Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line has launched a new promotion called ‘More at Sea’, which replaces the previous ‘Free at Sea’ and ‘Free at Sea Plus’ packages.

However, while the promotion claims to be even better value for guests, there are some caveats which may mean that guests are actually worse off than they would’ve been under the Free at Sea promotion.

The new promotion came into effect for all new bookings from 1st October 2024. It’s an optional upgrade which includes a mix of benefits, including free drinks, free speciality dining meals, free WiFi and shore excursion credit.

However, it’s a paid-for upgrade (costs vary by sailing length) and it doesn’t include the extra costs of gratuities for the drinks package and speciality dining meals.

It’s likely that anyone who had booked a cruise with Free at Sea will get the same benefits they had already booked, although it’s not yet clear.

However, guests who had paid for the Free at Sea Plus package, which offered even more benefits, are saying that the package has been removed from their online account, with speculation that it may be cancelled and refunded.

The key differences in the More at Sea promotion are:

• Guests will be able to enjoy a wider selection of included drinks, with no $15 per drink limit (though not everything will be included)
• All guests in a cabin will now get free WiFi minutes, not just the first and second guest
• Many guests will enjoy additional free speciality dining meals, with the maximum increasing from 3 to 5 (depending on cabin choice & sailing length)
• More included appetizers and desserts with every speciality meal – up to 3 of each

Guests will continue to get a $50 shore excursion credit for the first person in a cabin only.

The negative changes are:

• Increased gratuities for the drinks package – guests will now pay $30 per person, per day compared to $21.80, meaning a 7-night cruise for two guests will cost an additional $115
• Increased gratuities for speciality dining – guests will now pay $20 per meal, compared to $11.80 under Free at Sea
• Guests on cruises of 12 nights or more will have their free WiFi minutes halved from 300 to 150

The loss of Free at Sea Plus will also be disappointing as it means guests can’t pay for the upgraded package, which included bottled water, speciality coffee, unlimited WiFi, extra speciality dining meals, more premium drinks and additional shore excursion credit.

Response on social media has been mixed, with many guests feeling like the ‘upgrades’ are now putting more of a squeeze on budgets due to the increased gratuity costs.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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The best NCL ships for most people in 2026-27 are the newest: Norwegian Aqua (2025) and Norwegian Luna (2026), the Prima Plus pair, followed closely by Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva. Next come the four Breakaway Plus ships, led by Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss. At the bottom of the list are the oldest and smallest ships, Norwegian Spirit and Norwegian Sun, which have the fewest venues and the most dated layouts. Sun leaves the fleet in 2027. Below we explain how we ranked the fleet and which ship suits which kind of trip.

How we ranked the NCL fleet

We have not used star ratings or review scores. Online ratings move all the time, they vary between websites, and they often reflect one itinerary or one bad week rather than the ship itself. Instead, every ship is ranked against the same open criteria:

• Age and refurbishment: when the ship entered service and when Norwegian last refreshed it, using the line’s own published fleet list.
• Class and design: newer classes have more space per guest, better outdoor decks and more modern cabins.
• Features: the number and quality of restaurants, bars, shows and activities.
• Who it suits: a smaller, older ship can still be the right pick for a particular itinerary, and we say where that applies.

Treat this as a guide to the hardware. Crew, itinerary and the weather will shape your cruise as much as the ship does.

What has changed in the fleet for 2026-27

Norwegian’s fleet is changing faster than it has for years:

• Norwegian Aqua entered service in 2025 as the first Prima Plus ship, about 10% larger than Prima and Viva.
• Norwegian Luna was delivered by Fincantieri in March 2026 and is based in Miami, sailing short Bahamas and seven-night Caribbean cruises. Cruise Hive puts her at 3,565 guests at double occupancy.
• Norwegian Aura, the largest NCL ship yet at about 170,000 gross tons and 3,840 guests, now debuts on 2 May 2027 with Mediterranean sailings from Trieste, 19 days earlier than first planned. She is due to move to Miami in June 2027.
• Norwegian Sky (1999) was due to transfer to India’s Cordelia Cruises in September 2026, the first ship to leave the NCL fleet in about 17 years. Norwegian Sun follows in September 2027.

You may have seen reports that “five ships are leaving.” That figure covers all of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, not NCL alone. Only Sky and Sun are Norwegian Cruise Line ships. The other three belong to sister brands: Oceania’s Regatta and Sirena and Regent’s Seven Seas Navigator. Norwegian Spirit and Pride of America are not on that list and remain in the fleet at the time of writing.

NCL ship classes at a glance

Guest figures are Norwegian’s own published class figures and are approximate. Individual ships within a class can differ slightly.

