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Cruising is a unique way to travel, combining the luxury of a floating hotel with the thrill of exploring multiple destinations. Two names that frequently pop up when discussing the best cruise lines are Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and Royal Caribbean. Each offers a distinct experience, making choosing between them an exciting decision for cruise enthusiasts, travel bloggers, and vacation planners. This guide will help you understand the nuances of both, ensuring you make the best choice for your next adventure at sea.
Of course, both cruise lines have some similarities, like hot tubs, pools and a variety of dining and entertainment options, but if you have not cruised on both ships, you might not realize some of the major differences. A great place to hang out on both these cruise lines is the pool deck, especially if sailing the Caribbean.
In recent years, especially after Covid, cruises are becoming more popular. Popular with families, solo travelers, or couples. In fact, there are even cruise lines out there that do adult- only cruises. NCL and Royal are both considered family friendly cruise ships, with many family friendly activities, dance club, bar area, and water parks onboard. Both cruise lines offer loyalty programs, which helps returning customers to keep coming back to the same cruise line. So, as you can see there are many things that are the same, with differences in the details.
A Tale of Two Cruise Lines Norwegian Cruise Line vs Royal Caribbean.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Founded in 1966, Norwegian Cruise Line is known for its "Freestyle Cruising" concept, offering guests a flexible dining schedule and relaxed dress code. NCL boasts a diverse fleet and prides itself on delivering a laid-back yet luxurious experience.
Personally, I love freestyle cruise life. I have taken several NCL cruises and love the thought that I don't have to have early or late dining reservations, I can just show up to dinner when I am hungry. It can be 5PM on one day and 8PM on another, it's up to my belly to decide when I am wanting to eat in the main dining room. Plus, the laid-back feel of not having to feel like a need to dress up like a prom queen for dinner. Lol. The main dining room is more relaxed, without a major dress code. In fact, the only restaurant on an NCL ship that requires some more thought into dressing up is a specialty restaurant. One thing I noticed on the last NCL cruise I took, if you have the drink package, you can order 2 drinks at a time. This was very convenient when on the very busy pool deck.
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean, established in 1968, is celebrated for its innovative ships and an array of high-energy activities. With a reputation for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible at sea, Royal Caribbean attracts adventure seekers and families looking for a mix of relaxation and excitement.
Royal Caribbean is known for its cruise ships, especially recently with their extremely large cruise ships with the back of the ship curved inward for a promenade deck. There are plenty of places to eat, but shorts are not allowed in the main dining room for dinner. Call it casual, smart casual, to formal wear when dealing with the dress code on these ships for dinner.
The Royal Promenade is a major feature for Royal Caribbean’s newest ships. It is a neat feature and great for people watching while enjoying some time of the ship during the evenings or sea days.
Comparing the Fleet
Types of Ships
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line operates 17 ships, each designed to provide a unique experience. Their fleet includes newer, larger vessels like the Norwegian Bliss and smaller, more intimate ships such as the Norwegian Sky.
The Norwegian Prima and the Norwegian Viva ships are also considered to be large ships for the Carnival line and are the newest ships in the fleet. With recent releases and future releases in 2027.
Personally, my favorite style of the Norwegian Cruise Line ships is the Pearl Class. NCL Pearl, Jade, Jewel, and Gem are all in this class. These older ships are smaller ships, but for me they are perfect. They are not the smallest ships in the fleet. Plus you can usually find deals on these ships due to them being smaller and older, without all the bells and whistles.
List of ships and details
Encore -169,000 Gross Tons- Built in 2019
Bliss- 168,00 Gross Tons- Built in 2018
Escape- 168,00 Gross Tons- Built in 2015
Joy- 168,00 Gross Tons- Built in 2017
Breakaway- 146,000 Gross Tons- Built in 2013
Getaway- 146,000 Gross Tons- Built in 2014
Prima- 144,000 Gross Tons- Built in 2022
Viva- 144,000 Gross Tons- Built in 2023
*Aqua- 156,000 Gross Tons- Built in 2025
Epic- 156,000 Gross Tons- Built in 2010
Gem- 94,000 Gross Tons- Built in 2007
Pearl- 94,000 Gross Tons- Built in 2006
Jade- 94,000 Gross Tons- Built in 2006
Jewel- 94,000 Gross Tons- Built in 2005
Star- 92,000 Gross Tons- Built in 2001
Dawn- 92,000 Gross Tons- Built in 2002
Pride of America- 80,000 Gross Tons- Built in 2005
Sun- 79,000 Gross Tons- Built in 2001
Sky- 77,000 Gross Tons- Built in 1999
Spirit- 76,000 Gross Tons- Built in 1998
Royal Caribbean
In contrast, Royal Caribbean boasts 26 ships, including some of the largest in the world like the Symphony of the Seas. Their fleet features various classes, from the expansive Oasis Class to the more compact Radiance Class, catering to different preferences and budgets.
