What is the Best Norwegian Cruise Ship for Alaska?
Norwegian Cruise Line currently sends five of its ships on Alaska cruises — Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Spirit — and the best of the bunch is going to depend on what kind of experience you’re hoping for and what matters most to you when cruising.
Overall, while yes, the brand may not have a long legacy of offering Alaskan cruises (that honor would have to go to Princess Cruises or Holland America), Norwegian Cruise Line is an absolutely excellent pick if you’re taking a cruise vacation to Alaska with the family, including kids and teens. All the ships are packed with family-friendly amenities and activities.
So how do you pick? I’m breaking down everything you need to know about each ship so you can make the best choice for your upcoming getaway.
Ship Overview
ShipHomeport(s)Glacier AccessBest ForNorwegian BlissSeattleGlacier BayBig‑ship amenitiesNorwegian EncoreSeattleGlacier BayModern, activity‑heavy cruisingNorwegian JadeVancouver, WhittierHubbard Glacier, Inside PassageSmaller‑ship comfortNorwegian JoySeattleGlacier BayFeature‑rich without crowdsNorwegian SpiritHonolulu, VancouverVaries by itineraryIntimate, unique routes
Norwegian Bliss
Originally built in 2018 and weighing in with a gross tonnage of 168,028 GT and a double occupancy of just over 4,000 people, Norwegian Bliss offers a lot to love.
For years, the ship has offered highlights such as a go-kart track on the top deck, a double-loop waterslide that hangs out over the ocean, and the ritzy VIP Haven area.
Photo Credit: lenic
However, things got even better in early 2025, when the vessel underwent some massive refurbishments that made it all the more ideal for an Alaskan cruise.
The dry dock introduced a new outdoor venue, Horizon Park, with lawn games and loungers, and the first immersive theater at sea. In The Haven, Premiere Owner’s Suites were upgraded to offer three bedrooms. A new seafood restaurant, Palomar, was likewise added.
What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Norwegian Bliss
Expect an upgraded, top-tier cruise experience with plenty to do at all hours. This ship is packed to the gills with amenities and fun, as well as spots to catch amazing views of the Last Frontier as it passes by.
You’ll find awesome views in the Observation Lounge, where you can enjoy 180-degree scenery without braving the cold. However, do note that on glacier days, this venue is packed, packed, packed, and you’ll have better luck outdoors. To escape the crowds, head outside to the Waterfront oceanfront promenade, or even Vibe Beach Club.
If you’re lucky enough to be staying in The Haven, you’ll also enjoy good views in The Haven Restaurant. Otherwise, the District Brew House is a nice pick, if you snag a window seat.
Of course, if you have a balcony stateroom, you can enjoy the views in private, too. Just note that this ship isn’t going to give you an intimate experience and there can be, as alluded, crowds.
If you want a quiet, low-key Alaskan cruise, you might want to consider one of the other ships or another cruise line altogether. Additionally, for full disclosure, you may find some of the Norwegian Cruise Line-offered excursions to be a little on the pricier side.
Norwegian Bliss Alaska Deployments
Norwegian Bliss sails itineraries ranging from seven to 11 nights, with fares starting at under $100 per night. All of the itineraries depart from Seattle, with round-trip sailings visiting the oh-so-popular Glacier Bay, as well as favorites like Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, and more.
Norwegian Bliss Pros & Cons in Alaska
ProsConsLots to do on the shipA bigger ship with crowdsRecently updatedShip-sold shore excursions can be priceyPlenty of spots for great views, both indoors and out
Norwegian Encore
Norwegian Encore is fairly similar to Norwegian Bliss. It was built in 2019, and measures 169,116 GT, with a double occupancy just under 4,000 people.
It likewise offers highlight amenities and features such as the top deck go-kart track, the Waterfront promenade, the Observation Lounge, and adrenaline-pumping waterslides for the thrill-seekers. Families will enjoy the indoor entertainment options such as VR games.
Norwegian Encore underwent its last refurbishment in late 2024. The changes decreased the size of the Observation Lounge, added more staterooms, increased the sizes of suites in The Haven, and added the Spice H20 adults-only outdoor space with its hot tubs, pool and bar. Seafood restaurant Palomar was also added.
What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Norwegian Encore
This ship will give you a modern cruise experience with loads to do and plenty of options around every corner, from booking your stateroom to picking where you’ll eat to deciding how to stay entertained when you’re not in port.
Speaking of being in port, though, a lot of cruisers do find that Norwegian Encore doesn’t really stop long enough in each destination.
Snag those great views in the Observation Lounge (though, again, you’re going to run into crowds), as well as on the promenade and in Spice H20. Since Alaska doesn’t typically offer pool-friendly weather, you’ll be able to easily get yourself a seat on the pool deck.
Norwegian Encore Alaska Deployments
With fares starting at around $111 per night, Norwegian Encore sails all of its Alaska itineraries from Seattle, with itineraries lasting anywhere from seven to 12 nights.
Keep in mind that some of these longer itineraries are actually NCL Cruisetours and have you on land for further exploration at the start or end of a trip — you’re not on the ship all 12 nights. Stops include Ketchikan, Victoria, Glacier Bay, Skagway and more.
Norwegian Encore Pros & Cons in Alaska
ProsConsBig modern shipBigger ships come with crowdsLots of amenities and optionsYou’ll likely compete with other cruisers for restaurant reservations, show seat availability and views
Norwegian Jade
Compared to the first two ships on this list, Norwegian Jade is much older and much smaller. Built in 2006, the ship weighs less than 100,000 GT and holds just about 2,400 passengers at double occupancy.
