Leo class · Norwegian · In service since 1998
Norwegian Spirit
Norwegian Spirit is a Leo class cruise ship operated by Norwegian, in service since 1998. At about 75,904 gross tons, it carries roughly 965–2,018 guests and ranks #20 by size in the 20-ship Norwegian fleet we cover.
- 75,904 gross tons
- 965–2,018 guests
- 881 ft long
Photo: maxum255, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Ship facts
- Cruise line
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Ship class
- Leo class
- Entered service
- 1998 (28 years ago)
- Gross tonnage
- 75,904
- Guests
- 965–2,018
- Length
- 881 ft (268.6 m)
- Speed
- 24 knots
- Builder
- Meyer Werft
- Flag
- The Bahamas
- IMO number
- 9141065
About Norwegian Spirit
Norwegian Spirit was built in 1998 as SuperStar Leo for Star Cruises in Asia and joined Norwegian in 2004. In 2020 it went through one of the most extensive refurbishments in the line’s history, which refreshed every cabin and added newer bars and restaurants. It remains a smaller, older ship with a traditional layout, and it’s often deployed on long, port-intensive itineraries far from the usual Caribbean routes. Think of it as a comfortable base for exploring rather than a destination in itself.
Best for: Experienced travelers who want Norwegian’s relaxed style on long, port-packed voyages.
Norwegian Spirit highlights
- Major 2020 refurbishment of cabins and public spaces
- Freestyle dining with several specialty restaurants
- Smaller size suited to port-intensive itineraries
- Mandara Spa and fitness center
How Norwegian Spirit 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.
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 Spirit FAQs
How big is Norwegian Spirit?
Norwegian Spirit measures about 75,904 gross tons and is about 881 feet (269 m) long. That makes it #20 of 20 Norwegian ships we cover by tonnage, and #172 among all 255 ocean cruise ships in our guide.
How many passengers does Norwegian Spirit carry?
About 965–2,018 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 Spirit built?
Norwegian Spirit entered service in 1998 and was built by Meyer Werft. Older ships are often refurbished, so ask about recent upgrades when you compare sailings.
What class of ship is Norwegian Spirit?
Norwegian Spirit belongs to Norwegian's Leo class. Ships in the same class share a layout and most signature features.
Is Norwegian Spirit 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 Spirit 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.