Which Cruise Ship is Right for You?
When choosing a cruise vacation, many people focus on the destinations and ports of call. Although these factors are undoubtedly important, another critical factor is the cruise ship's size. Size does matter when it comes to your overall cruise experience.
Whether you book a large cruise ship or a small one depends on your personal preference. Large ships offer an array of activities to keep everyone in the family occupied from thrilling water slides to all your favorite casino games. Small ships, however, offer a more exclusive and intimate experience.
Norwegian Cruise Line offers an array of cruise ship sizes from large to small. Norwegian's ships also feature The Haven, a special area that offers the exclusivity and privacy of a small ship with the entertainment options of a large ship.
Explore the following guide to help you choose the right cruise ship for you.
Large Cruise Ships
Large ships are great for cruise enthusiasts who love to meet new people. Some large Norwegian Cruise Line ships have more than 4,500 guests on board. You'll have plenty of opportunities to meet and mingle with other guests. Norwegian’s ships also have an array of amenities and activities. Enjoy around-the-clock cruise entertainment options from steamy dance productions to live blues music.
If you have young children, you'll find that the larger ships offer plenty of activities to keep the family entertained. From thrilling water slides to The Plank, a heart-stopping platform that extends over the side of the ship, the kids will never get bored.
The larger ships offer extensive free children's programming and options for kids of all ages. The well-trained staff keeps the little ones entertained day and night. Kids will enjoy many activities designed just for them. Splash Academy is geared toward smaller kids and features sensory play, circus school, music, games, scavenger hunts, and crafts.
Norwegian Joy
Norwegian Joy is one of the fleet's newest and largest ships at sea. With exciting new itineraries and lots of new features, Norwegian Joy offers plenty to be happy about.
Take a 7-Day Awe of Alaska: Inside Passage And Glacier Bay cruise on Norwegian Joy to experience the sheer wonder of the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. If the rugged, scenic coastline of Mexico is more your taste, then hop aboard Norwegian Joy for the Mexican Riviera cruise vacation of a lifetime to Cabo and Puerto Vallarta.
Norwegian Joy offers plenty of dining options for any mood and taste, from intimate room service for breakfast in bed to contemporary upscale four-course meals at the main dining room. There is even a Starbucks® store onboard. There are plenty of exciting activities onboard Norwegian Joy, too. If you are looking for a thrill, you’ll want to take a spin on the first race track at sea. If you want something a little more relaxing, enjoy a soothing treatment at the cruise spa.
Norwegian Bliss
Norwegian Bliss is another great option if you want to experience a taste of everything on your vacation. Norwegian Bliss is the newest and one of the most exciting ships in Norwegian’s fleet.
Norwegian Bliss features a unique observation lounge, which is perfect for viewing the spectacular wildlife and scenery on Norwegian's Alaskan cruises. Enjoy your favorite drink in front of a gorgeous backdrop of glaciers and mountains.
There are plenty of other activities to enjoy on Norwegian Bliss. Imagine relaxing on your balcony with your significant other while you watch the sunset over the Virgin Islands. You can also take in a Broadway show, try delicious Texas smokehouse, and take in a few rounds of mini-golf all on the same vacation.
Norwegian Escape
Norwegian Escape is one of the best large ships at sea. This ship accommodates 4,266 passengers and has a crew of more than 1,700. You'll find more than 25 different dining options on Norwegian Escape, including three main dining rooms that offer a variety of dishes to appease any palate.
Options range from O'Sheehan's Neighborhood Bar & Grill, a complimentary restaurant that serves up all your favorite pub foods such as fish 'n' chips and 24-hour room service. Norwegian Escape also offers a 1/4-mile waterfront promenade. You'll find 21 onboard bars and lounges and an array of exciting entertainment options to thrill you day and night.
Norwegian Breakaway
Norwegian Breakaway is another excellent large ship. It accommodates more than 3,900 guests. You can participate in a variety of onboard activities and games with fellow passengers. Visit the multilevel sports complex and challenge your friends to a game of basketball.
You can experience everything Norwegian Breakaway has to offer and also have a private, small-ship atmosphere by booking The Haven accommodations. This exclusive area of the ship is tucked away at the top. It offers guests the personal service of a small ship. The Haven has several private venues for guests, including The Haven Restaurant, Courtyard and Sundeck, and Lounge. These private areas allow you to escape and relax in solitude while you enjoy snacks, drinks, or a soak in the hot tub.
Medium Cruise Ships
Medium-sized cruise ships combine the atmosphere of a small ship with the features of a large ship. Enjoy staterooms for every need, plenty of exciting entertainment options, and many bars and nightclubs. You'll discover plenty of culinary options to suit any taste on board medium-sized ships. From casual cafes to contemporary main dining rooms, you'll never run out of options. Norwegian Cruise Line's medium ships feature multiple pools and hot tubs. Plus, you can visit exciting destinations such as Australia and New Zealand on Norwegian's medium-sized ships. Norwegian Jewel class ships are ideal medium-sized ships.
Norwegian Jade
Norwegian Jade is one of the recently refurbished ships in the Jewel class. It sails to some of the best destinations around the world. If you are looking for a European cruise or a Panama cruise on a medium-sized ship, Norwegian Jade is the ideal choice for you.
You'll stay entertained day and night with an array of activities. Get in on the action at the casino. Enjoy all your favorite games such as blackjack and craps. If you need a little rest, try one of the 90 spa treatments offered on board Norwegian Jade.
Small Cruise Ships
On Norwegian Cruise Line's smaller ships, you can expect personalized service and unique destinations. Enjoy polished service and excellent, spacious accommodations. You'll still find plenty of bars and lounges, a variety of dining options, relaxing spa treatments, and exciting activities on smaller Norwegian Cruise Line ships. Discover the best smaller ships in Norwegian Cruise Line's fleet.
Norwegian Sun
Norwegian Sun is a beautiful small ship for anyone interested in a South America cruise. The newly refurbished Norwegian Sun offers some of the highlights that you'll find on larger ships such as the high-energy Norwegian Bliss Ultra Lounge.
Pride of America
Norwegian’s Pride of America sails round-trip from Honolulu, Hawaii, throughout the year. It offers roomy suites and balcony accommodations, a variety of bars and restaurants, and more. You'll find plenty to do both on board and off board this small ship.
Discover the best Norwegian Cruise Line ships when you book your cruise vacation today. No matter what size ship you prefer, you'll find the best cruise for you.