The best NCL ships in order

1. Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna (Prima Plus)

These are the newest ships in service. They have the Prima design’s open outdoor spaces and a better layout, plus a little more room. The headline attraction is the Aqua Slidecoaster, a hybrid of a roller coaster and a waterslide. Luna also has 17 dining venues and 18 bars and lounges. If you want the most modern NCL experience in the Caribbean, start here.

2. Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva (Prima)

For a ship of its size, the Prima class has far more outdoor deck space than the older classes. It also has a modern food hall, a waterfront promenade and a large Haven suite complex. These ships carry fewer guests than the Breakaway Plus ships, so they often feel less crowded. Expect slightly fewer big thrill rides than on Aqua and Luna.

3. Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss (Breakaway Plus)

These are the newest and most polished of the big Breakaway Plus ships. Both have go-kart tracks, laser tag and strong Broadway-style shows. Bliss was refreshed in 2025 and Encore in 2024. Both are very busy at full capacity, but they suit families and first-timers who want plenty to do.

4. Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Escape (Breakaway Plus)

Joy (2017, refreshed 2024) has a race track and the same large-resort feel as its sisters. Escape (2015, refreshed 2022) is the oldest and largest of the four and is often used for Northern Europe and transatlantic itineraries. Both are excellent value when prices dip.

5. Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway (Breakaway)

Breakaway and Getaway introduced the Waterfront outdoor promenade. They have a good choice of restaurants but fewer modern extras than the Plus ships. Breakaway was refreshed in 2025 and Getaway in 2024.

6. Norwegian Epic

Epic has excellent entertainment and a large Haven, and it was refreshed in 2025. Some of its standard cabins have an unusual design, with the bathroom fixtures split and partly open to the room. Read about the cabin layout before you book.

7. The Jewel class: Jewel, Jade, Pearl and Gem

These mid-sized ships are the best of the older fleet for port-intensive itineraries such as Alaska, Europe and Asia. They are easier to get around than the mega-ships and have a solid choice of restaurants. Their pool decks and newer-style venues cannot match the Prima class.

Older ships and special cases

8. Pride of America

Ranked on hardware alone, this 2005 ship would sit lower. It earns its place because it is the only ship sailing seven-night inter-island Hawaii cruises all year round, with overnight stays in port. If Hawaii is the goal, the itinerary matters more than the ship’s age. It was refreshed in 2025.

9. Norwegian Star and Norwegian Dawn (Dawn)

These early-2000s ships have smaller cabins, fewer venues and simpler pool areas. They are typically used for longer and more unusual itineraries, which is where they make the most sense.

10. Norwegian Spirit and Norwegian Sun

Spirit was built in 1998 and joined NCL in 2004. Sun entered service in 2001. They are the smallest and most traditional ships in the fleet and are best for travellers who want an unusual route rather than lots of onboard activities. If you are drawn to Sun, remember she leaves Norwegian in September 2027, so check your sailing date carefully.

How to choose the right NCL ship

• Families and first-timers: Aqua, Luna, Encore or Bliss for the most activities.
• Couples who want space and good food: Prima or Viva.
• Port-focused trips: the Jewel class, or Pride of America for Hawaii.
• Europe from the UK: look at which ship is deployed for your dates. Our guide to Norwegian fjords cruises from the UK covers the route options.
• Price: older ships and the Breakaway class are usually cheaper. For timing, see our guide to cruise deals for 2027.

Deployments change every season, so confirm the ship and its latest refurbishment with Norwegian or your travel agent before you book.

For a similar class-by-class breakdown of another big line, see MSC ships ranked best to worst.

If you would rather sail on the latest hardware, see our list of the newest NCL cruise ships.

If you are still deciding between lines, our Norwegian vs Royal Caribbean comparison sets out how NCL stacks up on ships, private islands, packages and cost.

FAQs

What is the newest Norwegian Cruise Line ship?

Norwegian Luna, delivered in March 2026, is the newest ship in service. Norwegian Aura is due to debut on 2 May 2027 and will be the line’s largest ship.

Which NCL ships are leaving the fleet?

Norwegian Sky was due to transfer to Cordelia Cruises in September 2026, and Norwegian Sun follows in September 2027. The other ships in the “five ships leaving” headlines belong to Oceania and Regent, not NCL.

Are older NCL ships worth booking?

Yes, if the itinerary suits you. The Jewel-class ships and Pride of America sail routes the mega-ships do not, and older ships are often cheaper.

Is this ranking based on customer review scores?

No. We rank the ships on age, recent refurbishment, class design and onboard features, because published review scores change often and differ between websites.

