ncl cruise vs carnival

Norwegian Cruise Line vs. Carnival Cruise Line: Battle of the big-ship brands

If you're considering a cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line or Carnival Cruise Line, you're looking at two big-ship brands offering lots of onboard activities and attractions at an affordable price.

The two highly popular cruise lines operate fleets of megaships with facilities you would expect to find at a resort, such as casinos, pools, restaurants, live entertainment, fancy spas and lots of bars.

Both lines offer something for everyone. Couples, seniors, solo travelers and families with kids come on board for a lively roster of activities and some "wow" attractions. Both lines focus much of their attention on fun-in-the-sun itineraries in the Bahamas and Caribbean, sailing from U.S. ports. Norwegian also has the only ship that sails year-round in the Hawaiian Islands.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Let's compare Norwegian vs. Carnival to see what they have in common, and what they don't, to help you find the cruise that's right for you.

Size of ships

Norwegian Cruise Line 's 19 ships carry from just over 1,900 passengers (small by megaship standards) to around 4,200 passengers. The line is not trying to win the size war ( Royal Caribbean , for instance, has ships that top 6,000 passengers) but has plenty of excitement on board. For example, some of the latest Norwegian ships are topped by multilevel go-kart racetracks, ropes courses and laser tag arenas.

Carnival Cruise Line 's larger fleet has several 2,100-passenger ships, though most Carnival ships carry 3,000 to 4,000 passengers. The latest ships — Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee (debuting December 2023) — have a passenger capacity topping 5,200. Those ships are topped by real roller coasters, an industry first.

Mardi Gras also debuted in 2021 as the first ship in North America to operate on cleaner burning Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), which reduces the ship's output of carbon. Carnival Celebration and Jubilee, as well as Norwegian's newest ships, Norwegian Prima and Viva, operate on LNG as well.

Related: Cruise ship classes explained: Norwegian Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line

Cabins and suites

Cabin choices abound on both cruise lines, but Norwegian is particularly innovative in this realm and, in some ways, Carnival is playing catch-up with its rival.

On the upper decks of several Norwegian ships is The Haven, akin to a boutique hotel located within the larger ship. Suite guests receive exclusive access to the gated complex, where they can escape the crowds elsewhere on the ship in their own private oasis with its own restaurant, lounge, pool and sundeck. The decor of the suites has a contemporary flair that matches the fancy surroundings. Haven passengers are, of course, free to roam the entire ship and enjoy all its attractions.

Another area where Norwegian gets particularly creative is in accommodations for travelers cruising solo . Studio cabins are designed for one, with mood lights and other features that make the inside accommodations seem more spacious than they are. The benefit here is single-occupancy pricing and a private lounge for socializing with other solo passengers.

Also on select ships are cabins specifically designed for families (near kids' play areas). The fleet's spa cabins are disappearing in 2024 to make room for more solo cabins.

Carnival tops Norwegian, and other competitors, with the largest standard cabins in the industry. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the line has taken a deep dive into suites on its latest ships, creating impressive accommodations with their own outdoor plunge pools, plus a private sundeck for suite guests.

Select ships have special Family Harbor cabins and suites that come with the benefit of a shared family lounge. Havana Suites are accommodations designed for sun-worshippers; these come with daytime access to a private pool area. Spa accommodations feature easy access to the spa and special amenities.

Related: Everything you wanted to know about cruise ship cabins and suites: Carnival | Norwegian

Food and drink

Carnival has long managed to have some of the tastiest food at sea, including extra-fee specialty dining venues. Favorites include JiJi's for authentic Asian cuisine and the various steakhouses for a date-night splurge.

You don't have to pay a cent extra for many of Carnival's mouthwatering restaurants. Decadent poolside burgers by Food Network star Guy Fieri are a particular passenger favorite, but you can also find complimentary tacos and burritos, as well as crispy crust pizza.

The Carnival chefs are not afraid of titillating tastebuds with flavor; if you like Indian cuisine, request it from your dining room waiter and you are in for a treat. On select ships, Carnival offers barbecue by Guy Fieri (free for lunch, extra cost for dinner) and pairs it with beer brewed right on board. Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee tout New Orleans bistros by Emeril Lagasse.

Fun bars also abound. At Carnival's Alchemy Bar, patrons fill out a prescription pad of their favorites, and bartenders "prescribe" a special concoction. On Mardi Gras, molecular drinks smoke and otherwise impress at The Fortune Teller bar, and Carnival Celebration features a menu of throwback drinks to celebrate the cruise line's 50th anniversary.

Norwegian's "Freestyle Cruising" dining concept skips giant main dining rooms with assigned tables and dining times in favor of multiple restaurants, where you can eat whenever you want. However, many of these eateries cost extra and require reservations. Foodies don't mind paying for the upgrade in meals; look for dining packages to keep costs in check.

Norwegian is all about giving its guests choices, and its newest ships boast more than two dozen dining options. Free eats include smaller dining rooms, pubs with grub and buffets, while splurges include steak, Asian, French and Brazilian venues. NCL's newest ships feature fan favorite Indulge Food Hall , with nearly a dozen food outlets serving a range of American and international dishes (most without an upcharge).

The line also shines when it comes to outdoor dining with views. Indoors, Skyy Ice Bars are a kitschy attraction for those who don't mind bundling in a parka to enjoy vodka on ice.

Related: The ultimate guide to cruise ship food and dining

Kids activities

Both cruise lines have well-established drop-off kids programming that takes place in dedicated play areas and cool hangout spaces. Youth counselors lead age-appropriate activities such as arts and crafts, movies, and sports, or let kids veg out with video games and movies. (In the meantime, grownups can get a break from parenting and enjoy the spa or a drink by the pool.)

Carnival's Camp Ocean program caters to kids ages 2-11 (with an emphasis on marine-themed activities that are fun and educational), while Circle C and Club O2 are its cool clubs for tweens and teens, respectively. The line has partnered with Dr. Seuss to offer libraries of kids' books, story times and parades with the author's beloved characters, and a Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast, hosted by The Cat in The Hat, that's fun for all ages. (Breakfast does incur a nominal fee.)

Norwegian's Splash Academy keeps kids ages 5-12 happy with all the usual creative games and crafts, plus a Circus School. Teens ages 13-17 make friends at Entourage (on most ships), where they can play the latest video games, dance at evening parties or just chill out in comfy seating areas.

Related: 5 best cruise lines for families

Onboard attractions

Would you rather race on a go-kart track or push turbo for a faster ride on a roller coaster? Those are the top attractions on the newest five ships of Norwegian and the three newest ships of Carnival, respectively. These active floating playgrounds offer supercharged indoor and outdoor activities for all ages.

In addition to BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea on Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee, Carnival has its WaterWorks water parks with exciting waterslides . Depending on the ship, you might also find outdoor ropes courses where you can walk a plank off the ship (while in a harness), an elevated recumbent bike you can pedal around a track, minigolf, Imax theaters and indoor trampoline parks.

Norwegian matches Carnival with a ropes course on select ships, complete with The Plank. It also goes hi-tech with its Galaxy Pavilion, full of virtual reality gaming and experiences. Look for Aqua Parks equipped with racing slides, full-size basketball courts, escape rooms, augmented reality laser tag, minigolf and bowling. The new 3,250-passenger Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva feature a first for the line — a pair of 10-story free-fall thrill slides.

Related: The wildest attractions you'll find on a cruise ship

Entertainment

Both lines excel in entertainment, though they take different approaches.

Norwegian Cruise Line signs Broadway and West End shows for slightly shortened shipboard productions, creates its own shows and searches around the world for interesting acts. You can catch productions of such popular shows as "Beetlejuice" and "Six," as well as the super-fun pub show "The Choir of Man" and Latin dance show "Burn the Floor."

Adults can pay extra for shows themed around wine or prohibition cocktails; kids aren't allowed because the fun comes with drinks. Comedy, improv and themed parties are all favorites of the late-night crowd.

Comedy is front and center in Carnival's entertainment lineup. The cruise line's Punchliner Comedy Clubs host more than 27,000 live performances a year, which makes Carnival the largest employer of comics in the world. It also wins the live music battle and puts together its own bands — whether jazz, rock 'n' roll, show band or classical.

You won't find Broadway here, but Carnival does create its own high-tech shows called Playlist Productions. These feature singers and dancers and familiar tunes but are purposely limited to 35- to 45-minute performances.

Both lines offer a roster of games and contests tied to popular TV shows. Carnival has shipboard versions of "Deal or No Deal" and "Family Feud," while Norwegian runs "Wheel of Fortune" and "The Price is Right" games (complete with prizes).

Both lines recruit performers from around the world and have their own Florida studios where the singers, dancers and musicians rehearse.

Related: The ultimate guide to Carnival Cruise Line ships and itineraries

Who is on board?

Carnival strives to offer affordable and fun cruises for everyone. The family-friendly ships are casual and carefree; the crowd is mostly American, with both couples and families on board. Carnival cruisers stay up late to take advantage of the casinos, dance clubs and late-night themed parties.

Carnival fares are also among the lowest in the Bahamas and Caribbean, and the line sails from multiple U.S. home ports, making its cruises accessible to a vast pool of vacationers.

Norwegian's "Freestyle Cruising" attracts all ages, from kids to seniors, who prefer the casual, less traditional onboard vibe. No one is forcing a dress code here; you can get dolled up for date night or stick with jeans for a casual dinner. On cruises from the U.S., the crowd is mostly from North America.

Norwegian's prices are typically higher than Carnival's cruise fares, but often include a list of pick-your-own value-added perks, such as free drinks, Wi-Fi or shore excursion credit as part of the line's ongoing Free at Sea promotion .

When comparing prices on the two lines, it's important to consider what is included and what is not.

Related: The ultimate guide to Norwegian Cruise Line ships and itineraries

Itineraries

Norwegian has the bulk of its ships in North America but also sails to destinations around the world. Carnival sticks closer to North America.

Carnival ships cruise the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, Alaska, Canada/New England, Hawaii and the Mexican Riviera from convenient drive-to ports along the U.S. coast. For instance, you can sail to Cabo from Long Beach or Cozumel from New Orleans.

The line also offers limited sailings in Europe. Plus, Carnival Luminosa and Carnival Splendor offer seasonal and year-round cruises, respectively, from Sydney and Brisbane around Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.

Norwegian is the only cruise line with a ship — the American-flagged Pride of America — that is based in Hawaii year-round. Norwegian focuses much attention on the Caribbean and 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, Asia and South America.

Related: Best destinations to visit on a cruise: Norwegian Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line

Bottom line: Carnival vs. Norwegian Cruise Line

As a first-time cruiser you can't go wrong with either line. Pick Norwegian Cruise Line if you are looking for innovative onboard attractions and a contemporary take on casual cruising. Choose Carnival if you want great food and a "Fun Ship" experience in a casual environment at an affordable price.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• 15 best cruise ships for people who never want to grow up
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

• +1 (866) 622-3344

•  All Cruise Destinations
•  All Cruise Departure Ports

•  Ocean Cruises
•  River Cruises
•  Cruise Length
•  2 to 3 nights
•  4 to 6 nights
•  7 to 9 nights
•  10 to 13 nights
•  14 and more nights
•  All Cruise Lines
•  All Ships
• Cruise Booking
• Cruise Articles
• First Time Cruisers

Norwegian Cruise Line Vs. Carnival: What's the Difference?

Compare Norwegian Cruise Line with Carnival to determine which cruise line matches your preferences best.

Book A Cruise Now

Norwegian Cruise Line, known for its freestyle cruising experience, and Carnival, known for its friendly and laid-back approach, are quite similar ship fleets in many ways. Both ships prioritize providing fun-filled experiences to travelers at all times of their stay. Perfect for family vacations, solo traveling, or just having a fun time with your friends, these cruise lines are bound to offer you only the best services.

All about  Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is specifically known for a new style of cruising that they have adopted over the past years. Called 'freestyle' cruising, this specific niche in cruising types simply refers to providing the passengers with free reign over their choices on board the ship. It is designed to prioritize a passenger's comfort the most by giving them this independence.

All about  Carnival Cruise Line

Living up to the meaning of its name, Carnival Cruise line ships are nothing short of a constant party on sea. Made to provide only fun-filled activities and events onboard, Carnival has created a name for itself in the cruising industry by creating a grand yet chill-themed cruise ship. There is always something to do for everyone aboard their ships, whether adults or children, and you will not find yourself bored even for a minute!

Difference between Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line

We've compiled together an overall list of all the things you can consider to draw comparisons between the two cruise lines. These factors can help you easily understand what makes these cruise lines great in their own way and help you make the right choice according to your preferences.

1) Ship and Fleet Size

Both cruise lines boast large ships that have pretty much everything you can ask for on your cruise trip. They feature ships that cater to larger audiences, such as large friend groups and family travel, as well as smaller, more personalized options.

Carnival features a large fleet of around 24 cruise ships that travel around various parts of the world. Norwegian Cruise Line features around 19 cruise ships as a part of its overall operating fleet.

Norwegian's largest ship measures 1,094 feet long and 136 feet wide, with a gross tonnage of 1,69,145 tons. They also have smaller options that focus on more personalized experiences for passengers and a wider range of itineraries. Carnival's largest cruise ship is about 1,130 feet long and has a gross tonnage of 183,521 tons. These ships provide many facilities for entertainment and relaxation.

2) Passenger Capacity

Both the cruise lines feature ships that have passenger capacities as low as only around 2,000 or so passengers to a higher intake of more than 5,000 (in the case of Carnival) and 4,000 (in the case of Norwegian.) 

3) Dining Options Onboard

With dining being such an essential part of the whole experience and having the capacity to either make it or break it, both cruise lines have put a major focus on providing only the best and highest quality options for all passengers.

You'll find a lot more complementary dining options with Carnival, with a large majority of its options already included in the cruise base fare. For more speciality-themed restaurants and dining options, the Norwegian Cruise line is the perfect choice for you and your loved ones. Some notable mentions from Carnival are the famous Guy's Burger Joint and Big Chicken. Carnival features more grubby, greasy, and hearty meals for all. With Norwegian, the dining experience is entirely dependent upon their niche operating style of 'freestyling.' You have no specific timings or places to eat at, and even no dress codes to worry about. Although this is the case, a maximum of the dining options available onboard the Norwegian Cruise Line are available for an extra cost and feature exotic cuisines like Italian, French, Brazilian, and even Asian.

4)  Activities and Events available onboard

Norwegian and Carnival both offer larger-than-life and extravagant attractions to make your cruising experience enjoyable. Both cruise lines offer some common activities in between them, such as gaming nights, i.e. trivia nights, name-that-tune, crafts, and other fun small-scale game shows. 

Carnival's entertainment highlight is its comedy club onboard. Carnival holds multiple comedy shows with varying themes meant for different kinds of audiences, throughout the day. Norwegian on the other hand is known for its Broadway musical performances featuring shows like 'Jersey Boys and 'Beetlejuice.' 

In terms of activities, both cruise lines feature some of the most amazing and enjoyable rides and gaming experiences for all age groups. With Carnival, you'll get things like water slides, mini golf, extensive rope courses, and more. Carnival has its own themed WaterWorks water park available on the largest as well as the smallest ships in its fleet. A notable mention of Carnival rides is the Bolt: The Ultimate Sea Coaster. It is part of the Excel class and is pretty much the only roller coaster at sea ever made till now.

As for Norwegian, they don't shy away from providing thrilling fun rides, such as go-karting at sea, tall water slides, and even their famous Galaxy Pavilion that transports you to a fascinating virtual reality and provides its passengers with a unique experience. One thing to note here is that Norwegian is the first cruise line to host a go-karting facility at sea. They also have a dedicated arcade area and laser tag area for maximum enjoyment.

Also, Read:

• What activities can you do on a cruise ship?
• Discover Unique Activities on Your Next Cruise
• What type of entertainment is on cruise ships?

To sum it all up, both cruise lines offer a large range of destinations to travel to, various dining options, and an overall fun experience. Customer satisfaction is a top priority for both cruise lines. Both even also follow similar themes and patterns and complement each other's features. For your next cruise, don't forget to contact Cruisebooking.com !  

Norwegian Cruise Line Vs. Royal Caribbean: What's the Difference?

Book A Cruise Now Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean are two well-known and grand cruising lines. Both cruise lines feature large ships in their fleets and focus on providing a magnificent [...]

March 14, 2024

Which Is Better: Cove Balcony or Regular Balcony on Carnival?

Book Carnival Cruises On a Carnival cruise ship, the decision between the cove balcony and the regular balcony ultimately comes down to personal taste, fiscal matters, and priorities. To assist [...]

May 14, 2024

Are There Any Things to Do in Amsterdam, Netherlands?

Book A Cruise Now Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, of course, has a lot of things to do. The city is one of the most culturally rich cities of the European region, known for its vibrant [...]

