Norwegian Cruise Line Ships Ranked Best to Worst (2026)

Not all Norwegian Cruise Line ships are loved equally.

Some get rave reviews from cruisers. Others… not so much. And the reasons might surprise you.

NCL is known for fun, flexible cruising. Think great food, lively entertainment, and ships packed with things to do. But the fleet is a real mix. Some ships are smaller and more relaxed, while the newest ones are loaded with attractions.

So which ships do cruisers actually rate the highest?

To find out, I analysed thousands of real passenger reviews and ranked every Norwegian Cruise Line ship from best to worst using the latest 2026 review data.

A couple of the results genuinely surprised me… will your favourite ship make the top of the list?

How I Gathered the Data

This isn’t a list based just on my opinion. For starters, I’ve not been on every NCL ship, so that wouldn’t be a fair ranking!

I’ve been on some – including the inaugural sailing for Norwegian Encore and the oldest ship Norwegian Spirit – but not enough that I can have a genuine opinion of my own on each ship.

Even if I had – my opinion is exactly that, a single opinion. I’m not the same as you, and so our views of the ships would be different.

So, instead, I’ve looked at three of the biggest websites that collate cruise ship reviews – Cruiseline.com, Cruise Critic, and TripAdvisor. I’ve chosen these three because they’re independent and because they have a lot of reviews.

I’ve then looked at the average score for each ship on those three sites to rank the ships in order.

Remember that this is the “best” to the “worst”. There are no bad NCL ships. Even the lowest-ranking ship averaged 3.16 out of 5, which is still a pretty good score.

And one last point – a lot of the reviews I’ve read mention bad things across the entire cruise line, rather than the ship. In particular, the pre-cruise customer service gets a bit of a hammering, but people generally love the experience on the ship. It’s worth knowing, so you can consider booking through a travel agent instead of direct.

Note: Norwegian Luna launched in 2026, but as the ship is brand new and only just starting its inaugural sailings, there aren’t enough passenger reviews yet to include it in this ranking.

And the Best Ship Is… (Drumroll)

According to the reviews, the best NCL cruise ship right now is Norwegian Escape. This Breakaway Plus ship has climbed to the top of the rankings based on consistently strong feedback from cruisers.

The Best NCL Ships In Order – Here We Go!

Norwegian Escape is a very family-friendly ship, but it also works surprisingly well for adults looking for a more relaxed cruise.

While there’s plenty on board for families, many guests say the real highlights are the adult-only spaces. The Vibe Beach Club, Spice H2O sun deck, and the Mandara Spa are often mentioned in reviews as the best places to unwind away from the busier areas of the ship.

The ship also stands out for the variety of itineraries it offers. Rather than sticking purely to Caribbean sailings, Norwegian Escape regularly sails to destinations on both sides of the Atlantic, including cruises to Canada and New England.

A refurbishment in 2022 helped keep the ship feeling fresh, and guest reviews continue to highlight the ship’s entertainment, dining and lively atmosphere.

After finishing in 2nd place in 2025, Norwegian Escape has now climbed to the top spot in 2026. The improvement is likely down to consistently strong guest reviews, along with the ship’s balanced mix of attractions, relaxation spaces and varied itineraries that appeal to a wide range of cruisers.

Norwegian Bliss has always felt a little more refined than many other ships in the NCL fleet. The décor is stylish, the atmosphere is relaxed, and her popular Alaska itineraries tend to attract cruisers who prefer spectacular scenery and sightseeing over non-stop partying.

That doesn’t mean the ship lacks big attractions. Guests love the go-kart track, while the entertainment lineup is one of the strongest in the fleet, with hit Broadway shows such as SIX and Jersey Boys proving especially popular.

A refurbishment in 2025 helped keep the ship feeling fresh, and guest reviews continue to highlight the ship’s dining, entertainment and overall atmosphere.

Bliss remains one of the most highly rated ships in the fleet, with particularly strong feedback from cruisers sailing her scenic Alaska itineraries. The most common criticism tends to focus on some Alaska shore excursions, which a few guests feel don’t always get them as close to nature as experiences offered by some rival cruise lines.

