How Many Ships Does Norwegian Cruise Lines Own Revealed

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) currently owns 19 ships, making it one of the largest fleets in the cruise industry, with vessels designed to cater to diverse traveler preferences. The fleet includes innovative ships like the record-breaking Norwegian Prima and upcoming Norwegian Aqua, reflecting NCL’s commitment to luxury, technology, and global itineraries.

Key Takeaways

• Norwegian Cruise Line owns 19 ships across its fleet, offering diverse itineraries.
• Newest ships feature cutting-edge tech like LNG propulsion and smart cabins.
• Fleet expansion continues with 3 more ships scheduled by 2027.
• Ship sizes vary from 2,000 to 4,000+ passengers for different travel styles.
• Specialty ships cater to niche markets like solo travelers and luxury seekers.
• Regular refurbishments maintain quality across the entire fleet annually.

The Fleet of Norwegian Cruise Line: A Deep Dive Into One of the World’s Largest Cruise Operators

When it comes to ocean voyages, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) stands as one of the most recognizable names in the industry. Known for its innovative approach to cruising—from freestyle dining to record-breaking mega-ships—NCL has carved out a unique niche in a competitive global market. For travelers planning their next vacation, understanding the size and scope of the Norwegian fleet can be a game-changer. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, knowing how many ships Norwegian Cruise Lines owns, their class distinctions, and their capabilities can help you make smarter, more informed choices about your next cruise.

But just how many ships does Norwegian Cruise Lines own? The answer isn’t as simple as it seems. Unlike some cruise lines that operate a modest number of vessels, NCL boasts a dynamic, ever-evolving fleet that spans multiple ship classes, each designed for different travel experiences. From intimate, destination-focused ships to massive floating resorts that carry over 4,000 passengers, the Norwegian fleet is a testament to the company’s ambition and global reach. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll reveal the full breakdown of Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet, explore the different ship classes, discuss recent expansions and retirements, and even look ahead to the future of NCL’s maritime presence. Whether you’re curious about ship sizes, onboard amenities, or the company’s sustainability efforts, this article has you covered.

The Current Fleet: How Many Ships Does Norwegian Cruise Lines Own?

Total Number of Active Ships

As of 2024, Norwegian Cruise Line owns and operates 19 active cruise ships, making it one of the largest fleets among the major cruise lines in the world. This number includes vessels across six distinct ship classes, each designed to cater to different market segments—from luxury seekers to budget-conscious families. The fleet spans a wide range of sizes, passenger capacities, and onboard experiences, allowing NCL to serve diverse itineraries across the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska, Northern Europe, Asia, and more.

It’s important to note that while the number is currently 19, the fleet is not static. NCL regularly retires older vessels, introduces new ones, and occasionally sells ships to sister brands within the Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) portfolio, such as Oceania Cruises or Regent Seven Seas Cruises. This strategic rotation ensures that the fleet remains modern, efficient, and aligned with evolving customer expectations.

Breakdown by Ship Class

The 19 active ships are grouped into the following classes:

• Breakaway Class (4 ships): Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Joy
• Breakaway Plus Class (3 ships): Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Prima (Note: Prima is the first of a new class, but initially grouped with Breakaway Plus)
• Prima Class (2 ships): Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Viva (launched in 2023)
• Sun Class (1 ship): Norwegian Sun
• Jewel Class (4 ships): Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Jade
• Dawn Class (3 ships): Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Star, Norwegian Spirit
• Spirit Class (2 ships): Norwegian Spirit (refurbished), Norwegian Sun (also considered part of this class post-refurbishment)

Note: The Norwegian Spirit underwent a $100 million refurbishment in 2020 and was repositioned to serve the Australian and Asian markets, while the Norwegian Sun received a similar upgrade, blurring the lines between the Dawn, Sun, and Spirit classes. This fluidity reflects NCL’s adaptive fleet management strategy.

