
Ship comparison
Norwegian Epic vs Norwegian Gem
Side-by-side cruise ship comparison. Norwegian Epic wins 5 of 7 scored categories.
At a glance
Quick Compare
The verdict
Comparison Verdict
Norwegian Epic is the significantly larger vessel at 155,873 GT, 67% more than Norwegian Gem's 93,530 GT. Built in 2010, Norwegian Epic is 3 years newer, an advantage for travelers seeking modern amenities and design. Norwegian Epic accommodates 1,706 more guests (4,100 vs 2,394), making it the larger resort-at-sea. Norwegian Gem trades capacity for a more intimate atmosphere.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Norwegian Epic |
| Capacity | Norwegian Epic |
| Modernity | Norwegian Epic |
| Service | Norwegian Gem |
| Spaciousness | Norwegian Gem |
| Decks | No data |
| Length | Norwegian Epic |
| Fleet Power | Norwegian Epic |
Bottom line: Norwegian Epic leads 5–2 across our categories, strongest in Size. Choose Norwegian Epic for overall superiority; pick Norwegian Gem if its strengths matter more to you.
Decide
Which Ship Is Right for You?
Choose Norwegian Epic if
- You want the newer ship (built 2010, 3 years newer)
- Size matters to you (155,873 GT)
- More onboard variety (4,100 guests)
- Lower fares per night (from $50 per person per night)
Choose Norwegian Gem if
- More crew per guest (2.3 guests per crew)
- More space per guest (39.1 GT per guest)
Prices
See Current Prices
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Fares
Sailing Prices
| Detail | Norwegian Epic | Norwegian Gem |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest | $349 pp | $329 pp |
| Per night | $50 pp | $66 pp |
| Departing | Nov 15 | Nov 16 |
| Duration | 7 nights | 5 nights |
| View sailing | View sailing |
Prices from Cruisebound, per person, for the sailing shown.
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the comparison score calculated?
We score 8 categories from spec data: size, capacity, modernity, service, spaciousness, decks, length and fleet power. Each category awards one point to the winning ship. A category where either ship has no data is marked No data and left out of the score.
What is the space ratio and why does it matter?
Space ratio is gross tonnage divided by passenger capacity. A higher number means more space per guest. Luxury lines typically score above 40, and mass-market ships often fall between 30 and 40.
What does the passenger-to-crew ratio mean?
It is the number of guests for each crew member, shown as "3.0 guests per crew". Lower is better: more staff per guest usually means more attentive service. Luxury lines aim for fewer than 2 guests per crew, and large mainstream ships often carry 3 to 4.
Are the prices shown accurate?
Prices come from Cruisebound and are per person for the sailing shown. They change with cabin type, date and demand, so open the sailing to see the current fare.
Can I compare more than two ships?
Yes, up to four ships. Use the search tool on the compare hub page to add additional ships.
How current is the ship data?
Specifications come from our database of 380+ ships, and this page refreshes daily. An "Updated" date appears at the top when either ship's record changed in the last 30 days.








