Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Escape
- Cruises
- 12
- From
- $279
Ship comparison
Norwegian Escape vs Odyssey of the Seas
Royal Caribbean
Odyssey of the Seas
- Cruises
- 13
- From
- $803
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Norwegian Escape is a mega Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 4,248 passengers, in service since 2015. Odyssey of the Seas is a mega Royal Caribbean ship carrying 4,198 passengers, in service since 2021.
Choose Norwegian Escape if you want a more romantic trip, a lower starting fare or more of a party: it outscores Odyssey of the Seas for romantic (6.6 vs 4.0) and party (10.0 vs 8.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its cruises start from $279 (vs $803).
Choose Odyssey of the Seas if you want more adventure and nature, a newer ship or more culture: it outscores Norwegian Escape for adventure & nature (5.0 vs 3.0) and cultural (5.0 vs 4.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its maiden voyage was in 2021 (vs 2015).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Norwegian Escape | Odyssey of the Seas | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Norwegian Cruise Line | Royal Caribbean |
| Ship size | Mega | Mega |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2015 | 2021 (better) |
| Gross tonnage | 164,600 | 169,000 |
| Passengers | 4,248 | 4,198 |
| Crew | 1,651 | 1,550 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.6 (better) | 2.7 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 38.7 | 40.3 (better) |
| Decks | 20 | 16 |
| Length | 1,065 ft | 1,138 ft |
| Beam | 136 ft | 135 ft |
| Speed | 26 mph | 25 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 9 / 10 | 9 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 12 | 13 |
| Upcoming sailings | 113 | 96 |
| Cruise lengths | 3 to 9 nights | 7 to 14 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $279 (better) | $803 |
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 5 of the ten, Odyssey of the Seas on 2, 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
12 cruises on sale, from $279.
Royal Caribbean
Odyssey of the Seas
Odyssey of the Seas launched in July 2021 as the first Quantum Ultra Class cruise ship to sail in the United States, offering cruises to the Caribbean followed by Mediterranean voyages in 2022.
Highlights
- Reimagined SeaPlex with large VR and AR playground
- Two-level pool deck
- FlowRider, RipCord by iFly, SkyPad bungee trampoline experience and North Star all on top deck
- Want some peace and serenity? Head to Solarium, the adults-only area.
Sailing now
13 cruises on sale, from $803.
About Odyssey of the Seas Plan my cruise on Odyssey of the Seas
Questions
Norwegian Escape or Odyssey of the Seas?
Which is bigger, Norwegian Escape or Odyssey of the Seas?
Odyssey of the Seas is bigger at 169,000 gross tons, against 164,600 gross tons for Norwegian Escape. Norwegian Escape carries 4,248 passengers and Odyssey of the Seas carries 4,198.
Which ship is newer, Norwegian Escape or Odyssey of the Seas?
Odyssey of the Seas is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2021 against 2015 for Norwegian Escape.
Which has more space per passenger?
Odyssey of the Seas, with 40.3 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 Escape, with one crew member for every 2.6 passengers against one for every 2.7 on Odyssey of the Seas.
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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