Norwegian ships aren't as large as mega-monsters like Icon of the Seas. However, NCL's modest fleet offers impressive amenities and great itineraries worldwide.
However, the cruise line recently placed a $9 billion order for new cruise ships much larger than its current fleet, coming in at over 225,000 gross registered tons (GRT). Currently, NCL's largest ship measures less than 170,000 GRT, so the new order confirms Norwegian's readiness to compete with lines like Royal Caribbean and MSC.
Here's everything you need to know about Norwegian's largest cruise ship in 2025.
Read more: Norwegian Cruise Line ships by size
Norwegian Encore is the biggest Norwegian cruise ship
The largest ship in NCL's fleet by weight is Norwegian Encore. This ship is the heaviest of NCL ships, measuring 169,116 gross registered tons (GRT).
NCL Encore is also 1,094 feet long in overall length. This impressive ship is capable of hosting 3,998 guests and accommodating about 1,735 crew members.
Norwegian Encore was constructed in 2019, making it a relatively new ship to the NCL lineup. However, Encore is not the newest ship in the fleet.
Currently, Norwegian Viva is the line's newest addition; however, Norwegian Aqua is set to debut in March. Still, neither Norwegian Viva nor Aqua are as heavy as Norwegian Encore.
However, as one of the line's newer ships, 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 medal as they race each other in the middle of the ocean!
Note, however, this attraction isn't included in your cruise and costs an extra $15 per person. NCL is the only cruise line with race tracks onboard its fleet.
Another unique activity onboard Norwegian Encore 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.
That said, you can have a great vacation on Norwegian Encore without spending extra money. Included entertainment includes original production shows, comedy shows, and lively nightclubs.
Destinations
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 February 2025 and April 2027, Encore is sailing to the Caribbean, Alaska, the Panama Canal, Mexican Riveria, and the Pacific Coast.
What about Norwegian's smallest ship?
Norwegian's smallest ship is the Norwegian Spirit, measuring just 75,904 GRT and has a passenger capacity of 2,018 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 Viva
Norwegian Viva is NCL's second Prima Class ship. She embarked on her maiden voyage in August 2023, making her the newest Norwegian ship at sea. However, she won't have this title for much longer, as Norwegian Aqua is slated to debut in March 2025.
Norwegian Viva measures 143,535 GRT and has a passenger capacity of 3,099 at double occupancy. Her gross tonnage is about 25,500 less than Norwegian Encore, NCL's largest cruise ship.
Norwegian Aqua will be larger than Norwegian Viva but smaller than Encore. She will measure around 156,000 GRT. NCL's massive 200,000+ mega-ships aren't expected to be delivered until 2030, 2032, 2034, and 2036.
Hayley Phillips
Hayley Phillips is a military spouse currently living in Florida and loves all things travel and travel planning.