Norwegian Cruise Line has 19 ships, ranging from new mega-ships that accommodate over 4,000 guests to ships that were built in the 1990s and are less than half the size.

I’ve been lucky enough to experience both the oldest and newest and the biggest and smallest NCL ships and honestly, they’re worlds apart in many ways.

So, to help you decide which of Norwegian’s cruise ships to choose for your next cruise, read on for a guide to NCL ships by age, size and class along with photos of each.

NCL ships in order of age

The following table lists all of the ships in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, ordered from newest to oldest. It includes the ones that are currently on order, too

Ship	Year Built	Refurbished	Class
Unnamed	2036	–	Unknown – biggest NCL class ever
Unnamed	2034	–	Unknown – biggest NCL class ever
Unnamed	2032	–	Unknown – biggest NCL class ever
Unnamed	2030	–	Unknown – biggest NCL class ever
Unnamed	2028	–	Prima Plus Class
Unnamed	2027	–	Prima Plus Class
Unnamed	2026	–	Prima Plus Class
Norwegian Aqua	2025*	–	Prima Plus Class
Norwegian Viva	2023	–	Prima Class
Norwegian Prima	2022	–	Prima Class
Norwegian Encore	2019	–	Breakaway Plus Class
Norwegian Bliss	2018	–	Breakaway Plus Class
Norwegian Joy	2017	2019	Breakaway Plus Class
Norwegian Escape	2015	–	Breakaway Plus Class
Norwegian Getaway	2014	2019	Breakaway Class
Norwegian Breakaway	2013	2018	Breakaway Class
Norwegian Epic	2010	2020	Epic Class
Norwegian Gem	2007	2015	Jewel Class
Norwegian Jade	2006	2017	Jewel Class
Norwegian Pearl	2006	2017	Jewel Class
Norwegian Jewel	2005	2018	Jewel Class
Pride of America	2005	2016	Unclassed
Norwegian Dawn	2002	2016	Dawn Class
Norwegian Star	2001	2018	Dawn Class
Norwegian Sun	2001	2018	Sun Class
Norwegian Sky	1999	2019	Sun Class
Norwegian Spirit	1998	2020	Unclassed

Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ships

Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship currently sailing is Norwegian Viva. This new ship is the second of the Prima-class cruise ships to be built for NCL, having launched in August 2023.

She’ll also be the last Prima-Class ship, unless plans drastically change. The next four ships due to be built will be Prima Plus ships, and then a new class is being built – the biggest ever for NCL.

Read more: The Newest Norwegian Cruise Line Ships (In Order)

Norwegian Viva is one of the most spacious new cruise ships at sea, with expansive outdoor deck spaces, an infinity pool designed to blend into the ocean, outdoor firepits and a glass bridge walkway.

Prior to the launch of Norwegian Viva and her sister ship Norwegian Prima in 2022, the most recent addition to the fleet had been Norwegian Encore. Launched in November 2019, this Breakaway Plus-class ship is also the largest in the NCL fleet, with an internal volume of 169,116 GRT and the capacity for almost 4,000 guests at double occupancy.

Norwegian Encore boasts a selection of family-friendly facilities including a virtual reality arcade, open-air laser tag arena, thrilling waterslides and a go-kart track.

Suggested read: My Norwegian Encore Review

Norwegian Cruise Line’s oldest ships

Norwegian Cruise Line’s oldest ship is Norwegian Spirit. Launched over 25 years ago in 1998, this ship has undergone a $100 million refit that saw the addition of 14 new venues including an additional main dining room and an expanded Spa.

I visited Norwegian Spirit just before the makeover. Take a look at what she looked like previously in this Tour of Norwegian Spirit.

The other older ships in the NCL fleet include the Sun-class and Dawn-class ships which were all built before 2012.

As you can see in this photo of the Sun-class Norwegian Sky that I took in Nassau, these older ships are relatively small and do not have many balcony staterooms compared to more modern cruise ships.

NCL ships ranked by size

The following table lists the Norwegian cruise ships by size from largest to smallest – just the ones currently sailing, for now.

