The back story
Fleet: 20 ships sailing, plus Norwegian Aura (2027) and Norwegian Bella (2028) (ncl.com, Oct 2026) · Guests per ship: 1,878 (Norwegian Sun) to 4,218 (Norwegian Escape), capacity as listed by ncl.com · Newest ships: Norwegian Luna (2026), Norwegian Aqua; Norwegian Aura 2027 and Bella 2028 · Private island: Great Stirrup Cay, the Bahamas, with Great Tides Waterpark · Kids’ clubs: Splash Academy (3–12) and Entourage (teens), complimentary, while the ship is sailing (ncl.com) · Sails to: The Caribbean and the Bahamas, Alaska, Hawaii, Europe and beyond (ncl.com)
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The back story
Norwegian Cruise Line·In depth
A Norwegian ship owner, one ship out of Miami in 1966, and the idea that you should eat when and where you like.
The fleet
Who it suits. On a budget: An inside or Studio cabin for solo travellers on an older ship such as Norwegian Gem or Jewel, eating in the complimentary restaurants and buffet. Mid-range: A balcony on a Prima-class ship with the line’s package offer, which bundles a drinks package, specialty dinners, Wi-Fi and excursion credit. Luxury: The Haven: a keycard-only enclave with its own restaurant, lounge, sundeck and a 24-hour butler, with Garden Villas of up to 454 m² on some ships.
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2026 · 3,565 guests
Norwegian Cruise Line·Ocean ship · Prima Plus class·€€
The line’s new ship, with the Aqua Slidecoaster, Infinity Beach and ELTON: A Celebration of Elton John.
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First Prima Plus ship
Norwegian Cruise Line·Ocean ship · Prima Plus class·€€
The first Prima Plus ship: more outdoor space, an infinity-edge pool and the Aqua Slidecoaster.
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2022 and 2023 · 3,195 guests each
Norwegian Cruise Line·Ocean ships · Prima class·€€
The two ships that introduced the Prima look: Ocean Boulevard, the Indulge Food Hall and the Waterfront.
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Aura 2027 · Bella 2028
Norwegian Cruise Line·Ocean ships · new builds·€€
The biggest ships Norwegian has built: Aura in 2027 and Bella in 2028, around the three-storey Ocean Heights complex.
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3,776–4,218 guests
Norwegian Cruise Line·Ocean ships·€
Norwegian Bliss, Breakaway, Encore, Epic, Escape, Getaway and Joy: the large ships for Alaska, the Caribbean and Europe.
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1,878–2,388 guests
Norwegian Cruise Line·Ocean ships·€
Norwegian Dawn, Gem, Jade, Jewel, Pearl, Spirit, Star and Sun: smaller ships for longer, port-rich voyages.
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2005 · 2,180 guests
Norwegian Cruise Line·Ocean ship · Hawaii·€€
The ship home-ported in Honolulu all year, sailing a seven-day loop of four Hawaiian islands with two overnights.
