: 2002
- Refurbished: 2024
- Gross Tonnage: 92,250
- Guest Capacity: 2,290
- Shipyard: Meyer Werft, Papenburg, Germany
Norwegian Star (2001)
The first Dawn-class ship, Norwegian Star, like Norwegian Dawn, was built for Star Cruises before being transferred over to NCL. Norwegian Star was built by Meyer Werft in Germany.
- Entered Service: 2001
- Refurbished: 2021
- Gross Tonnage: 91,740
- Guest Capacity: 2,298
- Shipyard: Meyer Werft, Papenburg, Germany
Norwegian Sun (2001)
Built by Lloyd Werft in Germany, Norwegian Sun was the last Sun-class ship. She was launched in 2001 in a dual christening ceremony with sister ship Norwegian Star. In April 2025, the cruise line announced that Norwegian Sun would leave the fleet in 2026 for the Indian-based cruise line Cordelia Cruises.
- Entered Service: 2001
- Refurbished: 2021
- Gross Tonnage: 78,309
- Guest Capacity: 1,878
- Shipyard: Meyer Werft, Papenburg, Germany
Norwegian Sky (1999)
Originally ordered by Costa Cruises, Norwegian Sky was built by Lloyd Werft in Germany. For a short time, Norwegian Sky, now a Sun-class ship, sailed as Pride of Aloha. The vessel will also depart the fleet for Cordelia Cruises in 2026.
- Entered Service: 1999
- Refurbished: 2024
- Gross Tonnage: 77,104
- Guest Capacity: 1,944
- Shipyard: Lloyd Werft, Germany
Norwegian Spirit (1998)
Built in 1998 for Star Cruises by Meyer Werft, Norwegian Spirit officially became a NCL vessel in 2004. Norwegian Spirit is one of the few NCL ships that do not fit into any particular Norwegian ship class.
- Entered Service: 1998
- Refurbished: 2022
- Gross Tonnage: 75,904
- Guest Capacity: 1,972
- Shipyard: Lloyd Werft, Germany