Ship	Size (GRT)	Guest Capacity	Class
Norwegian Encore	169,116	3,998	Breakaway Plus Class
Norwegian Bliss	168,028	4,004	Breakaway Plus Class
Norwegian Joy	167,725	3,804	Breakaway Plus Class
Norwegian Escape	164,998	4,266	Breakaway Plus Class
Norwegian Epic	155,873	4,100	Epic Class
Norwegian Getaway	145,655	3,963	Breakaway Class
Norwegian Breakaway	145,655	3,963	Breakaway Class
Norwegian Viva	142,500	3,215	Prima Class
Norwegian Prima	142,500	3,215	Prima Class
Norwegian Jade	93,558	2,402	Jewel Class
Norwegian Gem	93,530	2,394	Jewel Class
Norwegian Pearl	93,530	2,394	Jewel Class
Norwegian Jewel	93,508	2,376	Jewel Class
Norwegian Dawn	92,250	2,340	Dawn Class
Norwegian Star	91,740	2,348	Dawn Class
Pride of America	80,439	1,936	Unclassed
Norwegian Sun	78,309	1,936	Sun Class
Norwegian Sky	77,104	2,004	Sun Class
Norwegian Spirit	75,904	2,018	Unclassed

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The biggest ship

Norwegian Cruise Line’s biggest ship is Norwegian Encore with a gross tonnage of 169,116 GT and the capacity for 3,998 guests at double occupancy. This Breakaway Plus-class ship has 20 decks, of which 16 are accessible to guests and a length of 1,094 feet.

The NCL ship that can accommodate the most guests is Norwegian Escape with a capacity for 4,266 guests when each room has two people in. This ship is slightly smaller than Norwegian Encore but has space for more staterooms as it doesn’t have the laser tag arena, the race track or the splash park.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s biggest ships aren’t that big when compared to the biggest ships from other cruise lines. In fact, NCL’s Breakaway Plus-class ships are around 25% smaller than Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class and 7% smaller than MSC Cruises’ Meraviglia Plus-class ships.

And the smallest…

Norwegian Cruise Line’s smallest ship is Norwegian Spirit. The oldest ship in the fleet, this mid-sized cruise ship has the capacity for 2,018 guests at double occupancy and an internal volume of 75,904 gross tonnes.

Around half of the NCL fleet consists of medium-sized cruise ships that accommodate fewer than 2,500 guests. These ships were all built before 2008 when the fashion for bigger cruise ships took off.

NCL ship classes explained

Norwegian Cruise Line has grouped its ships into nine classes. Interestingly, the two ships remain unclassed as they are different from all others in the fleet.

Unknown Class

• Unnamed ship (coming 2030)
• Unnamed ship (coming 2032)
• Unnamed ship (coming 2034)
• Unnamed ship (coming 2036)

Size: Approximately 225,000 GT

From 2030, expect the biggest ever ships for Norwegian Cruise Line to arrive. Originally they were announced as 200,000 GT but that’s been revised to the much larger 225,000 now.

Prima Plus Class

The Prima-class ships are:

• Norwegian Aqua
• Unnamed ship (coming 2026)
• Unnamed ship (coming 2027)
• Unnamed ship (coming 2028)

Size: 156,000 for the first two, 169,000 for the latter.

Prima Class

The Prima-class ships are:

• Norwegian Prima
• Norwegian Viva

Size: Approximately 142,500 GT

Breakaway Plus Class

The Breakaway Plus-class ships are:

• Norwegian Encore
• Norwegian Bliss
• Norwegian Joy
• Norwegian Escape

Size: 164,600 to 169,145 GT

Breakaway Class

The Breakaway-class ships are:

• Norwegian Getaway
• Norwegian Breakaway

Size: 145,655 GT

Epic Class

The only Epic-class ship is Norwegian Epic

Size: 155,873 GT

Jewel Class

The Jewel-class ships are:

• Norwegian Gem
• Norwegian Jade
• Norwegian Pearl
• Norwegian Jewel

Size: 93,500 GT

Dawn Class

The Dawn-class ships are:

• Norwegian Dawn
• Norwegian Star

Size: 91,740 to 92,250 GT

Sun Class

The Sun-class ships are:

• Norwegian Sun
• Norwegian Sky

Size: 77,104 to 78,309 GT

Unclassed ships

These ships are unique and do not belong to any class:

• Norwegian Spirit
• Pride of America

Norwegian Spirit was originally built for the Asia-based cruise company Star Cruises under the name SuperStar Leo.

Pride of America is the only US-flagged cruise ship in the world and was specifically designed to sail around Hawaii all year round.

The best NCL ships

Are the bigger, newer ships actually better than the smaller older ships? Having experienced both, I must say that the answer depends on what you want from a cruise.

The newest NCL ship Norwegian Viva and her sister Norwegian Prima are great for teenagers. You’ll probably never see them all week as they’ll be so excited to visit the virtual reality arcade, laser tag and race track.

However, all of these activities aren’t included in the price of your cruise, so you could easily rack up a large bill. Plus, they take up a lot of space, meaning that there isn’t that much room left on the open decks for sunbathing.

Even the oldest ships in the NCL fleet have been refurbished recently, so these ships no longer feel like they’re 20+ years old. Ticket prices are much cheaper than the newer ships, and they have better itineraries, making them a good choice for couples without kids and those on a budget.