One of the older ships in the NCL fleet, Norwegian Jewel, has long been a favourite with cruisers who prefer a more relaxed, adult-focused experience rather than a ship packed with family attractions.

That direction became even clearer during recent refurbishments, with the ship focusing more on bars, dining and entertainment rather than big headline thrills. The 2025 refurbishment helped freshen up many of the public spaces, keeping the ship feeling modern despite its age.

Guests continue to rate Norwegian Jewel highly for its live entertainment, including comedy and magic shows, along with the quality of the food. The ship is well-maintained and has a friendly, laid-back atmosphere that appeals to many cruisers.

After topping the rankings last year, Norwegian Jewel now sits in 3rd place. It may have slipped slightly, but it remains one of the best-rated ships in the NCL fleet.

Another of the popular mid-sized Jewel Class ships, Norwegian Pearl scores slightly lower than her sister the Norwegian Jewel but she is still very popular among cruise passengers. While she lacks some of the exciting features of the latest ships, she still packs plenty of fun, whether that’s the bowling alley or just the decor.

Norwegian Pearl also reviews really well from guests of the various themed cruises that take place on-board, often completely chartering the ship. But the number one recurring comment in the reviews is the service, which apparently is exceptional.

People often comment on how good the crew are on NCL ships but for some reason, Pearl’s staff get even more mentions than usual.

Norwegian Joy is one of the larger ships in the NCL fleet, and by the time she launched, it was clear the designers had really found their rhythm with this class of ship.

Guests often comment on the stylish décor and the “five-star hotel feel” onboard. There’s plenty to do, from entertainment to attractions, but the layout helps the ship avoid feeling overly crowded, even on busy sea days.

The ship also earns strong praise for its live entertainment. Norwegian Joy is the only ship at sea to feature a full production of Footloose, which has proved to be a big hit with guests.

An upgrade in 2024 helped keep the ship feeling fresh, and it continues to earn consistently positive reviews from cruisers who enjoy its balance of lively attractions and comfortable spaces to relax.

6. Norwegian Aqua

The newest ship in the NCL fleet, Norwegian Aqua, launched in March 2025 as the first ship in the slightly larger Prima Plus Class.

At first glance, she looks like a big step forward. The ship is around 10% larger than the earlier Prima ships, which means more space in key areas and room for some impressive new attractions. Highlights include the Aqua Slidecoaster, a hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide, the high-tech Glow Court sports arena, and an even wider range of restaurants, bars and entertainment.

But new doesn’t automatically mean better. While many guests love the modern design and headline attractions, early feedback suggests the overall experience hasn’t quite lived up to the hype yet.

For a brand-new ship, that’s still a strong debut… but not quite enough to take the crown.

Norwegian Jade is one of the smaller ships in the NCL fleet, but it still earns solid reviews from cruisers who enjoy a more relaxed and traditional cruise experience.

The ship benefited from its Norwegian Edge upgrades, which refreshed many of the public spaces and expanded the dining options, including popular venues like O’Sheehan’s. The updates helped give the ship a more modern feel while keeping the friendly, easygoing atmosphere that many guests enjoy.

However, the ship’s last refurbishment was in 2022, and compared with some of the newer ships in the fleet, it can feel a little more limited when it comes to big attractions.

It’s also not the best option for families with younger children, as there isn’t quite as much to keep them busy. That said, families travelling with teens often rate the ship well, with the Entourage teen club proving popular as a place for older kids to hang out away from the main crowds.

Norwegian Gem is very similar to the other ships in the Jewel Class, so it doesn’t have the big headline attractions you’ll find on some of NCL’s newer ships.

What it does offer is a comfortable mid-size cruise experience. The ship rarely feels overcrowded, and there’s enough onboard to keep both families and couples entertained throughout the cruise.

Where Norwegian Gem really stands out in reviews is the atmosphere onboard. Many guests mention the friendly, sociable vibe, with cruisers chatting easily and a real sense of community developing during the sailing.