March 08, 2024

Utopia of the Seas Vs. Icon of the Seas: What's the Difference?

Book Royal Caribbean Cruises Operating under the Royal Caribbean Group, Utopia of the Seas and Icon of the Seas are two of the group’s newly announced cruise ships. Both Utopia and Icon [...]

May 13, 2024

Cruise Inquiry

Our cruise experts will help you to plan your perfect cruise vacation!

* I consent to receive communications by email or phone. I understand I may opt out at any time using the unsubscribe link provided in all communications. Please proceed to the Privacy Policy page or read our Terms & Conditions to understand how your data might be used.

We use cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Privacy Policies

• Cruise Advice

Carnival Cruise Line vs. Norwegian: Which One is Right for You?

• March 28, 2023

Two of the most popular cruise lines are Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line .

Both offer a wide range of destinations and onboard activities, but each has unique personalities and styles.

If you’re new to cruising, choosing the right cruise line can be daunting. With so many options, it can be hard to know where to start.

Carnival Cruise Line vs. Norwegian Cruise Line

In this article, we will break down the major differences between the two cruise lines. Keep in mind, however, that features may vary depending on the age of the cruise ship. For instance, a newer vessel may offer a wider variety of accommodations or dining venues than an older vessel.

Types of Cruise Ships

Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line are two of the most popular cruise lines in the world, offering a variety of ships to cater to different types of travelers.

Carnival Cruise Line offers a fleet of 24 ships, ranging in size from small ones like Carnival Elation to the massive Carnival Celebration.

Carnival’s ships are known for their fun and lively atmosphere, with plenty of entertainment options, including water parks, casinos, comedy, and live music.

Norwegian Cruise Line, on the other hand, offers a fleet of 17 ships, with the Norwegian Prima being the newest . Its ships are known for their modern design and innovative features, such as waterfront promenades and go-cart tracks on the newer vessels.

Norwegian is also known for its Freestyle Cruising concept, which allows passengers to dine when and where they want, rather than being assigned to a specific dining time and table.

Additionally, Norwegian ships cater to many different types of travelers, from families to couples to solo travelers.

The line offers a variety of stateroom options, from budget-friendly inside cabins to oversized suites.

Itineraries

Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line offer a range of itineraries to different destinations worldwide, covering popular destinations such as the Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska, Bermuda, Canada, and New England.

Norwegian Cruise Line, on the other hand, offers more diverse and exotic itineraries, catering to travelers looking for a more unique vacation experience.

Carnival Cruise Line mainly operates in the Caribbean, with most of its itineraries focusing on short to medium-length cruises to popular destinations such as the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Cozumel.

Many Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries include a stop at Carnival’s private island, sharing with sister brand Holland America, Half Moon Cay.

The line also offers some longer cruises to destinations such as Hawaii, Alaska, and Europe.

Additionally, Carnival’s itineraries generally have a party atmosphere, with onboard activities such as dance classes, live music, and comedy shows.

Norwegian Cruise Line also has many sailings in the Bahamas and Caribbean, occasionally stopping at the private island Great Stirrup Cay.

The line also offers a more diverse itinerary to exotic destinations such as Asia, Australia, South America, northern Europe, and the Mediterranean.

Essentially, their itineraries vary in length from three to four-day cruises to 14 to 21-day cruises.

Norwegian Cruise Line also emphasizes onboard activities such as fine dining, Broadway-style shows, and spa treatments. Their ships have a more sophisticated atmosphere, with more upscale and elegant decor than most of Carnival Cruise Line’s ships.

Both Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line offer a variety of staterooms to cater to different preferences and budgets.

Carnival Cruise Line provides four main categories of staterooms: interior, oceanview, balcony, and suite. These staterooms are spacious and equipped with basic amenities such as a TV, a bathroom, and a closet.

Norwegian Cruise Line is known for its stateroom categories, such as Haven suites and solo traveler studio cabins.

The Haven suites come with exclusive access to a private pool, lounge, restaurant, and the use of a personal butler, as well as hot tubs and expansive private balconies.

The solo studio cabins are 100 square feet, designed for one guest, and have a solo traveler lounge and dedicated area.

In addition to The Haven suites, Norwegian also offers a range of cabin options, from inside to balcony to suites, all with stylish and modern decor.

While Carnival’s cabin categories may not be as extravagant as Norwegian’s, they are still comfortable and well-appointed, with plenty of space for guests to relax and unwind.

Food and drink

Regarding dining options, Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line offer many choices to satisfy any palate. However, there are some notable differences between the two cruise lines.

Carnival is known for its casual dining options, focusing on comfort food and classic favorites. Guests can enjoy burgers at Guy’s Burger Joint, pizza and burritos at the poolside grill, or head to the buffet for various options.

For a more upscale experience, Carnival also offers several specialty restaurants, such as the Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse, Italian restaurant Cucina del Capitano, and Bonsai Teppanyaki hibachi on select ships, for an additional fee.

On the other hand, Norwegian Cruise Line offers a more diverse range of dining options, with a focus on global cuisine and innovative concepts. Guests can enjoy traditional dining rooms, buffets, and casual options like pub-style fare and Asian cuisine.

Norwegian also offers a variety of specialty dining options, including French, Brazilian, and sushi options, available for an additional fee.

One of the standout features of Norwegian is the Freestyle Dining concept, which allows guests to dine whenever and wherever they want without any set dining times or assigned tables.

While both Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line offer a variety of dining options, Norwegian provides a more diverse and innovative selection, while Carnival focuses on casual comfort food and classic favorites.

MORE: Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival Cruise Line: Which Cruise Line is Best For You?

Entertainment and activities

Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line are two of the most popular cruise lines in the world, offering a wide selection of activities for their passengers. While both cruise lines have a lot in common, they each have unique features and different activities.

Carnival Cruise Line is known for its fun and festive atmosphere, focusing on family-friendly activities. They offer a variety of activities, such as water parks, mini-golf courses, basketball courts, ropes courses, and outdoor movie screens.

Their ships also feature casinos, live music, game shows like Hasbro and The Game Show, Punchliner Comedy Club, and trivia.

The Vista-class ships also include a suspended cycling attraction called SkyRide, and the newest Excel-class ships, Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration, feature the first roller coaster at sea — BOLT.

Norwegian Cruise Line, on the other hand, is known for its elegant atmosphere, with a focus on relaxation and entertainment.

They offer a variety of activities, such as Broadway-style shows, casinos, elevated spas and thermal suites, and a range of dining options, including specialty restaurants like Cagney’s Steakhouse and Le Bistro.

Their ships also feature a variety of bars and lounges, perfect for a night out with friends or a romantic evening. That isn’t to say that Norwegian doesn’t have thrills, as some of the line’s ships include laser tag arenas, water slides, and go-kart tracks.

For families, Carnival Cruise Line is a great choice, with plenty of activities for kids and adults alike.

Norwegian Cruise Line is suitable for couples or solo travelers looking for a more go-with-the-flow experience with a focus on relaxation and entertainment.

It’s also worth noting that both lines feature adults-only sundecks on most of their vessels. Carnival offers the Serenity Retreat, while Norwegian has Spice H2O.

Carnival Cruise Line is a great choice for those looking for a fun and festive atmosphere, while Norwegian Cruise Line offers a more refined experience.

However, it’s important to consider the types of activities you’re looking for in a cruise, as well as the destinations you’re interested in visiting, before making a decision.

What’s guaranteed is no matter which cruise line you choose, you’re sure to have an unforgettable vacation at sea.

Kids’ programs

Regarding family-friendly activities and programs, Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line have a lot to offer. However, there are some key differences to note between the two cruise lines.

Carnival Cruise Line’s kids’ program, called “Camp Ocean,” is designed for children ages 2-11. The program offers supervised activities such as arts and crafts, video games, and outdoor play areas.

They also have a separate program for teens, called “Circle C” for ages 12-14 and “Club O2” for ages 15-17. These programs provide fun activities like dance parties, sports tournaments, and movie nights.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s kids’ program, called “Splash Academy,” is separated into age groups: Guppies (ages six months to 3 years), Turtles (ages 3-5), Seals (ages 6-9), and Dolphins (ages 10-12). The program offers a range of activities, such as arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, and sports tournaments.

Norwegian Cruise Line has a program called “Entourage” for teens aged 13-17. This program features dance parties, pool parties, and video game tournaments.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s program focuses more on group activities. In contrast, Carnival Cruise Line’s program is more relaxed and offers a broader range of activities for kids of all ages. It’s important to consider your family’s needs and preferences when choosing between the two cruise lines.

When comparing Carnival Cruise Line vs. Norwegian Cruise Line, one of the most important factors for many consumers is the price. So, how do they stack up?

In general, Carnival Cruise Line tends to be slightly more affordable than Norwegian Cruise Line. Carnival is known for its budget-friendly cruises, with plenty of options for those looking to save money on their vacation.

On the other hand, Norwegian Cruise Line often positions itself as a more premium brand, with higher-end amenities and experiences at a higher price point.

However, it’s important to note that the price of a cruise can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including the specific itinerary, the time of year, the level of cabin or suite you choose, and the included perks.

It’s also worth considering the additional costs of a cruise, such as excursions, drinks, and other onboard activities.

Both Carnival and Norwegian offer a range of packages and add-ons for these extras, so it’s important to compare prices carefully to make sure you’re getting the best value for your money.

If you’re looking for a cost-effective option with a fun and lively atmosphere, Carnival might be the way to go.

Final Thoughts

When choosing between Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line, it’s important to consider your priorities and preferences for your cruising experience.

Norwegian Cruise Line offers a bit more upscale and refined experience, with a focus on dining and entertainment, while Carnival Cruise Line provides a more lively and festive atmosphere, with an emphasis on onboard activities and partying.

Both cruise lines offer a wide range of destinations and itineraries, so it’s essential to consider the specific ports and excursions that interest you.

At the end of the day, the choice between a Carnival Cruise Line vs. a Norwegian Cruise Line vacation will depend on your taste and travel style.

READ NEXT: 11 Top Deck Cruise Ship Attractions

Recent Posts

Family says gambling debt on cruise caused man to jump, royal caribbean adds 10,000 employees for cruise ships and private island, alaska trip report: setting sail on holland america’s koningsdam, margaritaville at sea cruise ship fails surprise cdc inspection, share this post, related posts.

Port Canaveral Announces Plans for a Brand New Cruise Terminal Coming in 2026

Princess Relocates Cruise Ship from Australia to Puerto Rico

Bringing you 15 years of cruise industry experience. Cruise Radio prioritizes well-balanced cruise news coverage and accurate reporting, paired with ship reviews and tips.   

Quick links

Cruise Radio, LLC © Copyright 2009-2024 | Website Designed By   Insider Perks, Inc

May We Suggest?

Is this it, how about this, search results.

Our reviewers evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.

Norwegian Cruise Line vs Carnival Cruises

Sunday, May 19th

2024 Cruise Line Reviews

• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Best for large-ship sailing, especially in Alaska
• 18 ships in the fleet
• Ships accommodate anywhere from 1,900 to 4,000+ passengers
• Private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay
• Exciting amenities on board, like go-kart tracks and climbing walls
• No required or recommended gratuities
• Freestyle cruising plus "Free at Sea" promos can make your cruise flexible and affordable

Norwegian Cruise Line, or NCL, offers sailings to destinations around the world plus exciting entertainment and flexible amenities. NCL is suitable for cruisers of all ages and adventure levels, and it's one of the only non-luxury class cruise lines that doesn't require gratuities (or even recommend them at any particular amount). While being on a ship with 2,000-4,000 other passengers might not appeal to some vacationers, NCL's large ships make it easy to eat, play, and relax in any way you want.

• Carnival Cruises
• Best for a party atmosphere and cruising on a budget
• Good for US port departures, with additional destinations in Europe

Carnival Cruise Line is a popular and affordable American cruise line that operates 24 ships sailing to destinations all over the world, catering to families, couples, and groups of friends. The defining characteristic of Carnival is its focus on fun and entertainment, all for less money than its rivals in the industry. However, Carnival cruises have a party atmosphere - great for some adults, not as desirable for cruising with children - and lower safety rankings, with several incidents involving Carnival ships, including fires, power outages, and mechanical failures. You'll get more for your money, and a better overall onboard experience, with a higher-ranked cruise line.

More Cruise Line Reviews

• Royal Caribbean

• Disney Cruise Line

• Celebrity Cruises

• Virgin Voyages

• Viking Cruises

• Regent Seven Seas

• Princess Cruises

• Holland America

• MSC Cruises

The 15 Best Cruise Lines

Which cruise line is the best.

Cruising is a popular way of traveling for many people, offering a unique experience that combines the convenience of a floating hotel with the excitement of visiting multiple destinations in one trip. In an average year, over fifteen million people say "all aboard" and set sail on an amazing vacation.

There are many different cruise lines to choose from, and each one offers a different type of experience. Some are geared towards families, while others are more focused on luxury or adventure. What would you like to see and do while you're onboard? Is a casino a must-have or a rather-avoid? Would a Broadway-caliber show tip the scales for you? Do you need a wide range of activities to keep the kiddos happy while the adults live it up or relax? The onboard activities and amenities can really make or break your vacation, so be sure you know what you're getting.

Cruise Line FAQ

Which cruise line is the best, what is included in the cost of a cruise, what is the minimum age to cruise, what are the dining options on a cruise ship, are cruise ships crowded, do i have to dress up, are activities included at destination ports, can i bring my own alcohol onboard.

Continued from above...

Another factor that can influence which cruise line you choose is the itinerary. Cruise ships travel all over the world, but some cruise lines may not have destinations available where you're hoping to go. You should also consider the size of the ship: larger ships offer more amenities, but smaller ships can access ports that bigger ships can't.

Speaking of amenities, make sure you understand what you'll get as part of your fare and which extras will come with an additional cost. For example, most cruises offer drink packages for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, but a few have drink stations where you can get complimentary lemonade, coffee and tea. Other amenities that might be important to you are Wi-Fi, spa services, babysitting, fitness classes, and upgraded dining experiences. You can usually get a decent discount if you sign up for an amenities package before you sail, so keep an eye out for promotions in the months leading up to your sailing.

When you take a cruise, it's almost always expected that you'll tip the crew members who have attended to your needs while onboard: your cabin steward ( who probably leaves your towels folded into fun shapes every night ), your servers at your nightly meals, and the head waiter. Cruise lines have a recommended gratuity to cover all three of those staff members, usually $15-$20 per traveler, per day; the total gratuity amount may be charged automatically to your account, or you may be given envelopes to make cash payments.

While it usually isn't mandatory to pay those gratuities - you can ask to have them removed if they're applied automatically, especially if you've received poor service - it's typically considered in poor taste not to tip at the suggested levels (because crew members' salaries, much like servers at your local restaurant, are based on the expectation of tips paid by guests). And, if you receive service that goes above and beyond, adding to the recommended gratuity is always appreciated. Be aware that tips for bartenders, poolside servers, and professional services provided in the spa or elsewhere are not included in the daily suggested gratuity and may be charged automatically at the time of service.

Now that you have a good overview of the cruising experience, which cruise line should you choose? Beyond the points we already covered, here are a few additional criteria that might make it easier to pick:

• Embarkation port. You could get a great deal on a cruise, but what will it cost you to get to the port? That could involve airfare, an overnight stay or two in a nearby hotel (so that you're less likely to be affected by travel delays), and transportation from the airport or hotel to the port. This is especially true if you're taking a cruise that departs from an international destination.
• Perks for repeat cruisers. Like frequent flyer programs on airlines, most cruise lines offer benefits the more you sail. If you find yourself absolutely loving cruise vacations, it can be advantageous to put all of your eggs in one basket, so to speak. Rewards programs can include casino benefits, complimentary meals at the upgraded dining experiences, exclusive sail-away parties with free cocktails and tchotchkes, early-access booking on future cruises, and much more.
• Reputation. It's a really smart idea to see what other travelers have said about their overall experience with a cruise line before booking your trip. The ads on TV may make that private island look amazing, but someone who's been there might point out that you'll pay extra to get on that waterslide. Or, previous cruisers could tell you that despite having several formal nights on the schedule, a particular cruise line has no problem with people showing up to dinner in flip-flops and swimsuit coverups. Find out if the cruise line you're considering lines up in reality with what they advertise.

Here at Top Consumer Reviews, cruising is one of our favorite ways to travel and experience new things. And with so many different cruise lines to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. But, don't worry: take a look at our in-depth analysis of today's most popular options, find the one that's the best match for your vacation ideas and your travel party, and book that trip you've been dreaming of. Bon voyage!

Compare Cruise Lines

Select any 2 Cruise Lines to compare them head to head

Trending Cruise Line News

Fox Business on MSN

Cruise line offers retirees concerned about inflation a 'new way of ...

