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 Joy
Gross Tonnage
Norwegian Epic
155,873 GT
Norwegian Joy
167,725 GT
Length
Norwegian Epic
329 m
Norwegian Joy
333 m
Beam
Norwegian Epic
40 m
Norwegian Joy
41 m
Passengers
Norwegian Epic
4,100
Norwegian Joy
3,804
Crew
Norwegian Epic
1,753
Norwegian Joy
1,821
Decks
Norwegian Epic
—
Norwegian Joy
—
Year Built
Norwegian Epic
2,010
Norwegian Joy
2,017
Space Ratio
Norwegian Epic
38.0 GT/pax
Norwegian Joy
44.1 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Norwegian Epic
2.34 :1
Norwegian Joy
2.09 :1
| Specification | Norwegian Epic | Norwegian Joy |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Class | Epic Class | Breakaway Plus Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,010 | 2,017Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 155,873 GT | 167,725 GTWinner |
| Length | 329 m | 333 mWinner |
| Beam | 40 m | 41 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 4,100Winner | 3,804 |
| Crew | 1,753 | 1,821Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 38.0 GT/pax | 44.1 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.34:1 | 2.09:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | STX France | Meyer Werft |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9410569 | 9677088 |
Norwegian Joy is the larger vessel at 167,725 GT — 8% more than Norwegian Epic's 155,873 GT. Norwegian Joy offers more personal space with a space ratio of 44.1 GT per passenger versus 38.0. Built in 2017, Norwegian Joy is 7 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Norwegian Joy |
| Capacity | Norwegian Epic |
| Modernity | Norwegian Joy |
| Service | Norwegian Joy |
| Spaciousness | Norwegian Joy |
Bottom line: Norwegian Joy 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 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
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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| Draft | 9 mWinner | 8.7 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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