It’s also a ship that inspires a lot of loyalty, with many passengers choosing to sail on Gem again after their first cruise.

Norwegian Encore is very similar to Norwegian Bliss, sharing much of the same design and many of the same attractions. On paper, the ships look almost identical, but small differences seem to matter when it comes to guest reviews.

Encore puts a little more focus on family-friendly attractions, with a larger go-kart racetrack and an expanded laser tag arena. However, this came at the expense of the Spice H2O adults-only area, which many cruisers really value on Bliss.

That trade-off appears to influence how guests rate the ship. While Encore still earns plenty of positive feedback and remains a popular choice, some cruisers say they miss having that extra adults-only space.

That said, there’s still plenty to love onboard, including standout dining venues like the exclusive Onda restaurant, along with the entertainment, dining and activities you’d expect from one of NCL’s newest ships.

Norwegian Getaway was the second ship in the Breakaway Class, and it remains a popular choice thanks to the wide range of entertainment and dining options on board.

There’s plenty to keep guests busy, with attractions aimed at all ages. However, it lacks the headline feature that later Breakaway Plus ships introduced in the form of the go-kart racetrack, which helps some of the newer ships stand out a little more.

Where Getaway really shines is the food. Many of the speciality restaurants receive excellent reviews, with Cagney’s Steakhouse frequently mentioned as a guest favourite.

The ship received a refurbishment in 2024, helping keep public spaces fresh and modern. Reviews suggest most guests love the onboard experience, although some feel the itineraries and shore excursions don’t always match the quality of what’s offered on the ship itself.

Although Norwegian Spirit joined the NCL fleet in 2004, the ship itself is actually the oldest in the fleet, having originally been built in 1998.

Despite her age, the ship doesn’t feel particularly dated thanks to attentive maintenance and upgrades, including a significant update in 2022. That said, she doesn’t have the big attractions found on many of NCL’s newer ships.

Instead, Norwegian Spirit wins guests over by getting the basics right. Reviews frequently praise the quality of the food, comfortable accommodation and friendly service, creating a relaxed and enjoyable onboard atmosphere.

The ship also tends to offer port-heavy itineraries, with fewer sea days than many other cruises. That means guests get to spend more time exploring destinations, which is a big reason why the ship has built up a loyal following of repeat cruisers.

Norwegian Sky is the smallest and one of the longest-serving ships in the NCL fleet, but it still earns solid reviews from guests who enjoy a lively, classic cruise experience.

You won’t find the huge attractions that newer ships offer, but that’s partly the point. Instead, the focus is on non-stop entertainment, with a packed schedule of shows, music and activities from the moment you step onboard until the final morning of the cruise.

That lively atmosphere fits perfectly with the ship’s shorter itineraries, as Norwegian Sky often specialises in 3- to 5-day cruises. Guests looking for a fun, social getaway tend to love it.

A refurbishment in 2024 helped freshen up parts of the ship, although the vessel’s age is still noticeable in places. Some reviewers mention smaller cabins and fewer attractions compared with newer NCL ships, but most say the friendly atmosphere, great food and lively entertainment more than make up for it.

Norwegian Sun, a sister ship to Norwegian Sky, was first launched in 2001, making it one of the older vessels in the NCL fleet. However, the ship has been kept in good condition thanks to a series of updates, including a major renovation in 2018 and another refurbishment in 2024.

It’s still not the most modern ship in the fleet, but reviews suggest it remains clean, comfortable and well maintained, without feeling overly worn or dated.

As one of the smaller ships, Norwegian Sun is often better suited to adults looking for a quieter, more relaxed cruise rather than families seeking big attractions. There’s no waterpark or large thrill rides, so the onboard experience is more traditional.

Where the ship really shines is its itineraries. Norwegian Sun often sails to destinations that newer ships don’t visit as frequently, including Asia and other more unusual routes, making it a great choice for cruisers who want to explore beyond the typical Caribbean or Mediterranean cruise.

