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 Joy
Gross Tonnage
Norwegian Encore
169,116 GT
Norwegian Joy
167,725 GT
Length
Norwegian Encore
333 m
Norwegian Joy
333 m
Beam
Norwegian Encore
41 m
Norwegian Joy
41 m
Passengers
Norwegian Encore
3,998
Norwegian Joy
3,804
Crew
Norwegian Encore
1,735
Norwegian Joy
1,821
Decks
Norwegian Encore
—
Norwegian Joy
—
Year Built
Norwegian Encore
2,019
Norwegian Joy
2,017
Space Ratio
Norwegian Encore
42.3 GT/pax
Norwegian Joy
44.1 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Norwegian Encore
2.30 :1
Norwegian Joy
2.09 :1
| Specification | Norwegian Encore | Norwegian Joy |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Class | Breakaway Plus Class | Breakaway Plus Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,019Winner | 2,017 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 169,116 GTWinner | 167,725 GT |
| Length | 333 m | 333 m |
| Beam | 41 m | 41 m |
| Draft | 8.7 m | 8.7 m |
| Decks | — | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,998Winner | 3,804 |
| Crew | 1,735 | 1,821Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 42.3 GT/pax | 44.1 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.30:1 | 2.09:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Meyer Werft | Meyer Werft |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9751511 | 9677088 |
Built in 2019, Norwegian Encore is 2 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Norwegian Joy edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.1:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Norwegian Encore |
| Capacity | Norwegian Encore |
| Modernity | Norwegian Encore |
| Service | Norwegian Joy |
| Spaciousness | Norwegian Joy |
Bottom line: Norwegian Encore wins more categories (3 vs 2), 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 Joy
Built in 2017 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
3,804 passengers means tons of activities
44 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Large 3,804-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
Free cancellation on most rooms
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