Villa Vie Residences is offering a new program called Endless Horizons, which offers unlimited cruise access for a flat fee. The deal is aimed at retirees.

  Sat, 18 May 2024

TheStreet on MSN

Cruise lines, Las Vegas Strip, gamblers get good IRS news

The agency never sends you a letter saying "thanks for paying your taxes," and it rarely has an IRS agent check in on a business owner to see how his vacation was. More often, when an IRS letter shows ...

TheStreet.com on MSN

These are my 4 favorite spots on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship

Royal Caribbean has been a massive innovator when it comes to pushing what a cruise ship can be.  Its newest ship, Icon of the Seas, has countless ...

Popular cruise line fails surprise CDC inspection, which found 65 ...

The 65 issues that the CDC highlighted included food preparation in guest and crew facilities, cleanliness of plumbing, cleanliness of the medical facility, pool maintenance, food storage and cleaning ...

Popular cruise line fails surprise CDC inspection, major concerns in ...

A popular cruise line failed a surprise inspection by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which cited major concerns in “65 different areas.” The cruise liner, “Margaritaville at Sea ...

  Fri, 17 May 2024

INSIDER on MSN

More than 250 passengers taken ill after suspected 'vomiting bug' ...

More than 250 passengers on a P&O cruise ship have fallen ill with suspected norovirus.A source said guests had been "throwing up in public spaces" around the ship.A P&O spokesperson said there had ...

Related Cruise Line Reviews

Since you're interested in Cruise Lines, here are some other reviews you might find interesting.

Cruise Vacation Sites

What's the best place to book a cruise vacation? You've finally got some time off, and you've decided you want the full-experience: sailing, relaxing, and new and exciting ...

Luggage Stores

Which luggage store is the best? Luggage is something that everyone will need at some point in their life, whether it be a backpack for an overnight trip or school, or a full set of luggage ...

Passport Services

Where can you get a passport fast? Maybe you've found a last-minute travel deal to that far-flung destination you've always dreamed of visiting.

Photo Book Companies

Where is the best place to get photo books out there today? Photo books are a fantastic way to keep our special memories in a tangible, beautiful format instead of just storing pictures on ...

Travel Visa Services

What's the easiest way to get a travel visa? Online travel visa providers have revolutionized the way individuals apply for visas when planning their international trips.

Vacation Rental Sites

What's the best website to use for booking a vacation rental? Are you tired of the same old hotel experience when you go on vacation?

Newest Reviews

Business Phone Systems

Where Can You Find the Best Business Phone System? Deciding on the right business phone system for your company can take a lot of research.

Italian Lessons

Where Can You Find the Best Italian Lessons? Learning any new language opens up a world of opportunities, and Italian, with its rich history, captivating culture, and melodious rhythm, is no exception.

Japanese Lessons

Where Can You Find the Best Japanese Lessons? Learning a new language opens up a world of opportunities, and Japanese is one of the most intriguing languages you can choose.

Logo Design Companies

Where Can You Find the Best Logo Design? Whether you're a budding entrepreneur launching a brand new startup, or a well-established business aiming to rebrand your company for a fresh, modern look, the ...

Sign Language Lessons

Where can you find the best sign language lessons online? Maybe you've decided to learn sign language because you have a deaf child, or perhaps there's a new student at your school who is hard of ...

Wedding Dress Stores

Where is the best place to buy a wedding dress online? One of the most important purchases you will make for your wedding day is the dress.

Which cruise should I take: Carnival or Norwegian?

By Heidi Sarna

Cruiseline.com

You can head to a Caribbean beach on either mainstream line ... so which one is right for your cruise? - Photo by Carnival Cruise Lines and Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian has been the trendsetter ever since it rolled outs its Freestyle Cruising® program more than a decade ago. Most of Norwegian’s ships have more than 10 choices, though you’ll pay from $5 to $75 a person to eat in most of them. The newest Norwegian ships have a restaurant by Food Network Chef Geoffrey Zakarian and a bakery by Buddy Valastro, TLC's “Cake Boss.” Recently, Carnival started improving its own dining lineup, with Food Network star Guy Fieri-branded burgers and impressive poolside taco stands — and its Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse could hold its own in New York.

Our Pick: Draw — A few years ago, Norwegian would have won easily, but Carnival has upped its game.

Standard Cabins

For decades, Carnival has consistently built ships with roomy standard cabins, measuring 185 square feet or larger, with sizeable showers and bedside reading lights. Norwegian, on the other hand, scrimps on cabin size: 128 square feet. 

Our Pick: Carnival — If you like space and plan on spending time in your room, Carnival comes out on top.

Specialty Cabins

Norwegian’s new studio cabins are a boon for singles: They’re tiny but come with a low price tag and access to a private lounge. Norwegian has come up with other innovative cabins too. Spa cabins have free access to the thermal suite, and suites in the Haven area share a private pool, hot tub, gym, and butler. 

Our Pick : Norwegian — While Carnival’s standard cabins are big, the options are less innovative.

Entertainment

Norwegian is great at trendsetting, with entertainment from Blue Man Group and Second City. On the other hand, Carnival has always excelled at providing a party atmosphere, with big discos and packed piano bars. The line’s stand-up comedy acts — both family and adult-only shows — are also big hits, and Carnival just launched a Live Concert series, featuring stars like Jennifer Hudson and REO Speedwagon. 

Our Pick :  Carnival — The new concert series is groundbreaking and gives the line an edge.

Itineraries

With a few exceptions, Carnival sticks to the Caribbean, The Bahamas, and Mexico. Norwegian cruises those destinations as well, plus has multiple ships in Europe and Alaska, the Panama Canal, and Bermuda. 

Our Pick :  Norwegian — If you’re looking to expand your horizons, Norwegian pushes the boundaries more than Carnival.

The newest ships of both fleets have large drop-off playrooms divided into sections by age. Both lines also have water slides, water playgrounds, and ropes courses on their latest ships, and both have character partnerships. 

Our Pick :  Norwegian — Norwegian pulls ahead with its Nickelodeon partnership and circus schools. Carnival’s new partnership with Dr. Suess has promise, but it’s only on one ship so far and just for ages 2 to 5.

Our Pick: Norwegian wins by a hair, as a result of innovation. But both lines provide affordable Vegas-meets-Orlando vacations — a marriage of flashy decor and theme park-style amenities. 

• All Regions
• Australia & South Pacific
• Caribbean & Atlantic
• Central & South America
• Middle East & Africa
• North America
• Washington, D.C.
• San Francisco
• New York City
• Los Angeles
• Arts & Culture
• Beach & Water Sports
• Local Experiences
• Food & Drink
• Outdoor & Adventure
• National Parks
• Winter Sports
• Travelers with Disabilities
• Family & Kids
• All Slideshows
• Hotel Deals
• Car Rentals
• Flight Alerts
• Credit Cards & Loyalty Points
• Cruise News
• Entry Requirements & Customs
• Car, Bus, Rail News
• Money & Fees
• Health, Insurance, Security
• Packing & Luggage
• -Arthur Frommer Online
• -Passportable
• Road Trip Guides
• Alaska Made Easy
• Great Vacation Ideas in the U.S.A.
• Best of the Caribbean
• Best of Mexico
• Cruise Inspiration
• Best Places to Go 2024

Search Site

Travel Eat Blog

Carnival Cruise or Norwegian: Which One Should You Pick?

Are you choosing your next cruise vacation and not sure whether you should pick Carnival or Norwegian cruise lines? Over the years I have heard many people argue that one of the cruise lines is “better value,” “has nicer cabins,” or is “more innovative”. After taking a cruise on both lines, I have decided to share my experience on both to help you pick one or the other!

Carnival Cruise or Norwegian: How Different are They?

Carnival and Norwegian have a lot in common: they have huge ships with plenty of choices and features like water slides, climbing walls, and ropes courses. Both fleets are fun and casual at lower prices than their competitors. Yet many people prefer one over the other and at the end it comes down to what you want on your cruise vacation.

Carnival vs. Norwegian: At a Glance

Carnival cruise line.

• 27 ships by end of 2019, eight built before 2000
• Smallest ships: Fantasy Class (2,052 passengers)
• Largest ships: Carnival Vista (3,954 passengers), Carnival Horizon (3,960 passengers)
• Sails out of 17 ports in North America, plus Puerto Rico
• Offers standard Caribbean, Bermuda, Bahamas, Mexico, Alaska and Hawaii itineraries with European Cruises to come in 2020

Norwegian Cruise Line

• 17 ships, two built before 2000
• Smallest ships: Norwegian Sun (1,936 passengers), Norwegian Sky (2,004 passengers)
• Largest ships: Norwegian Escape (4,248 passengers), Norwegian Epic (4,100 passengers), Norwegian Bliss (4,004 passengers)
• Sails out of 11 homeports in North America, plus Puerto Rico
• Offers standard Caribbean, Bermuda, Bahamas, Mexico, New England/Canada and Alaska itineraries
• Exotic sailings include South America, as well as Asia, Australia, India and the Arabian Gulf

Prices Vary, But Some Cruises Include More than Others

One of the most common concerns when booking a cruise is the price and what’s included. I have often heard that Carnival Cruise is the budget option, however Norwegian can bulk a variety of things to the price, like flights or open bar. So, here is a breakdown of a couple of offers to a very similar destination. (Do keep in mind that the ships are so different and price can also depend on that.)

Norwegian Cruise Lines: As I’ve mentioned in my post about Norwegian Cruise Tips and Tricks , Norwegian usually has a big promotion going on that can include flights, open bar, excursion credits and more. So, often it comes at a little bit of a higher price than Carnival. However, the prices are comparable and it mainly depends on whether or not you’re planning to purchase the extras.

Carnival Cruise Lines: Prices tend to be cheaper than Norwegian, although it depends on the destination, the ship and what’s included. It is best decided on a case by case basis. Let’s compare 2 offers on a Caribbean cruise by both cruise lines. Both of these cruises leave on March 6th and last 5 days. They both are going to Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico. The inside cabin on Norwegian currently starts at $538 (plus tax), the inside cabin on Carnival starts at $679. For the rest of the prices right now, see the tables below:

The same day, same length, same destinations and Carnival actually seems to be consistently a little more expensive. (remember that both cruises don’t include port taxes in this cost yet, keep reading for the final cost!)

Now let’s see what is included in both of these!

Free at Sea Sale By Norwegian

If you’re looking into a cruise on Norwegian, then you’ve seen the “Free at Sea” sale. Depending on the type of room you book, you can select free offers that cover everything from free drinks to specialty dining and even free airfare. The sale is a great way to make your cruise all-inclusive, and I’ve noticed on my recent trip on Norwegian that it felt like everyone had the Open Bar. Carnival doesn’t offer such a sale – if you want a lot of things included on your cruise, you might like NCL.

So if you choose the ocean view on March 6th (shown above) and want to use the Free at Sea offers, this is the price for 2 people on Norwegian. If you chose open bar or specialty dining, you will have to prepay gratuities. (depends on the number of days)

Winner: In this case, Carnival still ends up being cheaper but doesn’t include an alcohol package. If you are interested how much will Carnival Cruise cost once you pay for everything, use my Carnival Cruise Price Calculator .

Staterooms – Carnival and Norwegian

You probably noticed that Norwegian had a few other options than just the basics. That’s where Norwegian takes the lead: if you want to spend a little more, you will usually have quite a few options. And, Studio cabins offered on six ships (inside cabins sized and priced for solo travelers) are praised by solo cruisers on Norwegian. But, what if you’re just looking for a regular interior or balcony room? Are they that different?

Standard Cabins: For decades, Carnival has consistently built ships with bigger standard cabins, measuring 185 square feet or larger, with sizeable showers and bedside reading lights. Norwegian, on the other hand, has a little smaller cabin size: 128 square feet and I have heard that balconies tend to be a bit smaller.

Winner: If you’re looking for a standard cabin, Carnival will probably be bigger, but how much time will you really spend inside your stateroom?

Are you going on a cruise vacation? Use this Cruise Packing List !

Norwegian or carnival: ships.

Both lines offer a variety of options. If we look at the same cruises departing on March 6th, 2021 and compare the Carnival Dream and Norwegian Escape , we will see the following:

Carnival Dream

• The ship is one of the biggest in Carnival’s fleet with about 3,646 passengers aboard
• It had a makeover in 2017
• The ship is smaller than Norwegian Escape, but still has fun waterslides and more to do!

Norwegian Escape

• One of the newest ships in the fleet, sailing since October 2015
• It is huge, it has 20 floors and can accommodate up to 4,266 passengers (plus crew).
• The ship is great for families or adults, and pretty much anyone who likes a big ship with a lot going on
• With 28 bars and restaurants onboard, you probably won’t be able to try out everything in one trip

Norwegian or Carnival: Departure Ports

As the largest cruise line Carnival has a big advantage when it comes to departure ports. In fact, the cruise lines sails from more ports than any other. Norwegian sails from tons of ports too, but not near as many as Carnival. Why is this important? With more ports of departure, more people can take a cruise without having to fly to get to the ship. It can save time and money. If you don’t need to fly to a port, you will save money on airline tickets, hotel rooms and meals! With Carnival being closer to more people, it helps to appeal to more cruise passengers looking for a quicker getaway.

Winner: Carnival, it has more departure port options.

Norwegian or Carnival: Destinations

With a few exceptions, Carnival and Norwegian have similar destinations in the Caribbean, The Bahamas, and Mexico. However, Norwegian also cruises to Europe and Alaska, the Panama Canal, and Bermuda.

Winner: Norwegian – it goes to more exotic destinations than Carnival.

Norwegian or Carnival: Dining

To my surprise, I like dining on Carnival more!

Freestyle vs. Scheduled Dining : Yes, Norwegian cruise offers freestyle dining – you can have dinner at any time you feel like. That’s nice. But on Carnival, we made friends with our server and had a more pleasant experience overall. Nd Norwegian has no Showtime!

Specialty Restaurants: If you’re willing to pay extra for specialty dining, Norwegian seems to have more options.

Food Quality: If you go to the main dining room, the food on Carnival seemed to be better than Norwegian: it was warmer and better prepared. On Norwegian, it was hit or miss!

Winner: There is no clear winner here: Carnival has better food at the main areas, while Norwegian offers more unique specialty dining options.

Norwegian or Carnival: Service

Both cruise lines take customer service seriously and are very prompt to help with any issues you have. I thought that many people working on Norwegian were “in your face”. They were so obnoxious at times that it was inauthentic and weird. I guess they thought that it’s better to overdo than not do enough, but there should be a limit!

Norwegian or Carnival: Entertainment

Both cruise lines have great entertainment options at the poolside and shows. In my experience, I enjoyed the shows on Carnival more but had more fun at the piano bar on Norwegian Escape . Norwegian seemed to have more relaxing activities, but there are a lot of fun things to do for any age on both ships.

Is Norwegian Cruise “Nicer” than Carnival?

I heard that phrase so many times that my expectations were a lot higher after going with Carnival several times before. What I found was that I really couldn’t tell the difference. Yes, some ships have a ropes course, others don’t. But all of that depends on the ship. I have heard a lot that a Carnival Cruise is a “Party cruise”. However, with the number of people drinking on Norwegian and the number of bars, it felt like Norwegian was the “party line”.

So Tell Me: Should I Choose Carnival Cruise or Norweigian Cruise?

So which cruise line is better, Norwegian or Carnival? The answer is: it depends on what you’re looking for. Your experience depends on a variety of factors, but hopefully, some of these differences and similarities will help you make a decision!

What is the most important thing for you when you’re booking a cruise? Let me know in the comments below!

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)

You may also like

Full Norwegian Escape Cruise Ship Review

January 1, 2023

31 Carnival Cruise Tips and Hacks for First-Timers

June 6, 2022

Tips for An Adventurous Day at Harvest Caye, Belize

February 22, 2020

I love norwegian! But I liked reading the differences. Learned some things about carnival I didn’t know!

Its superb as your other posts :D, regards for putting up.

Hi there! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be okay. I’m undoubtedly enjoying your blog and look forward to new updates.

Yes! I love connecting with people on social media. Just click on any of the links in the top right corner of the page or search for traveleatblog on your platform of choice!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Norwegian Cruises Vs Carnival: 20 Reasons To Choose One Over The Other

The bottom line is this: Both cruise lines are adequately equipped for vacations packed with fun and relaxation.

It's almost cruise season and we all know what that means: It's time to choose our favorite from the wide world of cruise lines. For some time now, the two competing cruise ships have been Carnival and Norwegian - they both offer stunning ships, plenty of room, and tons of options when it comes to things we love doing.

They do differ in terms of location, room size and design, and entertainment options, though, so how do we choose where to spend our money? That's what we're trying to figure out.

