Norwegian Cruise Line Best & Worst Ships

The Gems of Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Encore: The Crown Jewel

Let’s cut to the chase: if you’re looking for the creme de la creme of Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the Norwegian Encore has gotta be on your radar. Launched in 2019, this beauty is packed with state-of-the-art amenities. We’re talking a virtual reality pavilion, an open-air laser tag arena, and a multi-level racetrack. If you’re looking for a ship that screams fun, the Encore is your siren song.

Norwegian Bliss: Almost as Sweet

The Bliss is essentially an Encore prototype, launched a year earlier in 2018. It’s got most of the same bells and whistles, albeit with a slightly less “shiny new toy” feel. The observation lounge is a notable highlight, offering panoramic views that make you forget about even the worst buffet line disasters.

Why New is Better

The newer the ship, the fewer the problems—usually. Case in point, these ships have some of the highest CDC scores in the fleet. Don’t just take my word for it; check out our cleanliness rankings for a data-backed reality check.

The “Meh” Middle Ground

Norwegian Dawn: Showing Her Age

Launched in 2002 and refurbished in 2016, the Norwegian Dawn is like that favorite old pair of jeans you’ve patched up one too many times. It’s comfortable, familiar, but you wouldn’t wear it to a job interview.

Norwegian Star: Star Faded

Debuting in 2001, the Norwegian Star has seen better days. While it did get a refurb in 2018, the upkeep hasn’t been as stellar as you might hope. Check out our Norwegian Cruise Line Dossier to see what to expect level-wise.

Refurbishment Status: Band-Aids, Not Makeovers

Refurbishments are like putting lipstick on a pig if the underlying issues aren’t addressed. Norwegian’s mid-range ships get some TLC, but don’t expect a complete transformation. They’ll be clean (usually), but don’t expect the wow factor of a brand-new vessel.

Ships to Actively Avoid

Norwegian Spirit: The Ghost of Cruises Past

The Spirit, launched in 1998, is the elder statesperson of the fleet. A 2020 refurb tried to breathe life into her, and while she’s serviceable, she’s not where you’d want to spend your dream vacation.

Norwegian Sun: Volume Down, Please

Also in the “probably avoid” category is the Norwegian Sun. Sure, it got a refurb in 2018, but some things, like subpar dining options and tired décor, are tough to mask with a fresh coat of paint.

CDC Scores: The Great Equalizer

Let’s talk numbers. The CDC inspection scores can really tell you who’s naughty and nice in the NCL fleet. Ships like the Encore and Bliss routinely score in the high 90s, making them both a safe and sanitary bet. On the flip side, some of the older ships hover around the low 80s, which is a red flag in any language. For the latest scores, check out our ship database.

Newest vs. Oldest: A Fleet Comparison

The newest ships like the Encore and Bliss are the gems, offering innovation and modern amenities. Their discrepancy in age and facilities compared to older ships like the Spirit and Sun is night and day. Think of it as booking a room at the Ritz versus a highway motel. Both will provide shelter, but only one understands luxury.

Price May Not Equate to Value

Sure, you might snag a cheaper ticket on one of the older ships, but ask yourself: is saving a few bucks worth potential sanitation issues? If you’ve ever been stuck in an elevator that smells like a wet dog, you’ll know the answer is a resounding “no.”

Conclusion: Choose Wisely

If you’re planning a Norwegian Cruise Line getaway, knowing the difference between their best and worst ships is crucial. The Encore and Bliss are the top picks for those who want fresh experiences and top-notch cleanliness. Meanwhile, the Dawn, Star, Spirit, and Sun are more for those who are okay with lower expectations or love a good refurb story. To ensure your next vacation is smooth sailing, peruse our ship database and cleanliness rankings before making that down payment.