However, my favourite NCL ship has to be Norwegian Breakaway. I loved the amazing waterslides on this ship and had a lot of fun on the high ropes course and watching the amazing entertainment – all of which were complimentary.

Read more: Norwegian Cruise Line Ships Ranked Best To Worst

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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NCL suite perks are worth paying for if you will actually use the butler, concierge and private spaces, and The Haven is the only tier that delivers a true ship-within-a-ship experience. A Club Balcony Suite is a nicer balcony cabin rather than a real suite, while Priority Access may be enough if a smoother boarding day is all you want. The right answer depends on the ship, your itinerary and the price gap on your sailing.

Norwegian’s perks vary by ship and category, and its suite and promotion terms change from time to time. This guide reflects information available in November 2026, but always check the current amenities for your exact sailing on NCL’s stateroom pages.

NCL suite perks compared

The Haven: is NCL’s top suite tier worth it?

The Haven is a keycard-access area on 15 ships as of 2026, with Norwegian Aura due to join in 2027. NCL lists concierge service, a 24-hour butler, personal escorts on and off the ship, and priority boarding, excursions, reservations and activity bookings. Depending on the ship, you also get a private bar, lounge, restaurant, pool and courtyard.

The biggest thing to check is the ship. Epic, Breakaway, Breakaway Plus and Prima class vessels have a Haven Restaurant, which is included for Haven guests and does not use up a Free at Sea dining credit. On the Jewel class ships, Jewel, Jade, Pearl and Gem, there is no dedicated Haven Restaurant and the courtyard is smaller.

Suite categories vary widely too, from Penthouses of around 309 to 418 sq ft to Premier Owner’s Suites of about 1,459 to 2,100 sq ft. Forward and aft-facing Penthouses are outside the main Haven complex, even though they keep Haven services. If you want to step straight into the courtyard, compare the deck plan first.

What the butler and concierge actually do

Your concierge deals with bookings: dining, shows, excursions, and practical arrangements such as tendering and disembarkation. Your butler looks after in-suite service. That can include arranging room service, setting up meals and handling small requests, though the level of service will vary. The butler’s time is included, although anything they bring may still carry a charge.

NCL suite vs Haven: what you give up outside The Haven

Non-Haven Suites and Penthouses are NCL’s overlooked middle ground. Like Haven guests, you get a butler, concierge, escorted boarding and departure, priority reservations and a complimentary bottle of bubbly. NCL’s stateroom page also lists expedited dry cleaning and laundry and living areas with private balconies.

What you miss are the private spaces. You do not get The Haven’s courtyard, sun deck, lounge or restaurant, and you share the main pool deck with everyone else. Third-party guides also report breakfast and lunch in a designated specialty restaurant for suite guests, but that arrangement is not stated on NCL’s main stateroom page, so confirm it for your ship.

For couples who want more space and a helping hand, but who plan to be out and about, a non-Haven suite can be the best value on the ship. If you are still unsure how the categories stack up, our explainer on suites vs mini-suites vs balconies covers the basics.

NCL Club Balcony Suite perks

Despite the name, a Club Balcony Suite does not come with a butler, a concierge or access to private areas. NCL lists these benefits:

• Dining pre-booking as early as 125 days before sailing
• Treats delivered to your stateroom twice per voyage
• One bottle of sparkling wine on embarkation
• One complimentary valet laundry
• A distinctive purple keycard
• Upgraded linens, pillows and bathroom products, plus bathrobes

The perks are pleasant but modest. One 2025 traveler report put the upgrade at about $200 per person, though the premium depends entirely on the sailing. The category also pays the lower $20 daily service charge. Club Balcony Suites are not available on every ship, and NCL’s list excludes Norwegian Spirit, Star and Sun.

Is Priority Access a better deal?

If your main frustration is lines, NCL’s Priority Access may solve the problem at a fraction of the price. It is an add-on charged per cabin, and NCL currently lists these prices by cruise length:

It includes priority check-in and boarding, priority tendering when applicable, priority debarkation at your home port, a daily room service breakfast, canapés on the second day and a $50 per person spa credit on eligible port-day treatments. It does not change your cabin, add a butler or provide access to private areas.

For a couple on a seven-night cruise, the $199 add-on is about half the cost of the $400 Club Balcony premium in the example above. If it is the priority perks you want, the add-on could be the better buy. If you want the bigger bathroom and in-room extras, the Club Balcony Suite may be worth the difference.

