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 Escape
Gross Tonnage
Norwegian Encore
169,116 GT
Norwegian Escape
164,600 GT
Length
Norwegian Encore
333 m
Norwegian Escape
325 m
Beam
Norwegian Encore
41 m
Norwegian Escape
41 m
Passengers
Norwegian Encore
3,998
Norwegian Escape
4,266
Crew
Norwegian Encore
1,735
Norwegian Escape
1,733
Decks
Norwegian Encore
—
Norwegian Escape
—
Year Built
Norwegian Encore
2,019
Norwegian Escape
2,015
Space Ratio
Norwegian Encore
42.3 GT/pax
Norwegian Escape
38.6 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Norwegian Encore
2.30 :1
Norwegian Escape
2.46 :1
| Specification | Norwegian Encore | Norwegian Escape |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Class | Breakaway Plus Class | Breakaway Plus Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,019Winner | 2,015 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 169,116 GTWinner | 164,600 GT |
| Length | 333 mWinner | 325 m |
| Beam | 41 m | 41 m |
| Draft | ||
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,998 | 4,266Winner |
| Crew | 1,735Winner | 1,733 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 42.3 GT/paxWinner | 38.6 GT/pax |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.30:1Winner | 2.46:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Meyer Werft | Meyer Werft |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9751511 | 9623867 |
Norwegian Encore offers more personal space with a space ratio of 42.3 GT per passenger versus 38.6. Built in 2019, Norwegian Encore is 4 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Norwegian Encore edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.3:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Norwegian Encore |
| Capacity | Norwegian Escape |
| 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 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.
8.7 mWinner |
8.6 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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