Pride of America is one of the most unique ships in the cruise industry. It’s the only large cruise ship sailing under the US flag, which allows it to operate inter-island cruises around Hawaii without needing to visit a foreign port.

For most guests, the ship itself isn’t the main attraction. Instead, it’s all about the destination. The itineraries are designed to maximise time exploring Hawaii’s islands, often with long port stays and a wide range of excursions showcasing the spectacular scenery.

The ship itself is older, having launched in 2005, and that does show in some reviews. However, a refurbishment in 2025 refreshed several public spaces, updated some restaurants and lounges, and improved a number of staterooms to help keep the ship feeling comfortable.

Despite those updates, Pride of America has recorded the biggest drop in this year’s rankings, falling three places since 2025. Reviews suggest that while the Hawaii itinerary remains a huge draw, the ship itself can feel a little dated compared with NCL’s newer vessels.

Norwegian Viva launched in 2023 as the second ship in NCL’s Prima Class, designed to offer a more modern and premium cruise experience.

The ship stands out for its open deck spaces and contemporary design, with more outdoor areas than many earlier NCL ships. There was also a big focus on improving the onboard experience, including a higher staff-to-guest ratio intended to deliver quicker and more attentive service.

Despite the impressive design, reviews for Norwegian Viva have been more mixed than you might expect for such a new ship. While some guests love the modern feel and stylish spaces, others feel the experience doesn’t quite live up to the hype.

Interestingly, many of the criticisms aren’t really about the ship itself. Instead, reviews often focus on service levels and the number of extra charges onboard, which are issues sometimes raised across the cruise line more generally.

It may simply be that new ships attract more first-time cruisers, who tend to be more critical in reviews. Over time, as more guests sail on her, Norwegian Viva’s ratings could easily improve.

Norwegian Breakaway launched the Breakaway Class for NCL and was seen as a huge success at the time, which makes its lower ranking a little surprising. I actually cruised on this ship in 2014 and loved it. The waterslides are fantastic, although I didn’t get to try them all as I was pregnant at the time.

There’s still plenty to enjoy onboard. The ship has a great selection of dining venues, one of the most popular shows in the fleet with Burn The Floor, and lots of spaces for guests of all ages, including well-reviewed kids and teens clubs.

A refresh in 2025 helped keep the ship looking tidy and well-maintained, although the updates were mostly cosmetic rather than major changes.

Looking through the reviews, many of the criticisms are actually aimed at the cruise line overall rather than the ship itself. Guests mention things like port organisation, pre-cruise service, and the number of onboard extras that come with additional charges. Because of that, it does feel a little harsh that this feature-packed ship sits nearer the bottom of the rankings.

Norwegian Dawn is one of the quirkier ships in the NCL fleet. Built in 2002, she was designed during the early days of the cruise line’s Freestyle Cruising concept, following the same philosophy introduced with sister ship Norwegian Star.

In trying to offer plenty of choice with restaurants, bars and entertainment venues, the ship ended up with a layout that can feel a little confusing, with some guests mentioning it’s not always easy to find your way around.

That said, the ship still earns positive reviews for its fun, friendly atmosphere and relaxed vibe onboard. A refurbishment in 2024 helped refresh several areas of the ship and keep things looking comfortable.

Norwegian Dawn tends to appeal most to cruisers who enjoy a classic cruise ship feel, but still want the flexibility and variety that comes with NCL’s Freestyle Cruising style.

It’s interesting to compare the early reviews of Norwegian Epic when she first launched with the feedback from guests today.

Let’s start with the positives. Norwegian Epic is a ship that really does offer something for everyone. There’s a huge amount of entertainment, fun attractions like waterslides and the climbing wall, and a wide range of restaurants. That mix makes the ship popular with both couples and families.

The ship also received a refurbishment in 2025, helping refresh some areas and keep the onboard spaces looking presentable.

However, reviews suggest the ship can still feel quite crowded, and some guests mention that service and overall standards aren’t quite as strong as they once were. Complaints often focus on slower dining service, cabins that feel a little dated, and some venues occasionally being closed.

