Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Escape
- Cruises
- 12
- From
- $279
Ship comparison
Norwegian Escape vs Oasis of the Seas
Royal Caribbean
Oasis of the Seas
- Cruises
- 18
- From
- $288
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Norwegian Escape is a mega Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 4,248 passengers, in service since 2015. Oasis of the Seas is a mega Royal Caribbean ship carrying 5,400 passengers, in service since 2009.
Choose Norwegian Escape if you want more culture or a newer ship: it outscores Oasis of the Seas for cultural (4.0 vs 2.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its maiden voyage was in 2015 (vs 2009).
Oasis of the Seas does not lead by a clear margin on any measure we track, so pick it for its itinerary or its dates.
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Norwegian Escape | Oasis of the Seas | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Royal Caribbean |
| Ship size | Mega | Mega |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2015 (better) | 2009 |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | — | 2019 |
| Gross tonnage | 164,600 | 225,282 |
| Passengers | 4,248 | 5,400 |
| Crew | 1,651 | 2,394 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.6 | 2.3 (better) |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 38.7 | 41.7 (better) |
| Decks | 20 | 16 |
| Length | 1,065 ft | 1,187 ft |
| Beam | 136 ft | 198 ft |
| Speed | 26 mph | 26 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 9 / 10 | 9 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 12 | 18 |
| Upcoming sailings | 113 | 115 |
| Cruise lengths | 3 to 9 nights | 3 to 9 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $279 (better) | $288 |
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, Oasis of the Seas on 1, with 6 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
12 cruises on sale, from $279.
Royal Caribbean
Oasis of the Seas
Up until 2016 when Harmony of the Seas took the title, Oasis of the Seas and her sister Allure of the Seas shared the title of World's Largest Cruise Ship. When it entered service, Oasis caused a lot of buzz, with her thoughtful design and massive size.
Highlights
- Chose to stay and play in seven distinct neighborhoods built for ultimate enjoyment.
- Central Park neighborhood is the first-ever park at sea, with 12,175 plants, 62 vine plants, 56 trees and bamboo.
- The only original, handcrafted carousel at sea is the centerpiece of the unique Boardwalk neighborhood.
- Try the first zip line on a cruise ship, a thrilling 82 feet ride (25 meters), in the Sports Zone, suspended nine decks above the Boardwalk.
Sailing now
18 cruises on sale, from $288.
Questions
Norwegian Escape or Oasis of the Seas?
Which is bigger, Norwegian Escape or Oasis of the Seas?
Oasis of the Seas is bigger at 225,282 gross tons, against 164,600 gross tons for Norwegian Escape. Norwegian Escape carries 4,248 passengers and Oasis of the Seas carries 5,400.
Which ship is newer, Norwegian Escape or Oasis of the Seas?
Norwegian Escape is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2015 against 2009 for Oasis of the Seas.
Which has more space per passenger?
Oasis of the Seas, with 41.7 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?
Oasis of the Seas, with one crew member for every 2.3 passengers against one for every 2.6 on Norwegian Escape.
Which is better for families?
They score the same for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 10.0 out of 10.
Still deciding?
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