Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated January 2026
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 Viva
Gross Tonnage
Norwegian Encore
169,116 GT
Norwegian Viva
142,500 GT
Length
Norwegian Encore
333 m
Norwegian Viva
294 m
Beam
Norwegian Encore
41 m
Norwegian Viva
41 m
Passengers
Norwegian Encore
3,998
Norwegian Viva
3,215
Crew
Norwegian Encore
1,735
Norwegian Viva
1,388
Decks
Norwegian Encore
—
Norwegian Viva
—
Year Built
Norwegian Encore
2,019
Norwegian Viva
2,023
Space Ratio
Norwegian Encore
42.3 GT/pax
Norwegian Viva
44.3 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Norwegian Encore
2.30 :1
Norwegian Viva
2.32 :1
| Specification | Norwegian Encore | Norwegian Viva |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Class | Breakaway Plus Class | Prima Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,019 | 2,023Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 169,116 GTWinner | 142,500 GT |
| Length | 333 mWinner | 294 m |
| Beam | 41 m | 41 m |
| Draft | ||
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 3,998Winner | 3,215 |
| Crew | 1,735Winner | 1,388 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 42.3 GT/pax | 44.3 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.30:1Winner | 2.32:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Meyer Werft | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9751511 | 9823998 |
Norwegian Encore is the larger vessel at 169,116 GT — 19% more than Norwegian Viva's 142,500 GT. Built in 2023, Norwegian Viva is 4 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Norwegian Encore |
| Capacity | Norwegian Encore |
| Modernity | Norwegian Viva |
| Service | Norwegian Encore |
| Spaciousness | Norwegian Viva |
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 Viva
Built in 2023 with modern facilities — great for a first cruise
3,215 passengers means tons of activities
44 GT/pax means plenty of quiet space
Large 3,215-guest capacity offers competitive pricing
Free cancellation on most rooms
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8.7 mWinner |
8.4 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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