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 Prima
Gross Tonnage
Norwegian Epic
155,873 GT
Norwegian Prima
142,500 GT
Length
Norwegian Epic
329 m
Norwegian Prima
294 m
Beam
Norwegian Epic
40 m
Norwegian Prima
41 m
Passengers
Norwegian Epic
4,100
Norwegian Prima
3,215
Crew
Norwegian Epic
1,753
Norwegian Prima
1,388
Decks
Norwegian Epic
—
Norwegian Prima
—
Year Built
Norwegian Epic
2,010
Norwegian Prima
2,022
Space Ratio
Norwegian Epic
38.0 GT/pax
Norwegian Prima
44.3 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Norwegian Epic
2.34 :1
Norwegian Prima
2.32 :1
| Specification | Norwegian Epic | Norwegian Prima |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Class | Epic Class | Prima Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,010 | 2,022Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 155,873 GTWinner | 142,500 GT |
| Length | 329 mWinner | 294 m |
| Beam | 40 m | 41 mWinner |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 4,100Winner | 3,215 |
| Crew | 1,753Winner | 1,388 |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 38.0 GT/pax | 44.3 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.34:1 | 2.32:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | STX France | Fincantieri |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9410569 | 9823986 |
Norwegian Epic is the larger vessel at 155,873 GT — 9% more than Norwegian Prima's 142,500 GT. Norwegian Prima offers more personal space with a space ratio of 44.3 GT per passenger versus 38.0. Built in 2022, Norwegian Prima is 12 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Norwegian Epic |
| Capacity | Norwegian Epic |
| Modernity | Norwegian Prima |
| Service | Norwegian Prima |
| Spaciousness | Norwegian Prima |
Bottom line: Norwegian Prima wins more categories (3 vs 2), 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 Prima
Built in 2022 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
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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| Draft | 9 mWinner | 8.3 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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