The bottom line is this: Both cruise lines are adequately equipped for vacations packed with fun and relaxation. So in order to help potentially puzzled vacationers decide between the two, we've scoped out the biggest differences, and why each cruise line outranks the other in that category.

We can't go wrong with either one but let's be honest, we do have our own favorite features from each.

20 Norwegian: Often More Expensive, But Worth It For The Features

Norwegian is pretty well-known for being one of the pricier cruise ships. While the cost isn't like to break the bank if you plan it well, the extra features included with the price of board are usually worth it. These ships are beautiful and top of the line and the price of admission more than reflects that.

19 Carnival: Casual And Super Family-Friendly

Carnival, in contrast to Norwegian , has a reputation for being a bit more laid back and casual. Their ships are geared towards families and family-friend features, including entertainment options and ship decor. Whereas Norwegian is a bit more formal and chic, Carnival is more fun and funky.

18 Norwegian: Newer Cruiseline And Ships Compared To Carnival

Carnival is also pretty well-known simply because they've been around for much longer. Their oldest ship, the Carnival Fantasy, dates back to 1990. Norwegian's oldest ship only dates back to 1998, making this cruise line eight years newer than its competitor. It's not necessarily a pro or con, just a simple fact.

17 Carnival: More Options As Far As Ships And Sizes Go

Considering Carnival has had an extra eight years to create and perfect their ships, it makes sense that they would have more options. In fact, they have more ships, period. So if you're looking for options as far as ship sizing and benefits go, Carnival offers more in terms of active ships.

16 Norwegian: Broadway Show Options And Nightclub DJs

We wouldn't expect anything less from Norwegian, which offers actual Broadway shows on their cruise lines. They also feature more mature dance clubs and lounges, perfect for adult groups or couples who are looking to chillax and show off their dance moves. Overall, it makes for a sophisticated, fun atmosphere.

15 Carnival: Poolside Movie Options Called 'Dive Ins'

Carnival's entertainment options are a bit more family-friendly , and one of their biggest hits is something called a 'Dive-In movie'. Rather than a traditional drive-in (obviously), movie-goers have the option to watch a feature presentation on the top deck, lounging poolside the entire time.

14 Norwegian: The Mediterranean And Northern Europe Are Seasonal Options

Norwegian does offer additional sailing options that don't include the Bahamas or other tropical locations. For those who don't feel the need to sip fruity drinks on a sandy beach (although we would never turn that down), something a bit further north might provide a suitable alternative.

13 Carnival: Sails Out Of More Ports Providing Better Options

In comparison, Carnival stands alone in its own right by offering more port locations. This is good news for travelers who require a bit of flexibility when it comes to the location they sail out of, as it can prevent them from having to book a flight or rent a car for a long drive.

12 Norwegian: Vacationers Can Choose Exotic Location Options

As a more recent addition, Norwegian has taken cruising a bit further with the option to choose an exotic location. Obviously, these cruises are limited and must be booked fairly quickly, as they aren't offered year-round and are dependent on season and availability.

11 Carnival: Sails Australia With A Special Australia Cruise Line

For the uber adventurous, how does a cruise down under sound? That's right! Carnival now offers specialty cruises that include longer trips to Australia . These cruises, just like Norwegian's Exotic cruises, must be booked quickly. They do vary based on the time of the year, so make sure to play accordingly.

10 Norwegian: Plenty Of Cabin Options, Despite Their Smaller Size

Norwegian sacrifices a bit of roominess when it comes to room options . While their rooms might be a tad smaller than many of Carnival's options, they do offer more in terms of room  type . This personal decision is based on two things: How much a traveler values space, and what features they'd enjoy in their room.

9 Carnival: Largest Cabins Of Any Cruise Ship

One thing Carnival is known for is their spacious rooms. Very early on, cruise ships were known for having tiny, cramped cabins, but Carnival revolutionized the way we now see them. With anything from doubles to full suites, for those who desire comfort and lounge-worthy spaces, Carnival is the way to go.

8 Norwegian: Studio Cabins Are an Option For Single Passengers

Solo passengers, fear not! Norwegian has thought of you, specifically. There's no need to pay extra for a room that's too large for one person and now, you won't have to. Solo travelers will be happy to know that they can now select 'studio' cabins, which are the perfect size for just one.

7 Carnival: Spa Cabin Packages Offer The Ultimate In Relaxation

Carnival is stepping the game up with this perk. For those who don't mind splurging just a bit, they do offer cabins with their own spa experience. If relaxation is your favorite part about a vacation, then this is definitely not a perk to be missed out on, especially when there's no need to leave your room to enjoy it.

6 Norwegian: Many Perks For Those Who Choose Exclusive Cabin Options, Like Private Pools

While Norwegian may have smaller rooms, that doesn't mean their room  perks are anything to shake a stick at. Depending on which upgrades you prefer - if any at all - Norwegian offers high-roller-type room accommodations that include private pools, courtyards, and more.

5 Carnival: Family Rooms Have Options Such As Oversized Balconies And Connecting Doors

Similar to hotels, Carnival's cabins work in very much the same way. Since these cruise lines are intended to be family-friendly first and foremost, they've kept the theme when it comes to designing rooms. Travelers have the option to choose connected rooms, as well as balconies that fit up to five people.

4 Norwegian: Dinner Times Are Not Set, Passengers Are Free To Eat Whenever

Surprisingly, Norwegian has a very laid-back dinner atmosphere. They leave travelers to do their own thing, offering dinner at loose times rather than having specific dinner times such as Carnival often does. So if you're not great with keeping a schedule, this might be an option for you.

3 Carnival: Guy Fieri Is A Food Partner And Has Restaurants On Many Ships

Fans of  Guy's Big Bite and  Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dive will be thrilled to know that Guy Fieri has worked with Carnival to provide some epic food options. Travelers will be pleasantly surprised to see that many of Carnival's ships offer restaurants with menus that have been designed and crafted by the chef. 

2 Norwegian: More Unique Sporting Activities

Norwegian, just like Carnival, offers options for both indoor and outdoor sports. While still maintaining a casual atmosphere, their sporting options are a bit more unique, with more obscure indoor sports that are perfect for the avid fitness freak or competitive athlete.

1 Carnival: SkyRides And AquaParks

Meanwhile, if water parks are more your thing, then perhaps a trip on Carnival will satisfy your thrill-seeking urge. Water slides are something this cruise line has grown to be known for, because there's nothing like flying down a giant water slide on the top deck, in the middle of the ocean.

• Cruise News
• Cruise Tips
• Save on Shore Excursions
• All Cruise Lines
• Carnival Cruise Line
• Celebrity Cruises
• Disney Cruise Line
• MSC Cruises
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Oceania Cruises
• Princess Cruises
• Royal Caribbean
• Ports of Call
• Cruise Videos
• Port Webcams

• Advertiser Disclosure

Cruise Lines Compared: Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian in 10 Different Areas

Which cruise line to choose?  It’s often a dilemma for first time cruisers.  Even seasoned cruisers loyal to a particular line often wonder what it might be like if they were to jump ship and try out the competition.

Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean all target a similar passenger demographic: singles, couples, and families in their 20s-50s.

While all cruise lines offer a similar product, there are some general differences between lines, which might make one more appealing than another.

Here are 10 main areas of interest and how these cruise lines compare.

If there’s anything consistent about cruise fares is that they are inconsistent.  An incredible amount of variability exists when it comes to cruise pricing.  It may vary depending on itinerary, season, age of the cruise ship, cabin category, etc.  Therefore, it can be a challenge when trying to compare apples to apples.

For cost comparison purposes, I looked at double-occupancy 7-night high-season balcony sailings in Alaska and 7-night low-season Caribbean inside cabins.  All fares were obtained directly from the cruise line websites.

To see prices on all three cruise lines across multiple travel websites, you can instantly find prices by clicking on the following links:

• Carnival Cruise Line Prices
• Norwegian Cruise Line Prices
• Royal Caribbean Prices

It may be surprising to some that although Carnival is frequently touted as a budget line, its sailings were not always the cheapest from cruises that I looked at.

Based on this small sample size, Royal Caribbean tends to be the most expensive cruise line. The exception being for the Northbound Alaska route where it is inexplicably both the most and least expensive, even when ships are similar in age and identical in class.

It should also be noted that on the Norwegian sailings, you can pay a higher fare and receive the Free at Sea selections as an additional benefit.  Passengers may choose from a beverage package, shore excursion credits, specialty dining, or onboard WiFi.  The Free at Sea is not included in OX, BX, or MX categories (the cheapest cruise fares).

Though not included for this comparison, there are often reduced rates for the 3 rd and 4 th passenger in a cabin.  Carnival tends to steeply discount additional passengers, while Royal Caribbean will sometimes offer Kids Sail Free promotions.

2. Cruise Ships

  Just as there is wide variety in cost, ships within each lines fleet can have dramatic differences.

Carnival currently has a fleet of 27 cruise ships. More than half of the fleet would be considered smaller ships by today’s standards, with capacities of less than 3,000 passengers.  Carnival has a cruising long history and continues to sail 8 cruise ships that originally made their debut in the 1990s.

Norwegian’s fleet is comprised of just 17 ships and is the youngest line in this comparison.   Norwegian has embraced the mega-ship concept with 6 of its ships close to or exceeding, 4000 passengers.

Royal Caribbean sails 26 ships across eight different classes. Though its fleet is similar in size to Carnival, its passenger capacity is much greater. Megaships are synonymous with Royal Caribbean.  Ten ships have capacities ranging between 3,782 to a whopping 5,518 passengers.  Royal Caribbean has also been the most innovative line of the bunch, building ships that feel much more like Las Vegas hotels than cruise ships.

3. Staterooms

Whether seeking a basic bargain of a cabin or desiring all the trappings of luxury, each of these lines offers something a bit different.

Carnival offers some of the largest staterooms in the industry.  Regular cabins are comfortable and have great storage even when sailing with four, but most Carnival cabins lack much of anything that makes them special.

In recent years, Carnival has made an effort to differentiate some staterooms.  Ships with Cloud 9 Spa cabins include some upgraded amenities and a few spa perks.

The newest ships, Vista, Horizon, and Panorama, have Family Harbor and Havana staterooms, each with private areas reserved exclusively for passengers sailing in those category cabins. Read: Unique Staterooms Only Found on Carnival

Norwegian has a couple of unique stateroom categories that make it stand out from the rest of the pack.  Anyone who has ever been interested in solo cruising quickly learned that they will pay double for the privilege.  Seven of Norwegian’s ships cater to solo travelers with Studio rooms and a special lounge where Studio guests can meet and mingle.

At the other end of the spectrum is The Haven.  Passengers sailing in Haven staterooms will experience all the luxury Norwegian offers.  Between well-appointed rooms, a private restaurant and lounge, concierge, butler, and Haven Courtyard, these guests will experience true cruise ship pampering.

Standard Norwegian rooms are cozy with some nice decorative touches.  Balconies on the newer ships can be on the small side, though still large enough for two to sit and enjoy.  The trade-off may be the large bathroom–large by cruise ship standards anyway.  The large size and layout of Norwegian Breakaway Class bathrooms are my favorite of any cruise line.

Royal Caribbean has almost a dizzying variety of unique staterooms available.  There are inside rooms with virtual balconies depicting exactly what it looks like outside of the ship at that moment.  Other inside staterooms or balconies overlook the inside of the ship, providing views of the Royal Promenade, Central Park, and the Boardwalk.

If money is no object, families may choose to splurge on Royals Caribbean’s Ultimate Family Suites.  This two-deck, fully tricked out suite is more than 1,300 sq ft of fun and games, complete with slide, because taking the stairs isn’t fun for kids or kids at heart.

4. Entertainment

There are those who still enjoy classic cruise entertainment after dinner and others who wouldn’t be caught dead at a production show.  While the classics still exist, cruise lines have really stepped up to offer new and different entertainment options in an effort to both evolve and distinguish themselves.

Carnival’s main theater Playlist Productions is still mostly traditional cruise ship singing and dancing without much a story or plot to follow.  More fun are the shows where the passengers take part in.

Hasbro, The Game Show is a family-friendly game show where passengers play life-size games to compete for prizes.  And Lip Sync Battle: Carnival is the ship version of the hit television show where uninhibited passengers can strut their stuff on stage and live out their rock star dreams.

Where Carnival really shines is the Punchliner Comedy Club .  Every comedy show throughout the cruise will be completely different with both family-friendly and adult shows scheduled.

Norwegian has a nice mix of production shows, consisting of traditional singing and dancing, as well as Broadway musicals with a true storyline to follow.  More impressive are the dinner shows such as Cirque Dreams.  For an additional fee, passengers are served a set menu while being mesmerized with acrobatics and other circus-like acts.

Elsewhere onboard, passenger participation shows like Deal or No Deal can be found, along with dueling pianos and comedy.

While the quality of the comedy shows has been quite good, each show is not unique.  In addition, we’ve been disappointed to find that the seating for most comedy shows and dueling piano performances consists of hard, wooden, straight-back chairs. They are not very comfortable.

Royal Caribbean is again the most innovative when it comes to onboard entertainment.  Main theater production shows on Oasis, Quantum, Freedom class ships are true Broadway musicals with elaborate sets.

Ships with an ice rink will hold remarkably well-done ice skating shows, given how small the rink actually is.  But most spectacular are the shows held in the AquaTheater.  Aerialists, divers, and synchronized swimming come together in stunning, edge-of-your-seat performances.

The rise of the mega-ships has resulted in some negative consequences for entertainment.  Ships with 4,000-6,000 passengers just cannot devote enough space to accommodate the audiences these shows attract.

The solution has been to implement a reservation system.  It’s a good way to ensure you will get to see a show that interests, but it results in a more scheduled, less-spontaneous vacation.  It also means a lot of waiting.  To keep reservations, passengers must arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of the show.  For those without reservations, is the standby line.  After waiting standby, you may or may not get in. Although usually you won’t have a problem.

For the most part, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean have done a great job of breaking up the crowds so that it never feels overly crowded on their mega-ships.  Entertainment is the one area where I feel they have fallen short.

5. Shipboard Activities

What’s there to do onboard?  Anyone who thinks it’s all shuffleboard, bingo, and salsa lessons hasn’t heard about today’s cruise ships.

Carnival calls its ships Fun Ships and they really do live up to the name.  Whether out of the pool deck or somewhere below, there are always fun and lively activities going on.  However, if dance contests and mixology competitions aren’t your thing, the adult only Serenity area is perfect for relaxing.

Slower to innovate its ships with new deck activities, Carnival is now rising to meet the competition.  Six cruise ships now have an exhilarating sky-high ropes course towering over the Sports Square.

Unique to Vista Class ships is the Sky ride, a peddle-powered vehicle riding high above the deck.  Carnival Panorama is the only ship in its class to have a SkyZone trampoline park.  Finally, Mardi Gras will feature the first ever roller coaster at sea when the ship debuts in 2020.

Norwegian’s newer ships also began debuting with novel activities on deck to keep the fun going.  There are thrilling drop slides, rock climbing walls, and ropes courses.  Truly brave souls can walk The Plank, an extension of the ropes course extending 8 feet over the side of the ship.  Even if you don’t have fear of heights, walking out over the side of a mega-ship will get your heart racing!

Laser tag is available on several ships, but Norwegian’s most original shipboard activity has been the installation of racetracks on the decks of Norwegian Bliss, Encore, and Joy.

Below decks, pub-style gaming can be had at O’Sheehan’s, including a small bowling lane.

Royal Caribbean continues to lead the way in shipboard activities as well.  Famous for its Flowriders and multi-deck rock climbing walls, Royal Caribbean is even pushing the envelope with its shipboard waterslides. Riptide is the first headfirst waterslide at sea and The Blaster , an aqua coaster, are both onboard Navigator of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean has plenty of thrills that don’t involve getting wet.  The Ultimate Abyss is the newest attraction on Symphony of the Seas, a slide twisting down for 10 decks of darkness.  Thrill-seekers’ days at sea can be action-packed with zip line rides over the Boardwalk, ice skating, carousel rides, laser tag, bumper cars, escape rooms, sky diving simulators, bungee trampolines, and even a trapeze school.

6. Complimentary Dining

There has been a tremendous increase in the number of restaurants onboard cruise ships.  Though many of them do require an additional fee, every ship has plenty of complimentary dining options to choose from.

Carnival moved to a more casual dining room experience several years ago with the introduction of American Table.  Gone are the starched white tablecloths in favor of warm wood tabletops and modern décor.  The exception is on Cruise Elegant nights when tablecloths and a more formal dinner service returns.

Menus were revamped with American Table.  Nightly menus feature a changing selection of starters, soups, salads, and 8-11 entrees, including a selection of dishes representing local ports of call.  Both traditional set dining times and Your Time dining are available in the main dining room.

Elsewhere on board, Carnival ships have well laid out buffets with themed-stations to go between rather than single entrances backed up with long lines.

