Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Escape
- Cruises
- 15
- From
- $329
Ship comparison
Norwegian Escape vs Norwegian Joy
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Joy
- Cruises
- 54
- From
- $284
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Norwegian Escape is a mega Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 4,248 passengers, in service since 2014. Norwegian Joy is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 3,900 passengers, in service since 2017.
Choose Norwegian Escape if you want a more family-friendly ship, more of a party or better-rated entertainment: it outscores Norwegian Joy for family friendly (10.0 vs 7.0), party (10.0 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, more culture or more cruises to choose from: it outscores Norwegian Escape for adventure & nature (10.0 vs 3.0) and cultural (6.0 vs 4.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and it has 54 cruises on sale (vs 15).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Norwegian Escape | Norwegian Joy | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Ship size | Mega | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2014 | 2017 (better) |
| Gross tonnage | 164,600 | 163,000 |
| Passengers | 4,248 | 3,900 |
| Crew | 1,651 | 1,730 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.6 | 2.3 (better) |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 38.7 | 41.8 (better) |
| Decks | 20 | 18 |
| Length | 1,065 ft | 1,069 ft |
| Beam | 136 ft | 136 ft |
| Speed | 26 mph | 26 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 9 / 10 | 9 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 15 | 54 |
| Upcoming sailings | 116 | 106 |
| Cruise lengths | 3–16 nights | 3–17 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $329 | $284 (better) |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Norwegian Escape 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 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.
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 Escape or Norwegian Joy?
Which is bigger, Norwegian Escape or Norwegian Joy?
Norwegian Escape is bigger at 164,600 gross tons, against 163,000 gross tons for Norwegian Joy. Norwegian Escape carries 4,248 passengers and Norwegian Joy carries 3,900.
Which ship is newer, Norwegian Escape or Norwegian Joy?
Norwegian Joy is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2017 against 2014 for Norwegian Escape.
Which has more space per passenger?
Norwegian Joy, with 41.8 gross tons per passenger against 38.7 on Norwegian Escape. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
Norwegian Joy, 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 7.0 for Norwegian Joy.
Still deciding?
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