Royal Caribbean vs Norwegian Cruise Line: Which Cruise Is Best?
Dreaming of a cruise vacation? The open sea, endless buffets, and exotic destinations beckon, but choosing the right cruise line can feel overwhelming. Two of the biggest names in the industry are Royal Caribbean International and Norwegian Cruise Line, each promising unforgettable experiences. This guide dives deep into what sets them apart.
We’ll explore the unique offerings of both Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, from onboard activities and dining options to stateroom choices and itineraries. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a first-timer, understanding the nuances of each line is crucial for planning your perfect getaway. Get ready to discover which cruise experience aligns best with your travel style.
This comparison of Royal Caribbean vs Norwegian Cruise Line will help you make an informed decision. We’ll break down the pros and cons of each cruise line, highlighting key differences and similarities. By the end, you’ll be well-equipped to choose the cruise that’s right for you and your travel companions.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Royal Caribbean | Norwegian Cruise Line |
|---|---|---|
| Ship Size | Large to Very Large | Medium to Very Large |
| Onboard Activities | Extensive | Varied |
| Entertainment | Broadway-style Shows, Ice Skating | Live Music, Comedy Shows |
| Dining Options | Diverse, Specialty Restaurants | Freestyle Dining |
| Itinerary Variety | Global | Global |
| Family-Friendliness | High | High |
| Kids’ Programs | Adventure Ocean | Splash Academy |
| Theme Parks/Attractions | Water Slides, Ziplines (select ships) | Go-Karts, Laser Tag (select ships) |
| Cabin Variety | Wide range, including suites | Wide range, including studios |
| Overall Atmosphere | Energetic, Family-focused | Relaxed, Freestyle |
| Loyalty Program | Crown & Anchor Society | Latitudes Rewards |
| Cruise Lengths | 3-14+ nights | 3-14+ nights |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Ship Size & Variety
- Royal Caribbean: Boasts some of the largest cruise ships in the world, offering a wide variety of vessel sizes and types, including the Oasis-class ships. This provides a vast selection of onboard activities and dining options, but can sometimes feel crowded.
- Norwegian Cruise Line: Offers a diverse fleet of ships, generally smaller than Royal Caribbean’s mega-ships, allowing for a more intimate feel on some ships. Norwegian’s fleet includes a good mix of ship sizes, catering to different preferences.
- Winner: Royal Caribbean
Onboard Activities & Entertainment
- Royal Caribbean: Known for its thrilling activities, including waterslides, rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks, and Broadway-caliber shows. Their offerings are geared towards a lively and adventurous experience.
- Norwegian Cruise Line: Provides a range of entertainment options, including live music, comedy shows, and casinos. They also offer waterslides and other attractions but generally less extreme than Royal Caribbean.
- Winner: Royal Caribbean
Dining Options
- Royal Caribbean: Features a wide array of dining choices, from casual buffets to specialty restaurants offering diverse cuisines. They often have more formal dining experiences and a larger number of specialty restaurants.
- Norwegian Cruise Line: Pioneered “Freestyle Cruising,” which offers more flexible dining options without set dining times. They also have a good selection of specialty restaurants, with a focus on variety.
- Winner: Tie
Itinerary & Destinations
- Royal Caribbean: Sails to a broad spectrum of destinations, including the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, and Asia. They frequently offer cruises to their private islands, such as Perfect Day at CocoCay.
- Norwegian Cruise Line: Cruises to a similar range of destinations, with a strong presence in the Caribbean, Alaska, and Europe. They also have private islands and offer unique itineraries.
- Winner: Tie
Cabin Options
- Royal Caribbean: Offers a wide variety of cabin options, from standard inside cabins to luxurious suites. They are known for their spacious suites and innovative cabin designs.
- Norwegian Cruise Line: Provides a good selection of cabins, including studios for solo travelers and family-friendly options. They are known for their “Haven” suites, offering exclusive access and amenities.