Don’t worry, though — while this ship may be far from its infancy, it’s receiving new life as of late. A major three-week dry dock refurbishment in spring 2026, ahead of the ship’s Alaska cruising season, brings some nice changes.
The cruise line is adding the adults-only Vibe Beach Club to Deck 14 and Deck 7 gets a Starbucks, for example. Otherwise, the ship will receive a general refresh to keep things spiffy.
What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Norwegian Jade
If you’ve been avoiding one of the larger ships that Norwegian Cruise Line sends to Alaska, because you really do think that they’re just going to be too big, too crowded and too overwhelming for your liking … well, then, Norwegian Jade may just be your perfect fit!
Think about it — Norwegian Jade can only fit about half the number of passengers that are routinely on Norwegian Bliss or Norwegian Encore. That’s a big difference.
As such, you’ll enjoy a more low-key, mid-sized ship experience, which ultimately makes for better scenic cruising and easier getting off and on the ship during port days.
Yes, the ship is older and refurbishments can only do so much, but if you’re planning to spend the large majority of your time actually enjoying Alaska rather than the cruise ship, you’ll be just fine.
Norwegian Jade Alaska Deployments
You’ll find a ton of Norwegian Jade Alaska itineraries on offer, with the majority being 10 to 13-night cruises (again, though, note that some of these are Alaska Cruisetours, so keep that in mind as you’re booking).
Cruises depart from both Vancouver and Whittier. This can be a pro or con, depending on who you ask.
Some American cruisers like the convenience of cruising directly from Seattle, on a round-trip cruise. Others, meanwhile, would prefer to get started right away in Alaska, and then take a one-way cruise to Vancouver, even if it comes with the added travel hassle of starting and ending your cruise in different ports.
Which is the best option is up to you. Stops include the Hubbard Glacier, Icy Straight Point, Inside Passage and others. Fares start at under $80 per night.
Norwegian Jade Pros & Cons in Alaska
ProsConsSmaller, more intimate shipNo deployments from SeattleMore affordable cruise faresOlder ship, despite renovations
Norwegian Joy
Norwegian Joy isn’t quite as big as Norwegian Bliss, but it’s definitely not as small and compact as Norwegian Jade.
Built in 2017, it weighs in at 167,725 GT and can hold around 3,800 cruisers. It boasts the features that many have come to expect from Norwegian Cruise Line’s newer ships, such as a go-kart track, the Waterfront Promenade, and the Galaxy Pavilion.
Norwegian Joy underwent a dry dock in 2024. These changes redesigned suites in The Haven and expanded both the spa and Vibe Beach Club.
What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Norwegian Joy
This Breakaway Plus-class ship provides plenty to do and enjoy, even if it’s not the largest in the fleet. For example, it has more than 20 bars and lounges and more than a dozen restaurants.
However, despite the ship’s size and guest capacity, many report that it doesn’t feel all that crowded, even if you’re sailing on a full Alaskan cruise. As such, if you’re really tempted by all those features on Norwegian Bliss, but the crowds are scaring you off, consider Norwegian Joy.
For views, bundle up and take a stroll along the outdoor promenade. It’s a quarter-mile long, so you should be able to find some room.
Norwegian Joy Alaska Deployments
You’ll find nine and 10-night itineraries offered on Norwegian Joy, with fares starting at around $90 per night. All itineraries leave from Seattle, and all are round-trip. Popular stops include Sitka, Skagway, Glacier Bay and others.
Norwegian Joy Pros & Cons in Alaska
ProsConsThe ship doesn’t feel overly crowdedCruisers report a lot of onboard upsellingTons of amenities, food, and beverage optionsNot a ton of itinerary options or a wide range of departure ports
Norwegian Spirit
The final ship out of the five that Norwegian Cruise Line sends to Alaska is also the oldest. Built in 1998, Norwegian Spirit is modestly sized, at 75,904 GT, with a double occupancy of 2,018 cruisers. Norwegian Spirit received a massive $100 million overhaul in 2020.
After the dry dock, the ship boasted 14 new venues, more staterooms and an expanded spa (doubled in size!). New venues included an extra main dining room, multiple new bars and other dining options, and Spice H20 (which took the place of the children’s waterpark that was there previously).
As such, if you sailed on this ship a long time ago, like before 2020, then your past opinions of the vessel may no longer hold true.
What to Expect During an Alaskan Cruise on Norwegian Spirit
Even with the refurbishments, though, there’s only so much that a cruise line can do with a small ship like this. They can’t really magically add waterslides or go-karts. You can only fit in so many restaurants and bars.
As such, during an Alaskan cruise, you’re not going to find quite so much to do on this ship. However, if you’re not worried about spending time on the ship, and want to focus on an authentic Alaska experience, you’ll likely not be bothered at all.
Additionally, the smaller size makes for a more intimate cruising experience with fewer crowds and a calmer environment.
Norwegian Spirit Alaska Deployments
Norwegian Cruise Line offers some very unique routes on Norwegian Spirit — 16-night cruises that combine time spent in the tropics and time spent in Alaska. You could visit Honolulu, Kahului Maui, Nawiliwili Kauai, and then head on over to Sitka, Skagway, and Ketchikan.
Oh, and then? The ship turns right back around for Alaska-to-Hawaii itineraries. Cruises start at around $85 per night.
Norwegian Spirit Pros & Cons in Alaska
ProsConsRecent massive updatesThe ship is still more than 26 years oldCalmer, more intimate environmentLimited itineraries