Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated January 2026
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across 5 categories
Size
Based on gross tonnage and length
Capacity
Based on passengers and crew
Modernity
Based on year built
Service
Based on passenger-to-crew ratio (lower is better)
Spaciousness
Based on gross tonnage per passenger (higher is better)
Norwegian Aqua
Norwegian Bliss
Gross Tonnage
Norwegian Aqua
156,300 GT
Norwegian Bliss
168,028 GT
Length
Norwegian Aqua
322 m
Norwegian Bliss
333 m
Beam
Norwegian Aqua
41 m
Norwegian Bliss
41 m
Passengers
Norwegian Aqua
3,571
Norwegian Bliss
4,004
Crew
Norwegian Aqua
1,500
Norwegian Bliss
1,716
Decks
Norwegian Aqua
—
Norwegian Bliss
20
Year Built
Norwegian Aqua
2,025
Norwegian Bliss
2,018
Space Ratio
Norwegian Aqua
43.8 GT/pax
Norwegian Bliss
42.0 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Norwegian Aqua
2.38 :1
Norwegian Bliss
2.33 :1
| Specification | Norwegian Aqua | Norwegian Bliss |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Class | Prima Plus Class | Breakaway Plus Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,025Winner | 2,018 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 156,300 GT | 168,028 GTWinner |
| Length | 322 m | 333 mWinner |
| Beam | 41 m | 41 m |
| Draft | ||
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,571 | 4,004Winner |
| Crew | 1,500 | 1,716Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 43.8 GT/paxWinner | 42.0 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.38:1 | 2.33:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Meyer Werft |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9824007 | 9751509 |
Norwegian Bliss is the larger vessel at 168,028 GT — 8% more than Norwegian Aqua's 156,300 GT. Built in 2025, Norwegian Aqua is 7 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Norwegian Bliss |
| Capacity | Norwegian Bliss |
| Modernity | Norwegian Aqua |
| Service | Norwegian Bliss |
| Spaciousness | Norwegian Aqua |
Bottom line: Norwegian Bliss wins more categories (3 vs 2), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
Norwegian Aqua
Built in 2025 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
3,571 passengers means tons of activities
44 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Large 3,571-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
Norwegian Bliss
4,004 passengers means tons of activities
Built in 2018 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
Large 4,004-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
42 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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8 m |
8.7 mWinner |
| Decks | — | 20 |
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