Since Norwegian Epic launched in 2010, it inevitably feels older when compared with the newer Breakaway and Prima Class ships, which offer more modern layouts and attractions.

Norwegian Star was one of the first ships designed around NCL’s Freestyle Cruising concept, and it still reflects that idea today. There’s a wide choice of dining and entertainment, along with a relaxed atmosphere that feels very different from the more formal style of traditional cruising.

However, the ship’s layout can feel a little awkward, with some reviewers mentioning that it’s easy to take the wrong staircase or elevator when trying to get around. It’s not a major issue, but it’s something that guests do comment on.

Norwegian Star was last refurbished in 2021, which means it’s now starting to fall behind some of the newer ships in the fleet that have received more recent updates.

Even so, guests still say the ship delivers a fun and friendly cruise experience, with good service and plenty of choice onboard, even if it lacks the standout attractions you’ll find on NCL’s newer vessels.

Norwegian Prima launched in 2022 as the first ship in NCL’s Prima Class, designed to feel more premium than the cruise line’s earlier vessels.

The ship is slightly smaller than the Breakaway Plus ships, which helps it feel less crowded and more spacious. That layout works well with the ship’s modern, minimalist design, giving it a noticeably more upscale feel compared with much of the fleet.

There’s still plenty to do onboard too. Guests often mention attractions such as the VR gaming experiences, go-kart track and wide range of restaurants, although many of those experiences come with an extra charge.

Despite the impressive design and attractions, reviews remain surprisingly mixed. Many guests say the ship looks fantastic, but some feel the overall experience doesn’t quite match the expectations created by the sleek new design.

Based on current guest feedback, Norwegian Prima sits at the bottom of the rankings, showing that even the newest and most innovative ships don’t always receive the best reviews from cruisers.

Choosing the Best NCL Ship for Your Cruise

There’s no single answer for which is the best NCL ship. It depends on you, your preference for cruising style, and who you’re sailing with. While NCL pitches itself as a family-friendly cruise line, the newer ships definitely have a lot more to do onboard, and are more about the at-sea experience.

Older ships are smaller, quieter and more relaxed but they still have a fun vibe – great for young couples who want to let their hair down.

Read more: NCL Ships By Age & Size

The Best NCL Ship Classes

The best NCL ship classes, based purely on customer reviews, are the Jewel Class and the Breakaway Plus Class.

The Jewel Class is really popular, despite the ships all being a little older. They’re not huge, but they have a lot of features and a lot of loyal NCL fans love them.

The Breakaway Plus ships are the biggest ships in the fleet and are absolutely packed with dining venues and things to see and do onboard, so it’s not a huge surprise they’re popular.

They’re much preferred over the Breakaway Class ships, though those are still significantly better than the Norwegian Epic or the newest Prima-class ships.

The Epic gets a lot of flak for its layout and room designs, while the newest ships just aren’t doing enough to win over guests who are getting more frustrated with all the extra costs, or the slipping service standards.

It’ll be interesting to see whether the future classes – Prima Plus and a brand-new class – will improve on the scores of some of the newer ships or not.

The Bottom Line

There’s quite a clear distinction between the ships NCL has launched since Norwegian Epic, and those before, when you look at the Norwegian Cruise Line reviews.

Norwegian Cruise Line now adds a lot more family entertainment and unique features to their ships, and while older ships have great dining venues and live shows they feel more like a modern take on classical cruising experiences.

If you’re sailing with a family, you’ll have more fun on the newer ships, but the smaller ships offer some of the best itineraries too. 

Just be prepared for the extra charges across the entire fleet – a lot of reviewers weren’t happy with the costs they incurred during their cruise, no matter which ship they sailed on. It might be worth booking an NCL drinks package at least, so that you don’t get charged for every drink you order.

P.S. If you’ve enjoyed seeing the Norwegian ships ranked, and you’re interested in other cruise lines too, then check out the guides that I also have for the Best and Worst Royal Caribbean Ships and also the Best and Worst Carnival Ships.

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