Recent Additions and Retirements

Norwegian Cruise Line has been aggressive in modernizing its fleet. In 2022, Norwegian Prima became the first ship in the new Prima Class, marking a significant leap in design, technology, and guest experience. With a length of 1,076 feet and a capacity of 3,950 passengers, Prima introduced innovations like the Ocean Boulevard (an open-air promenade), the largest outdoor dining area at sea, and the first racetrack on a cruise ship.

Following Prima’s success, Norwegian Viva launched in 2023, further expanding the Prima Class. Two more ships in this class—Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna—are scheduled for delivery in 2025 and 2026, respectively. This means the fleet is expected to grow to 21 ships by 2026, assuming no additional retirements.

On the other end of the spectrum, NCL has retired several older vessels to maintain fleet efficiency. For example, Norwegian Sky was sold to a new operator in 2023, and Norwegian Spirit was repositioned (not retired), but its original design lineage reflects the company’s willingness to phase out aging ships. These moves are part of a broader fleet renewal strategy aimed at reducing fuel consumption, lowering emissions, and enhancing guest satisfaction.

Ship Classes Explained: A Closer Look at NCL’s Vessel Categories

Breakaway and Breakaway Plus: The Workhorses of the Caribbean

The Breakaway Class (launched between 2013 and 2015) and its larger successor, the Breakaway Plus Class (2017–2019), form the backbone of NCL’s modern fleet. These ships are designed for high-capacity, short-to-medium itineraries, primarily in the Caribbean and Mexico. With capacities ranging from 3,963 (Breakaway) to 4,266 (Breakaway Plus), they are among the largest in the NCL fleet.

Key features include:

• Multiple pools, including the largest at-sea water park (on Escape and Joy)
• Broadway-caliber entertainment (e.g., “Legally Blonde” on Getaway)
• Freestyle Dining with over 20 restaurants per ship
• Spacious spa and fitness centers

For travelers seeking vibrant nightlife, family-friendly activities, and diverse dining, these ships offer a balanced blend of luxury and fun. Norwegian Joy, originally built for the Chinese market, was repositioned to Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, showing NCL’s flexibility in deploying ships based on demand.

Prima Class: The Future of Norwegian Cruising

The Prima Class represents a bold new direction for NCL. With Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, the line is redefining what a modern cruise ship can be. These vessels are slightly smaller than the Breakaway Plus ships (3,950 passengers vs. 4,266) but offer a more intimate, design-forward experience.

Standout features include:

• The Ocean Boulevard: A 44,000-square-foot outdoor promenade with dining, lounging, and art installations
• Infinity Beach: A zero-edge pool with ocean views
• Ocean House: A private suite complex with exclusive amenities
• Advanced propulsion systems: Designed for lower emissions and improved fuel efficiency

These ships are ideal for travelers who value design, space, and sustainability. NCL is positioning the Prima Class as a premium experience, with higher per-passenger revenue potential and enhanced environmental performance.

Jewel, Dawn, and Spirit Classes: The Mid-Sized Veterans

The Jewel Class (4 ships, launched 2005–2007) and Dawn Class (3 ships, 2001–2002) represent the “middle generation” of NCL’s fleet. These vessels are smaller (around 2,400–2,700 passengers) but have undergone extensive refurbishments to remain competitive. For example, Norwegian Pearl received a $50 million upgrade in 2017, adding new restaurants, updated staterooms, and enhanced public spaces.

The Spirit Class (2 ships) includes Norwegian Spirit, which underwent a complete rebuild in 2020, effectively merging the Spirit and Dawn classes. These mid-sized ships are perfect for:

• Longer itineraries (e.g., transatlantic, repositioning cruises)
• Destinations with smaller ports (e.g., Alaska, New Zealand, Japan)
• Travelers who prefer a more relaxed, less crowded atmosphere

While not as flashy as the Breakaway or Prima classes, these ships offer excellent value and are often used for seasonal or niche markets.

Passenger Capacity and Ship Size Comparison

Understanding Gross Tonnage and Passenger Numbers

When evaluating how many ships Norwegian Cruise Lines owns, it’s crucial to look beyond the raw number. Ship size is measured in gross tonnage (GT), which reflects the internal volume of the ship, not weight. Larger GT generally means more amenities, public spaces, and staterooms. Passenger capacity, on the other hand, is typically listed as “double occupancy,” meaning two people per stateroom. However, ships can carry more during peak season with additional berths.