- Winner: Tie
Pricing & Value
- Royal Caribbean: Pricing can be competitive, especially when considering the included activities and entertainment. However, extra costs for specialty dining and drinks can add up.
- Norwegian Cruise Line: Often offers attractive pricing, and their “Free at Sea” promotion can add value with included perks like drink packages and specialty dining.
- Winner: Norwegian Cruise Line
Family Friendliness
- Royal Caribbean: Excellent for families, with dedicated kids’ clubs, teen programs, and water parks. The large ships offer ample space for families to spread out and enjoy various activities.
- Norwegian Cruise Line: Welcomes families with kids’ clubs and family-friendly activities. Their ships offer a comfortable environment for families, although the offerings may not be as extensive as Royal Caribbean’s.
- Winner: Royal Caribbean
Overall Atmosphere
- Royal Caribbean: Generally has a lively and energetic atmosphere, appealing to a wide range of ages. The large ships and extensive activities contribute to a bustling environment.
- Norwegian Cruise Line: Offers a more relaxed and flexible atmosphere with their “Freestyle Cruising” concept. The atmosphere can vary depending on the ship, but generally promotes a more casual experience.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Ship Size Variety | Tie |
| Onboard Activities | Royal Caribbean |
| Dining Flexibility | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Entertainment Variety | Royal Caribbean |
| Family Friendliness | Tie |
| Itinerary Variety | Tie |
| Overall Atmosphere | Tie |
What They Have in Common
- Global Itineraries: Both cruise lines offer cruises to destinations around the world, including the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, and more.
- Family-Friendly: Both Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line cater to families with kids’ programs, family-friendly activities, and various cabin options.
- Diverse Dining: Both lines provide a wide range of dining options, from casual buffets to specialty restaurants, catering to different tastes.
- Entertainment Options: Both cruise lines offer a variety of entertainment, including live music, shows, and casinos.
- Multiple Ship Sizes: Both cruise lines operate a fleet of ships with various sizes, offering different onboard experiences.
- Pools and Lounges: Both lines provide multiple pools, hot tubs, and sun decks, allowing passengers to relax and enjoy the sun.
Royal Caribbean Vs Norwegian Cruise Line Buying Guide
Itinerary Selection
Royal Caribbean often boasts more diverse and extensive itineraries, covering a wider range of destinations globally, including the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, and Asia. They frequently offer longer cruises and unique ports of call. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), while also providing a good selection, sometimes focuses more on shorter cruises and specific regions. Consider your desired destination, cruise length, and the specific ports that appeal to you when making your choice. Both lines offer a variety of itineraries, so compare carefully based on your travel preferences.
Ship Amenities and Features
Royal Caribbean is known for its mega-ships packed with a wide array of amenities. They often feature water parks, rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks, and Broadway-style shows. NCL, on the other hand, emphasizes its “Freestyle Cruising” concept, offering more casual and flexible dining options. NCL ships also offer a variety of features, but they may not always match the sheer volume of activities found on Royal Caribbean vessels. Think about the features and activities that are most important to you and your travel companions.
Dining Options and Experiences
Royal Caribbean offers a broad range of dining choices, from complimentary main dining rooms and buffets to specialty restaurants with various cuisines. They often include celebrity chef partnerships. NCL’s Freestyle Cruising allows for flexible dining without set times or assigned seating. They provide a variety of specialty restaurants, as well, with options to suit different tastes and budgets. Consider your preferred dining style – whether you prefer formal set seatings or more casual choices when choosing between these cruise lines.
Cabin Selection and Pricing
Both cruise lines offer a range of cabin types, from interior staterooms to luxurious suites. Royal Caribbean often provides more choices in terms of cabin sizes and configurations, especially on their larger ships. Pricing varies depending on the cabin type, cruise duration, and time of booking. NCL sometimes offers more competitive pricing, particularly on their shorter cruises or during promotional periods. Compare cabin options and prices for the specific cruise you’re interested in.
