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Once a passenger cruises with Norwegian Cruise Line and/or Royal Caribbean for the first time they are automatically a member of that cruise line’s loyalty program. For every subsequent cruise thereafter guests will earn points and work their way toward the next loyalty tier to achieve even more rewards for their next cruise vacation. Before embarking on my first cruises with Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line last year, I had no idea that some cruise lines own they very own private islands. Since initially finding out about these unique Caribbean destinations, I have been able to visit all three of the private islands owned and operated by Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean. The ability to unpack in one spot while being transported to great destinations around the world is quite alluring, and keeps frequent cruisers coming back again and again.
How do the itineraries of Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean compare?
Norwegian Cruise Line vs. Royal Caribbean comparison - Cruise Blog
Norwegian Cruise Line vs. Royal Caribbean comparison.
Posted: Mon, 09 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
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. Norwegian Cruise Line's "Free at Sea" might help undecided cruises sway one way or the other. This allows cruisers to select up to five different perks to be included in their cruise fare. These perks include the specialty dining package, shore excursions, Wi-Fi package, beverage package, free airfare and friends/family sail free.
Onboard Activities
The kid’s club is a great place where you can leave your children in a safe and fun environment. In the dining rooms, buffet and restaurants, there will always be culinary options that are well suited for younger children. Norwegian also has O’Sheehans and The Local, which are pub style restaurants that are open 24/7.
Compare: Royal Caribbean vs. Norwegian Cruises
With freestyle cruising, cruise passengers can eat in different restaurants and dining rooms, on their own schedule. Since Royal Caribbean has some incredible big ships, there are multiple entertainment venues onboard. On select ships you’ll find aqua shows, musicals, ice skating shows at the ice rink, comedians and broadway style shows.
Overall, Royal Caribbean and NCL offer a range of pricing options to suit different budgets. However, there are some key differences when comparing the two cruise lines. If you’re traveling with family, one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a cruise line is their kids’ programs. Royal Caribbean and NCL are known for their family-friendly amenities and entertainment options. Norwegian Cruise Line also has a range of outdoor activities, including ropes courses, rock climbing walls, and water slides. Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line offer a wide range of options to keep guests entertained throughout their cruise vacations.
Food and Dining
Its venue is quirky, but its presentation and themed food add to the ambiance of this specialty restaurant. While freestyle has been hugely popular with many cruise passengers, it doesn’t suit all. If you cruise with food allergies, having the same table and a consistent waiter works better. In this detailed comparison of Norwegian Vs. Royal Caribbean, you’ll discover their differences and determine the best cruise line for your next vacation at sea. Both the Norwegian cruise line and Royal Caribbean International make mega-ships to attract families. At first glance, they may seem similar and draw the same type of clientele.
Family-Friendly Amenities
I have had the privilege of sailing with Royal Caribbean a couple times now, and have always found something appetizing and delicious onboard! Royal Caribbean tends to offer just one or two main dining restaurants onboard, in addition to the buffet. The line’s Oasis-class ships are the largest cruise ships in the world, with their own central park, Ultimate Abyss Slide, and a boardwalk complete with a carousel. Norwegian shines with The Haven, a suite complex with a private restaurant, sundeck, pool, and lounge.
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While aboard nearly any Norwegian cruise ship, you'll mostly see families, couples and singles that range in age from their 30s to 60s. Both Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean cater to families and couples, though NCL does a better job of catering to solo travelers, thanks to its unique Studio staterooms designed for one. The cruise line also has a fun atmosphere and some communal spaces for single passengers to hang out. The casino onboard Norwegian cruises is large, has an enclosed smoking area (on certain ships) and even has a small buffet. There are plenty of activities, shows and a supervised kid’s club and teen club that children of all ages can enjoy. Always check with your travel agent or on the Norwegian website to find the best options for you and current free at sea promotions.
If you’re cruising with family or a group, consider the Family Suites, which can accommodate larger groups and include extra amenities to keep everyone comfortable and entertained. Both these large scale cruise lines specialize in offering something for everyone onboard their ships, and are great about being cruise lines that caters to the whole family. Because of this, both Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean can be great options for multi-generational vacations.
Now, the line’s newest ships offer more bells and whistles than a shoreside resort. NCL has 14 homeports on the North American mainland where ships depart seasonally to year-round. They offer several itineraries, including the Caribbean, Bermuda, Bahamas, Mexico and Alaska.
In general, Royal Caribbean's prices are reasonable, but there is a marked difference between the price of sailings on the line's newest ships and the cost to sail on its older ones. You can also expect to pay extra for many of the onboard alternative dining options, regardless of ship age. Both lines also have studio cabins available on some of their latest vessels. These rooms are built and priced for one person, allowing solo travelers to avoid paying a single supplement. Passengers booked in Norwegian's studio cabins also have access to a dedicated lounge, where they can make friends with other cruisers sailing by themselves.
There are no “formal nights” like on other cruise lines and the only stipulation is you can’t wear your bathing suit in the main dining rooms. Both NCL and RCI feature traditional main dining rooms offering an assortment of culinary delights. The main dining room on both ships serves the meals that are part of your cruise package, and so are at no additional cost to you. However, their Spectrum of the Seas, a Quantum Ultra Class vessel, offers itineraries out of Singapore and was purpose-built for the Asian market. This area features a concierge, sun deck, private pool, hot tubs, and bar. Haven guests enjoy a quieter space, with fewer people and upgraded amenities like padded loungers.
Both Royal Caribbean and Norwegian larger vessels provide great Alaskan cruises for families. If you’re cruising to Alaska, who can beat the views of a fjord from 300 feet in the air? Another area where Royal Caribbean does exceptionally well is with its active pursuits. They include innovative -- and often first-at-sea -- activities like Sky Pad bungee trampolining, carousel rides, FlowRider surfing, Ripcord by iFly simulated skydiving, rock climbing and ziplining. Whether you want your cruise to be relaxing or adventurous, you won't be disappointed with Royal Caribbean or Norwegian Cruise Line. Both offer plenty of semi-private areas for reading, outdoor loungers for soaking up the sun and adults-only spaces if your goal is simply to escape the kids and soak in the pool or hot tub.
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