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 Escape
Norwegian Joy
Gross Tonnage
Norwegian Escape
164,600 GT
Norwegian Joy
167,725 GT
Length
Norwegian Escape
325 m
Norwegian Joy
333 m
Beam
Norwegian Escape
41 m
Norwegian Joy
41 m
Passengers
Norwegian Escape
4,266
Norwegian Joy
3,804
Crew
Norwegian Escape
1,733
Norwegian Joy
1,821
Decks
Norwegian Escape
—
Norwegian Joy
—
Year Built
Norwegian Escape
2,015
Norwegian Joy
2,017
Space Ratio
Norwegian Escape
38.6 GT/pax
Norwegian Joy
44.1 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Norwegian Escape
2.46 :1
Norwegian Joy
2.09 :1
| Specification | Norwegian Escape | Norwegian Joy |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Class | Breakaway Plus Class | Breakaway Plus Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 2,015 | 2,017Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 164,600 GT | 167,725 GTWinner |
| Length | 325 m | 333 mWinner |
| Beam | 41 m | 41 m |
| Draft | ||
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 4,266Winner | 3,804 |
| Crew | 1,733 | 1,821Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 38.6 GT/pax | 44.1 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.46:1 | 2.09:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Meyer Werft | Meyer Werft |
| Flag | Bahamas | Bahamas |
| IMO Number | 9623867 | 9677088 |
Norwegian Joy offers more personal space with a space ratio of 44.1 GT per passenger versus 38.6. Built in 2017, Norwegian Joy is 2 years newer — an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design. Norwegian Joy edges ahead in service with a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.1:1, meaning more crew per guest.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Norwegian Joy |
| Capacity | Norwegian Escape |
| 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 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
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
We may earn a commission from partner bookings at no extra cost to you.
8.6 m |
8.7 mWinner |
| Decks | — | — |
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