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 Epic
Gross Tonnage
Norwegian Breakaway
145,655 GT
Norwegian Epic
155,873 GT
Length
Norwegian Breakaway
324 m
Norwegian Epic
329 m
Beam
Norwegian Breakaway
40 m
Norwegian Epic
40 m
Passengers
Norwegian Breakaway
3,963
Norwegian Epic
4,100
Crew
Norwegian Breakaway
1,657
Norwegian Epic
1,753
Decks
Norwegian Breakaway
—
Norwegian Epic
—
Year Built
Norwegian Breakaway
2,013
Norwegian Epic
2,010
Space Ratio
Norwegian Breakaway
36.8 GT/pax
Norwegian Epic
38.0 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Norwegian Breakaway
2.39 :1
Norwegian Epic
2.34 :1
| Specification | Norwegian Breakaway | Norwegian Epic |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Class | Breakaway Class | Epic Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,013Winner | 2,010 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 145,655 GT | 155,873 GTWinner |
| Length | 324 m | 329 mWinner |
| Beam | 40 m | 40 m |
| Draft | ||
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,963 | 4,100Winner |
| Crew | 1,657 | 1,753Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 36.8 GT/pax | 38.0 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.39:1 | 2.34:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Meyer Werft | STX France |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9606900 | 9410569 |
Norwegian Epic is the larger vessel at 155,873 GT — 7% more than Norwegian Breakaway's 145,655 GT. Built in 2013, Norwegian Breakaway is 3 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Norwegian Epic |
| Capacity | Norwegian Epic |
| Modernity | Norwegian Breakaway |
| Service | Norwegian Epic |
| Spaciousness | Norwegian Epic |
Bottom line: Norwegian Epic wins more categories (4 vs 1), 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 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
We may earn a commission from partner bookings at no extra cost to you.
8.7 m |
9 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