Highlights on the Lido deck are Guy’s Burger Joint, with a selection of burgers and toppings to choose from.  The Blue Iguana Cantina is a popular spot for tacos and burritos.  Blue Iguana is also open for breakfast and rarely crowded.  It serves breakfast burritos, huevos rancheros, and arepas.

Pizza preferences are very personal, but in my opinion, Carnival has the best pizza at sea.  The fresh, handmade crusts are super thin, coming out of the ovens hot and crispy.  My personal favorite is the Quattro Formaggi.  Pizza is available 24 hours a day and there is almost always a line for these excellent pizzas.

Newer ships have additional complimentary options such as Guy’s Pig and Anchor BBQ, and even a small buffet below deck in Ocean Plaza.

Norwegian’s introduction of its Freestyle cruising concept revolutionized cruise ship dining.  With no set dining times, no formal nights, and multiple venues to choose from, it became widely popular and other lines quickly adopted some of its ideas.

On Norwegian, passengers dine where they want, when they want.  Main dining room menus consist of a rotating selection of starters, an always available selection of 6 Classic Entrees, and changing selection of around 6 Featured Entrees.

Though Freestyle Cruising means there is no need to dress up for dinner, the white tablecloths and décor still give the experience an elegant feel.  Some dining rooms may host a live band and dance floor, resulting in an enjoyable supper club vibe.

The Garden Café is a comprehensive buffet with traditional buffet selections for breakfast and lunch, as well as pizza, deli, and grilled items.  On ships such as Bliss, Getaway, Escape, and Breakaway, it is the only pool deck dining location with complimentary food and can get quite crowded during prime breakfast and lunch hours.

Other complimentary options are popular Asian-themed restaurants such as Shanghai’s Noodle Bar, and a true pub-style venue, O’Sheehan’s.   Open 24 hours, O’Sheehan’s is a great place to grab a quick bite.  Though the menu is somewhat limited, the pub offerings are quite good and served quickly.  This is a venue I would definitely like to see other cruise lines implement.

Royal Caribbean’s main dining rooms also have set dining and My Time dining options to choose from.  As with Carnival, Royal Caribbean is keeping with the tradition of formal nights.

Main dining room menus on Royal Caribbean are the least exciting of the bunch.  There are fewer selections in each category and several of them repeat over the course of a 7-day cruise.   That being said, in my experience, the quality of the beef entrees has been better than on other lines.

The Windjammer buffet is extensive with multiple stations spread out, breaking up the crowds.  We appreciated that on busy mornings, crewmembers would seat passengers at empty tables in an effort to get passengers in and out efficiently.

Other complimentary venues near the pools are the Wipeout Café offering burgers, hot dogs, and pizza, while healthier dishes served in the Solarium Bistro.

Below decks are favorites such as the Boardwalk’s Dog House, Sorrento’s Pizza, the Café Promenade, and the Park Café.

It’s a good idea to check the Cruise Compass for dining options.  While some restaurants like Johnny Rockets charge a fee for lunch and dinner, it serves breakfast items free of charge and is likely less chaotic than the buffet.

7. Specialty Dining

Cruise lines are offering more specialty restaurants than ever before.  If looking to celebrate a special occasion, or just indulge in an over-the-top experience, there are unique dining venues to choose from.

Carnival has been adding its list of specialty dining concepts with each new ship build.  Once limited to a single steakhouse, depending on the ship, Carnival now has restaurants featuring a variety of cuisines.  Onboard you may find Italian, Asian, Sushi, Seafood, Teppanyaki, a brewhouse, and a Chef’s Table experience.

Recently announced is Carnival’s partnership with Emeril Lagasse for a Creole-themed restaurant on Mardi Gras coming in 2020.

Norwegian ‘s specialty dining restaurants include popular cuisines such as French, Italian, and Asian, as well as concepts like teppanyaki and churrascaria, and even a raw bar.   Specialty dining packages may be purchased pre-cruise or selected with a Free at Sea promotion, making it an economical to visit several of your top choices during a cruise.

Onboard Breakaway, Epic, Escape and others, theater lovers can also choose to enjoy a meal while enjoying a show.  Wine Lovers the Musical is held during the day, with Cirque-style shows in the evening.

Royal Caribbean debuted Johnny Rocket’s on Voyager of the Seas in 1999 and has been adding new and exciting options ever since.  Steak, seafood, Italian, Mexican can be found along with the interesting, imaginary, and very instagrammable venue, Wonderland.

Royal Caribbean now offers both 3 restaurant and Unlimited Dining Packages .  Pricing depends on length of cruise and class of ship.  Chef’s Table is excluded.

8. Drink Prices/Packages

How much are the drinks?   Cruising and tropical drinks were made to go together!  After indulging on vacation, many are nervous to see how big their bar bill is going to be.

Carnival has the most reasonably priced drinks and drink packages.   Domestic beers are around $6.25 while imports are $5.95-$7.95.  Wines by the glass range from $7.25-$12.75.  Cocktails will vary from around $8.50 to $10.95.  Gratuities are an additional 18%.

Carnival’s beverage package, known as Cheers, may be purchased before your cruise or while on board.  Pre-purchase prices are $51.95/day, plus 18% gratuity.  Total cost for a 7-day cruise is $429.11 per person.  The cost when purchased onboard is $56.95/day.

Unlike other lines, Carnival’s beverage package is not unlimited.  Only 15 alcoholic drinks are allowed each day.  Soda, bottled water, specialty coffees, and energy drinks are included and will not count against the 15 drinks.

All adults in the same stateroom must purchase Cheers.

Norwegian’s drink prices are also fairly reasonable.  Domestic beers are $6.75 and imported are $6.95.  Wines by the glass are $7.95-$10.95.  Cocktails vary from $8.95-$12.95.  Gratuities are an additional 20%.

Norwegian’s Unlimited Beverage Package is a great deal if chosen as part of a Free at Sea promotion.  You’ll still pay gratuities on the “free” package, but it’s a better deal than purchasing the package outright.  The Unlimited Beverage Package is $99/day with a 20% gratuity, or $831.60 for a 7-day cruise.  There is no limit to the number of alcoholic beverages, but it only covers drinks priced up to $15 and does not include specialty coffees or bottled water.

The newer Premium Beverage Package priced at $128/day includes higher-end liquors, specialty coffees, and bottled water.

All adult passengers in the same stateroom, adjoin stateroom, or on the same reservation must purchase the package.

Royal Caribbean’s drink prices are higher than the competition.  Domestic beers are $7.99 and imports are $7.25.  Wines by the glass vary from $8-$48.  Cocktails are between $10.99-$15.  Gratuities are an additional 18%.

Royal Caribbean’s beverage package is priced between $63 and $70/day depending on the sailing and ship class.  As with Norwegian, there is no limit to the number of alcoholic drinks but does not include drinks priced higher than $12.  A $12 credit is given to any beverage purchases over the limit.  Soda, specialty coffees, and bottled waters are included with the package.

All adults sailing in the same stateroom must purchase the beverage package.

Royal Caribbean frequently offers sales on the pre-purchase of beverage packages.  If interested in a beverage package, log in to your booking and keep an eye out for sales.

9. Private Islands

Many cruises schedule a port call at their private island.  It’s a great way to enjoy a relaxing beach day without having to spend a lot of money.

Carnival has several private island-like ports of call.  Half Moon Cay , located in the Bahamas, was originally purchased by Holland America.  As the cruise lines fall under the same corporate umbrella, Carnival ships will use it as well.  Half Moon Cay is fairly basic as far as private island amenities go, and the use of tenders is required, but the clear turquoise waters and powder white sand help make up for the lack of flashy features.

Mahogany Bay in Roatan, Honduras is another Carnival Corporate private beach retreat.   Passengers can walk to Mahogany Bay’s beach or take a ride on the chair lift.  Facilities are owned and operated local Honduran businesses, so while food and drink are available, they are not included.

In the Dominican Republic, is Amber Cove , Carnival’s newest and most developed private island cruise port.  This stop has both beach access and a pool with swim-up bar, waterslides, and lazy river.

Norwegian’s private island, Harvest Caye , is located off the coast of Belize.  The impressive 75-acre facility features a giant pool with swim-up bar, waterfalls, and tropical palm tree islands.  The beach area, with its overwater zip line, is expansive with plenty of complimentary loungers in both sun and shade.  Food and drink are available for purchase at the Landshark Bar and Grill.

Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas does not have a pier like Harvest Caye and requires tendering.  Though also lacking in some of the amenities of Harvest Caye, there are complimentary dining venues at Great Stirrup Cay.

Royal Caribbean has 2 private islands.  The original, Labadee is located in Haiti.  Lunch buffets are complementary and served at several locations so food is nearby no matter which part of the island you find yourself in.  Most activities, such as the aquapark, waterslide, and dragon Coaster are an additional fee to enjoy.  See our article on things to do in Labadee here.

Royal Caribbean claims the perfect day will be had at its brand new private island, Coco Cay.  The creativity implemented on Royal Caribbean ships appears to have also been applied to this private island.  The overwater cabanas, a hot air balloon, towering water slides, and a wave pool have been extremely popular with cruisers.

Complimentary food will be available, however, the waterpark, zip line, and hot air balloon experience are an additional charge.

10. Embarkation Ports

  Just getting to your cruise port of embarkation can be a significant expense.  Cruise lines are making an effort to expand their footprint in order to make cruising as accessible as possible.

Carnival has done an excellent job at adding ships to a large number of cruise ports.   Carnival ships embark from 17 different domestic ports.

• Fort Lauderdale
• Jacksonville
• Los Angeles
• New Orleans
• Port Canaveral
• San Francisco

Norwegian’s footprint is considerably smaller but still manages to maintain a presence in different regions of the United States.

Royal Caribbean offers sailings from 15 domestic embarkation ports.  While several cities in the West Coast are included in the list, these are all seasonal or repositioning sailings.  Royal Caribbean has not had a permanent presence on the West Coast in a number of years.

• Cape Liberty, NJ

No one should feel like they have to book cruises on the latest and greatest ships.  Megaships can be overwhelming, especially for those new to cruising.   Even ships without all the best innovations onboard provide a fantastic vacation experience.

This is a guest post written by Melissa Lagerquist.

Learn the cruise secrets most people don't know and cruise like a boss. Check out Intelligent Cruiser here for a better cruise vacation. (Sponsored)

Cruise Ship Showdown: South Carolina Town Votes Tonight on Carnival’s Future [Update]

10 things you’re not supposed to wear on a cruise, carnival cruise ship finds new home in new orleans, world’s busiest cruise port building another cruise ship terminal, related articles, what happens when your cruise ship leaves without you, which carnival cruise ships have the most space ratio per passenger, diehard cruiser turns home into cruise ship in new video.

Kim, why don’t you give your comparison likes & dislikes so we have an idea what you are talking about.

Omg stay clear of Carnival no matter how cheap it is

My pizza favorite is also the Quattro Formaggio on carnival. I would like to know what that wonderful sauce is that they put on this pizza. Is there any way to find out? If so, please e-mail me.

I loved your article and although it’s torally subjective and a tough choice I wanted to see what your opinion was for the final verdict.

You forgot the MOST important difference, the level of Service. Carnival Stewards have 32 cabins to service. RCCL & NCL Stewards have 14-18 cabins. ihave done 140 Cruises

Who cares it’s the worst cruiseline out there

Comments are closed.

Updated Carnival Cruise Line’s Ship Dry Dock Schedule and Upgrades

Recent popular posts.

Two brothers started Cruise Fever in 2011 when they decided they couldn't stop cruising so they might as well write about it. Do you have Cruise Fever too? Follow along on this incredible voyage!

© 2011-2024, Cruise Fever ®. All rights reserved

• Privacy Policy
• Cruise Newsletter

Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line are in a fierce battle for domination in the cruise industry — here's how they stack up

• Carnival Corp , Royal Caribbean Cruises , and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings are the three dominant players in the cruise industry right now.
• Together, they accounted for nearly $6 billion in profits and over 70% of the cruise market in 2018. 

With demand for cruises expected to grow this year, the three companies will continue to battle for new customers.

• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Carnival Corp , Royal Caribbean Cruises , and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings are the three dominant players in the cruise industry. Together, they accounted for nearly $6 billion in profits and over 70% of the cruise market in 2018. 

Read more: The 10 nastiest cruise ships of all time

But Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian are not identical. Each operates at a different scale that is reflected in their financial performances and market capitalizations.

This is how the cruise industry's three biggest companies stack up.

The companies reported the following full-year profits in 2018:

• Carnival: $3.2 billion
• Royal Caribbean: $1.8 billion
• Norwegian: $954.8 million

Number of passengers

The companies had the following number of passengers in 2018:

• Carnival: 12.4 million
• Royal Caribbean: 6.1 million
• Norwegian: 2.8 million

Market share

The three companies were responsible for the following percentages of global cruise-industry revenue in 2018:

• Carnival: 39.4%
• Royal Caribbean: 20.2%
• Norwegian: 12.6%

Source: Cruise Market Watch

Market capitalization (as of June 2019)

• Carnival: $33.36 billion
• Royal Caribbean: $25.36 billion
• Norwegian: $11.46 billion

Median annual pay for employees

Each company's median employee earned the following in 2018:

• Norwegian: $20,101
• Royal Caribbean: $19,396
• Carnival: $16,622

Number of employees

• Carnival: Around 154,161 (as of October 31, 2018)
• Royal Caribbean: Around 77,000 (as of December 31, 2018)
• Norwegian: Around 33,200 (as of December 31, 2018)

Number of ships

• Carnival: 104 (as of November 30, 2018)
• Royal Caribbean: 60 (as of December 31, 2018)
• Norwegian: 26 (as of December 31, 2018)

Number of cruise lines

• Carnival: 9
• Royal Caribbean: 6
• Norwegian: 3

How much their CEOs make

The three companies reported the following annual compensation for their CEOs in 2018:

• Norwegian: Frank Del Rio — $22,593,061*
• Carnival: Arnold Donald — $13,515,884
• Royal Caribbean: Richard Fain — $12,422,715

*For accounting reasons, Del Rio's 2018 compensation includes a 2017 stock award. Without the 2017 stock award, Del Rio would have earned $14,873,324 in 2018.

How old the companies are

• Norwegian: 53 years
• Royal Caribbean: 51 years
• Carnival: 47 years

• Main content

• Port Overview
• Transportation to the Port
• Uber & Lyft to the Port
• Dropping Off at the Port
• Cruise Parking
• Cruise Hotels
• Hotels with Parking Deals
• Uber & Lyft to the Ports
• Things to Do
• Cozumel Taxi Rates
• Free Things to Do
• Restaurants Near the Cruise Port
• Hotels & Resorts With Day Passes
• Closest Beaches to the Cruise Port
• Tips For Visiting
• Shore Excursions
• Cruise Parking Discounts
• Hotels with Shuttles
• Which Airport Should I Use?
• Transportation to the Ports
• Dropping Off at the Ports
• Fort Lauderdale Airport to Miami
• Inexpensive Hotels
• Hotels near the Port
• Hotels With Shuttles
• Budget Hotels
• Carnival Tips
• Drink Packages
• Specialty Restaurants
• Faster to the Fun
• More Articles
• CocoCay Tips
• Norwegian Tips
• Great Stirrup Cay
• Harvest Caye
• How to Get the Best Cruise Deal
• Best Time to Book a Cruise
• Best Websites to Book a Cruise
• Cruises Under $300
• Cruises Under $500
• Spring Break Cruise Deals
• Summer Cruise Deals
• Alaskan Cruise Deals
• 107 Cruise Secrets & Tips
• Tips for First-Time Cruisers
• What to Pack for a Cruise
• What to Pack (Alaska)
• Packing Checklist
• Cruising with Kids
• Passports & Birth Certificates
• Bringing Alcohol
• Cruising with a Disability
• Duty-Free Shopping
• Cruise Travel Insurance
• Things to Do on a Cruise Ship
• What Not to Do on a Ship
• News & Articles

10 Major Differences Between Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

When it comes to cruising, two of the biggest players are Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean. If you are planning to set sail, the odds are high you’ll be at least looking at one of these lines.

Of course, if you are about to cruise — or if you are just planning your next vacation — then you might wonder exactly what the difference is between the two. After all, at first glance they both seem to offer a similar experience with massive ships sailing to exotic ports of call with thousands of passengers.

The truth is there are a lot of things that are similar between Royal Caribbean and NCL. For the most part, taking a cruise on either line will have a similar feel. But they are not exactly the same. Each line has things unique to its service that can endear them to passengers and potentially be what you’re looking for.

Below, we cover some of the bigger differences between Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean. This should give you a better idea of what you can expect on each cruise line and if it’s the right fit for you.

In addition, we’ve also covered the differences between Norwegian and Carnival here  and differences between Royal Caribbean and Carnival here .

