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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.

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:

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 premiered 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

Norwegian Cruise Ships By Age: Newest to Oldest (2026-1998)

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