The Biggest Norwegian Cruise Ship
Why the biggest ship in Norwegian’s fleet is not its newest.
Quote a Big-Ship CruiseThe biggest Norwegian cruise ship surprises many people. It is not the newest ship but Norwegian Encore, from 2019. The answer says something useful: newer does not always mean bigger, and the ship that suits you best may be neither the newest nor the largest.
Norwegian’s Biggest Ships, by Class
| Class | Ships | Approximate size |
|---|---|---|
| Breakaway Plus | Norwegian Escape (2015), Norwegian Joy (2017), Norwegian Bliss (2018), Norwegian Encore (2019) | About 165,000 to 169,000 gross tons |
| Prima Plus | Norwegian Aqua (2025), Norwegian Luna (2026) | About 156,300 gross tons |
| Prima | Norwegian Prima (2022), Norwegian Viva (2023) | About 143,000 gross tons |
Norwegian Luna began sailing from Miami in spring 2026. Deployments for the rest of the fleet change by season, between the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe and Bermuda.
Breakaway Plus Versus Prima Plus
The Breakaway Plus ships pack in big-ship attractions, including go-kart race tracks on several of them and wide outdoor waterfront walkways. The Prima and Prima Plus ships take a different approach: more space per guest, more outdoor deck area and a more modern, upscale look. If you want maximum activity, the older, larger class may suit you. If you prefer a less crowded feel, the newer, smaller ships are worth a look.
Norwegian’s Giants to Come
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings confirmed in 2025 an order with Fincantieri for four ships of about 226,000 gross tons, to be delivered in 2030, 2032, 2034 and 2036. They will be the brand’s largest by a wide margin and will move Norwegian into the same size league as the Oasis class. For every ship arriving sooner, see New Cruises.
Freestyle on a Big Ship
Whatever the size, Norwegian’s signature is flexibility: no assigned dinner times, many specialty restaurants and a relaxed dress code. On its biggest ships that flexibility works best with a little planning, booking shows and popular restaurants ahead through the line’s app. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise can suggest which Norwegian ship fits your dates and style.
Choosing a Norwegian Giant
If your priority is the most activities in one place, look first at the Breakaway Plus ships, and check which of them carries the attractions you want, since features vary from ship to ship. If you value open deck space and a calmer, more contemporary feel, look at the Prima and Prima Plus ships. In either case, the itinerary and homeport will narrow the choice quickly, because Norwegian moves its ships between regions by season. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise can tell you which Norwegian ships sail your preferred route in the months you can travel.
Norwegian Questions
What is the biggest Norwegian cruise ship?
Norwegian Encore, the last of the four Breakaway Plus-class ships, at roughly 169,000 gross tons. Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Joy are close behind.
Isn’t Norwegian Aqua bigger?
Aqua and its sister Norwegian Luna are the newest and longest-feeling ships, at about 156,300 gross tons, but by tonnage they are smaller than the Breakaway Plus ships.
Will Norwegian build bigger ships?
Yes. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has a firm order for four ships of about 226,000 gross tons, the largest ever for the brand, due between 2030 and 2036.
Quote the Biggest Norwegian Cruise Ship
Encore, Bliss, Aqua or Luna: tell us when and where you want to sail. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will line up all four Norwegian giants and price each one free.
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