Why should you care about the size of a cruise line’s fleet? After all, you can only sail one ship at a time.

Fleet size gives you more options. It means more departures, more itineraries, and more choice for which ship you cruise. Bigger fleets mean more likelihood of finding the cruise that fits exactly what you want.

On that front, Royal Caribbean has a larger lineup of ships. In total, the cruise line currently offers sailings on 27 different ships and has multiple new ships coming online with Utopia of the Seas and Star of the Seas.

Norwegian Cruise Line is no slouch, but the fleet totals 19 ships — about two-thirds as many as Royal Caribbean. That said, NCL also has new ships scheduled annually to increase its fleet size in the years ahead.

Bottom line: Both cruise lines have large fleets, but if you want more options, Royal Caribbean has the larger lineup. 

Onboard Pricing

Experienced cruise passengers know that what you pay for the cruise fare is not all you’ll spend on your trip. There is also onboard spending. This category includes all the money you spend on things on the ship, including drinks, specialty restaurants, wi-fi, and more.

In this case, average passengers on Norwegian can likely expect to spend more compared to Royal Caribbean.

While Norwegian has its “Free at Sea” offer (more on this below) that can save you money, in general you’ll find that prices on NCL ships are generally more expensive. For example, the cruise line’s drink package is priced at $109 per day, while Royal Caribbean’s varies, but starts around $70 per day.

You’ll find similar differences with things like wi-fi and gratuities. The fastest Internet service on NCL is $40 per day. On Royal Caribbean, it’s around $24 (often with discounts for booking early).

As for gratuities, most cabins see a charge of $20 per person, per day with Norwegian (the price is $25 per person, per day for suites). That price is $18 per person, per day for Royal Caribbean, with those in suites paying $20.50.

Bottom line: In general, you can expect higher prices for things onboard NCL, from gratuities to drink packages to wi-fi access. Royal Caribbean prices are generally lower.

Looking for a more luxurious cruise? You could try sailing on smaller, more luxury-focused ships and cruise lines. However, that can be a very different experience than the fun of sailing on a larger vessel. For instance, if you have children, they would enjoy a big ship with things like go-karts and kids areas compared to a high-end ship focused on adults.

Norwegian Cruise Line offers a solution. Its ships have an area called The Haven. This is a high-end “resort within a resort” that features a small number of higher-end cabins along with numerous private amenities like pools, lounges, a bar, and restaurant. Regular passengers don’t have access to these areas.

In short, if you’re wanting a more exclusive experience while still getting the advantage of a larger ship, then NCL has the solution.

Royal Caribbean does offer exclusive areas for high-end suite passengers, but The Haven is a step above.

Bottom line: Norwegian’s The Haven is a unique “resort-within-a-resort” that offers small ship luxury but big ship amenities.

Free At Sea Offer

Tired of being nickeled and dimed? One big difference you’ll find with Norwegian and Royal Caribbean is NCL’s “Free at Sea” offer .

Put simply, Free at Sea is Norwegian’s regular sale where passengers get a number of perks to have included on their trip. The options include everything from a drink package on the ship to free specialty dining to free wi-fi and even free airfare. To be sure there are some terms and conditions, but overall the sale can give you up to five or six different items included with your cruise.

One thing to know is that cabins with this perk are more expensive than booking without. There are also gratuities required on items like the drink package, which means you will pay some money even though it’s “free.” Still, if you don’t like a ton of extra charges on the ship, then this offer could be for you. 

Bottom line: Don’t want to be nickeled and dimed? Norwegian’s Free at Sea offer can include a number of amenities with your cruise, but you will pay a higher price. 

Status On the Ship

Check out the message boards for Royal Caribbean and you’re likely to hear a lot about Platinum, Diamond, and Pinnacle status in the Crown and Anchor Society. These are levels of the cruise line’s loyalty program, which indicate how many days you’ve sailed with them. Anecdotally, we’ve found status to be flaunted much more on Royal Caribbean than on Norwegian.

This isn’t to say a lack of status is held against you; truth is no one really cares if it’s your first cruise or 100th cruise. We’ve just noticed that there are a lot more high-status cards being shown on Royal Caribbean ships (most often being on a lanyard).

On Norwegian cruises we’ve see very few people with high-status key cards and fewer people in general wearing lanyards that show off the status of their card.

Bottom line: Royal Caribbean passengers seem to place more emphasis on loyalty status on the ship. That’s not a big deal, but we’ve noticed more high-status cards on the cruise line.

Connecting Outdoors

You’d think that when you’re at sea, it’s a way to have lots of outside time and connect with the ocean. Truth is that most ships offer pool decks, but seemingly not much more outdoor space. 

Norwegian Cruise Line, however, puts a bigger focus on being outside during the cruise than Royal Caribbean.

For instance, many NCL ships (especially newer vessels) feature an outdoor promenade that sticks out from the ship on the lower decks, giving you a place to take in the sun and fresh air away from the pool deck. Royal Caribbean has far fewer options like this. Royal’s Central Park on many ships is an outdoor space featuring trees and foliage, but it is walled off from the ocean with decks that tower above. 

Where we see a big difference is with outdoor dining, as well.

Norwegian seems to focus more on outdoor dining, with several spots on its ships where you can sit in the outdoors and eat without having to worry about the wind ruining your dinner or sun beating down on you. Royal Caribbean doesn’t seem to offer as many places to eat outdoors with a view of the water.

Bottom line: Norwegian purposely creates spaces on the ship that connect passengers more to the ocean than Royal Caribbean does.

Global Itineraries (Including Hawaii)

Every cruise ship sails to international destinations, but some are definitely more global in nature. In that case, both Royal Caribbean and NCL can take you to destinations around the world. Whether it’s Europe or Alaska, Australia or the Greek Isles, if you want to go there, these cruise ships can do it.

However, there are some differences. For one, Norwegian seems less focused on the Caribbean than its rival. During the summer of 2025, NCL shows just three ships sailing from the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Mexico to the area. Royal Caribbean has fourteen on its schedule. 

Norwegian, despite having a smaller fleet, sails more ships to Alaska (five versus four). And perhaps most unique is Pride of America. This ship is the only major cruise ship to be registered in the United States. That allows it to sail the Hawaiian Islands without having to visit a foreign country on the trip. So if you’ve ever wanted to tour this part of the world, NCL is your best best.

Bottom line: These two cruise lines sail all around the world, but NCL’s itineraries seem to be more global in focus and less on the Caribbean. Norwegian also offers a ship based in Hawaii.

Ship Size and Things to Do

When it comes to the largest ships with the most features, there’s little argument that Royal Caribbean is the gold standard.

Its Icon-class ship is the largest cruise liner in the world (with a second, Star of the Seas, on the way), measuring more than 1,000 feet and 250,000 tons. It also has all six of the largest cruise ships in the world.

The ships are also well-known for having unique things to do, including ice skating, FlowRider standing waves, huge multi-story slides, and tons more. If you want a ship with the most to do at sea, then Royal Caribbean is likely your choice.

Norwegian — after making huge strides in this area with ships like Norwegian Bliss, Joy, and Encore — is taking a different track.  Its Breakaway-Plus class of ships are the cruise line’s largest. These ships measure about 165,000 tons. On board you will find a number of unique things to do, including go-karts(!), laser tag, and even waterslides that will take you out over the edge of the ship. They are comparable to Royal Caribbean.

But now, the cruise line is moving more toward luxury with its newest ship (more on this below), seeming to cede the “bigger and more activities” crown to its rival.

Bottom line: When it comes to the ship size and number of things to do onboard, Royal Caribbean sits head and shoulders above other cruise lines.

Private Islands

These days every large cruise line offers a private island. Norwegian offers two — Harvest Caye near Belize and Great Stirrup Cay in The Bahamas. Royal Caribbean offers CocoCay in The Bahamas and Labadee, Haiti.

We love going to these private islands. They have beautiful beaches and are custom-made for cruise passengers. If you just want to hang out by the pool or work on your tan, then you can — without worry about transportation or paying fees like in other ports.

So what’s the difference? Royal Caribbean has transformed CocoCay into much more than just a simple island where you sit and relax on the beach. The island now includes Thrill  Waterpark with more than a dozen waterslides , a wave pool, 1,600 feet of ziplines, over-the-water bungalows, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, a beach club, and an adults-only area. Similar to Royal Caribbean’s ships, the company has gone “big” with its private island.

In comparison, Norwegian’s island are a bit more laid back. They still offer plenty to do (ziplining, pool, watersports) and enjoy, but it’s not quite the massive scale you’ll find at CocoCay.

One other benefit is that CocoCay features a pier, while Great Stirrup Cay — right next door — only offers a water shuttle into shore. That means Royal Caribbean is able to dock on days where the water is too rough for NCL to tender passengers into shore. (Norwegian is planning to build a pier that will debut in 2025.)

Bottom line: Both cruise lines offer private islands. Great Stirrup Cay from NCL is more laid back and relaxing while CocoCay from Royal Caribbean features much more to do, including a full waterpark.

Future Developments

There’s no doubt that right now Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line offer a lot of similarities and generally appeal to the same sets of passengers. It is a question if that will be the case as much in the future. 

NCL already has pushed more into luxury cruising with The Haven on its ships. But future ships seem to be focused even more on offering a high-end experience. The cruise line’s Norwegian Prima, Viva and Aqua are the first three of six new ships in its new Prima class, which debuted in 2022. These vessels look and are designed differently from the rest of the fleet.

With modern design, upscale dining options, infinity pools, and more, the new ships focus on a more luxurious experience compared to Royal Caribbean — or even other ships in its fleet.

Royal Caribbean, meanwhile, debuts its Icon class. As mentioned, this is the largest cruise ships in the world, with a large focus on family cruising with lots for kids and teens to do. That includes a complete waterpark on the ship and special family “neighborhoods” on board.

Bottom line: The direction of the future ships is very different. NCL seems to be focusing more on luxury and style while Royal Caribbean continues to go big with lots to do on the ship.

Have more questions about sailing on Royal Caribbean or Norwegian? Let us know in the comments below.

You can also see the differences between Royal Caribbean and Carnival , or the differences between Carnival and Norwegian .

Popular: 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of)

Read next: park & cruise hotels for every port in america, popular: 107 best cruise tips, secrets, tricks, and freebies, related articles more from author, worth it complete norwegian cruise line (ncl) drink package guide, ‘be on time’: cruisers show little sympathy for ncl passengers who missed ship, cococay in cozumel royal caribbean announces new destination in mexico, royal caribbean suspends calls on labadee, royal caribbean gratuities (tips): full guide to cost & how they work, 12 major differences between royal caribbean and carnival cruise line, 13 comments.

Which ship would you suggest for 2 people age 65 and a 30 year old female, We have never been on cruise. Our plans are Alaska. Want to have some great food, entertainment and fun things to do . Don’t want to have to wait for every to get to enjoy an activity and be pushed around every time I want to go out of room. Comparing Royal Caribbean Ovation of the Sea and Norwegian Encore. Any suggestion would be helpful. And what excursion are wonderful!

To me, those are fairly similar ships. I’ve sailed Norwegian Encore personally, but also took an Alaskan cruise on Odyssey of the Seas, which is the same class as Ovation. Both are great for Alaska as they have large indoor areas where you can enjoy the scenery when it’s cool outside. I also know that Odyssey had heated pools, which is nice.

My suggestion? I think it would just come down to which one was less expensive.

I’m trying to decide between Norwegian Joy and RC Anthem of the seas out of NJ/NY area. It’s two families with 4 kids (10-14). Parents are foodie people. We did Disney Dream last year and loved it, my kids 10 and 13 loved it too. We are Disney/universal people, the other family not so much into Disney.

Either should be pretty good. Depending on when you sail, you might tip the scale toward Anthem as it has more indoor area in case it’s cold in New York when you cruise.

I’m considering a cruise to Greece in 2025.. Norwegian has the new Viva… going to Greece Royal Caribbean has the explorer of the seas .. Coratia, Italy and Greece …which experience would you choose….😃😃😃

Are there other factors? Viva is obviously a nicer/newer ship but will likely be more expensive. If the cost is the same, I’d go with Viva. However, either one will be a fun trip.

What s your opinion on the Norwegian Joy? Is there fun activities for folks over 60 on consecutive sea days

Of course. It’s a large ship with lots to cater to everyone. That’s one of the advantages of today’s enormous ships. It’s harder to be bored.

Good review! I have been doing some pretty elaborate price comparisons between the two lately, and I am finding that NCL is cheaper once you add in all the extras you want.

For instance, we want the alcoholic drink package which is included in the fee with NCL when booking. You can also prepay your service fees at the time of booking, and can choose to add flights as well. Excluding your excursions and on board spending, I never have any bill to pay on disembarking day.

You can see a full, all-inclusive cost with NCL but RC you need to do your research as you have to add in all of these fees later (gratuities, flights, drink packages, transportation to/from airport). One thing I really dislike about RC is that you can’t book flights with them at the time of booking, so you can’t see what they charge for flights.

I love both lines, but go with NCL because I know what the price will be at the time of booking, and the prices are basically the same, but you get the free at sea promos with NCL.

Note: you need to compare similar class ships or the prices won’t be comparable.

i enjoyed your comparison, as I have traveled on NCL many times but not on Royal Caribbean. As a senior I have no complaints about NCL. I have taken grandchildren twice and Kids Club has saved our sanity both times! It is a great experience for the kids and allows us to do other things… I don’t need the high powered fun park setting and, in fact, prefer to travel on a smaller vessel just so the walk-about is not so daunting! Thank you!

hi i am planning a cruise and dont know what to choose. (i am female middle aged) In Nov 2022 I was on Harmony of the Seas with my 2 sisters. I loved that there were so many activities. not a foodie so i dont have any need or desire to spend money on specialty dining. i will be going with my husband and 2 sons. 28 (has Aspergers ) and 30 year old. The 30 year old and i need activities. The 28 yr old and hubby are more relaxers but need night time entertainment. 28 year old loves go karting or bumper cars. Do i go with NCL or RCL???

So there are bumper cars (free) on Royal Caribbean’s Quantum class ships. NCL’s newest ships have go-karts, but they are an extra charge.

I like to suggest the newest and largest ships for the most things to do (no matter the cruise line), whether that be activities (like go-karts) or entertainment. Given that you are all adults, I’d suggest NCL as it has a bit more “adult” feel where Royal Caribbean is more into families with kids. Just be ready for a higher cost!

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Carnival Set to Return to Baltimore Two Months After Bridge Collapse

This cruise line is offering month-long “working from hammock” cruises from miami… starting at $6k per person, 11 wild ways cruise ships are way crazier than you think, hotels with cruise shuttles for every major port in america, 107 best cruise tips, tricks, secrets, and freebies, 39 useful things to pack for your cruise (including 17 you’d never think of).

• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions

Luxury Cruising

The very latest cruise deals from all lines

Norwegian Cruise Line Vs Carnival: Which Is Best?

• April 4, 2024
• No Comments

Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival are two very popular cruise lines, sailing to destinations all over the world and offering great food, service and entertainment.

So trying to decide between the two of them can be a little bit tough! If you’ve never sailed with them before, how do you know which one you should pick?

In this guide, I’ll compare both cruise lines on all the essential features, to hopefully make it that little bit easier for you to reach a decision and find the one that’s the best fit for you and your travelling party.

Both cruise lines have a large fleet of ships, though Carnival’s is bigger.

NCL has 19 ships currently sailing, with another four ships on order, due to be delivered between 2025 and 2028.

Carnival’s fleet consists of 26 ships currently sailing, and one more that is due to join.

There are currently nine classes of ship in the NCL fleet, with a tenth on the way:

• Prima Plus Class – four ships on order, likely accommodating 3,500 passengers
• Prima Class – two ships accommodating 3,200 passengers
• Breakaway Plus Subclass – four ships accommodating 3,900 to 4,200 passengers
• Breakaway Class – two ships accommodating 4,000 passengers
• Epic Class –  one ship that accommodates 4,100 passengers
• Jewel Class – four ships accommodating 2,400 passengers
• Pride of America Class – one ship accommodating 2,200 passengers
• Leo Class – one ship accommodating 2,000 passengers
• Dawn Class – two ships accommodating 2,300 passengers
• Sun Class – two ships accommodating 2,000 passengers

The oldest ship currently sailing for NCL is the Norwegian Spirit, which was first launched in 1998 as the SuperStar Leo and joined Norwegian Cruise Line in 2004.

The longest-serving ship in the fleet is a tie between Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Star, which both launched for NCL in 2001.

The newest ship in the fleet is the Norwegian Viva, which launched in 2023.