The Large ships are going to be the most expensive and remember the larger the ship the more people it holds. This will mean it will be more crowded than the small ships in the Royal Caribbean Fleet.
List of ships and details
Icon- 251,000 Gross Tons- Built in 2024
*Star- 251,000 Gross Tons- Built in 2025
Utopia- 237,000 Gross Tons- Built in 2024
Wonder- 237,000 Gross Tons- Built in 2022
Harmony- 228,000 Gross Tons- Built in 2016
Symphony- 228,000 Gross Tons- Built in 2018
Allure- 225,000 Gross Tons- Built in 2010
Oasis- 225,000 Gross Tons- Built in 2009
Anthem- 169,000 Gross Tons- Built in 2015
Odyssey- 169,000 Gross Tons- Built in 2021
Ovation- 169,000 Gross Tons- Built in 2016
Quantum- 169,000 Gross Tons- Built in 2014
Spectrum- 169,000 Gross Tons- Built in 2019
Freedom- 154,000 Gross Tons- Built in 2006
Independence- 154,000 Gross Tons- Built in 2008
Liberty-- 154,000 Gross Tons- Built in 2007
Adventure- 138,000 Gross Tons- Built in 2001
Explorer- 138,000 Gross Tons- Built in 2000
Mariner- 138,000 Gross Tons- Built in 2003
Navigator- 138,000 Gross Tons- Built in 2002
Voyager- 138,000 Gross Tons- Built in 1999
Brilliance- 90,000 Gross Tons- Built in 2002
Jewel- 90,000 Gross Tons- Built in 2004
Radiance- 90,000 Gross Tons- Built in 2001
Serenade- 90,000 Gross Tons- Built in 2003
Enchantment- 83,000 Gross Tons- Built in 1997
Rhapsody- 78,000 Gross Tons- Built in 1997
Vision- 78,000 Gross Tons- Built in 1998
Grandeur- 74,000 Gross Tons- Built in 1996
Onboard Amenities
NCL ships are equipped with amenities like go-kart tracks, laser tag arenas, and Broadway-style shows. The Norwegian Encore, for instance, features an outdoor laser tag arena and the largest racetrack at sea.
Royal Caribbean ships take onboard activities to the next level with features like surf simulators, skydiving simulators, and ice-skating rinks. The Harmony of the Seas, part of their Oasis Class, includes a Central Park with real trees and plants, creating a unique onboard environment.
Honestly both cruise lines do great with amenities, from activities for the kids, Spas for the adults and everything in between. Personally, I feel you will not be disappointed on either cruise line with amenities. Each cruise and line and ships will have differences, but still many things to do on both ships.
Dining Experiences
Norwegian Cruise Line
Dining on NCL ships is all about flexibility. Guests can choose from a variety of restaurants without set dining times, providing a relaxed and casual dining experience. Specialty restaurants include Cagney’s Steakhouse and Le Bistro, a French fine-dining venue.
I have eaten at many of the specialty restaurants on the NCL ships and have never been disappointed in any of them. Cagney’s steaks are great, and Le Bistro has amazing escargot and lamb chops. Teppanyaki, Moderno Churrascaria, and La Cucina are other great specialty restaurants on NCL ships. Plus depending on which class of ship you are on you might have other specialty restaurants to choose from. Honestly on the Breakaway class ship and above, the specialty restaurants are amazing, but also, I love the option of eating outside on the deck at Ocean Blue.
Of course, NCL has a buffet, and a 24-hour restaurant on each ship, and the food is good. I personally love the French toast for breakfast on the buffet, O'Sheehan's, or Room Service. (there is a fee for room service). Most NCL ships even have a Starbucks even though you will have to pay extra for a coffee from there.
Quality of Food on NCL
Norwegian Cruise Line’s dining experience is highly rated, with options ranging from casual buffets to upscale dining. The inclusion of diverse culinary styles ensures that every meal is a treat.
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean offers a more structured dining approach, with set dining times in the main dining room but also numerous specialty restaurants like Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, which is a favorite with their tableside cooking, The Windjammer Marketplace buffet is popular among guests for its extensive selection, but take a look at the Doghouse, and Mini Bites for some complimentary food while on board.
One of the cruise favorites is Chops Grille, like an American Steakhouse you will get the perfectly cooked steak of your dreams, plus amazing cheesecake.
