Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Epic
- Cruises
- 35
- From
- $389
Ship comparison
Norwegian Epic vs Ovation of the Seas
Royal Caribbean
Ovation of the Seas
- Cruises
- 25
- From
- $209
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Norwegian Epic is a mega Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 4,100 passengers, in service since 2010. Ovation of the Seas is a mega Royal Caribbean ship carrying 4,180 passengers, in service since 2016.
Choose Norwegian Epic if you want more of a party, a better-rated spa and gym or a more family-friendly ship: it outscores Ovation of the Seas for party (10.0 vs 6.0), spa & fitness (8.0 vs 6.6) and family friendly (9.0 vs 8.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Choose Ovation of the Seas if you want more culture, a lower starting fare or a more active cruise: it outscores Norwegian Epic for cultural (7.0 vs 4.0) and active (8.0 vs 7.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its cruises start from $209 (vs $389).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Norwegian Epic | Ovation of the Seas | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Royal Caribbean |
| Ship size | Mega | Mega |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2010 | 2016 (better) |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | 2021 | — |
| Gross tonnage | 155,873 | 168,666 |
| Passengers | 4,100 | 4,180 |
| Crew | 1,753 | 1,500 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.3 (better) | 2.8 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 38.0 | 40.4 (better) |
| Decks | 19 | 16 |
| Length | 1,080 ft | 1,141 ft |
| Beam | 133 ft | 136 ft |
| Speed | 25 mph | 25 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 8 / 10 | 9 / 10 (better) |
| Cruises on sale | 35 | 25 |
| Upcoming sailings | 90 | 142 |
| Cruise lengths | 4 to 14 nights | 3 to 25 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $389 | $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 5 of the ten, Ovation of the Seas on 4, with 1 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
35 cruises on sale, from $389.
Royal Caribbean
Ovation of the Seas
Ovation of the Seas, the third ship of the Quantum class from Royal Caribbean, launched in 2016 and sails in the Pacific (out of its home port in Sydney) as well as Alaska.
Highlights
- RipCord by iFLY, the first skydiving experience at sea
- Adults-only Solarium pool, a glass-canopied retreat
- Lots of gaming options in Casino Royale
Sailing now
25 cruises on sale, from $209.
About Ovation of the Seas Plan my cruise on Ovation of the Seas
Questions
Norwegian Epic or Ovation of the Seas?
Which is bigger, Norwegian Epic or Ovation of the Seas?
Ovation of the Seas is bigger at 168,666 gross tons, against 155,873 gross tons for Norwegian Epic. Norwegian Epic carries 4,100 passengers and Ovation of the Seas carries 4,180.
Which ship is newer, Norwegian Epic or Ovation of the Seas?
Ovation of the Seas is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2016 against 2010 for Norwegian Epic.
Which has more space per passenger?
Ovation of the Seas, with 40.4 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 2.8 on Ovation of the Seas.
Which is better for families?
Norwegian Epic scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 9.0 out of 10, against 8.0 for Ovation of the Seas.
Still deciding?
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