Data Table: Norwegian Cruise Line Fleet Comparison (2024)

Ship Name	Class	Year Built	Passenger Capacity (Double)	Gross Tonnage (GT)	Length (ft)	Primary Itineraries
Norwegian Prima	Prima	2022	3,950	142,500	1,076	Caribbean, Mediterranean
Norwegian Viva	Prima	2023	3,950	142,500	1,076	Caribbean, Europe
Norwegian Bliss	Breakaway Plus	2018	4,266	167,725	1,094	Alaska, Caribbean
Norwegian Encore	Breakaway Plus	2019	4,266	169,245	1,094	Caribbean, Panama Canal
Norwegian Escape	Breakaway	2015	3,963	164,998	1,068	Caribbean, Bermuda
Norwegian Joy	Breakaway	2017	3,963	164,998	1,068	Alaska, Asia
Norwegian Breakaway	Breakaway	2013	3,963	146,600	1,068	Caribbean, Europe
Norwegian Getaway	Breakaway	2014	3,963	146,600	1,068	Caribbean, Europe
Norwegian Gem	Jewel	2007	2,402	93,558	965	Caribbean, Europe
Norwegian Pearl	Jewel	2006	2,402	93,558	965	Alaska, Hawaii
Norwegian Jewel	Jewel	2005	2,376	93,558	965	Australia, New Zealand
Norwegian Jade	Jewel	2006	2,402	93,558	965	Europe, Asia
Norwegian Star	Dawn	2001	2,348	91,740	965	Europe, Asia
Norwegian Dawn	Dawn	2002	2,348	91,740	965	Caribbean, South America
Norwegian Spirit	Spirit	1998 (rebuilt 2020)	2,000	77,000	855	Australia, Asia
Norwegian Sun	Sun/Spirit	2001 (refurbished 2020)	2,002	78,300	855	Asia, South America

This table clearly shows the diversity within the fleet. The largest ships (Bliss, Encore) are over 167,000 GT and can carry over 4,200 passengers, while the smaller Spirit-class ships are around 77,000 GT and carry just 2,000. This range allows NCL to serve both mass-market and niche audiences effectively.

Fleet Strategy: Expansion, Retirement, and Sustainability

Growth Through the Prima Class

NCL’s fleet expansion strategy is centered on the Prima Class. With four ships planned by 2026 (Prima, Viva, Aqua, Luna), this class will become the flagship of the fleet. The design philosophy emphasizes:

• Open, airy public spaces
• Enhanced sustainability (e.g., shore power compatibility, advanced wastewater treatment)
• Guest-centric technology (e.g., app-based check-in, digital wayfinding)
• Flexible staterooms (e.g., connecting rooms, family suites)

These ships are built at Fincantieri in Italy, one of the world’s leading shipyards, ensuring high construction quality and innovation.

Retirement and Repositioning of Older Ships

To maintain fleet efficiency, NCL retires or repurposes older vessels. For example:

• Norwegian Sky (launched 1999) was sold in 2023 after years of short Caribbean cruises
• Norwegian Spirit was completely rebuilt in 2020, effectively “retiring” the original vessel and creating a new one
• Norwegian Sun underwent a $50 million refurbishment, extending its operational life

This strategy helps NCL avoid the pitfalls of aging infrastructure, such as higher maintenance costs and lower guest satisfaction.

Sustainability and Environmental Initiatives

With growing pressure to reduce carbon emissions, NCL has invested heavily in green technology. All new ships in the Prima Class are equipped with:

• Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) readiness: Future-ready for cleaner fuel
• Shore power systems: Allow ships to turn off engines while docked
• Advanced wastewater treatment: Exceeds international standards
• Energy-efficient lighting and HVAC: Reduce power consumption

Additionally, NCL has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, a goal that will require further fleet modernization and alternative fuel adoption.

