Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Aqua
- Cruises
- 15
- From
- $299
Ship comparison
Norwegian Aqua vs Norwegian Breakaway
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Breakaway
- Cruises
- 26
- From
- $439
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Norwegian Aqua is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 3,571 passengers, in service since 2025. Norwegian Breakaway is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 3,959 passengers, in service since 2013.
Choose Norwegian Aqua if you want a newer ship, more adventure and nature or a more family-friendly ship: it outscores Norwegian Breakaway for adventure & nature (5.0 vs 3.0) and family friendly (8.0 vs 7.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its maiden voyage was in 2025 (vs 2013).
Choose Norwegian Breakaway if you want more of a party, a better-rated spa and gym or a more active cruise: it outscores Norwegian Aqua for party (10.0 vs 2.0), spa & fitness (8.0 vs 7.0) and active (8.0 vs 7.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Norwegian Aqua | Norwegian Breakaway | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2025 (better) | 2013 |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | — | 2018 |
| Gross tonnage | 142,500 | 144,017 |
| Passengers | 3,571 | 3,959 |
| Crew | 1,388 | 1,595 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.6 | 2.5 (better) |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 39.9 (better) | 36.4 |
| Decks | 20 | 18 |
| Length | 962 ft | 1,062 ft |
| Beam | 133 ft | 170 ft |
| Speed | 28 mph | 25 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 9 / 10 (better) | 8 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 15 | 26 |
| Upcoming sailings | 139 | 118 |
| Cruise lengths | 2–7 nights | 4–14 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $299 (better) | $439 |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Norwegian Aqua leads on 5 of the ten, Norwegian Breakaway on 5.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Aqua
Norwegian Aqua is Norwegian Cruise Line’s next-generation Prima Plus class ship — a more family-friendly evolution of Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva ... and 10% larger in size and capacity.
Sailing now
15 cruises on sale, from $299.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Breakaway
They call Norwegian Breakaway New York's cruise ship, and it's clear why once you arrive at the port and see the Statue of Liberty painted on the hull. The original work of art is by Peter Max, and the renowned artist did a great job setting the tone for the Big Apple's year-round cruise ship from Norwegian Cruise Line.
Highlights
- The Aqua Park with two pools and four whirlpools
- Adventure seekers will enjoy the five waterslides
- Adults-only areas for those seeking peace and quiet
- Famed New York City celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian brings his restaurant to sea
Sailing now
26 cruises on sale, from $439.
About Norwegian Breakaway Plan my cruise on Norwegian Breakaway
Questions
Norwegian Aqua or Norwegian Breakaway?
Which is bigger, Norwegian Aqua or Norwegian Breakaway?
Norwegian Breakaway is bigger at 144,017 gross tons, against 142,500 gross tons for Norwegian Aqua. Norwegian Aqua carries 3,571 passengers and Norwegian Breakaway carries 3,959.
Which ship is newer, Norwegian Aqua or Norwegian Breakaway?
Norwegian Aqua is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2025 against 2013 for Norwegian Breakaway.
Which has more space per passenger?
Norwegian Aqua, with 39.9 gross tons per passenger against 36.4 on Norwegian Breakaway. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
Norwegian Breakaway, with one crew member for every 2.5 passengers against one for every 2.6 on Norwegian Aqua.
Which is better for families?
Norwegian Aqua scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 8.0 out of 10, against 7.0 for Norwegian Breakaway.
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