If you are considering a cruise with Royal Caribbean or Norwegian Cruise Line, you are looking for an active, big-ship cruise experience on some of the largest ships in the world.
These two companies focus on cruises for everyone — couples, seniors, families — with activities and "wow" attractions to match. Their ships are highly popular, particularly on Bahamas and Caribbean routes.
Let's compare Norwegian Cruise Line to Royal Caribbean to see what they have in common — and what they don't — so you can find the cruise that's right for you.
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Size of ships
Both Norwegian and Royal Caribbean operate megaships of varying sizes — all floating resorts with onboard casinos, pools, live entertainment, elaborate spas, lively dance clubs and lots of bars.
While Royal Caribbean has several ships that carry fewer than 2,250 passengers, the bulk of its vessels carry 3,000 to 4,000 passengers; its five biggest ships — topped by Wonder of the Seas and Icon of the Seas — are the world's largest cruise ships and carry more than 5,400 guests. In fact, some of the ships are so big they're set up in a neighborhood layout, including a Boardwalk neighborhood that's patterned after Coney Island, featuring a high-diving show, carousel and hot dog stand. There's also a leafy Central Park neighborhood with thousands of live plants.
Related: The 6 classes of Royal Caribbean ships, explained
Norwegian Cruise Line ships range in size from about 1,900 passengers (quaint by megaship standards) to more than 4,100 passengers. The line is not trying to win the size war, but it offers plenty of excitement on board. The latest Norwegian ships are topped by multi-level go-kart racetracks that add vroom to the cruise experience.
Related: The 9 classes of Norwegian Cruise Line ships, explained
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Cabins and suites
Both cruise lines proudly offer a broad range of accommodations. Norwegian particularly shines in the area of creativity and innovation.
On top of the newest ships in the fleet is The Haven, a suite complex with a private restaurant, sundeck, pool and lounge — basically a separate boutique hotel on top of the ship. Guests in The Haven get privacy in upscale, contemporary surroundings when they want, but they also have access to all the fun activities elsewhere on board.
Norwegian also pays special attention to solo travelers. In The Studios, passengers traveling solo can book creatively designed inside cabins that are priced for one (a cruise rarity). They come with exclusive access to a shared lounge, so you can socialize with other solo travelers if you wish.
Elsewhere, family cabins are located near children's facilities, and spa cabins are positioned near the spa.
Related: Everything you want to know about cabins and suites on Norwegian Cruise Line ships
Royal Caribbean seeks to please all travelers with the largest selection of cabin types of any cruise line. The line has everything from tight and inexpensive inside cabins with virtual balconies (sea views delivered via LED screen) and solo staterooms on select ships to two-story loft suites.
Some suites have views of the high-diving show, while some standard-size cabins face the Royal Promenade, Boardwalk or Central Park neighborhoods of the ship. (You exchange ocean views for people-watching.) Royal has moved to match NCL by providing suite guests access to a private lounge, restaurant and sun deck on its newer ships.
Related: Everything you want to know about cabins and suites on Royal Caribbean ships
Food and drink
When looking at Royal Caribbean's versus Norwegian's dining options, both lines have a lot of fee-based specialty restaurants that surpass what they offer in their complimentary venues. To some cruisers, these restaurants might seem to be a money grab, but foodies don't mind paying for the upgrade in meals.
Years ago, Norwegian developed what it calls "Freestyle Cruising," a model that sought to turn some cruise traditions — such as assigned tables in a large main dining room and formal night dress codes — on their heads. Instead, passengers eat when and where they want. However, in many cases, reservations are still required.
NCL goes all-out with choices; large ships, such as Norwegian Viva, offer more than two dozen dining experiences. You can eat for free in smaller dining rooms or the buffet or splurge, for instance, on steak, French, Brazilian and Asian fare. Norwegian pays particular attention to providing outdoor dining options.
For food included in the cruise fare, Royal Caribbean focuses much attention on its Windjammer Marketplace (the buffet) and main dining rooms; in the latter, you can opt for assigned tables or anytime dining. A shining point of the fee-based options on select ships is Jamie's Italian with British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver. Fans also rave about the line's fancy Chef's Table experience, a multicourse affair with chef commentary on what you are tasting.
Related: The ultimate guide to cruise ship food and dining
Kids activities
Knowing that parents appreciate some downtime, both cruise lines have well-established programs to keep your kids happy. You can have a massage at the spa, hit the casino or otherwise do grown-up things knowing that your children are in a camp-like program with youth counselors who are leading age-appropriate activities like arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, science experiments, game play or movie watching. There are also fun clubs for teens and tweens to call their own.
Royal Caribbean's Adventure Ocean program (for ages 3-12) offers an educational spin, featuring a chance for kids to become certified adventure scientists. There are also special programs for babies and toddlers, as well as older kids, ages 13 to 17.
Norwegian's Splash Academy (for kids ages 5-12) entertains with creative play, including a Circus School. Meanwhile, Entourage (for ages 13-17) keeps teens occupied with games, sports and parties in a hip club.
