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 Joy
Gross Tonnage
Norwegian Aqua
156,300 GT
Norwegian Joy
167,725 GT
Length
Norwegian Aqua
322 m
Norwegian Joy
333 m
Beam
Norwegian Aqua
41 m
Norwegian Joy
41 m
Passengers
Norwegian Aqua
3,571
Norwegian Joy
3,804
Crew
Norwegian Aqua
1,500
Norwegian Joy
1,821
Decks
Norwegian Aqua
—
Norwegian Joy
—
Year Built
Norwegian Aqua
2,025
Norwegian Joy
2,017
Space Ratio
Norwegian Aqua
43.8 GT/pax
Norwegian Joy
44.1 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Norwegian Aqua
2.38 :1
Norwegian Joy
2.09 :1
| Specification | Norwegian Aqua | Norwegian Joy |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Class | Prima Plus Class | Breakaway Plus Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,025Winner | 2,017 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 156,300 GT | 167,725 GTWinner |
| Length | 322 m | 333 mWinner |
| Beam | 41 m | 41 m |
| Draft | ||
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,571 | 3,804Winner |
| Crew | 1,500 | 1,821Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 43.8 GT/pax | 44.1 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.38:1 | 2.09:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Fincantieri | Meyer Werft |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9824007 | 9677088 |
Norwegian Joy is the larger vessel at 167,725 GT — 7% more than Norwegian Aqua's 156,300 GT. Built in 2025, Norwegian Aqua is 8 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Norwegian Joy edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.1:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Norwegian Joy |
| Capacity | Norwegian Joy |
| Modernity | Norwegian Aqua |
| Service | Norwegian Joy |
| Spaciousness | Norwegian Joy |
Bottom line: Norwegian Joy 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 Joy
Built in 2017 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
3,804 passengers means tons of activities
44 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Large 3,804-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
Free cancellation on most rooms
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Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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8.7 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
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