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Ship comparison

Norwegian Epic vs Norwegian Getaway

The verdict

Which should you choose?

Norwegian Epic is a mega Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 4,100 passengers, in service since 2009. Norwegian Getaway is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 3,969 passengers, in service since 2014.

Choose Norwegian Epic if you want more adventure and nature or better-rated entertainment: it outscores Norwegian Getaway for adventure & nature (5.0 vs 3.0) and entertainment (10.0 vs 8.8) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.

Choose Norwegian Getaway if you want a lower starting fare, a more active cruise or a more family-friendly ship: it outscores Norwegian Epic for active (8.0 vs 7.0) and family friendly (10.0 vs 9.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its cruises start from $209 (vs $509).

Side by side

Specifications

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

Norwegian EpicNorwegian Getaway
Cruise line Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Cruise Line
Ship size Mega Large
Maiden voyagenewer highlighted 2009 2014 (better)
Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted 2021
Gross tonnage 155,873 145,655
Passengers 4,100 3,969
Crew 1,753 1,640
Passengers per crew memberfewer is better 2.3 (better) 2.4
Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier 38.0 (better) 36.7
Decks 19 14
Length 1,080 ft 1,068 ft
Beam 133 ft 170 ft
Speed 25 mph 25 mph
Cruiseable ratingout of 10 8 / 10 9 / 10 (better)
Cruises on sale 36 34
Upcoming sailings 97 143
Cruise lengths 4–14 nights 2–16 nights
Fares fromlower highlighted $509 $209 (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 2 of the ten, Norwegian Getaway on 4, with 4 level.

  • Active Norwegian Epic: 7.0 Norwegian Getaway: 8.0
  • Adventure & nature Norwegian Epic: 5.0 Norwegian Getaway: 3.0
  • Cultural Norwegian Epic: 4.0 Norwegian Getaway: 4.0
  • Dining Norwegian Epic: 6.2 Norwegian Getaway: 6.6
  • Entertainment Norwegian Epic: 10.0 Norwegian Getaway: 8.8
  • Family friendly Norwegian Epic: 9.0 Norwegian Getaway: 10.0
  • Party Norwegian Epic: 10.0 Norwegian Getaway: 10.0
  • Romantic Norwegian Epic: 7.0 Norwegian Getaway: 8.0
  • Spa & fitness Norwegian Epic: 8.0 Norwegian Getaway: 8.0
  • Staterooms Norwegian Epic: 8.0 Norwegian Getaway: 8.0

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 Getaway

Norwegian Getaway joined the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet as the second Breakaway class vessel in early 2014. The ship has capacity for 4,000 passengers (double occupancy) and a total of 1,024 staterooms and 238 suites. The striking mural of a mermaid on the hull of the ship? Created by Miami-based Cuban-American artist David Le Batard.

Highlights

  • 28 dining options that include Freestyle dining and alternative venues
  • Watch Illusionarium, a surreal magical experience and seven-time Tony Award-nominated musical Legally Blonde
  • Five water slides.
  • Three levels of action-packed activities in the sports complex.

Sailing now

34 cruises on sale, from $209.

Questions

Norwegian Epic or Norwegian Getaway?

Which is bigger, Norwegian Epic or Norwegian Getaway?

Norwegian Epic is bigger at 155,873 gross tons, against 145,655 gross tons for Norwegian Getaway. Norwegian Epic carries 4,100 passengers and Norwegian Getaway carries 3,969.

Which ship is newer, Norwegian Epic or Norwegian Getaway?

Norwegian Getaway is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2014 against 2009 for Norwegian Epic.

Which has more space per passenger?

Norwegian Epic, with 38.0 gross tons per passenger against 36.7 on Norwegian Getaway. 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 2.4 on Norwegian Getaway.

Which is better for families?

Norwegian Getaway 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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