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 Epic
Gross Tonnage
Norwegian Aqua
156,300 GT
Norwegian Epic
155,873 GT
Length
Norwegian Aqua
322 m
Norwegian Epic
329 m
Beam
Norwegian Aqua
41 m
Norwegian Epic
40 m
Passengers
Norwegian Aqua
3,571
Norwegian Epic
4,100
Crew
Norwegian Aqua
1,500
Norwegian Epic
1,753
Decks
Norwegian Aqua
—
Norwegian Epic
—
Year Built
Norwegian Aqua
2,025
Norwegian Epic
2,010
Space Ratio
Norwegian Aqua
43.8 GT/pax
Norwegian Epic
38.0 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Norwegian Aqua
2.38 :1
Norwegian Epic
2.34 :1
| Specification | Norwegian Aqua | Norwegian Epic |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Class | Prima Plus Class | Epic Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,025Winner | 2,010 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 156,300 GTWinner | 155,873 GT |
| Length | 322 m | 329 mWinner |
| Beam | 41 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,571 | 4,100Winner |
| Crew | 1,500 | 1,753Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 43.8 GT/paxWinner | 38.0 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.38:1 | 2.34:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | STX France |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9824007 | 9410569 |
Norwegian Aqua offers more personal space with a space ratio of 43.8 GT per passenger versus 38.0. Built in 2025, Norwegian Aqua is 15 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Norwegian Epic |
| Capacity | Norwegian Epic |
| Modernity | Norwegian Aqua |
| Service | Norwegian Epic |
| Spaciousness | Norwegian Aqua |
Bottom line: Norwegian Epic 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 Epic
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Large 4,100-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
4,100 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 | 9 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
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