Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Epic
- Cruises
- 36
- From
- $509
Ship comparison
Norwegian Epic vs Norwegian Escape
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Escape
- Cruises
- 15
- From
- $329
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Norwegian Epic is a mega Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 4,100 passengers, in service since 2009. Norwegian Escape is a mega Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 4,248 passengers, in service since 2014.
Choose Norwegian Epic if you want more adventure and nature or more cruises to choose from: it outscores Norwegian Escape for adventure & nature (5.0 vs 3.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and it has 36 cruises on sale (vs 15).
Choose Norwegian Escape if you want a more active cruise, a lower starting fare or a more family-friendly ship: it outscores Norwegian Epic for active (10.0 vs 7.0) and family friendly (10.0 vs 9.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its cruises start from $329 (vs $509).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Norwegian Epic | Norwegian Escape | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Ship size | Mega | Mega |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2009 | 2014 (better) |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | 2021 | — |
| Gross tonnage | 155,873 | 164,600 |
| Passengers | 4,100 | 4,248 |
| Crew | 1,753 | 1,651 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.3 (better) | 2.6 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 38.0 | 38.7 (better) |
| Decks | 19 | 20 |
| Length | 1,080 ft | 1,065 ft |
| Beam | 133 ft | 136 ft |
| Speed | 25 mph | 26 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 8 / 10 | 9 / 10 (better) |
| Cruises on sale | 36 | 15 |
| Upcoming sailings | 97 | 116 |
| Cruise lengths | 4–14 nights | 3–16 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $509 | $329 (better) |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Norwegian Epic leads on 3 of the ten, Norwegian Escape on 3, with 4 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
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.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Escape
The 4,200-guest Norwegian Escape from Norwegian Cruise Line is a premium ship with an upscale-ship flair, but make no mistake — at the core of the ship is an informal, easygoing “have fun at your own pace” attitude.
Highlights
- Bayamo – Iron Chef Jose Garces’ first restaurant at sea
- A three-story ropes course – fun for all ages
- The only Margaritaville at sea.
Sailing now
15 cruises on sale, from $329.
Questions
Norwegian Epic or Norwegian Escape?
Which is bigger, Norwegian Epic or Norwegian Escape?
Norwegian Escape is bigger at 164,600 gross tons, against 155,873 gross tons for Norwegian Epic. Norwegian Epic carries 4,100 passengers and Norwegian Escape carries 4,248.
Which ship is newer, Norwegian Epic or Norwegian Escape?
Norwegian Escape is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2014 against 2009 for Norwegian Epic.
Which has more space per passenger?
Norwegian Escape, with 38.7 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 Epic, with one crew member for every 2.3 passengers against one for every 2.6 on Norwegian Escape.
Which is better for families?
Norwegian Escape scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 10.0 out of 10, against 9.0 for Norwegian Epic.
Still deciding?
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