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 Breakaway
Norwegian Encore
Gross Tonnage
Norwegian Breakaway
145,655 GT
Norwegian Encore
169,116 GT
Length
Norwegian Breakaway
324 m
Norwegian Encore
333 m
Beam
Norwegian Breakaway
40 m
Norwegian Encore
41 m
Passengers
Norwegian Breakaway
3,963
Norwegian Encore
3,998
Crew
Norwegian Breakaway
1,657
Norwegian Encore
1,735
Decks
Norwegian Breakaway
—
Norwegian Encore
—
Year Built
Norwegian Breakaway
2,013
Norwegian Encore
2,019
Space Ratio
Norwegian Breakaway
36.8 GT/pax
Norwegian Encore
42.3 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Norwegian Breakaway
2.39 :1
Norwegian Encore
2.30 :1
| Specification | Norwegian Breakaway | Norwegian Encore |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Class | Breakaway Class | Breakaway Plus Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,013 | 2,019Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 145,655 GT | 169,116 GTWinner |
| Length | 324 m | 333 mWinner |
| Beam | 40 m | 41 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,963 | 3,998Winner |
| Crew | 1,657 | 1,735Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 36.8 GT/pax | 42.3 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.39:1 | 2.30:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Meyer Werft | Meyer Werft |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9606900 | 9751511 |
Norwegian Encore is the larger vessel at 169,116 GT — 16% more than Norwegian Breakaway's 145,655 GT. Norwegian Encore offers more personal space with a space ratio of 42.3 GT per passenger versus 36.8. Built in 2019, Norwegian Encore is 6 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Norwegian Encore |
| Capacity | Norwegian Encore |
| Modernity | Norwegian Encore |
| Service | Norwegian Encore |
| Spaciousness | Norwegian Encore |
Bottom line: Norwegian Encore wins more categories (5 vs 0), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
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
Norwegian Encore
Built in 2019 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
3,998 passengers means tons of activities
42 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Large 3,998-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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| Draft | 8.7 m | 8.7 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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