What is Norwegian Cruise Line’s biggest ship? (2026)

Norwegian ships aren’t as massive as mega-monsters like Icon of the Seas, but the cruise line’s more modest fleet offers impressive amenities and exciting itineraries around the world.

While Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) isn't known for building some of the world's largest cruise ships, that could soon change. The popular line recently placed a $9 billion order for new vessels over 30% larger than its current fleet. This signals a bold expansion and confirms that they're ready to compete with companies like Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises. 

Here's everything you need to know about Norwegian's largest cruise ship in 2026 — and what's in store for this cruise line down the line.

Read more: Norwegian Cruise Line ships by size

Norwegian Encore is the biggest Norwegian cruise ship

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The largest ship in NCL's fleet by weight is Norwegian Encore. This ship is the heaviest of NCL ships, measuring 169,116 gross tons.

NCL Encore is also 1,094 feet long in length. This impressive ship can accommodate 3,998 guests at double occupancy and is home to about 1,735 crew members.

Norwegian Encore was built in 2019, making her a relatively new ship to the NCL lineup. That said, Norwegian Encore is not the newest ship in the fleet. 

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Currently, Norwegian Luna is the line's newest addition. She embarked on her maiden voyage in March 2026 and is the latest in NCL's Prima Plus Class to hit the high seas. 

Still, as one of the line's newer ships, Norwegian Encore has a lot to offer guests. One of the most notable activities is the speedway. The race track is over 1,100 feet long and allows guests to put the pedal to the metal as they race each other in the middle of the ocean! 

As exciting as that sounds, the speedway isn't included in your cruise fare and costs an extra $15 per person. However, since NCL is the only cruise line with race tracks at sea, it's an exciting must-do for many!

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Another fun activity onboard the Norwegian Encore cruise ship is the Galaxy Pavilion, where guests can participate in immersive virtual reality experiences and thrilling simulator rides. This revolutionary area onboard is located on Deck 17. 

Participating in this activity is an additional cost for guests and costs $8 per person, per play. However, you can get an unlimited pass for around $200. 

Of course, you can have a great vacation on Norwegian Encore without spending extra money. Included entertainment includes original production shows, comedy shows, and lively nightclubs. 

Norwegian Encore cruise itineraries

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Because Norwegian Encore isn't as large as ships like Icon or Utopia of the Seas, there's a greater variety of destinations to choose from. 

Between April 2027 and April 2028, NCL Encore is sailing to the Caribbean, Alaska, the Panama Canal, the Mexican Riviera, and the Pacific Coast. 

What is Norwegian's smallest ship?

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Norwegian's smallest ship is the Norwegian Spirit, measuring just 75,904 GRT and having a passenger capacity of 1,972 at double occupancy. However, Spirit wasn't built specifically for Norwegian Cruise Line. 

The vessel entered service in 1998 for Star Cruises and sailed as SuperStar Leo until 2004, when she was transferred to NCL and became the Norwegian Spirit. Before entering service for Norwegian, she underwent two weeks of refits. 

Norwegian Spirit sails around the world to Alaska, Asia, Australia & New Zealand, Hawaii, and the South Pacific. 

Norwegian's newest ship is the Norwegian Luna

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Norwegian Luna is NCL's fourth Prima Class ship. She embarked on her maiden voyage in March 2026, making her the newest Norwegian ship at sea. 

Norwegian Aqua measures 156,300 GRT and has a passenger capacity of 3,565 at double occupancy. Her gross tonnage is about 12,800 less than Norwegian Encore, NCL's largest cruise ship. 

Although Norwegian's newest ship isn't its largest, guests can expect the line's 200,000+ gross ton ships to debut in 2030.