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 Spirit
Gross Tonnage
Norwegian Breakaway
145,655 GT
Norwegian Spirit
75,904 GT
Length
Norwegian Breakaway
324 m
Norwegian Spirit
268 m
Beam
Norwegian Breakaway
40 m
Norwegian Spirit
32 m
Passengers
Norwegian Breakaway
3,963
Norwegian Spirit
2,018
Crew
Norwegian Breakaway
1,657
Norwegian Spirit
912
Decks
Norwegian Breakaway
—
Norwegian Spirit
—
Year Built
Norwegian Breakaway
2,013
Norwegian Spirit
1,998
Space Ratio
Norwegian Breakaway
36.8 GT/pax
Norwegian Spirit
37.6 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Norwegian Breakaway
2.39 :1
Norwegian Spirit
2.21 :1
| Specification | Norwegian Breakaway | Norwegian Spirit |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Class | Breakaway Class | Leo Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,013Winner | 1,998 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 145,655 GTWinner | 75,904 GT |
| Length | 324 mWinner | 268 m |
| Beam | 40 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,963Winner | 2,018 |
| Crew | 1,657Winner | 912 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 36.8 GT/pax | 37.6 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.39:1 | 2.21:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Meyer Werft | Meyer Werft |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9606900 | 9141077 |
Norwegian Breakaway is the significantly larger vessel at 145,655 GT — 92% more than Norwegian Spirit's 75,904 GT. Built in 2013, Norwegian Breakaway is 15 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Norwegian Spirit edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.2:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Norwegian Breakaway |
| Capacity | Norwegian Breakaway |
| Modernity | Norwegian Breakaway |
| Service | Norwegian Spirit |
| Spaciousness | Norwegian Spirit |
Bottom line: Norwegian Breakaway wins more categories (3 vs 2), 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 Spirit
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Good value for money
Good range of onboard options
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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32 m |
| Draft | 8.7 mWinner | 8.5 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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