Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Epic
- Cruises
- 36
- From
- $509
Ship comparison
Norwegian Epic vs Norwegian Joy
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Joy
- Cruises
- 54
- From
- $284
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Norwegian Epic is a mega Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 4,100 passengers, in service since 2009. Norwegian Joy is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 3,900 passengers, in service since 2017.
Choose Norwegian Epic if you want more of a party, a more family-friendly ship or better-rated entertainment: it outscores Norwegian Joy 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.
Choose Norwegian Joy 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.
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Norwegian Epic | Norwegian Joy | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Ship size | Mega | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2009 | 2017 (better) |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | 2021 | — |
| Gross tonnage | 155,873 | 163,000 |
| Passengers | 4,100 | 3,900 |
| Crew | 1,753 | 1,730 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.3 | 2.3 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 38.0 | 41.8 (better) |
| Decks | 19 | 18 |
| Length | 1,080 ft | 1,069 ft |
| Beam | 133 ft | 136 ft |
| Speed | 25 mph | 26 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 8 / 10 | 9 / 10 (better) |
| Cruises on sale | 36 | 54 |
| Upcoming sailings | 97 | 106 |
| Cruise lengths | 4–14 nights | 3–17 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $509 | $284 (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 Joy on 4, with 3 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 Joy
Launched in April 2017, Norwegian Joy is one of the most innovative and technologically advanced ships to date from Norwegian Cruise Line.
Sailing now
54 cruises on sale, from $284.
Questions
Norwegian Epic or Norwegian Joy?
Which is bigger, Norwegian Epic or Norwegian Joy?
Norwegian Joy is bigger at 163,000 gross tons, against 155,873 gross tons for Norwegian Epic. Norwegian Epic carries 4,100 passengers and Norwegian Joy carries 3,900.
Which ship is newer, Norwegian Epic or Norwegian Joy?
Norwegian Joy is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2017 against 2009 for Norwegian Epic.
Which has more space per passenger?
Norwegian Joy, with 41.8 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?
They are level, with one crew member for every 2.3 passengers.
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 Joy.
Still deciding?
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