Entertainment and Activities
Royal Caribbean excels in providing high-energy entertainment and activities. They are known for their spectacular stage productions, including Broadway-style shows, and a wide range of onboard activities, from waterslides to casinos. NCL offers a diverse entertainment program, including live music, comedy shows, and themed parties. They also focus on offering a more relaxed and flexible approach to entertainment. Compare the entertainment options and activities to see which cruise line aligns with your preferences.
Value and Overall Experience
The overall value depends on your priorities. Royal Caribbean often provides a more comprehensive experience with a wider range of amenities and activities, which might result in a higher overall price. NCL may offer better value for those seeking a more flexible and casual cruise experience. Consider the included features, dining options, and entertainment when assessing the overall value. Read reviews and consider what is important to you and your travel preferences.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Royal Caribbean If…
- You want a cruise with a wide variety of activities and entertainment options.
- You’re looking for a cruise with large, innovative ships with unique features.
- You prefer a more structured cruise experience with set dining times.
- You have a big family and value family-focused amenities.
Buy Norwegian Cruise Line If…
- You prefer a more relaxed and flexible cruise experience.
- You value freestyle dining and flexible schedules.
- You’re looking for a cruise with unique onboard attractions like go-karts.
- You like a wide range of shorter cruise options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line?
Royal Caribbean is known for its mega-ships packed with numerous activities and a more structured experience, while NCL focuses on “Freestyle Cruising,” emphasizing flexibility in dining and a more relaxed atmosphere. Royal Caribbean tends to cater to families and those seeking a packed itinerary, while NCL appeals to those looking for a more casual and less regimented cruise.
Which cruise line is better for families?
Royal Caribbean is generally considered better for families, due to its extensive family-friendly amenities, including water parks, kids’ clubs, and a wide array of activities. NCL also caters to families, but Royal Caribbean often provides a more extensive range of options for children and teenagers, making it a favorite for multi-generational cruises.
Which cruise line has the best entertainment?
Royal Caribbean is renowned for its high-quality entertainment, with spectacular stage productions, Broadway-style shows, and diverse activities. NCL also offers excellent entertainment, including live music and comedy shows, but Royal Caribbean often sets the standard with its elaborate productions and innovative onboard experiences.
Which cruise line offers the best dining options?
Both lines provide excellent dining experiences. Royal Caribbean offers a wider array of restaurants and specialty dining options, catering to different tastes. NCL’s Freestyle Cruising allows for more flexible dining. Consider your preferred dining style: set times vs. open seating, and the cuisine choices when deciding.
How do the cruise lines handle gratuities?
Both Royal Caribbean and NCL automatically add gratuities to your onboard account to cover service staff. You can adjust the amount, but it is typically a set amount per day. This ensures that the crew members are fairly compensated. Check each cruise line’s specific policies regarding gratuities before you cruise.
Which cruise line is better for first-time cruisers?
Royal Caribbean is often recommended for first-time cruisers due to its extensive onboard activities, familiar amenities, and well-organized experiences. NCL is also suitable, but its Freestyle Cruising might be slightly more challenging for those new to cruising. Consider your comfort level with a busy or relaxed environment.
How do the prices of the two cruise lines compare?
Prices vary based on itinerary, cabin type, and time of booking. NCL often offers competitive pricing, especially for shorter cruises and during promotions. Royal Caribbean may be slightly more expensive, but the price often reflects the added features and activities. It’s best to compare prices for the specific cruise you are interested in.
Final Verdict
Both Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line offer exceptional cruise experiences, each with its unique strengths. Royal Caribbean excels with its mega-ships, packed itineraries, and family-friendly amenities. NCL caters to those seeking flexibility, casual dining, and a more relaxed pace. The best choice depends on individual preferences and priorities; Royal Caribbean often appeals to families and those who want a wider array of activities.
Winner: Royal Caribbean