Related: 5 best cruise lines for families
Onboard attractions
Both Royal Caribbean and Norwegian have developed their newest ships to be active floating playgrounds with supercharged indoor and outdoor activities for all ages. Royal is tops in its ability to push the envelope, but Norwegian is coming on strong.
All Royal Caribbean ships have rock-climbing walls and FlowRider simulators that allow passengers to surf and boogie board. The line's long roster of activity choices on its various ships includes ice skating rinks, carousels, zip lines, minigolf, laser tag, escape rooms, waterslides, simulated sky diving setups, a 10-story thrill slide called Ultimate Abyss, an amusem*nt-park-like mechanical arm that lifts a London Eye-style pod high above the ships for views and other mind-blowing features. The larger the ship, the more onboard activities you'll find.
Norwegian's much-touted and very impressive attraction on its latest ships is a multi-story go-cart racetrack occupying a portion of the upper deck. The line also does virtual reality gaming well. Select ships have a Galaxy Pavilion full of exciting challenges and experiences.
The ships also offer Aqua Parks with exciting dual racing slides, full-size basketball courts, escape rooms, laser tag, minigolf, darts, bowling and ropes courses. New on ships in the line's 3,250-passenger Prima Class are pairs of 10-story freefall thrill slides billed as the fastest at sea.
Related: The craziest attractions you'll find on a cruise ship
Entertainment
Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean have a battle of sorts in terms of signing Broadway shows for onboard productions. Both cruise lines recruit talent from Broadway, London's West End and around the world to rehearse in their own studios in Florida and have large casts of performers on their ships. The shows are slightly shortened versions of what you would see on land.
Royal Caribbean's roster includes such popular shows as "Grease," "Hairspray" and "CATS" on its biggest ships. On Norwegian ships, you can catch productions of such popular Broadway shows as "Beetlejuice," "Six" and "Summer: The Donna Summer Musical," as well as the super-fun pub show "The Choir of Man."
But the entertainment options don't stop there. Select Royal Caribbean ships feature performance spaces you might not expect to find at sea. There are outdoor shows featuring acrobats and high divers at the line's AquaTheaters, and ice skating shows with professional skaters take place in its Studio B ice-skating rinks. High-tech shows, live music and dancing the night away are also popular onboard pastimes.
Norwegian features extra-fee, adults-only show productions themed on wine or prohibition co*cktails and come with drinks. Comedy is part of the scene — Prima Class vessels even have improv clubs — and Norwegian's themed parties are particularly popular with the late-night crowd. Fun bars include the Skyy Ice Bar, where you wear a parka to enjoy vodka on ice. Select ships have a Cavern Club featuring a Beatles cover band, complete with shaggy hairdos.
While both lines offer a large selection of games and contests, Norwegian has floating, participatory versions of popular TV shows such as "Deal or No Deal" and "Press Your Luck."
Related: Which cruise ship activities should you book ahead of time?
Who is on board?
Norwegian's "Freestyle Cruising" is designed to be more contemporary and less traditional, and the crowd on board tends to embrace the carefree nature of the experience. The dress code is whatever you like — dress up for a date night or down for a casual meal in a pub.
On cruises from the U.S., the crowd is mostly from North America and represents all ages, from kids to seniors. Some adults stay up late partying in the dance club or trying their luck at Norwegian's award-winning casinos.
Royal Caribbean's crowd is a mix of international travelers and those from North America, including couples, families and singles from all walks of life. You'll find night owls on Royal, too, though the crowd is a tad more upscale than Norwegian. That's partly because Royal Caribbean ships have a higher percentage of lavish, pricey suites on board and attract people who have money to spend to book them.
Related: Which cruise brand is right for you? A guide to the most popular lines
Itineraries
Both Norwegian and Royal Caribbean position the bulk of their ships in North America, but also have ships sailing in destinations around the world.
Norwegian is the only cruise line with a ship — U.S.-flagged Pride of America — that sails year-round in the Hawaiian Islands. Norwegian focuses much attention, too, on the Caribbean, Bahamas, Alaska, New England and Canada, the Mexican Riviera and Bermuda. The line offers popular, affordable sailings in the Mediterranean and Greek Isles. Other destinations include Northern Europe, Africa, Australia and New Zealand and South America.
Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Norwegian ship
Likewise, Royal Caribbean puts much emphasis on North America — the Caribbean, Bahamas (including the line's own extravagant private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay), Alaska, Canada and New England and the Mexican Riviera — but also sails several regions in Europe. Its ships also ply waters in other areas of the world, including Australia, New Zealand, China and Singapore.
Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Royal Caribbean ship
Bottom line
Either of these cruise lines is a good choice for a first-time cruiser. Go with Royal Caribbean if you're looking for a slightly more upscale, traditional cruise ship atmosphere and Norwegian if you're seeking a contemporary take on casual cruising.
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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
