If you're torn between Norwegian's Breakaway, Getaway, or Epic, you're not alone. I've sailed all three ships multiple times, and each has a distinct personality that appeals to different types of cruisers. Let me break down the real differences so you can choose the one that matches your cruise style and budget.
Before diving into specifics, here's what you need to know about each ship's basic profile:
Norwegian Epic (launched 2010) is the rebel of the bunch. At 155,873 tons with 4,100 passengers, she's the largest but also the most divisive. The Epic feels more like a floating apartment complex than a traditional cruise ship.
Norwegian Breakaway (launched 2013) weighs in at 144,017 tons with 3,963 passengers. She's the most balanced of the three, offering a classic cruise experience with modern amenities.
Norwegian Getaway (launched 2014) is Breakaway's nearly identical sister at 145,655 tons with 3,963 passengers. The subtle differences matter more than you'd think.
Here's the honest truth: if you want predictable comfort, choose Breakaway or Getaway. If you want something completely different (for better or worse), Epic is your ship.
This is where these ships diverge dramatically. Epic's studio cabins are brilliant for solo travelers – at 100 square feet, they're tiny but efficient, and you get access to the Studio Lounge on Deck 12. I've stayed in Studio 11006, and while cramped, it's perfect for solo cruisers who don't want to pay double occupancy.
The inside cabins on Breakaway and Getaway are more traditional at 129 square feet, but Epic's regular inside cabins are oddly shaped and feel smaller despite being similar in size.
Balcony cabins tell a different story. Epic's balconies are narrow and awkwardly positioned – I've had Deck 12 balconies where the wind made them unusable. Breakaway and Getaway have properly designed balconies, especially the mid-ship locations on Decks 9-11.
Haven Suites exist on all three ships, but Breakaway and Getaway have better Haven deck layouts. Epic's Haven feels tacked on, while the newer ships integrated it seamlessly.
Share your cabin experiences in our Norwegian Cruise Line Ships forum!
Epic wins the dining variety game, but not always in a good way. With 21 dining venues, you'll never be bored, but you'll also never know what to expect. Cagney's Steakhouse is consistent across all three ships ($49 cover charge in 2026), but Epic's location on Deck 8 feels cramped.
Le Bistro on Epic is the standout – their French onion soup is legitimately restaurant-quality. On Breakaway and Getaway, Le Bistro feels more generic.
The main dining rooms are where Breakaway and Getaway shine. Epic's main dining room (Manhattan Room) has that weird communal seating thing that some people love and others hate. I fall into the "hate" camp – I don't want to share a table with strangers every night.
Free dining is better on the newer ships. Epic's Garden Cafe buffet is showing its age, while the buffets on Breakaway and Getaway feel fresher and have better flow.
Hidden costs: Specialty dining ranges from $25-$49 per person per meal on all three ships. The unlimited specialty dining packages run $149-$199 per person for 7-day cruises.
This is Epic's secret weapon. Blue Man Group is exclusive to Epic, and after seeing it six times, I still get excited. It's worth booking Epic just for this show – but reserve your spot on embarkation day because it sells out.
Epic also has Legends in Concert, which varies by sailing but usually features tribute artists. The production is surprisingly good.
Breakaway features Rock of Ages, which is high-energy and fun if you like 80s rock. Getaway has Legally Blonde, which appeals to a different crowd entirely.
The theaters themselves are better on Breakaway and Getaway – better sightlines, more comfortable seats, and improved acoustics. Epic's theater feels cramped, and if you're taller than 5'8", you'll be uncomfortable.
All three ships have solid comedy shows, but book early – the 10:30 PM shows fill up first.
Epic's pool deck is chaos. The main pool area on Deck 12 gets impossibly crowded, and the layout creates bottlenecks everywhere. However, Epic's Spice H2O adults-only area is fantastic – it's on Deck 16 and actually feels exclusive.
Breakaway and Getaway have better pool deck flow. The Aqua Park with water slides is identical on both ships, and The Plank (the overhanging platform) is a must-try if you're not afraid of heights.
