Ship Comparison
Norwegian Encore vs Norwegian Jade
Norwegian Encore shines with high-energy thrills and upscale dining, while Norwegian Jade offers a more intimate, value-focused journey with warm service and diverse itineraries.
The verdict
Choosing between Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Jade really comes down to the kind of energy you're seeking for your cruise. Encore, a newer and larger vessel, is designed for those who thrive on constant activity and a 'big city' experience at sea, with its unique go-kart track and virtual reality pavilion. However, many of these exciting features come with an additional cost, so it's wise to budget for those extras. Jade, while older, has been thoroughly refreshed and offers a more relaxed, yet still vibrant, atmosphere. Its smaller size fosters a friendlier crew-to-guest interaction and provides a solid mix of complimentary and specialty dining, offering excellent value. If you prefer a bustling ship with cutting-edge attractions and don't mind the à la carte pricing for premium experiences, Encore is a fantastic choice. If you lean towards a more laid-back, yet engaging, cruise with a focus on genuine service and diverse global routes, Jade might be the perfect fit.
Choose Norwegian Encore if…
Travelers seeking a modern, high-energy experience with a plethora of unique, thrilling activities and upscale dining, especially those who appreciate adult-only retreats and exclusive suite enclaves.
Best for
- Families with teens seeking thrill rides and virtual reality experiences
- Adults who enjoy a lively nightlife and diverse bar scene
- Luxury seekers who value exclusive, private enclaves like The Haven
- Foodies eager to explore a wide range of specialty dining options
Avoid if
- Budget-conscious travelers who prefer most activities included in the base fare
- Those seeking a quiet, intimate, or traditional cruise experience
- Families with very young children who might be overwhelmed by the scale and extra-fee attractions
Choose Norwegian Jade if…
Cruisers who prefer a more intimate ship with a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, excellent service, and a good balance of diverse dining and entertainment options without feeling overwhelmed by crowds.
Best for
- Cruisers who prefer a mid-sized ship with a more intimate feel
- Value-savvy travelers looking for excellent service and diverse complimentary dining
- Those who appreciate a relaxed pace with plenty of social opportunities
- Global wanderers interested in varied international itineraries and diverse passenger demographics
Avoid if
- Travelers seeking the very latest high-tech thrills like go-karts or extensive VR attractions
- Guests who require expansive, modern standard cabins with abundant storage
- Those who prefer a strictly adult-only environment for all public spaces
Overall Vibe
Norwegian Encore
Launched in 2019 and recently refurbished in 2024, Norwegian Encore exudes a modern, sophisticated energy, much like a bustling city at sea. This 168,800-ton vessel, spanning 16 decks, is designed to keep everyone engaged with its extensive array of choices. From the moment you step aboard, there's a palpable sense of excitement, with innovative attractions and elegant public spaces that feel truly contemporary. It's a ship that encourages exploration, offering a vacation experience that is both grand in scale and rich in diverse offerings.
Norwegian Jade
Norwegian Jade, built in 2006 and recently refurbished, maintains a wonderfully refreshed and intimate atmosphere. At 2,402 passengers, this mainstream ship feels less overwhelming than some of its larger counterparts, offering a more relaxed pace. Despite its age, recent updates ensure its decor and public spaces feel modern and inviting. It's a ship that offers a comfortable, free-flowing environment, allowing guests to truly unwind and enjoy their journey without feeling rushed, making it a charming choice for those who value a personal touch.
Atmosphere & Crowd
Norwegian Encore
With a capacity for 4,004 guests and a crew of 1,735, Norwegian Encore has a lively, 'big city' atmosphere that's always buzzing with activity. The ship caters particularly well to adults and teens, who will find plenty of engaging experiences, from virtual reality adventures to an adults-only pool deck. While families are certainly welcome, the sheer scale and array of premium, for-fee attractions might mean younger children or budget-conscious travelers need to plan carefully to fully enjoy the offerings. It's a vibrant, diverse crowd, eager for varied experiences.
Norwegian Jade
Norwegian Jade fosters a more relaxed and friendly atmosphere, accommodating 2,402 passengers with a dedicated crew of 1,100. This smaller scale allows for a noticeably attentive service, where crew members often seem genuinely happy to interact with guests. The ship's design promotes a free-flowing environment, limiting congestion even during peak times. On European itineraries, you'll find a wonderfully international mix of guests, adding to the ship's cosmopolitan charm. It's a comfortable setting where connections feel more natural and the overall vibe is pleasantly engaging.
Dining
Norwegian Encore
Norwegian Encore offers a vast array of quality dining, with many standout specialty restaurants. Guests can savor upscale Italian at Onda by Scarpetta, enjoy the interactive flair of Teppanyaki, or indulge in Texas-style BBQ at Q Texas Smokehouse. Other premium options include Palomar for Mediterranean seafood, Cagney's Steakhouse, Food Republic for Asian-Latin fusion, and the romantic Le Bistro. Complimentary choices like Taste, Savour, The Manhattan Room, Garden Cafe, and The Local provide diverse flavors, ensuring a satisfying culinary journey for every palate.