Norwegian Cruise Line suite cost: what to budget

NCL does not publish a single price for its suites. One travel advisor’s 2026 analysis put Haven fares at roughly 4.3 to 5.2 times the price of an inside cabin on the same ship and date, so the gap can be significant. To get a fair comparison, consider these costs too:

• Daily service charge: For two guests over seven nights, $25 a day comes to $350, compared with $280 at the $20 rate.
• Butler tips: These are discretionary and on top of the service charge.
• Free at Sea: This promotion is not automatic, and its inclusions vary by sailing. Compare it against our breakdown of Free at Sea vs Free at Sea Plus.
• Extras: Drinks outside your package, extra specialty dinners, shore excursions and spa treatments are generally still charged.

Who should upgrade to an NCL suite?

A simple rule of thumb is to match the upgrade to how you will spend your time on board.

1. Choose The Haven for sea-day-heavy sailings, special occasions and multigenerational trips, particularly on a ship with a Haven Restaurant.
2. Choose a non-Haven suite if you want space and a butler but are happy to use the main pool deck.
3. Choose a Club Balcony Suite if the price gap is small and you like the extras.
4. Choose Priority Access if you only want to reduce lines.
5. Stay with a standard balcony on port-heavy or short cruises, where you will have little time to enjoy the extras.

Before you commit, check the deck plan for what sits above and below your cabin, and make sure its location does not appear among these Norwegian cabins to avoid.

FAQs

Do NCL suites get a butler?

NCL lists butler and concierge service for its Suites and Penthouses and for The Haven. Club Balcony Suites do not list either service.

What is the difference between an NCL suite and The Haven?

Both include a butler, concierge and escorted boarding. The Haven adds keycard-only spaces such as a courtyard, pool, sun deck and, on most ships, a private restaurant and lounge.

Are NCL Club Balcony Suites worth it?

They can be if the price difference is small. You get a few extras, including a welcome bottle of sparkling wine and one valet laundry, but no butler or private-area access.

Do NCL suite guests need Priority Access?

Haven guests already receive priority services, and non-Haven suite guests are escorted on and off the ship, so most would not need it. Club Balcony Suite guests can add it if they want shorter lines.

As of November 2026, the newest NCL cruise ship is Norwegian Luna. She was delivered in March 2026 and christened in Miami on March 27, 2026. Before her came Norwegian Aqua (2025), Norwegian Viva (2023), Norwegian Prima (2022), Norwegian Encore (2019) and Norwegian Bliss (2018). The next new ship is Norwegian Aura, due in 2027, and she will be the largest ship the line has built.

This guide lists the newest NCL ships in order, newest first, with the facts that help you choose: size, guest count, the attractions each one is known for, and where each one sails from in 2026 and 2027. It also covers what is coming later and the big upgrades at Great Stirrup Cay, the line’s private island in the Bahamas.

Newest Norwegian cruise ships at a glance

Here are Norwegian Cruise Line’s six newest ships in one table. Published guest counts vary a little from source to source, so treat the figures as approximate. They are based on two guests per cabin.

One thing the table makes clear: newer does not always mean bigger. Encore and Bliss carry more guests than any Prima-class ship that has sailed so far. The Prima design spreads fewer people across a lot of outdoor space, so the newest ships tend to feel less crowded even though they are not the largest.

The newest NCL ships, newest to oldest

1. Norwegian Luna (2026)

Norwegian Luna is the fleet’s 21st ship and the second in the Prima Plus group, after her sister Norwegian Aqua. Fincantieri delivered her in Italy in early March 2026. She crossed the Atlantic from Civitavecchia and reached Miami later that month. Her hull art, “La Luna,” is by the street artist Elle, who also served as her godmother at the christening.

On the top decks, the main attraction is the Aqua Slidecoaster, a hybrid waterslide and roller coaster that NCL bills as the longest and fastest slide at sea. Alongside it are the Moon Climber obstacle course, Luna Midway with carnival-style games, Horizon Park for free lawn games, the Glow Court sports area and an arcade with virtual reality. The Haven, NCL’s keycard-access suite complex, has its own restaurant. In total the ship has about 17 places to eat and 18 bars and lounges. Shows include “Elton: A Celebration of Elton John,” an Eagles tribute and the adults-only LunaTique.

Where she sails: Miami until spring 2027, on 3- and 4-night Bahamas cruises and 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings that call at Great Stirrup Cay. From April 2027 she moves to New York for 4- and 7-night Bermuda cruises.

2. Norwegian Aqua (2025)

Norwegian Aqua introduced the Prima Plus design in 2025. She is about 10% larger than the original Prima-class ships and measures roughly 1,056 feet long. She was the first NCL ship with the Aqua Slidecoaster and the Glow Court, a sports court that turns into an interactive light-up game zone in the evening. She kept the open-air Ocean Boulevard promenade that runs around the ship, and she has more suite and Haven space than the first two Prima ships.

