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Ship comparison

Norwegian Bliss vs Norwegian Epic

The verdict

Which should you choose?

Norwegian Bliss is a mega Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 4,000 passengers, in service since 2018. Norwegian Epic is a mega Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 4,100 passengers, in service since 2009.

Choose Norwegian Bliss if you want more adventure and nature, a more active cruise or more culture: it outscores Norwegian Epic for adventure & nature (10.0 vs 5.0), active (10.0 vs 7.0) and cultural (6.0 vs 4.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.

Choose Norwegian Epic if you want more of a party, a more family-friendly ship or better-rated entertainment: it outscores Norwegian Bliss for party (10.0 vs 7.0), family friendly (9.0 vs 7.0) and entertainment (10.0 vs 8.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.

Side by side

Specifications

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

Norwegian BlissNorwegian Epic
Cruise line Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Cruise Line
Ship size Mega Mega
Maiden voyagenewer highlighted 2018 (better) 2009
Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted 2021
Gross tonnage 167,800 155,873
Passengers 4,000 4,100
Crew 2,100 1,753
Passengers per crew memberfewer is better 1.9 (better) 2.3
Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier 42.0 (better) 38.0
Decks 20 19
Length 1,069 ft 1,080 ft
Beam 136 ft 133 ft
Speed 26 mph 25 mph
Cruiseable ratingout of 10 9 / 10 (better) 8 / 10
Cruises on sale 26 36
Upcoming sailings 91 97
Cruise lengths 5–22 nights 4–14 nights
Fares fromlower highlighted $799 $509 (better)

Bliss scores

How they rate, out of 10

Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Norwegian Bliss leads on 4 of the ten, Norwegian Epic on 4, with 2 level.

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

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Bliss

The first ship from Norwegian Cruise Line built specifically for Alaska cruises, Norwegian Bliss began seasonal sailings to Alaska in June 2018, and offers itineraries that call on the Mexican Riviera and Bermuda in the fall and winter.

Sailing now

26 cruises on sale, from $799.

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

Norwegian Bliss or Norwegian Epic?

Which is bigger, Norwegian Bliss or Norwegian Epic?

Norwegian Bliss is bigger at 167,800 gross tons, against 155,873 gross tons for Norwegian Epic. Norwegian Bliss carries 4,000 passengers and Norwegian Epic carries 4,100.

Which ship is newer, Norwegian Bliss or Norwegian Epic?

Norwegian Bliss is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2018 against 2009 for Norwegian Epic.

Which has more space per passenger?

Norwegian Bliss, with 42.0 gross tons per passenger against 38.0 on Norwegian Epic. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.

Which has more crew per passenger?

Norwegian Bliss, with one crew member for every 1.9 passengers against one for every 2.3 on Norwegian Epic.

Which is better for families?

Norwegian Epic scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 9.0 out of 10, against 7.0 for Norwegian Bliss.

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