Deck chairs: Good luck finding them on any ship after 9 AM in the Caribbean. Pro tip – Epic has hidden chair areas on Deck 15 forward that most passengers never find.
The Waterfront on all three ships is genius – outdoor dining and bars with ocean views. Epic's feels more cramped, but the concept works on all three.
Epic primarily sails 7-day Eastern Caribbean from Miami, hitting St. Maarten, St. John, and Tortola. These ports are solid but not groundbreaking.
Breakaway splits time between Caribbean (from New York) and Europe. The 7-day Caribbean hits Bermuda, which is unique for NCL.
Getaway focuses on 7-day Western Caribbean from Miami – Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Harvest Caye. This is NCL's strongest Caribbean itinerary.
2026 pricing (interior cabin, per person, double occupancy):
Epic is consistently $100-200 cheaper, but you get what you pay for. The newer ships command premium pricing for good reason.
Choose Epic if: You want the cheapest option, love Blue Man Group, don't mind quirky layouts, or you're sailing solo (those studio cabins are brilliant).
Choose Breakaway if: You want a solid, traditional cruise experience with modern amenities. It's the safe choice that rarely disappoints.
Choose Getaway if: You want the best Caribbean itinerary and don't mind paying slightly more for a refined experience.
Personally? For first-time NCL cruisers, I recommend Getaway. It represents the best of Norwegian's offerings without Epic's quirks or Breakaway's occasional staleness. But if you're budget-conscious and want something unique, Epic delivers value – just set your expectations accordingly.
The real winner depends on what you prioritize: price, itinerary, or experience. All three will get you from point A to point B with plenty of food and entertainment, but the journey feels different on each ship.
Ready to book? Share your decision and get insider tips from fellow NCL cruisers in our Norwegian Cruise Line Ships forum!
The Ships at a Glance: Size, Age, and Character
Before diving into specifics, here's what you need to know about each ship's basic profile:
Norwegian Epic (launched 2010) is the rebel of the bunch. At 155,873 tons with 4,100 passengers, she's the largest but also the most divisive. The Epic feels more like a floating apartment complex than a traditional cruise ship.
Norwegian Breakaway (launched 2013) weighs in at 144,017 tons with 3,963 passengers. She's the most balanced of the three, offering a classic cruise experience with modern amenities.
Norwegian Getaway (launched 2014) is Breakaway's nearly identical sister at 145,655 tons with 3,963 passengers. The subtle differences matter more than you'd think.
Here's the honest truth: if you want predictable comfort, choose Breakaway or Getaway. If you want something completely different (for better or worse), Epic is your ship.
Cabin Showdown: Where You'll Actually Sleep Matters
This is where these ships diverge dramatically. Epic's studio cabins are brilliant for solo travelers – at 100 square feet, they're tiny but efficient, and you get access to the Studio Lounge on Deck 12. I've stayed in Studio 11006, and while cramped, it's perfect for solo cruisers who don't want to pay double occupancy.
The inside cabins on Breakaway and Getaway are more traditional at 129 square feet, but Epic's regular inside cabins are oddly shaped and feel smaller despite being similar in size.
Balcony cabins tell a different story. Epic's balconies are narrow and awkwardly positioned – I've had Deck 12 balconies where the wind made them unusable. Breakaway and Getaway have properly designed balconies, especially the mid-ship locations on Decks 9-11.
Haven Suites exist on all three ships, but Breakaway and Getaway have better Haven deck layouts. Epic's Haven feels tacked on, while the newer ships integrated it seamlessly.
Share your cabin experiences in our Norwegian Cruise Line Ships forum!
Dining: Where Your Taste Buds (and Wallet) Go
Epic wins the dining variety game, but not always in a good way. With 21 dining venues, you'll never be bored, but you'll also never know what to expect. Cagney's Steakhouse is consistent across all three ships ($49 cover charge in 2026), but Epic's location on Deck 8 feels cramped.