Where she sails: Aqua spends summers in New York on Bermuda cruises with two or three days docked at the Royal Naval Dockyard. In mid-October she returns to Miami for the winter.

Choosing a room? Read our Norwegian Aqua cabins to avoid guide.

3. Norwegian Viva (2023)

Norwegian Viva is the second original Prima-class ship and is almost a twin of Prima. You get the same three-level go-kart track, branded here as Viva Speedway, The Drop and Tidal Wave dry slides, the Ocean Boulevard walkway, Infinity Beach infinity pools and the Indulge Food Hall. Viva and Prima have fewer guests and less height on the top deck than the Prima Plus ships. That suits travelers who care more about space and food than about the newest thrill ride.

Where she sails: NCL’s 2026-27 schedule sends Viva back to Galveston for Caribbean cruises from Texas.

Choosing a room? Read our Norwegian Viva cabins to avoid guide.

4. Norwegian Prima (2022)

Norwegian Prima launched the class in 2022 and set the template for the ships after her. She has a high ratio of crew to guests, a lot of outdoor space, the Prima Speedway, the Indulge Food Hall and a large Haven area. Prima has been sailing for a few years, so her fares are often lower than those of Aqua or Luna for a similar experience. That makes her a good choice if you want a near-new ship without paying for the newest one.

Where she sails: For the 2026-27 season, NCL scheduled Prima’s first season out of New Orleans, on Caribbean itineraries.

Choosing a room? Read our Norwegian Prima cabins to avoid guide.

5. Norwegian Encore (2019)

Norwegian Encore was the last of the Breakaway Plus class, and she is still one of the biggest ships in the fleet. Her go-kart track, outdoor laser tag arena, Galaxy Pavilion virtual reality complex and Broadway-style shows make her a strong choice for families and groups. She is busier than the Prima ships, so lines at peak times are part of the experience.

Where she sails: Encore has split her time between Alaska in summer and warm-weather routes the rest of the year. NCL’s 2026-27 plans include a full season from Los Angeles to the Mexican Riviera. Check the current schedule, because NCL adjusts deployments often.

Choosing a room? Read our Norwegian Encore cabins to avoid guide.

6. Norwegian Bliss (2018)

Norwegian Bliss was built with Alaska in mind. Her large Observation Lounge, with floor-to-ceiling windows, is one of the best indoor spots on any NCL ship for watching glaciers. Like Encore, she has a go-kart track and laser tag. Her sister Norwegian Joy entered service in 2017. Joy first sailed for the Chinese market and later moved to North American routes.

Where she sails: Bliss takes over New York sailings in November 2026, with winter cruises to the Bahamas and Caribbean.

Choosing a room? Read our Norwegian Bliss cabins to avoid guide.

Upcoming NCL ships: what’s next after Luna

NCL has more new ships on order than at any time in its history. Here is what is confirmed as of November 2026.

Norwegian Aura (2027)

NCL unveiled Norwegian Aura and opened bookings in January 2026. She will measure about 169,000 gross tons and almost 1,130 feet long, carrying about 3,840 guests in 1,976 cabins. That makes her the longest and largest ship NCL has built. Plans include about 30% more suites than earlier Prima-class ships, a 159-cabin Haven, the largest pool deck in the fleet and a new top-deck zone called Ocean Heights. Ocean Heights will have five waterslides, including NCL’s first dueling mat-racer slides, plus a ropes course, a climbing wall and mini golf. Aura will begin with a short season in Europe in spring 2027 and then move to Miami for 7-night Caribbean cruises, starting in late May or June 2027 depending on the announcement. For the shows and nightlife planned for the ship, see our guide to the Norwegian Aura entertainment lineup.

The final Prima-class ship (2028)

A sixth and final ship in the Prima family is due from Fincantieri in 2028. Cruise Industry News reports she will be about 170,000 gross tons with room for about 3,880 guests, similar in scale to Aura. NCL calls her the “grand finale” of the class and began revealing details on October 20, 2026. Check NCL’s newsroom for her name and first itineraries as they are announced.

A brand-new, much larger class (2030 onward)

After the Prima family, NCL will move to a new design. The first ship is planned for 2030 at roughly 225,000 to 227,000 gross tons and about 5,100 guests at double occupancy. Sister ships are expected between 2032 and 2036. They would be by far the largest ships NCL has operated. Names, features and homeports have not been announced.