Norwegian Jade
Norwegian Jade boasts an impressive array of over 16 dining options, striking a fine balance between complimentary and specialty experiences. Guests can enjoy diverse global cuisine in the elegant Grand Pacific or the colorful Alizar main dining rooms, or opt for the expansive Garden Cafe buffet. Specialty restaurants like Moderno Churrascaria, Le Bistro, La Cucina, and Cagney's Steakhouse offer distinct culinary adventures for an additional fee. The popular O'Sheehan's provides 24-hour pub fare, while Jasmine Garden offers complimentary Asian fusion, ensuring plenty of variety for every meal.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Norwegian Encore
Norwegian Encore truly shines in its high-octane entertainment and nightlife. The Encore Theatre hosts Broadway-caliber shows like 'Choir of Man' and 'Kinky Boots,' offering dazzling performances. For thrills, guests can race go-karts on the Encore Speedway, explore virtual realities in the Galaxy Pavilion, or brave the Ocean Loops waterslides. Adults can unwind at Spice H2O or the exclusive Vibe Beach Club. Evenings buzz with comedy shows, live music from a Beatles tribute band in The Cavern Club, Latin dancing at Sugarcane Mojito Bar, and late-night DJ sets in Social Comedy & Night Club, alongside a bustling casino.
Norwegian Jade
Norwegian Jade provides a diverse and engaging entertainment lineup, centered around the Stardust Theatre with its Broadway and Vegas-style productions such as 'FUSIÓN' and 'Blazing Boots.' The ship offers a lively bar scene with spots like the Miami-themed Bliss Ultra Lounge, the sophisticated Magnums Champagne & Wine Bar, and the Pit Stop outdoor bar. Guests can also enjoy game shows, trivia sessions, and live music, creating a spirited social atmosphere. The Jade Casino & Bar offers gaming excitement, and the Arcade provides fun for all ages, ensuring evenings are filled with variety.
Cabins & Suites
Norwegian Encore
Norwegian Encore offers 2,040 cabins, including a wide selection of luxurious Haven suites. The Haven Premier Owner's Suites are particularly opulent, featuring multiple bedrooms and private dining, while the 2-Bedroom Family Villas are ideal for larger groups. Club Balcony Suites (formerly mini-suites) provide enhanced bathrooms, and solo travelers have dedicated Studio cabins with exclusive lounge access. Standard Balcony, Oceanview, and Inside cabins are well-appointed. It’s worth noting that aft-facing balcony cabins may experience some vibration, and the Deck 17 jogging track can be busy near some cabins.
Norwegian Jade
Norwegian Jade offers a range of accommodations, with standard cabins featuring comfortable cherry wood finishes, new flat-screen TVs, and bedside USB ports. While standard cabins are generally smaller than average, all bathrooms provide fantastic water pressure. The Haven on Jade includes expansive 3-Bedroom Garden Villas with private roof terraces, Deluxe Owner's Suites, and 2-Bedroom Family Villas, all with butler and concierge service. Suite guests also enjoy perks like pillow-top mattresses and private dining access, elevating their onboard experience. Connecting cabins are available across various categories for families and groups.
Service & Onboard Style
Norwegian Encore
Norwegian Encore's onboard style is undeniably modern and sophisticated, with public spaces that rival those found on luxury lines. The attention to detail in the decor, particularly within The Haven, creates an upscale ambiance. Service, especially for Haven guests who benefit from personalized butler and concierge attention, is designed to be highly anticipatory and discreet. Across the ship, the crew generally provides efficient and friendly service, contributing to the overall polished and vibrant cruise experience.
Norwegian Jade
Norwegian Jade stands out for its genuinely excellent and friendly service, with a crew that consistently receives high praise for their attentiveness. The ship's recent refurbishments have instilled a fresh, modern aesthetic throughout, making the interiors feel contemporary and inviting. The Freestyle Dining concept offers a relaxed, unregimented approach to meals, enhancing the overall easygoing onboard style. This combination of warm service and a refreshed environment creates a comfortable and engaging atmosphere, making guests feel right at home.
Best Itineraries
Norwegian Encore
Norwegian Encore offers compelling itineraries that span diverse and popular regions. You can find her sailing to the sun-drenched Caribbean from Miami, exploring the vibrant coasts of Mexico, traversing the iconic Panama Canal, or discovering the rugged beauty of Alaska from Seattle. These routes cater to travelers looking for a mix of tropical relaxation, cultural immersion, and breathtaking natural landscapes, often with a focus on active, shore-based adventures.
Norwegian Jade
Norwegian Jade is a true global wanderer, offering an impressive variety of itineraries that appeal to seasoned explorers. Her routes include the Caribbean, the wild expanses of Alaska, the exotic wonders of Asia, the colorful coasts of Mexico, scenic Pacific Coast sailings, the legendary Panama Canal, and vibrant South America. This diverse offering, coupled with a notably international passenger demographic on her European voyages, makes her an excellent choice for those seeking culturally rich and far-reaching adventures.
What reviewers say
Norwegian Encore
4.5/5Norwegian Encore is a sophisticated, high-energy ship offering a vast array of quality dining and entertainment options. While it provides choices for everyone, many premium experiences come with extra costs, requiring careful budgeting to fully enjoy its extensive offerings.
Norwegian Jade
4/5Despite its age, Norwegian Jade holds its own among newer, flashier ships, thanks to recent refurbishments that make it look and feel like new. The ship offers excellent service and a good balance of complimentary and for-fee options.
Itineraries to compare
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Norwegian Encore
Norwegian Jade
Read our guides
In-depth guides on the ships and cruise lines in this comparison.

Ship Guide
Norwegian Encore: High-Energy Cruises & Freestyle Fun
Enjoy a vibrant cruise on Norwegian Encore with diverse dining and thrilling entertainment for all ages.

Ship Guide
Norwegian Jade Offers Refurbished Comfort at Sea
Discover a refreshed classic with excellent service and a balance of included and specialty experiences.
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