Quality of Food on Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean also offers excellent dining options, with a focus on diverse and high-quality cuisine. Their specialty dining venues are particularly noteworthy, offering everything from steak to sushi prepared by top chefs.
When looking at ratings and reviews Royal Caribbean is ranked higher on the taste of food. In fact, they lead the cruise industry on food. Honestly from my personal experience I feel that Royal Caribbean is hard to beat on their basic food options. The buffet food on the Royal Caribbean has the best buffet food I have ever had on any cruise line I have been on.
Itinerary Options
This section really does not separate one from the other, as both Norwegian ships and Royal Caribbean cruise ships offer cruises all over the world. Europe, Asia, Alaska, Caribbean, Mediterranean. Both cruise lines do it all.
Norwegian Cruise Line Itineraries
NCL offers a wide range of itineraries, from the Caribbean to Alaska and the Mediterranean. Their "Free at Sea" promotion often includes perks like free shore excursions, open bar, and specialty dining, adding value to their diverse routes. NCL has 57 ports listed as their departure ports. They may not be cruising from some of these ports all year long, but they do leave from some of these several times a year. With this many options it offers more unique cruises in my opinion.
NCL’s private island called Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas is fine for a beach day. There is not a pier at the island so you will have to access the island via a tender boat, which is more difficult for those that are handicapped.
I have done Alaska, Caribbean, and Transatlantic cruises with NCL and loved them.
Royal Caribbean Itineraries
Royal Caribbean ships cover all the major cruise destinations, including unique routes to places like the South Pacific and Asia. Their private islands, Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee, are exclusive stops that offer a mix of relaxation and adventure activities. Royal has 29 different cities listed as embarkation ports and they are located all over the world.
CocoCay is Royal Caribbean’s own private island, and it is by far the best private island in the Bahamas out of all cruise lines. With a zip line, kids' zone, water slides, pools, cabanas, plus sectioned off quite nicely. If you're looking for a beach day with great pools and more, Royal Caribbean has everyone beat in the Bahamas.
I have only done Carribean cruises with Royal Caribbean, but I am sure I would enjoy any other itineraries aboard these ships.
Onboard Entertainment and Activities
Entertainment varies on the ships, especially when it comes to specific shows. But both of the cruise lines do activities like Bingo, and Trivia. Check out the casinos on the ships and also the shops. To me that could be considered the activity of shopping, visiting the library, doing crossword or sudoku puzzles, visiting the game room, or playing basketball, ping pong or a million other activities. I have even learned how to do macrame in a class on a cruise. There are a ton of things to do on the Norwegian Cruise ship or Royal Caribbean cruise line.
Entertainment on NCL
NCL ships are known for their high-quality entertainment, including Broadway shows like "Jersey Boys" and "Rock of Ages." Live music, comedy clubs, and themed parties ensure that there’s never a dull moment onboard.
I have enjoyed the comedy acts, and musical acts aboard the NCL ships. Just remember to be sure to reserve a seat if you are on a large ship, as the theater may not be large enough to hold everyone on the larger ships. On the Pearl class of ships, the theater is large enough to accommodate everyone so you will not need to reserve a seat in the theater.
Entertainment on Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean excels in entertainment with full-scale productions, ice-skating shows, and aqua theater performances. The Anthem of the Seas, for example, features the Two70 venue, where robotic arms and projection technology create immersive shows.
Accommodations
Something that both cruise lines do well is their cabins, staterooms or suites. Whatever you call it, you will be very satisfied. If you get a Haven suite with a Butler on NCL or just an interior suite on Royal, you will not be disappointed with either cruise line.
Another thing that is good to know, both cruise lines have handicap accessible cabins and offer extras in regular cabins to help out those with disabilities. For example, do you need a shower chair, toilet lift, or just a sharps container for insulin needles. Both cruise lines are capable of help you out. Also, both cruise lines allow CPAP machines for those of you who sleep at night with these machines.
Staterooms and Suites on NCL
NCL provides a variety of staterooms, from cozy inside cabins to luxurious suites in The Haven, an exclusive area with private amenities. Their family rooms and solo traveler studios cater to different needs, ensuring comfort for all guests.
Remember the higher price cabins like the Haven suites and club balconies are great if you can afford it, but never take on more than you can afford. I have taken many NCL cruises in an interior room and had a wonderful time.
I love the bedding in an NCL cabin. In fact, I looked into buying the bedding from their website for my house. Did you know you can do that? It is very comfortable.
Staterooms and Suites on Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean’s accommodations range from budget-friendly interior rooms to the lavish Royal Suite Class, which includes concierge service and exclusive access to private areas. Their Virtual Balcony staterooms offer a high-tech twist, providing real-time ocean views.
