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 Epic
Norwegian Escape
Gross Tonnage
Norwegian Epic
155,873 GT
Norwegian Escape
164,600 GT
Length
Norwegian Epic
329 m
Norwegian Escape
325 m
Beam
Norwegian Epic
40 m
Norwegian Escape
41 m
Passengers
Norwegian Epic
4,100
Norwegian Escape
4,266
Crew
Norwegian Epic
1,753
Norwegian Escape
1,733
Decks
Norwegian Epic
—
Norwegian Escape
—
Year Built
Norwegian Epic
2,010
Norwegian Escape
2,015
Space Ratio
Norwegian Epic
38.0 GT/pax
Norwegian Escape
38.6 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Norwegian Epic
2.34 :1
Norwegian Escape
2.46 :1
| Specification | Norwegian Epic | Norwegian Escape |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Class | Epic Class | Breakaway Plus Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,010 | 2,015Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 155,873 GT | 164,600 GTWinner |
| Length | 329 mWinner | 325 m |
| Beam | 40 m | 41 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 4,100 | 4,266Winner |
| Crew | 1,753Winner | 1,733 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 38.0 GT/pax | 38.6 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.34:1Winner | 2.46:1 |
| Build | ||
| Builder | STX France | Meyer Werft |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9410569 | 9623867 |
Norwegian Escape is the larger vessel at 164,600 GT — 6% more than Norwegian Epic's 155,873 GT. Built in 2015, Norwegian Escape is 5 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Norwegian Epic edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.3:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Norwegian Escape |
| Capacity | Norwegian Escape |
| Modernity | Norwegian Escape |
| Service | Norwegian Epic |
| Spaciousness | Norwegian Escape |
Bottom line: Norwegian Escape wins more categories (4 vs 1), making it the stronger all-round choice based on current data.
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
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
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| Draft | 9 mWinner | 8.6 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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