Norwegian Gem vs Norwegian Breakaway

Norwegian Gem

The Norwegian Gem, launched in 2007 and last refurbished in 2015, carries a pleasant mid-size ship feel, weighing in at 93,530 gross tons across its 12 decks. It embodies Norwegian's casual Freestyle Cruising concept, fostering a warm and intimate atmosphere that has cultivated a fierce fan base and high repeat passenger rate. While not the newest, its well-maintained spaces and diverse offerings, from Las Vegas-style shows to varied dining, create a convivial environment for guests seeking both relaxation and lively moments with generous open deck space.

Norwegian Breakaway

The Norwegian Breakaway, a contemporary mega-ship launched in 2013 and undergoing a significant refurbishment in 2025, presents a vibrant and expansive experience at 145,655 gross tons across 14 decks. It’s designed to make guests feel a world away, blending the energy of a Las Vegas resort with the excitement of a water park. The ship boasts new features like the Palomar restaurant and a dine-in movie theater, alongside existing highlights like the Aqua Park and Sports Complex, promising an easy-going yet action-packed holiday for all ages.

Norwegian Gem

Norwegian Gem offers a casual, flexible, and genuinely convivial atmosphere, ideal for those who enjoy a lively yet manageable crowd. Carrying 2,394 guests with 1,101 crew members, the ship maintains a good guest-to-crew ratio, contributing to a more personalized feel. The Crystal Atrium serves as a busy hub for activities, and the popular O'Sheehan's Bar & Grill provides excellent people-watching opportunities. During holidays, the ship attracts diverse age groups and families, all enjoying the fun-filled environment and popular theme nights like the Glow Party, where interaction is encouraged.

Norwegian Breakaway

Norwegian Breakaway, designed to accommodate up to 4,028 guests with 1,595 crew members, creates a great, fun, and easy-going vibe for a larger crowd. Its atmosphere is a dynamic blend of a Las Vegas resort and a thrilling water park, appealing to those seeking continuous activity. While this scale brings a wealth of options, popular areas like the main pool deck, the Atrium during peak activities, and the casino can experience bottlenecks and feel quite bustling, particularly on sea days when the ship is at full capacity.

Norwegian Gem

Norwegian Gem provides a wide variety of dining options, balancing complimentary and specialty venues. Guests can enjoy the cozier Magenta or the elegant, 1920s Gatsby-themed Grand Pacific main dining rooms. Casual bites are found at the Garden Cafe buffet or The Great Outdoors, and the 24/7 O'Sheehan's Bar & Grill is a reliable choice. For an extra fee, popular specialty options include the romantic Le Bistro (French), the interactive Teppanyaki (Japanese), traditional Italian fare at La Cucina, a hearty experience at Moderno Churrascaria, and classic American cuts at Cagney's Steakhouse.

Norwegian Breakaway

Norwegian Breakaway boasts an extensive array of over 20 dining venues, catering to a broad palate. Complimentary choices include Savor, Taste, and the supper club-style Manhattan Room, alongside the 24-hour O'Sheehan's and the Garden Cafe buffet. The ship truly shines with its specialty restaurants, such as the expanded Cagney's Steakhouse, the new elegant Mediterranean seafood at Palomar, and the classic French offerings at Le Bistro. Guests can also enjoy the lively Teppanyaki, family-friendly La Cucina, fresh seafood at The Raw Bar, sushi at Wasabi, and a unique dine-in movie experience at Silver Screen Bistro.

Norwegian Gem

Entertainment on Norwegian Gem is characterized by excellently produced Las Vegas-style shows in the Stardust Theatre, featuring diverse performances like 'Blazing Boots,' 'Ignite the Night,' and 'The Broadway Cabaret.' Live music, including vocalists and jazz, can be found in venues such as Magnum's Champagne & Wine Bar and the Crystal Atrium. Game shows like 'Deal or No Deal' and 'Wheel of Fortune' add interactive fun. For nightlife, the Bliss Ultra Lounge & Night Club offers an out-of-space themed setting with a DJ, while the Spinnaker Lounge hosts popular theme parties like the Glow Party and officer Q&As.

