Breakaway Plus class · Norwegian · In service since 2015
Norwegian Escape
Norwegian Escape is a Breakaway Plus class cruise ship operated by Norwegian, in service since 2015. At about 165,157 gross tons, it carries roughly 4,248–4,266 guests and ranks #4 by size in the 20-ship Norwegian fleet we cover.
- 165,157 gross tons
- 4,248–4,266 guests
- 1,069 ft long
Photo: Arno Redenius, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Ship facts
- Cruise line
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Ship class
- Breakaway Plus class
- Entered service
- 2015 (11 years ago)
- Gross tonnage
- 165,157
- Guests
- 4,248–4,266
- Length
- 1,069 ft (325.9 m)
- Beam (width)
- 136 ft (41.4 m)
- Speed
- 225 knots
- Builder
- Meyer Werft
- Flag
- The Bahamas
- IMO number
- 9677076
About Norwegian Escape
Norwegian Escape launched the Breakaway Plus class in 2015 and was Norwegian’s largest ship when new. It took the Breakaway formula, with the Waterfront promenade and an expansive Aqua Park, and scaled it up with a multi-level ropes course and more dining, including Food Republic for shareable Asian-fusion plates. The Haven suite complex near the top of the ship has its own pool and restaurant. Unlike its later sisters, Escape doesn’t have a go-kart track, so it suits travelers who would rather spend sea days at the pool, the spa or a show.
Best for: Couples and families who want a big, lively Norwegian ship focused on dining, pools and nightlife rather than go-karts.
Norwegian Escape highlights
- Aqua Park with multiple waterslides
- Multi-level ropes course
- Food Republic, a shared-plates restaurant
- The Waterfront, an outdoor promenade of bars and restaurants
- The Haven with a private pool and restaurant
How Norwegian Escape compares in size
- Norwegian Encore168,800
- Norwegian Bliss168,028
- Norwegian Joy167,725
- Norwegian Escape165,157
- Norwegian Luna156,300
- Norwegian Epic155,873
- Norwegian Aqua154,140
- Norwegian Getaway145,655
- Norwegian Breakaway145,655
- Norwegian Viva143,535
- Norwegian Prima143,535
- Norwegian Jade93,558
- Norwegian Pearl93,530
- Norwegian Gem93,530
- Norwegian Jewel93,502
- Norwegian Dawn92,250
- Norwegian Star91,740
- Pride of America80,439
- Norwegian Sun78,309
- Norwegian Spirit75,904
Gross tonnage measures a ship's enclosed volume, not its weight. Source: Wikidata.
Breakaway Plus class sister ships
Sailing with Norwegian
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) built its identity on Freestyle Cruising: no fixed dinner times, no formal nights and a long list of restaurants you choose from each evening. Its big, modern ships add go-kart tracks, Broadway-style shows and The Haven, a private suite enclave. It suits independent-minded couples, groups and families who like flexibility, less so budget purists who dislike add-on charges.
Read our full Norwegian guide: dining, drinks, tipping and who it suits →
Norwegian Escape FAQs
How big is Norwegian Escape?
Norwegian Escape measures about 165,157 gross tons and is about 1,069 feet (326 m) long. That makes it #4 of 20 Norwegian ships we cover by tonnage, and #37 among all 255 ocean cruise ships in our guide.
How many passengers does Norwegian Escape carry?
About 4,248–4,266 guests, according to Wikidata's record for the ship. Cruise lines usually quote capacity at two guests per cabin; with third and fourth berths filled, the maximum is higher.
When was Norwegian Escape built?
Norwegian Escape entered service in 2015 and was built by Meyer Werft.
What class of ship is Norwegian Escape?
Norwegian Escape belongs to Norwegian's Breakaway Plus class, alongside Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy. Ships in the same class share a layout and most signature features.
Is Norwegian Escape good for families?
Splash Academy offers free supervised programs for kids 3 to 12, grouped by age, while Entourage gives teens 13 to 17 their own space and activities. Guppies sessions invite parents with babies and toddlers to join in. Facilities vary by ship, so check what Norwegian Escape offers for your kids' ages.
Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.
Sources: Wikidata, Wikipedia, Norwegian official site.