Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated January 2026
.jpg%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)
_001.jpg%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)
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 Escape
Gross Tonnage
Norwegian Breakaway
145,655 GT
Norwegian Escape
164,600 GT
Length
Norwegian Breakaway
324 m
Norwegian Escape
325 m
Beam
Norwegian Breakaway
40 m
Norwegian Escape
41 m
Passengers
Norwegian Breakaway
3,963
Norwegian Escape
4,266
Crew
Norwegian Breakaway
1,657
Norwegian Escape
1,733
Decks
Norwegian Breakaway
—
Norwegian Escape
—
Year Built
Norwegian Breakaway
2,013
Norwegian Escape
2,015
Space Ratio
Norwegian Breakaway
36.8 GT/pax
Norwegian Escape
38.6 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Norwegian Breakaway
2.39 :1
Norwegian Escape
2.46 :1
| Specification | Norwegian Breakaway | Norwegian Escape |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Class | Breakaway Class | Breakaway Plus Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,013 | 2,015Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 145,655 GT | 164,600 GTWinner |
| Length | 324 m | 325 mWinner |
| Beam | 40 m | 41 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,963 | 4,266Winner |
| Crew | 1,657 | 1,733Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 36.8 GT/pax | 38.6 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.39:1Winner | 2.46:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Meyer Werft | Meyer Werft |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9606900 | 9623867 |
Norwegian Escape is the larger vessel at 164,600 GT — 13% more than Norwegian Breakaway's 145,655 GT. Built in 2015, Norwegian Escape is 2 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Norwegian Escape |
| Capacity | Norwegian Escape |
| Modernity | Norwegian Escape |
| Service | Norwegian Breakaway |
| Spaciousness | Norwegian Escape |
Bottom line: Norwegian Escape 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 Escape
Large 4,266-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
4,266 passengers means tons of activities
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
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.
| Draft | 8.7 mWinner | 8.6 m |
| Decks | — | — |
.jpg%26w%3D400&w=3840&q=75)