Pricing and Value
Pricing can vary between cruise lines, but also on the type of room, itinerary, length of cruise, or the alcohol packages, Wi-Fi and so much more. Also, another thing that can change the price of the cruise, but I highly suggest buying is travel insurance. Always ask your travel agent, or if you do it yourself play with the prices of different things. A basic cruise might be cheaper on NCL, but if you add in all the extras the Royal Caribbean cruise might be more expensive. It just takes a lot of looking into.
I highly suggest travel insurance as mentioned earlier. It's the thing you buy, hoping you never have to use, but it gives you peace of mind in case of an emergency. If you have a medical emergency and need to be evacuated from the ship, it can cost over $10,000. Now we don't ever plan on having a medical emergency, but it is good to be prepared, because medical services on the ship are expensive, on top of if you need an evacuation. Travel insurance also covers so much more than medical, like flight delays, lost luggage and cancellations due to weather.
You can buy this when you purchase the cruise, from the cruise line, but I prefer buying it separately from Allianz. Give me a yell if you would like a free quote.
NCL Pricing Structure
NCL’s pricing often includes perks like free Wi-Fi, drink packages, and shore excursions, making it an attractive option for those looking for value. Their promotions can add significant savings, especially for families and groups.
The additional cost associated with the “free at sea” can be avoided if you are not a drinker or don't want to do specialty restaurants. This can save you a considerable amount of money depending on the cruise ship and cruise length you are taking.
Royal Caribbean Pricing Structure
Royal Caribbean’s pricing is competitive, with frequent deals and discounts. They offer a range of packages that include drink plans and specialty dining, providing good value for money, especially considering the extensive amenities and activities available.
I can find decent deals on short cruises with Royal Caribbean, but not near as good of deals on their newer largest ships or new ships. In fact, just on a few cruises I have looked at over the past few days, Royal Caribbean has been more expensive than NCL.
Reviews of Both Cruise Lines
Personal Experiences and Ratings
According to Cruise Critic, NCL earns high marks for its relaxed atmosphere and excellent entertainment. Guests appreciate the flexible dining options and the variety of onboard activities. In contrast, Royal Caribbean is praised for its innovative ships and top-notch service. Reviewers highlight the quality of the shows and the range of activities available for all ages.
Food, Bedding, and Overall Enjoyment
NCL’s food receives positive feedback for its quality and variety, while their bedding is noted for comfort. Guests enjoy the overall relaxed vibe of the cruises. Royal Caribbean’s food is equally well-reviewed, with a slight edge in specialty dining. Their bedding is consistently rated as comfortable, and the overall cruise experience is often described as energetic and fun.
My Personal Experience
Having sailed with both Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean, I can attest to the unique experiences each offers. NCL’s freestyle cruising allowed me to dine whenever I wanted, making my vacation feel truly personalized. The onboard entertainment was top-notch, with shows that rivaled those on Broadway.
I will definitely be choosing NCL cruises in the future. In fact, I purchased Cruise Next certificates while onboard during my last cruise. Which I can use when booking a future cruise and are neat to have. I am typically a solo traveler and NCL is great for solos. From solo cabins, better prices on singles in a balcony room, and activities for solo’s they are leading the cruise industry in my opinion.
On the other hand, Royal Caribbean impressed me with its sheer scale and variety of activities. From surfing on the Flow Rider to watching spectacular aqua shows, there was never a dull moment. The structured dining added a touch of elegance, and the service was exceptional.
There were more families with young kids on the Royal Caribbean ship I was on, which was fine, but since I am without kids, I tend to not need the bells and whistles that Royal Caribbean International offers.
For me I will choose the cruise line that travels to places I want to visit, for the cheapest price. I have found Transatlantic cruises to be the cheapest per night, as they are typically traveling on shoulder season and with those cruises being around 14 days usually, many people can't take them due to the length of the cruise. This means cruise lines usually reduce the price of the cruise to rock bottom prices, as they would prefer to have a full ship, then travel across the ocean on a half full ship.
Conclusion
Choosing between Norwegian Cruise Line vs Royal Caribbean depends on what you’re looking for in a cruise vacation. If you prefer a laid-back experience with flexible dining and a variety of entertainment options, NCL might be the perfect fit. However, if you’re seeking innovation, high-energy activities, and exclusive destinations, Royal Caribbean stands out.
Both cruise lines offer excellent value, ensuring that your vacation is memorable regardless of your choice. To make an informed decision, consider the specific itineraries, onboard amenities, and overall vibe that align with your travel preferences.
Ultimately, the best cruise line for you is the one that aligns with your vacation goals and personal preferences. Happy cruising!
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