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 Encore
Norwegian Epic
Gross Tonnage
Norwegian Encore
169,116 GT
Norwegian Epic
155,873 GT
Length
Norwegian Encore
333 m
Norwegian Epic
329 m
Beam
Norwegian Encore
41 m
Norwegian Epic
40 m
Passengers
Norwegian Encore
3,998
Norwegian Epic
4,100
Crew
Norwegian Encore
1,735
Norwegian Epic
1,753
Decks
Norwegian Encore
—
Norwegian Epic
—
Year Built
Norwegian Encore
2,019
Norwegian Epic
2,010
Space Ratio
Norwegian Encore
42.3 GT/pax
Norwegian Epic
38.0 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Norwegian Encore
2.30 :1
Norwegian Epic
2.34 :1
| Specification | Norwegian Encore | Norwegian Epic |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Class | Breakaway Plus Class | Epic Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,019Winner | 2,010 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 169,116 GTWinner | 155,873 GT |
| Length | 333 mWinner | 329 m |
| Beam | 41 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,998 | 4,100Winner |
| Crew | 1,735 | 1,753Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 42.3 GT/paxWinner | 38.0 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.30:1Winner | 2.34:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Meyer Werft | STX France |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9751511 | 9410569 |
Norwegian Encore is the larger vessel at 169,116 GT — 8% more than Norwegian Epic's 155,873 GT. Norwegian Encore offers more personal space with a space ratio of 42.3 GT per passenger versus 38.0. Built in 2019, Norwegian Encore is 9 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Norwegian Encore |
| Capacity | Norwegian Epic |
| Modernity | Norwegian Encore |
| Service | Norwegian Encore |
| Spaciousness | Norwegian Encore |
Bottom line: Norwegian Encore wins more categories (4 vs 1), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
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
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.
40 m |
| Draft | 8.7 m | 9 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
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