Read more: NCL Ships By Age And Size

Carnival Ships

Carnival has nine different classes of cruise ship:

• Excel Class – three ships that can carry around 5,300 guests
• Venice Class – two ships accommodating 4,200 guests
• Vista Class – three ships accommodating 4,000 guests
• Dream Class – three ships accommodating 3,700 guests
• Splendor Class – one ship accommodating 3,000 guests
• Conquest Class – five ships accommodating 3,000 guests
• Spirit Class – five ships accommodating around 2,200 guests
• Sunshine Class – three ships accommodating 3,000 guests
• Fantasy Class – two ships accommodating 2,100 guests

The oldest ship in the fleet is the Carnival Sunshine, part of the Sunshine Class. The ship and class both used to be named Destiny when she first launched in 1996, until a rebrand in 2013.

The newest ship in the Carnival fleet is Carnival Jubilee, which launched right at the end of 2023.

Read more: Carnival Cruise Ships by Size

Which to Choose?

In terms of ship size, there isn’t a lot between the two fleets. Carnival does have bigger ships – the Excel Class is significantly larger than NCL’s biggest Breakaway Plus ships, but it’s not like you could call NCL’s fleet small by any means. 

Across both fleets, you’ll have plenty of choice for dining and entertainment, and neither have small ships with fewer than 1,500 passengers if you were hoping for a really quiet experience with a more intimate feel.

• Destinations

Both NCL and Carnival sail all over the world, with plenty of exciting destinations to get excited over. The cruise lines have a large presence in the Caribbean, but there are many other options should you wish to explore more of the world.

Here’s a breakdown of the itineraries you can enjoy with each cruise line:

NCL Destinations

When you’re cruising with NCL, you really are spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing an embarkation port – there are 56 different options for you to choose from for beginning your cruise.

This includes the major ports that you would expect in North America and Europe, but also global ports such as Manila in the Philippines, Doha in Qatar, and even Le Havre for Paris – a popular port of call, but rarely used for the start of a cruise.

Cruises from the UK are available, departing from Southampton, and you aren’t just limited to cruises during the summer months (though options out of season are a little more restricted – don’t expect to have a lot of cruises available in winter).

NCL does have a private island resort in the Bahamas, called Great Stirrup Cay . A number of cruises to the Caribbean and Bahamas will include this resort, offering guests a relaxing haven without worrying about crowds.

Carnival Destinations

Compared to NCL, you’re a little more restricted with the embarkation ports for Carnival – there are 21 available, which is still a good range, though most of these are in the US. Carnival cruises from the big ports in Florida , but also from New Orleans, Texas and LA as well as offering Alaska cruises.

You can book Carnival cruises from the UK but these are very limited – there isn’t a ship that regularly cruises from the country.

Carnival’s private islands include Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay , and both destinations have great spaces to unwind and relax along with a range of exciting activities to try.

There are certain regions that are better served by one of these two cruise lines. NCL has ships sailing around Africa, the Pacific Coast and South America, which you won’t be able to enjoy with Carnival, along with more choices when it comes to European cruises and cruises to Asia.

Carnival has more options for the Caribbean, Mexico and the South Pacific, so if you want a tropical getaway then you might find a better-suited date or itinerary with them.

Otherwise, it’ll come down more to the price and the features of the ship, so let’s keep going.

Staterooms and Suites

At a basic level, cruise lines aren’t too dissimilar when it comes to accommodation options. You’ll have the option of choosing between inside, oceanview or balcony staterooms, or upgrading to a suite and getting additional perks. 

Room sizes might vary between cruise lines, or there may be some layout quirks, but these tend to be on a ship-by-ship basis rather than at cruise line level.

Between NCL and Carnival, there isn’t one cruise line that clearly outshines the other for these simple choices.

Instead, we can look at the more unique accommodation options available for each cruise line, since they may have more of a bearing on your decision.

NCL Staterooms and Suites

Here’s a look at some of the notable NCL cabins and suites:

1. The Haven

The Haven is an exclusive zone on NCL ships that’s designed for a bit more luxury. You’ll find high-end suites with private balconies, offering that extra touch of exclusivity. But it’s not just about the room; The Haven comes with added perks to elevate your cruise game.

When you book The Haven, you’re in for a step up in the cruise experience. You have a butler to cater to any requests, and there’s a special lounge and restaurant exclusively for Haven guests.

Plus, don’t miss the private sundeck and pool – your own serene spot on the ship.

2. Club Balcony

Club Balcony Suites are what NCL calls their Mini-Suites. These offer a spacious accommodation option, with up to an extra 80 square feet compared to a regular Balcony stateroom, and you get some additional perks and amenities too.

If you want to get a taste of the suite life, without paying the high prices for a stay in The Haven, these are a great option.

3. Studio Rooms

This is one of the best reasons to consider booking an NCL cruise – the cruise line has some of the best options for solo travellers.

So many cruise lines treat single guests as an afterthought, while NCL is actively increasing the number of solo studio rooms available across the fleet. Not only do you get a great rate, but there’s also a Studio Lounge that’s aimed at solo guests.

Don’t get me wrong – these rooms are tiny! But if you don’t need a lot of space, then being able to cruise without super-high supplements is a big win.

Carnival Staterooms and Suites

Carnival has a range of ‘themed’ staterooms and suites that have additional perks, depending on the type of cruiser you are.

1. Cloud 9 Spa Staterooms

The Cloud 9 Spa staterooms and suites are located right next to the Cloud 9 Spa on the ship, but it’s not just about the convenience of having the spa on your doorstep.

The rooms themselves are themed around the spa, including themed decor designed to help you feel relaxed. You also get free access to the Thermal Suite when staying in these rooms, and exclusive packages you can book.

What’s interesting is that NCL used to offer something similar, with a range of Spa Staterooms and Suites. But as of January 2024, the cruise line made the decision to remove them, recategorising the rooms as regular staterooms instead.

2. Family Harbor Staterooms

I’m sure you can guess who these staterooms and suites are aimed at. Guests staying in a Family Harbor room will enjoy fun nautical theming in the room itself, and have access to the nearby Family Harbor Lounge, where families can enjoy a relaxed breakfast, snacks throughout the day, and a selection of board games.

Again, NCL has something slightly similar with Family Balcony Staterooms, but they don’t have special theming, nor is there a special lounge either – the rooms are just closer to the kids’ club and pool deck.

3. Havana Staterooms

Choosing a Havana stateroom or suite grants you access to the Havana area of the ship, which is a peaceful outdoor area with its own pool and bar.

You can also book Havana Cabana rooms, which include a private outdoor cabana space – beautiful and luxurious.

If you’re likely to choose a regular stateroom or suite, there’s little to choose between NCL and Carnival.

But the specialist room options are worth exploring. If you do love the spa, or you want a fun family-themed room, Carnival has some great choices, though NCL’s Spa rooms are also good. But for solo travellers, NCL’s options are unrivalled.

Looking for a cruise line that offers plenty of variety when it comes to food? With both NCL and Carnival, you’re unlikely to be disappointed.

NCL was one of the pioneer cruise lines for the concept of Freestyle Dining – abandoning the idea of only having set dining times in the main restaurants, and allowing guests more flexibility on when to eat, and who with.

That concept lives on, so you don’t have to worry about fitting in your evening plans around your set time.

There are plenty of casual options available onboard too, including the buffet and various venues for a lighter bite.

Plus, each ship has a great range of speciality restaurants to choose between. Like with many cruise ships, you’ll be able to enjoy a great steakhouse, or a seafood venue, but depending on your ship you may also find Mexican cuisine, a Brazilian steakhouse (with carved meats brought to your table), or a fine-dining French restaurant.

Carnival Food

Carnival offers a similar level of variety and flexibility. You can enjoy fixed dining times if you’d prefer that, with a choice of two sittings, or opt for You Time open seating if you’d rather be flexible.

Similar to NCL, you have a lot of options for casual and speciality dining, so whether you’re in the mood for a quick lunch or a more formal dinner as a family, you’re very well catered for.

Carnival especially stands out for its more casual venues such as Guy’s Burger Joint and Shaq’s Big Chicken.

Neither NCL or Carnival are renowned for having the finest dining at sea, but you’ll still enjoy great food in the main dining rooms, casual venues and speciality restaurants.

NCL perhaps edges it for the variety of table-service dinner restaurants, whereas Carnival’s casual venues are slightly more varied than on NCL. But picky eaters won’t suffer on either cruise line.

Onboard Activities

Both NCL and Carnival are cruise lines known for their fun – but which is the best option?

NCL Activities

NCL ships are packed with activities to enjoy, including bowling alleys, mini golf, some thrilling water slides, rock climbing walls, sports and more.

There’s laser tag and VR gaming too, if you want to enjoy innovative tech-based games, along with the largest ropes course at sea when you’re feeling particularly active.

But the highlight has to be the go-karting tracks available on the latest ships – and these aren’t simple loops. Race around multi-storey courses with spectacular views out to sea – just don’t get distracted around those tight corners!

Carnival Activities

Carnival also has some exciting activities unique to the cruise line, including the first roller coaster at sea – Bolt.

There’s also the Skyride, which is a pedal-powered ride around the top deck offering some stunning views. Again, these are only available on the very latest ships, so always check what your specific ship includes.

Carnival has a lot of classic activities for guests to enjoy too, including bingo, quizzes, a video arcade for kids (and big kids) and a casino. There are also some great water slides on many of the ships, and splash zones for younger guests.

NCL and Carnival love to wow guests with their onboard activities, so if you want this to form part of your decision when choosing between them, you’ll have to go on the specifics – are you more of a go-karting person, or a roller coaster fan? 

Entertainment

Whether it’s game shows, musical marvels, or hearty laughs, both NCL and Carnival provide all the entertainment you could need for your cruise holiday.

NCL Entertainment

NCL has some of the best musicals at sea in its theatres, including licensed productions of Broadway favourites. If you love Jersey Boys or Six, you’re in for a real treat when you see them on selected NCL ships.

There’s also the very popular Howl at the Moon singalong show, and Burn The Floor – the sizzling Latin and ballroom dance company that performs on several ships.

Alongside those, you get great comedy and game shows too, including Deal or No Deal and Wheel of Fortune.

Carnival Entertainment

Carnival has a great range of entertainment too, and while you won’t find the big-name licensed musicals onboard, you will get shows that are of the same standard, and that incorporate many of your favourite songs too.

Carnival has a great range of comedians too, and has licensed game shows such as Family Feud and – again –  Deal or No Deal if you want to get up on stage and maybe win some prizes!

There’s very little to choose between the cruise lines for entertainment – both excel in big theatre shows, comedy, and even your favourite game shows.

The only difference is that NCL has a couple of licensed musicals you may already know and love, but these only appear on selected ships anyway, so be careful if you make your decision based on that.

Kids Facilities

If you want to cruise with your whole family, both NCL and Carnival have great kids’ facilities to enjoy.

NCL Kids’ Facilities

NCL offers two different kids’ clubs – Splash Academy for children and pre-teens, and Entourage for those aged 13-17. Each has a range of themed activities, with games, competitions, crafts and more for the younger kids, and plenty of parties, gaming, and movies for the teens.

While kids will generally be grouped by age, be aware that NCL doesn’t have separate spaces for age groups within those categories, so 17-year-olds might be sharing the same hang-out spaces as a 13-year-old.

Carnival Kids’ Facilities

Carnival’s family cruise facilities are bolstered by a partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises, so don’t be surprised if you bump into Thing 1 and Thing 2 around the ship – parades and meet-and-greets are a regular occurrence. 

The kids’ clubs have themed activities incorporating the characters too, while teens get two separate spaces (Circle C for 12 to 14-year-olds, and Club O2 for 15 to 17-year-olds) where they can hang out and enjoy activities such as karaoke parties and even a Carnival Prom.

Carnival’s kids’ facilities are a little better than NCL’s, since you have different spaces for older and younger teens, and then children can enjoy interactions with characters from the world of Dr. Seuss. NCL is still good, and there’s plenty for kids to enjoy around the ship too, but Carnival edges this one.

Cruiser Demographics

There are slightly different demographics onboard the two cruise lines, and this may play a part when deciding on which is right for you.

NCL Demographics

NCL has quite a young demographic onboard, but that’s young by cruise standards – the average age of guests onboard will be between 30 and 50.

You’ll get a good mix of solo travellers, couples and families, and while there’s a fun atmosphere onboard it’s also quite relaxing too. If you don’t want to be constantly partying day and night, NCL’s a good choice – there are plenty of parties to enjoy, but ample quiet spaces too.

Carnival Demographics

The demographic onboard a Carnival ship can vary depending on the season, the ship and the itinerary. It’s definitely a family-fun cruise line a lot of the time, but a lot of younger adults also view it as a party cruise line , especially around Spring Break.

Don’t expect a quiet atmosphere, regardless – whether it’s from kids running wild, or the adults.

Price is obviously important when choosing your cruise – so let’s compare.

NCL’s pricing is a little tricky for comparison, because there are several fares available. You can choose a cruise-only fare, or you might prefer to upgrade to the Free at Sea offer, which gets you a selection of extra benefits including free drinks, speciality dining , shore excursion credits and limited free WiFi minutes.

Free at Sea Plus is also available with even better versions of those perks.

Read more: Free at Sea vs Free at Sea Plus

As a guide for just a cruise-only fare, expect to pay between £100/$125 and £150/$190 per person, per night for a cruise on one of the newest ships in the fleet on a 7-night Caribbean cruise.

NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!

Don’t miss the latest NCL offers…

One thing to note is that negative reviews of NCL cruises tend to mention the “nickel-and-diming” onboard – as in, the wide range of extra charges you have to pay for different activities or experiences.

In truth, there isn’t a whole lot of difference between NCL and Carnival in terms of the extras you have to pay, but perhaps because Carnival is a little cheaper for the base fare, people are more forgiving.

Carnival Prices

Carnival’s prices are a little easier to understand, though with one caveat – the advertised prices you see when first browsing don’t tend to include port fees and taxes, so always take an advertised price with a pinch of salt.

They are, typically, quite cheap though, unless booking a very popular date on the newest, biggest ships.

As a guide, expect to pay between £85/$105 and £105/$135 per person, per night for a 7-night Caribbean cruise on Carnival Celebration, one of the newer Excel-class ships.

See the latest Carnival cruise offers…

The Verdict

It’s a tough call on whether NCL or Carnival is the best option for your cruise. Both can have a similar vibe onboard, depending on the sailing, and both have great accommodation, dining options and entertainment.

Carnival tends to be a little ‘louder’ onboard, either because of an increased number of families or because of the party atmosphere.

NCL is still very welcoming to families and offers a lot of fun, but with maybe a touch more sophistication, and young couples who want to unwind will likely find that it’s a more relaxing experience.

Remember though that a lot of the best features for both cruise lines are only available on the larger, newer ships – don’t assume that choosing a cruise line is the end of your decision-making, as the specific ship will matter just as much!

Don’t miss these hot cruise offers…

Related Topics

If you found this interesting, please share!

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

Most Popular

What Is The Draft Of A Ship?

How Big Is A Cruise Ship Engine?

Carnival Cruise Line Announces Full-Time Return to Baltimore on Carnival Pride

Top 10 Reasons a Cruise is the Best Vacation

The Magazine is the while the lovely valley teems with vapour around me, and the meridian sun strikes the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees.

RECENT POSTS

Carnival Cruise Line Announces Full-Time...

Popular posts.

Three Year Cruise Moves Closer to Realit...

Two of Carnival’s Cruise Lines Rel...

• Baby & toddler
• Celebrity Cruises
• Choosing a cruise
• Costa Cruises
• Cruise Lines
• Cruise News
• Cruise Special Offers
• Cruise Tips
• Disney Cruises
• First time cruisers
• Food and drink
• Holland America Line
• Hurtigruten
• Money saving tips
• MSC Cruises
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Oceania Cruises
• P&O Cruises
• Princess Cruises
• River Cruising
• Royal Caribbean
• Uncategorised
• Uncategorized
• Virgin Voyages
• Windstar Cruises

The 6 best cruise ship waterslides and watery fun zones

MSN has partnered with The Points Guy for our coverage of credit card products. MSN and The Points Guy may receive a commission from card issuers.

Call it the Battle of the Waterslides.

In the last few years, the big boys of the cruise industry — Royal Caribbean , MSC Cruises , Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line — have been locked in a game of one-upmanship when it comes to waterslides and watery fun zones on vessels.

In addition to such over-the-top, new attractions as go-kart tracks and roller coasters , the brands behind the biggest megaresorts at sea have been packing the top decks of their vessels with even more over-the-top watery allures.

For more cruise guides, news and reviews, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter .

Royal Caribbean, for instance, added an 800-foot-long “water coaster” to the back of its 3,386-passenger Navigator of the Seas just a few years ago. It’s one of more than two dozen giant waterslides the line has added to more than half a dozen ships in the last seven years.

