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 Breakaway
Gross Tonnage
Norwegian Aqua
156,300 GT
Norwegian Breakaway
145,655 GT
Length
Norwegian Aqua
322 m
Norwegian Breakaway
324 m
Beam
Norwegian Aqua
41 m
Norwegian Breakaway
40 m
Passengers
Norwegian Aqua
3,571
Norwegian Breakaway
3,963
Crew
Norwegian Aqua
1,500
Norwegian Breakaway
1,657
Decks
Norwegian Aqua
—
Norwegian Breakaway
—
Year Built
Norwegian Aqua
2,025
Norwegian Breakaway
2,013
Space Ratio
Norwegian Aqua
43.8 GT/pax
Norwegian Breakaway
36.8 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Norwegian Aqua
2.38 :1
Norwegian Breakaway
2.39 :1
| Specification | Norwegian Aqua | Norwegian Breakaway |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Class | Prima Plus Class | Breakaway Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,025Winner | 2,013 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 156,300 GTWinner | 145,655 GT |
| Length | 322 m | 324 mWinner |
| Beam | 41 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,571 | 3,963Winner |
| Crew | 1,500 | 1,657Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 43.8 GT/paxWinner | 36.8 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.38:1Winner | 2.39:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Meyer Werft |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9824007 | 9606900 |
Norwegian Aqua is the larger vessel at 156,300 GT — 7% more than Norwegian Breakaway's 145,655 GT. Norwegian Aqua offers more personal space with a space ratio of 43.8 GT per passenger versus 36.8. Built in 2025, Norwegian Aqua is 12 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Norwegian Aqua |
| Capacity | Norwegian Breakaway |
| Modernity | Norwegian Aqua |
| Service | Norwegian Aqua |
| Spaciousness | Norwegian Aqua |
Bottom line: Norwegian Aqua wins more categories (4 vs 1), 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 Breakaway
Large 3,963-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
3,963 passengers means tons of activities
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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40 m |
| Draft | 8 m | 8.7 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
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