Norwegian Cruise Line: Small Ship vs. Big Ship Experience

Cruising with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) offers a lot of variety, and one of the biggest choices you will make is whether to sail on a small ship or a big ship. Over the years, I have experienced both ends of the spectrum, including sailing on the intimate Norwegian Pearl and the massive, modern Norwegian Viva. This gave me a firsthand perspective on the Norwegian Cruise Line small ship vs big ship experience, which is what this post is all about.

Defining “Small” and “Big” in the NCL Fleet

Within Norwegian’s fleet, ship size varies significantly. Smaller ships like the Norwegian Pearl, Sky, or Sun typically carry around 2,000 to 2,400 passengers. Larger ships such as the Norwegian Viva, Encore, or Breakaway Plus class carry more than 3,500 passengers, with more decks, venues, and onboard amenities.

Atmosphere and Layout

Small Ships:

Small ships often feel more intimate and personal. Crew members learn your name quickly, and you will run into familiar faces throughout the voyage. Public spaces are easier to navigate, and it does not take long to learn the layout. On the Pearl, for example, we could get from cabin to dining room to theater in just a few minutes.

Big Ships:

Large ships feel more like floating resorts. They offer more variety in entertainment and dining, but the size can make them feel busier and less personal. The Viva had stunning, modern spaces, but also required more time to move from one end of the ship to the other.

Dining and Culinary Options

Small Ships:

Smaller ships have fewer specialty restaurants, but the quality is still strong. On the Pearl, we enjoyed Cagney’s Steakhouse, Le Bistro, and Teppanyaki, all with attentive service. The main dining rooms and buffet offered plenty of variety without feeling overwhelming.

Big Ships:

Larger ships shine when it comes to choice. On the Viva, we could try a new specialty venue almost every night, including unique concepts like Food Republic and Onda by Scarpetta. For foodies who love variety, a big ship offers more ways to mix up the dining experience.

Entertainment and Activities

Small Ships:

Entertainment tends to be more traditional, with mainstage production shows, live music in lounges, and occasional guest performers. Activities are available but less extensive than on big ships.

Big Ships:

Large ships have bigger theaters, more elaborate shows, and a wider variety of activities, from virtual reality gaming to water slides. The Viva offered Broadway-style productions and multiple live music venues, creating more options for evening entertainment.

Crowds and Quiet Spaces

Small Ships:

It is easier to find a quiet spot on a small ship, especially during sea days. On the Pearl, we could usually find an uncrowded corner of the Spinnaker Lounge or an open deck chair without much searching.

Big Ships:

With more passengers, big ships can feel crowded during peak times, especially around the pool or buffet. That said, large ships also have exclusive quiet spaces like The Vibe Beach Club or The Haven (for suite guests), which can provide a retreat from the hustle.

Port Access and Itineraries

Small Ships:

Smaller ships can access ports that larger vessels cannot, often resulting in more unique itineraries. They are also easier to dock closer to the center of town.

Big Ships:

Large ships typically visit major ports that can handle their size. While this means access to well-developed destinations with lots to do, it can also mean sharing port space with multiple large ships at once.

Sea Day Experience

On both small and big ships, sea days can be as relaxing or active as you want. On the Pearl, sea days were peaceful and felt more like a retreat. On the Viva, there were endless activities and entertainment options, which is perfect if you like to stay busy.

Cost Considerations

Pricing depends more on itinerary, cabin category, and season than ship size. However, repositioning cruises on smaller ships are often among NCL’s best per-day values, while new, larger ships typically command higher fares, especially in their first few seasons.

Ultimately, the Norwegian Cruise Line small ship vs big ship choice comes down to your personal travel style.

Final Thoughts: Norwegian Cruise Line Small Ship vs Big Ship — Which is Right for You?

If you prefer a quieter, more personal experience with easy navigation and unique itineraries, a small Norwegian Cruise Line ship might be your best fit. If you want a modern, resort-style ship with endless dining and entertainment options, a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship could be the better choice.

For us, sailing the Norwegian Pearl felt like a cozy getaway, while the Norwegian Viva offered a high-energy, feature-packed vacation. Both were memorable, but for different reasons. Your ideal ship size will come down to whether you are looking for connection and simplicity or variety and excitement.

Recommendations

Are you planning your next trip and looking for services that make travel smoother? Here are a few of my go-to recommendations:

• Stay Connected Abroad: I use Airalo eSIMs to avoid the hassle of swapping SIM cards in every country.
  

• Protect Your Data: NordVPN keeps my internet connection safe when I’m on public Wi-Fi at airports, hotels, or cafés.
  

• Travel Europe by Train: I book through Trainline for easy tickets across Europe, including London, Italy, Spain, and France.
  

• Relax Before You Fly: Priority Pass gives you access to airport lounges around the world.
  

• Find the Right Stay: For vacation rentals, I like using VRBO.
  

• See the City with Ease: Hop-on, hop-off tours are a fun way to get oriented. Check out Big Bus Tours in Vienna, Rome, Berlin, Istanbul, and Dubai.
  

• Book Tours and Transfers: I often use Get Your Guide and Viator to arrange activities, tickets, and transfers in advance.
  

• Hotels, Cars, and Flights: Expedia is one of my go-to sites for comparing and booking travel.

  
  

Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase or booking through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help me keep creating and sharing travel content here on From Lawrence with Love. Thank you for supporting the blog!