Le Bistro on Epic is the standout – their French onion soup is legitimately restaurant-quality. On Breakaway and Getaway, Le Bistro feels more generic.
The main dining rooms are where Breakaway and Getaway shine. Epic's main dining room (Manhattan Room) has that weird communal seating thing that some people love and others hate. I fall into the "hate" camp – I don't want to share a table with strangers every night.
Free dining is better on the newer ships. Epic's Garden Cafe buffet is showing its age, while the buffets on Breakaway and Getaway feel fresher and have better flow.
Hidden costs: Specialty dining ranges from $25-$49 per person per meal on all three ships. The unlimited specialty dining packages run $149-$199 per person for 7-day cruises.
Entertainment: Broadway Shows vs Unique Experiences
This is Epic's secret weapon. Blue Man Group is exclusive to Epic, and after seeing it six times, I still get excited. It's worth booking Epic just for this show – but reserve your spot on embarkation day because it sells out.
Epic also has Legends in Concert, which varies by sailing but usually features tribute artists. The production is surprisingly good.
Breakaway features Rock of Ages, which is high-energy and fun if you like 80s rock. Getaway has Legally Blonde, which appeals to a different crowd entirely.
The theaters themselves are better on Breakaway and Getaway – better sightlines, more comfortable seats, and improved acoustics. Epic's theater feels cramped, and if you're taller than 5'8", you'll be uncomfortable.
All three ships have solid comedy shows, but book early – the 10:30 PM shows fill up first.
Pools, Decks, and Outdoor Spaces: Sun Seeker's Paradise?
Epic's pool deck is chaos. The main pool area on Deck 12 gets impossibly crowded, and the layout creates bottlenecks everywhere. However, Epic's Spice H2O adults-only area is fantastic – it's on Deck 16 and actually feels exclusive.
Breakaway and Getaway have better pool deck flow. The Aqua Park with water slides is identical on both ships, and The Plank (the overhanging platform) is a must-try if you're not afraid of heights.
Deck chairs: Good luck finding them on any ship after 9 AM in the Caribbean. Pro tip – Epic has hidden chair areas on Deck 15 forward that most passengers never find.
The Waterfront on all three ships is genius – outdoor dining and bars with ocean views. Epic's feels more cramped, but the concept works on all three.
Itineraries and Value: Where You'll Sail and What You'll Pay
Epic primarily sails 7-day Eastern Caribbean from Miami, hitting St. Maarten, St. John, and Tortola. These ports are solid but not groundbreaking.
Breakaway splits time between Caribbean (from New York) and Europe. The 7-day Caribbean hits Bermuda, which is unique for NCL.
Getaway focuses on 7-day Western Caribbean from Miami – Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Harvest Caye. This is NCL's strongest Caribbean itinerary.
2026 pricing (interior cabin, per person, double occupancy):
- Epic: $899-$1,299 for 7-day Caribbean
- Breakaway: $1,099-$1,499 for 7-day Caribbean
- Getaway: $999-$1,399 for 7-day Caribbean
Epic is consistently $100-200 cheaper, but you get what you pay for. The newer ships command premium pricing for good reason.
The Honest Verdict: Which Ship Wins?
Choose Epic if: You want the cheapest option, love Blue Man Group, don't mind quirky layouts, or you're sailing solo (those studio cabins are brilliant).
Choose Breakaway if: You want a solid, traditional cruise experience with modern amenities. It's the safe choice that rarely disappoints.
Choose Getaway if: You want the best Caribbean itinerary and don't mind paying slightly more for a refined experience.
Personally? For first-time NCL cruisers, I recommend Getaway. It represents the best of Norwegian's offerings without Epic's quirks or Breakaway's occasional staleness. But if you're budget-conscious and want something unique, Epic delivers value – just set your expectations accordingly.
The real winner depends on what you prioritize: price, itinerary, or experience. All three will get you from point A to point B with plenty of food and entertainment, but the journey feels different on each ship.
Ready to book? Share your decision and get insider tips from fellow NCL cruisers in our Norwegian Cruise Line Ships forum!