Tips for Choosing the Right Norwegian Cruise Ship

Match the Ship to Your Travel Style

With 19 ships to choose from, picking the right one can be overwhelming. Here are some practical tips:

• For families with kids: Choose a Breakaway or Breakaway Plus ship (e.g., Escape, Joy) for water parks, kids’ clubs, and entertainment
• For couples or luxury seekers: Opt for a Prima-class ship (Prima, Viva) for spacious design, fine dining, and exclusive areas
• For long itineraries or repositioning cruises: Consider Jewel or Dawn class ships (e.g., Jewel, Star) for a more relaxed pace
• For unique destinations (e.g., Australia, Asia): Look for Spirit-class ships (Spirit, Sun) that sail to smaller ports

Consider Ship Age and Refurbishment

Older ships (e.g., Dawn, Jewel) may have fewer modern amenities but often offer better value. However, ships like Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Spirit have been recently refurbished, blending vintage charm with modern comfort. Always check the ship’s refurbishment date when booking.

Use NCL’s Website and Apps to Explore

Norwegian Cruise Line’s website offers detailed ship profiles, 360-degree tours, and deck plans. Use these tools to:

• Compare stateroom sizes and locations
• Preview dining and entertainment options
• Check accessibility features
• View real-time itineraries and pricing

Conclusion: The Power of a Diverse and Modern Fleet

So, how many ships does Norwegian Cruise Lines own? The answer is 19—but that number only tells part of the story. What truly sets NCL apart is the diversity, innovation, and strategic management of its fleet. From the record-breaking Breakaway Plus ships to the cutting-edge Prima Class, Norwegian Cruise Line offers something for every type of traveler.

The company’s commitment to fleet renewal, sustainability, and guest experience ensures that its vessels remain competitive in a rapidly changing industry. With two more Prima-class ships on the horizon and a clear roadmap for reducing environmental impact, NCL is not just keeping pace—it’s leading the charge.

Whether you’re drawn to the high-energy atmosphere of a mega-ship or the refined elegance of a newer vessel, Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet provides the tools to craft your perfect vacation. By understanding the differences between ship classes, capacities, and itineraries, you can make a smarter, more satisfying choice. So, the next time you plan a cruise, remember: the right ship isn’t just about size or number—it’s about matching your dream vacation to the perfect vessel. And with Norwegian Cruise Line’s impressive fleet, that dream is closer than ever.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many ships does Norwegian Cruise Lines own in 2024?

As of 2024, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) owns and operates a fleet of 19 ships across its four classes: Norwegian, Breakaway, Breakaway Plus, and Prima. This count includes recently delivered vessels like Norwegian Viva and excludes older ships that have been retired or sold.

How many cruise ships does Norwegian Cruise Line have in its fleet?

Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet consists of 19 active ships, ranging from the intimate Norwegian Sun to the massive Norwegian Encore and the next-gen Prima-class vessels. The company continues to expand, with new ships planned through 2027.

Is the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet growing? How many new ships are coming?

Yes, NCL is actively growing its fleet. Two additional Prima-class ships are under construction, and the company has options for up to six more vessels by 2030, signaling a major expansion of its “how many ships” footprint.

How many ships does Norwegian Cruise Lines own compared to other major lines?

With 19 ships, NCL ranks as the third-largest among major cruise lines, behind Royal Caribbean (26+ ships) and Carnival Cruise Line (25+ ships). However, NCL differentiates itself with a focus on newer, larger vessels and innovative onboard experiences.

Which Norwegian Cruise Line ship is the newest, and how many are in the Prima class?

The newest ships are Norwegian Prima (2022) and Norwegian Viva (2023), both part of the six-ship Prima-class fleet. This class will make up nearly one-third of NCL’s total fleet once all vessels are delivered by 2027.

Has Norwegian Cruise Line retired any ships recently?

Yes, NCL has retired several older ships, including Norwegian Spirit (sold in 2022) and Norwegian Joy (transferred to another brand). These moves aim to streamline operations and focus on the newer, more efficient ships in its fleet.