Royal Caribbean also plans a record six waterslides on its next new ship, Icon of the Seas, which is scheduled to debut in January 2024.

But as recently as early 2016, Royal Caribbean didn’t have a single waterslide on any of its vessels.

MSC Cruises also has gone big with giant water parks in the past seven years, with as many as four waterslides on more than half a dozen of its newest vessels. Norwegian has loaded up its most recent ships with giant water parks, too — some have as many as five waterslides!

Not to be outdone, Carnival, an early adopter of waterslides on ships, has added sprawling water park areas with multiple waterslides to almost every vessel in its fleet.

A brief history of water attractions at sea

In the beginning, there was the pool. As watery cruise ship attractions go, it has long been the staple — something found on nearly every cruise vessel going back to the 1970s.

But as early as 1978, at least one line was spicing up its Lido decks with a little waterslide fun — little being the operative word. That’s the year Carnival added a single slide into the pool on its 728-passenger Festivale — a slide so small it’s now hilarious to think it was touted as an attraction.

Often cited as the first waterslide ever on a cruise vessel, the Festivale slide was of a sort that was found at backyard pools at the time. The cruise industry was still in its infancy, of course, and ships were orders of magnitude smaller than they are today. Festivale measured just 32,697 tons, about one-seventh the size of today’s biggest cruise vessels.

Carnival, the so-called Fun Ship line, would go on to become the early leader in waterslides at sea. The 2,056-passenger Carnival Fantasy, which debuted in 1990, was the first cruise ship with a significant waterslide. It measured 115 feet in length.

Related: A beginner’s guide to picking a cruise line

Just six years later, in 1996, Carnival would make news with the unveiling of a 214-foot-long corkscrew waterslide on what then was called Destiny. (The ship currently sails as the Carnival Sunshine after being rebuilt in 2013.) At the time, Destiny was the biggest cruise ship in the world.

In more recent years, Carnival has gone into waterslide-building overdrive. The line has added full-blown water park areas with waterslides, watery play zones and other features to all but four of its 25 ships. All but one of Carnival’s ships (Carnival Luminosa) now have at least one waterslide.

One of the Carnival water parks, on the line’s 5-year-old Carnival Horizon, even has Disney-style theming revolving around Dr. Seuss characters.

Norwegian, MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean only began going big with waterslides on ships in the past decade or so. Many of the newest vessels from the brands have massive water park areas. Some of the brands are retrofitting big waterslides onto older ships, too.

Additionally, family-focused Disney Cruise Line now has major water attractions on all its vessels.

Where you’ll find the biggest waterslides at sea

If your idea of the perfect cruise ship is one loaded to the gills with waterslides and watery fun zones (plus all sorts of other over-the-top attractions), you’ll want to stick to the biggest floating megaresorts operated by Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, MSC Cruises and Carnival.

At Royal Caribbean, that means the giant Oasis-class vessels , which include Wonder of the Seas — the world’s largest cruise ship. At Norwegian, you’ll find the biggest waterslides and water parks on the line’s relatively recently built Breakaway Plus-, Breakaway- and Epic-class ships. At MSC Cruises, the new Seaside-, Meraviglia-, Meraviglia Plus- and World-class vessels have the line’s big water parks.

Big lines that have steered clear of the water-park-at-sea trend include Princess Cruises, Holland America and Celebrity Cruises. Geared more toward couples than families and typically drawing an older demographic, all three of these lines have stuck to a more subdued feel for the outdoor areas of their ships. The top decks of vessels operated by Princess, Holland America and Celebrity still mostly revolve around traditional swimming areas with pools, hot tubs and lounge chairs.

Ready for a splashy, top-deck thrill? These are the most spectacular watery attractions at sea.

The Perfect Storm

Where you’ll find it: Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas.

This isn’t just one giant waterslide; it’s a whole complex of waterslides, each one among the most exciting you’ll find anywhere on the world’s oceans.

The Perfect Storm is found on four of Royal Caribbean’s massive Oasis-class vessels — Wonder of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas — as well as the smaller Liberty of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas. The complex includes two four-deck-high racer slides called Cyclone and Typhoon, where you can do side-by-side speed tests with your travel partner.

On the four Oasis-class ships, there’s also a third, Champagne bowl-style slide called Supercell. It’ll swirl you around a big basin before plummeting you “down the drain” into a plunge pool. On Liberty of the Seas, a third slide called The Tidal Wave sends you screaming down a steep hill on an inner tube to a nearly vertical incline. Zooming upward, topping out and dropping back, you’ll get a blissful moment of complete weightlessness.

Note that Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas also has a waterslide area called Perfect Storm — but it’s completely different. More on that in a moment.

The Blaster

Where you’ll find it: Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas.

The Blaster is the Big Daddy of waterslides at sea. At 800 feet, it’s the longest ever built on a cruise ship. Added to Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas in 2019, it’s a seemingly endless stretch of yellow and orange tubing that winds around the back deck of the vessel like a snake.

A true sight to behold, The Blaster is so long because it’s what’s known as a water coaster. It features water jets that propel you up, down and forward — extending the ride — as you careen around the ship’s basketball court and surfing simulator in an inner tube. At times, you go flying over the side of the ship, over open water (not that you have much time to take in the view).

Royal Caribbean has named the area on Navigator of the Seas where The Blaster is located the Perfect Storm — the same name used for waterslide areas on six other ships — but the area is completely different than what you’ll find on the other vessels. In addition to The Blaster, the Perfect Storm area on Navigator of the Seas includes a headfirst mat racer slide called Riptide — the first of its kind at sea.

Where you’ll find it: Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream.

Leave it to family-focused Disney Cruise Line to come up with the coolest watery family attraction at sea. AquaDuck is a water coaster, like The Blaster on Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas, and is found on Disney’s two Dream-class ships. But don’t expect anything too white-knuckle. The ride is relatively gentle by water park standards, mainly because it’s designed for kids of all ages (and their parents, who can ride along on inner tubes for two).

While AquaDuck is slightly shorter than The Blaster at 765 feet in length, it has a bigger presence, thanks to its prime location encircling the main pool area. If you’re lounging up top, it’s hard to miss the massive, clear acrylic tubing of the ride, which is held up by 46 giant white stilts.

In addition to AquaDuck, the two Disney ships with the attraction (Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream ) have a relatively small, kid-friendly waterslide next to the centrally located Mickey’s Pool. Dubbed Mickey’s Slide, it’s held up by a giant Mickey hand, which is delightful. Both ships also have a watery play zone for toddlers called Nemo’s Reef. Plus, Disney Fantasy has a watery fun zone with water jets, geysers and bubblers called AquaLab.

Note that Disney’s newest ship — Disney Wish — has a water coaster attraction similar to the AquaDuck called the AquaMouse. The big difference: Riders will see animated shorts while riding up the ramp at the start of the ride.

Carnival WaterWorks

Where you’ll find it: Nearly all Carnival ships.

When it comes to waterslides on ships, cruise giant Carnival is still the undisputed king. The Fun Ship line began adding them to vessels way back in 1978, and there’s now at least one waterslide on every ship in the Carnival fleet — something no other line can say.

Indeed, on all Carnival ships, there’s now not just a single waterslide but a whole water park area. Called WaterWorks, these areas vary in size and features from vessel to vessel, but they typically have one or two big waterslides, a watery play zone with interactive water features and a large continuously filling dump bucket that periodically soaks everybody within range.

You’ll typically find the biggest Carnival water park complexes on the newest Carnival ships, such as Mardi Gras , Celebration and Carnival Venezia . All three have three waterslides — one more than most Carnival ships.

Aqua Park (Norwegian Cruise Line)

Where you’ll find it: Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore.

Norwegian Cruise Line began going big with waterslides in 2010 when it debuted Norwegian Epic. And boy, did it go big! Norwegian Epic offers three monster waterslides, including the thrilling Epic Plunge — a 200-foot-long tube ride that ends in a swirling bowl. Epic Plunge is part of Norwegian Epic’s Aqua Park, the first water park on a Norwegian ship. Norwegian has since added Aqua Parks to six more new vessels, including its biggest ship, the 4-year-old Norwegian Encore .

Norwegian’s Aqua Parks vary in size and attractions from ship to ship, but some of them, such as the one on Norwegian Breakaway, have as many as five separate multistory waterslides. Yes, you read that right: Five waterslides on a single cruise ship!

On Norwegian Breakaway, the lineup includes twin free-fall slides that drop passengers nearly straight down several stories; two side-by-side twisting racer slides; and a family-friendly slide with a more modest drop. For sheer variety, the complex is hard to beat.

Aqua Park (MSC Cruises)

Where you’ll find it: MSC Seascape, MSC Seashore, MSC Seaview, MSC Seaside, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Bellissima, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Virtuosa, MSC Euribia, MSC World Europa.

Fast-growing MSC Cruises has joined the waterslide wars in the last few years — and in a massive way. Each of the 10 ships the line has unveiled since 2017 offers a full-blown water park on its top deck that’s packed with waterslides and other watery fun.

On North America-based MSC Seaside, the Aqua Park has four waterslides and a children’s play area with interactive water features. The waterslides include two massive, 525-foot-long dueling slides that extend over the sides of the ship. The top of the Aqua Park on MSC Seaside is also home to the liftoff point for a zip line that soars 344 feet across the top of the vessel.

Other MSC Cruises water parks at sea include the winter-themed Polar Aqua Park on MSC Meraviglia, which offers a suspended-in-the-sky ropes course in addition to four waterslides. There’s also the Aquaplay area for the little ones.

A handful of ships even have virtual reality waterslides that involve riders wearing virtual reality headsets as part of the experience.

In all, 14 of MSC Cruises’ 22 vessels now have at least one waterslide on their top decks.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

SPONSORED:  With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

@professormelissa/TikTok Wollwerth Imagery/Adobe Stock (Licensed)

‘This is really scary’: Customer warns doing this one thing could get your Carnival cruise canceled without consent—and you won’t get refunded

‘the walmart of cruising.’.

Tangie Mitchell

Posted on May 18, 2024   Updated on May 18, 2024, 2:38 pm CDT

A Carnival cruise customer went viral after losing over $10,000 when her booking was canceled without her consent. A cruising expert says she knows exactly how it happened and warns customers to protect themselves.

In a new Tiktok, consultant, professor, and cruise lover Professor Melissa (@professormelissa) responds to the case of Tiffany Banks, a Carnival customer who found out her luxury room and excursions were all canceled mere days before her trip. 

The Daily Dot previously reported on the seven-minute TikTok Banks shared recounting her experience with Carnival. In it, Banks reveals that she spent over $15,000 on her trip—“The room itself was 12,000 or 13,000, and then we got a few grand tied up into excursions, and almost 2,000 for flights,”—but when her booking was suddenly canceled, the Carnival representative she spoke with allegedly denied her request for a refund.

“If you haven’t been following the Tiffany Banks Carnival Cruise Line drama, buckle up ’cause I’m gonna fill you in,” Melissa begins in her response video. 

Melissa explains that Banks, a nurse practitioner, booked the Presidential Suite on the Carnival Celebration cruise ship one year ago. “She spent over $10,000 on this cruise,” Melissa says.

She says the cruise was setting sail this week, but Banks just found out that her room was mysteriously canceled. Even worse, according to Melissa, when Banks contacted Carnival about the situation she was told her room had been sold to someone else.

She mentions that after Banks’ TikTok about the situation went viral, grossing over 750,000 views, Carnival’s brand ambassador John Heald made a “vague post” about there being “another side to the story.” 

What is the Carnival Cruise glitch?

“But here, I think, is the side. This is really scary, and I love Carnival but I’m going to call you out when you need to be called out,” Melissa says.

She reveals that Banks’ husband allegedly shared a post that had the couple’s booking number on it. She also alleges that Carnival’s system has a “glitch” that allows reservations to be canceled simply by providing a last name and its corresponding booking number.

“No, Carnival doesn’t call to confirm, nothing like that. It’s just canceled,” Melissa says.

“Actors, if they have your last name and booking number, could easily go in and cancel a cruise and you’re out the money. No refunds,” she continues.

Melissa wants to leave viewers with one important message: Never share your Carnival cruise booking number.

“I know you get excited about a cruise, you take a screenshot, you post it on social media. If someone is a crazy bad person, they look up your information and they can cancel your cruise,” she warns.

She also notes that this glitch seems to only be possible when customers self-book, not when they use a travel agent.

She ends the video by directly addressing Carnival.

“Fix this glitch,” she says. “You know about it, you’ve known about it, please make it right for Tiffany and fix it.”

@professormelissa I have strong thoughts on this, but does Carnival bear responsibility here to make this right? #Cruise #cruiseship #cruisetok #cruiselife #cruiser #travel #traveltiktok #cruisewithme #cruisetips #cruisetipsandtricks #cruisehacks #vacation #cruiseships #cruisecontent #cruisingcontent #cruisevacation #cruiselover #cruiseblogger #firsttimecruiser #cruisequestions #cruisefacts #goingonacruise #crusingtok #cruiseessentials #traveler #royalcaribbean #carnivalcruiseline #choosefun #virginvoyages #norwegiancruise #hollandcruise #hollandamericaline #disneycruiseline #msccruise #princesscruises #carnivalcruise ♬ original sound – Professor Melissa

Carnival Cruise customers weigh in

In the comments section, users shared grievances about their experiences with Carnival and also emphasized customers’ responsibility to protect their private information.

“Carnival should have some sort of authentication verification to cancel, but come on…don’t post confirmation/booking numbers,” one viewer wrote.

“The Walmart of cruising. This is why my family is only sailing RCL and NCL. The other side is Carnival could have fixed this and avoided the bad PR,” another commenter shared.

“It’s ridiculous Carnival’s online system is not more secure,” came a third comment.

This isn’t the first time Melissa has shared her opinion on Carnival’s business practices. 

In a move to repair its image as a lower quality cruise line, Melissa revealed that the cruise line has allegedly been cracking down on twerking and fighting on its ships by charging fighters a $500 fine and cruise directors stopping dancing customers whenever they began twerking. 

The Daily Dot has reached out to Professor Melissa and Carnival via email for more information.

The internet is chaotic—but we’ll break it down for you in one daily email. Sign up for the Daily Dot’s web_crawlr newsletter  here  to get the best (and worst) of the internet straight into your inbox.

Tangie Mitchell is a creative writer, journalist, and editor based in New York. Her interests include pop culture and entertainment, poetry, and morning cups of herbal tea.

Cruise ships to return to Baltimore two months after bridge collapse

Royal Caribbean and Carnival temporarily relocated to Norfolk after the Key Bridge collapse in March.

Cruises will soon set sail from Baltimore again, resuming operations two months after a cargo ship took down the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

In an X post on Wednesday, the Port of Baltimore revealed that Royal Caribbean International’s Vision of the Seas would leave on May 25 for a five-night trip to Bermuda. It will be the first cruise from a major carrier that leaves from Baltimore since the deadly bridge collapse on March 26.

The cruise line confirmed the news, saying in a statement it “looks forward to returning to the Port of Baltimore once again.”

Three major cruise lines sail from Baltimore, though only two had ships based at the port during the spring. No cruise ships were in port when the accident happened. After some scrambling , Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line both moved their Baltimore-based operations to Norfolk.

Carnival said in a statement that it plans to sail the Pride from Norfolk on May 19. That ship is expected to finish the cruise in Baltimore a week later. Because of those plans, the cruise line is encouraging guests to make their way to Baltimore ahead of the trip, and take a free, Carnival-provided bus more than 200 miles to Norfolk.

The ship is scheduled to leave Baltimore for a 14-day Greenland and Canada itinerary on May 26 before resuming seven-day Bahamas or Caribbean cruises.

“We remain in close contact with local, state and federal officials regarding the return of our operations at the Port of Baltimore,” Carnival said. The port said Wednesday it could only confirm Royal Caribbean’s schedule.

Norwegian Cruise Line does not have any Baltimore sailings scheduled until September. American Cruise Lines, a smaller company that operates river and coastal cruises, was able to start operating Chesapeake Bay trips from Baltimore earlier this month.

More than 444,000 people cruised out of Baltimore’s port last year, according to a news release issued by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore’s office.

Baltimore bridge collapse

How it happened: Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after being hit by a cargo ship . The container ship lost power shortly before hitting the bridge, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) said. Video shows the bridge collapse in under 40 seconds.

Victims: Divers have recovered the bodies of two construction workers , officials said. They were fathers, husbands and hard workers . A mayday call from the ship prompted first responders to shut down traffic on the four-lane bridge, saving lives.

Economic impact: The collapse of the bridge severed ocean links to the Port of Baltimore, which provides about 20,000 jobs to the area . See how the collapse will disrupt the supply of cars, coal and other goods .

Rebuilding: The bridge, built in the 1970s , will probably take years and cost hundreds of millions of dollars to rebuild , experts said.