Celebrity Cruises vs Norwegian Cruise Line — a head-to-head on the specs, the amenities, and what each ship is genuinely better at.
Celebrity Xcel (2025) is the newer ship by 8 years versus Norwegian Joy (2017). Norwegian Joy is the larger hull at 167,725 GT (~19% bigger). Celebrity Xcel sails with fewer guests at double occupancy (3,260 vs 3,804).
| Spec | Celebrity Xcel | Norwegian Joy |
|---|---|---|
| Year built | 2025 | 2017 |
| Tonnage | 141,420 GT | 167,725 GT |
| Guests (double occupancy) | 3,260 | 3,804 |
| Guests (max) | 3,873 | 3,883 |
Trophy marks the ship that wins each row. Smaller capacity = more space per guest.
Distinct ports each ship visits in the next 12 months.
No ports in common in the next 12 months.
None unique — everywhere this ship goes, the other does too.