Great Stirrup Cay upgrades and the Great Tides waterpark

The newest NCL ships are only part of the story. Many 3- to 7-night cruises from Florida stop at Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas, and it has changed a lot in 2026:

• Great Tides Waterpark: opened in early September 2026 on almost six acres. It has close to 20 waterslides, including a 170-foot Tidal Tower with racing, tube and body slides. There is also a family splash zone with a tipping bucket, a lazy river of more than 800 feet with a swim-up bar, and cliff jumps. Entry needs a paid day pass, and cabanas cost extra.
• New pier: NCL’s roughly $150 million pier project lets two large ships dock at once, so guests can walk ashore instead of taking a tender boat. The project is expected to be fully operational during 2026.
• Great Life Lagoon: a heated pool area of about 1.4 acres with two swim-up bars, free loungers and rentable villas and cabanas.
• Other additions: Horizon Park for pickleball and mini golf, Hammock Bay, a splash pad for small children, the adults-only Vibe Shore Club (day pass required), a new welcome center and an island tram.

If the island matters to you, choose a sailing that calls there after the waterpark opened, and book day passes early, because capacity is limited.

Which new NCL ship is best for you?

Most rankings only list ships by age. A more useful question is which of the newest NCL cruise ships fits the trip you have in mind. Here is a quick way to decide:

1. You want the biggest thrills: Luna or Aqua for the Aqua Slidecoaster. In 2027, Aura adds the Ocean Heights slides.
2. You want space and good food at a lower price: Prima or Viva. They have fewer guests, the same Indulge Food Hall and Ocean Boulevard, and they are often cheaper.
3. You are planning Alaska: Bliss or Encore. Their observation lounges and Alaska experience are hard to beat, so check which one has Alaska sailings in your year.
4. You want to sail from close to home: pick by homeport. Aqua sails from New York in summer and Miami in winter. Luna sails from Miami, then New York from April 2027. Viva sails from Galveston, Prima from New Orleans, Encore from the West Coast and Bliss from New York in winter.
5. You want a short first cruise: Luna’s 3- and 4-night Bahamas cruises from Miami give you a taste of the newest ship and Great Stirrup Cay without a full week’s cost.

For how passengers rate each ship, see our NCL ships ranked from best to worst by real customer reviews. If you are planning further ahead, our roundup of cruise deals for 2027 can help you time a booking on Aura or Luna’s Bermuda season.

Tips for booking a brand-new NCL ship

• Book early for inaugural seasons. The first few months on a new ship fill quickly and often cost more. Fares usually settle once the ship has sailed for a year or two.
• Know what costs extra. The headline attractions on the newest NCL cruise ships, such as go-karts, some VR experiences and specialty dining, often have a fee. So do the Great Tides day passes.
• Look at the deck plan, not just the ship. On Prima-class ships, cabins near the top-deck attractions or Indulge Food Hall can be noisier. Midship cabins on mid-level decks are usually the quietest choice.
• Check the official deployment. NCL moves ships between homeports often. Confirm the latest schedule on NCL’s official website before you plan flights.

If you are comparing new tonnage across lines, see the newest MSC cruise ships in order too.

Weighing NCL against its biggest rival? Our Norwegian vs Royal Caribbean guide compares ships, private islands, packages and the real cost of a week.

Whichever ship you choose, our guide to Norwegian Cruise Line cabins to avoid explains which rooms to skip across the fleet.

FAQs

What is the newest NCL ship?

Norwegian Luna is the newest NCL ship. She was delivered in March 2026 and christened in Miami on March 27, 2026. Norwegian Aura will replace her as the newest ship when she debuts in 2027.

What is the largest ship in Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet?

Until Aura arrives, Norwegian Encore (about 169,100 gross tons) and Norwegian Bliss (about 168,000 gross tons) are the largest NCL ships sailing. Norwegian Aura, at about 169,000 gross tons and nearly 1,130 feet long, will be NCL’s longest and largest ship when she enters service in 2027.

What new NCL ships are coming in 2027 and 2028?

Norwegian Aura joins in 2027, sailing in Europe first and then from Miami. A sixth and final Prima-class ship of about 170,000 gross tons follows in 2028. A much larger new class of about 225,000 gross tons is planned from 2030.

Is Norwegian Aqua or Norwegian Luna better?

They are sister ships with the same size and core features, including the Aqua Slidecoaster and Glow Court. The best choice usually comes down to price and homeport. Aqua sails from New York in summer and Miami in winter. Luna sails from Miami until spring 2027 and then from New York to Bermuda.

Is the Great Tides waterpark included in the cruise fare?

No. Great Tides at Great Stirrup Cay needs a paid day pass, and private cabanas cost extra. The beaches, the main lagoon pool and the free loungers are open to all guests.