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Ship comparison

Carnival Panorama vs Norwegian Epic

The verdict

Which should you choose?

Carnival Panorama is a mega Carnival Cruise Line ship carrying 4,008 passengers, in service since 2019. Norwegian Epic is a mega Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 4,100 passengers, in service since 2009.

Choose Carnival Panorama if you want a newer ship, a lower starting fare or a more family-friendly ship: it outscores Norwegian Epic for family friendly (10.0 vs 9.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores, its maiden voyage was in 2019 (vs 2009) and its cruises start from $280 (vs $509).

Choose Norwegian Epic if you want better-rated entertainment, a better-rated spa and gym or a more romantic trip: it outscores Carnival Panorama for entertainment (10.0 vs 8.0), spa & fitness (8.0 vs 7.0) and romantic (7.0 vs 6.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.

Side by side

Specifications

marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.

Carnival PanoramaNorwegian Epic
Cruise line Carnival Cruise Line Norwegian Cruise Line
Ship size Mega Mega
Maiden voyagenewer highlighted 2019 (better) 2009
Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted 2021
Gross tonnage 133,500 155,873
Passengers 4,008 4,100
Crew 1,450 1,753
Passengers per crew memberfewer is better 2.8 2.3 (better)
Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier 33.3 38.0 (better)
Decks 15 19
Length 1,055 ft 1,080 ft
Beam 122 ft 133 ft
Speed 21 mph 25 mph
Cruiseable ratingout of 10 9 / 10 (better) 8 / 10
Cruises on sale 4 36
Upcoming sailings 137 97
Cruise lengths 3–8 nights 4–14 nights
Fares fromlower highlighted $280 (better) $509

Bliss scores

How they rate, out of 10

Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Carnival Panorama leads on 2 of the ten, Norwegian Epic on 5, with 3 level.

  • Active Carnival Panorama: 7.0 Norwegian Epic: 7.0
  • Adventure & nature Carnival Panorama: 5.0 Norwegian Epic: 5.0
  • Cultural Carnival Panorama: 5.0 Norwegian Epic: 4.0
  • Dining Carnival Panorama: 6.0 Norwegian Epic: 6.2
  • Entertainment Carnival Panorama: 8.0 Norwegian Epic: 10.0
  • Family friendly Carnival Panorama: 10.0 Norwegian Epic: 9.0
  • Party Carnival Panorama: 10.0 Norwegian Epic: 10.0
  • Romantic Carnival Panorama: 6.0 Norwegian Epic: 7.0
  • Spa & fitness Carnival Panorama: 7.0 Norwegian Epic: 8.0
  • Staterooms Carnival Panorama: 7.0 Norwegian Epic: 8.0

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Panorama

The 4,008-passenger Carnival Panorama cruises from Long Beach, Calif. to all your favorite ports on the Pacific coast of Mexico. Fish in Cabo San Lucas, have a beach day in Mazatlan, or have a family Eco Adventure in Puerto Vallarta. Fill your schedule with all the things you love to do.

Sailing now

4 cruises on sale, from $280.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Epic

While other cruise lines focus on set itineraries while on board, Norwegian Cruise Line takes the view that everyone has different needs and interests and aims to provide as much choice and as many options as possible. They embrace the concept of choice and build it into every aspect of the onboard offering.

Highlights

  • Water parks with three thrill rides are available for all ages, and there is now a SplashGolf experience in the Kids Aqua Park.
  • For solo travelers, there is a dedicated area with private access and a lounge.
  • The Haven offers a premium suites area with their own deck, concierge and spa access.
  • Brand name entertainment shows include the “Burn the Floor” dance show and the Broadway show "Priscilla Queen of the Desert."

Sailing now

36 cruises on sale, from $509.

Questions

Carnival Panorama or Norwegian Epic?

Which is bigger, Carnival Panorama or Norwegian Epic?

Norwegian Epic is bigger at 155,873 gross tons, against 133,500 gross tons for Carnival Panorama. Carnival Panorama carries 4,008 passengers and Norwegian Epic carries 4,100.

Which ship is newer, Carnival Panorama or Norwegian Epic?

Carnival Panorama is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2019 against 2009 for Norwegian Epic.

Which has more space per passenger?

Norwegian Epic, with 38.0 gross tons per passenger against 33.3 on Carnival Panorama. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.

Which has more crew per passenger?

Norwegian Epic, with one crew member for every 2.3 passengers against one for every 2.8 on Carnival Panorama.

Which is better for families?

Carnival Panorama scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 10.0 out of 10, against 9.0 for Norwegian Epic.

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