Norwegian Breakaway

Norwegian Breakaway delivers a dynamic entertainment lineup, highlighted by Broadway-caliber productions in the main theater, including the energetic 'Burn the Floor,' the British pop tribute 'Red, White, & British,' and the Fleetwood Mac tribute 'Rumours.' Live music thrives at Howl at the Moon's dueling pianos and Syd Norman’s Pour House for rock 'n' roll. Headliners Comedy Club offers stand-up, while the Breakaway Casino provides gaming excitement. For adults, Spice H2O transforms into a vibrant dance party, and the unique Svedka Ice Bar offers a frosty cocktail experience (for a fee).

Norwegian Gem

Norwegian Gem features 1,197 cabins, with standard accommodations being comfortable but potentially snug, particularly ocean-view and inside rooms. Most cabins utilize a 'split bathroom' design, and all include essential amenities like hair dryers, reading lights, and bedside USB ports. For those seeking luxury, The Haven, an exclusive 'ship within a ship' enclave on Deck 14, offers private keycard access to a courtyard, plunge pool, hot tub, and sun deck. Haven suites range from spacious 2-Bedroom Family Villas to the sprawling 4,252 sq ft 3-Bedroom Garden Villas, all with butler and concierge service.

Norwegian Breakaway

Norwegian Breakaway offers 2,012 cabins, decorated in light palettes with dark wood finishes. Standard cabins provide shelves and under-bed storage, though traditional drawers are absent. Bathrooms are generally spacious, equipped with combo shampoo/conditioner and body wash dispensers. The Haven, an exclusive suite complex, provides 24-hour butler and concierge service, priority boarding, and access to a private courtyard, pool, lounge, and restaurant. Notably, the ship also offers Solo Studio cabins with a dedicated lounge, ideal for single travelers. Guests should be aware that some cabins, especially on decks 5, 9, and 11-14, may be subject to noise from nearby public areas.

Norwegian Gem

Service on Norwegian Gem embraces the casual, flexible spirit of Freestyle Cruising. While the main dining rooms like Magenta and Grand Pacific offer friendly service, it's not always the speediest, encouraging a more relaxed pace. Guests can capture memories with a Personalized portrait experience at Perspectives Studio, and children are well-cared for through staffed clubs like Splash Academy and Entourage, with open play for Guppies. The ship also features the award-winning Mandara Spa and Thermal Suite for relaxation, and Wi-Fi packages are available with IT support.

Norwegian Breakaway

Norwegian Breakaway exemplifies the Freestyle philosophy with an easy-going yet attentive service style. Those staying in The Haven receive premium treatment, including 24-hour butler and concierge service, elevating their onboard experience. The Mandara Spa & Salon, alongside its Thermal Suite, provides extensive wellness options (with a fee for thermal suite access). For fitness, the Pulse Fitness Centre offers a range of classes. Wi-Fi, powered by Starlink, is supported by a dedicated help desk, ensuring connectivity, and photography services are readily available for capturing moments.

Norwegian Gem

Norwegian Gem offers a broad spectrum of destinations, sailing to popular regions such as the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Europe, alongside voyages to Canada & New England, Transatlantic crossings, and unique Extraordinary Journeys. For shorter getaways, weekend cruises are also available. A highlight of many Caribbean itineraries is a visit to Norwegian's private island, Great Stirrup Cay, where guests can enjoy the expansive Great Tides Waterpark and a variety of excursions, including Go Local Tours, Adventure Rush, and Laid-Back Leisure options.

Norwegian Breakaway

Norwegian Breakaway navigates diverse and appealing itineraries, including sunny Caribbean escapes, culturally rich Mediterranean cruises, and classic Transatlantic voyages. Like its sister ships, it frequently calls upon Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian's private island, offering guests access to the thrilling Great Tides Waterpark. The ship's shore excursion program is robust, featuring options from Go Local Tours for cultural immersion to Adventure Rush for thrill-seekers, and more relaxed Laid-Back Leisure activities, ensuring a Personalized experience at each port.