To start things off on a completely transparent note, I do not think you can go wrong with either of these amazing cruise lines!
The debate on Royal Caribbean vs Norwegian can go on and on among our kids, but that is only because both cruise lines offer exceptional experiences. Each cruise line is packed with activities and amenities, but who will come out on top? Let’s dive into the pros and cons to help you decide which cruise line might be the perfect fit for your next adventure!
Royal Caribbean
Pros
Food
- Fixed or Flexible My Time Dining: Options for a customizable dining experience.
- Celebrity Chef Jamie Oliver: Jamie’s Italian, created by Jamie Oliver, offers delicious Tuscan-inspired dishes on several Royal Caribbean ships. The menu features handmade pasta and other Italian classics prepared with high-quality ingredients.
- Formal Nights: Every cruise offers at least one formal night. For us, this is a pro as it is a tradition while cruising and it can be fun to get dressed up! Of course, you can skip the formal night and eat at one of the casual eateries that night if you prefer.
Entertainment
- Insane Slides: How cool is it to have a water park on the ship? Royal Caribbean is always coming up with bigger and better slides! In fact, they currently have the tallest slide at sea, which is called the Ultimate Abyss Slide!
- Poolside Fun: Every ship has at least two pools, often with splash zones and slides. The staff also ensures plenty of interactive fun on deck at all times.
- Fun for Kids & Kids at Heart: You will find basketball courts, rock climbing walls, and mini-golf courses on most Royal Caribbean ships. On Quantum level ships you can go indoor skydiving! They also offer all the cruise usuals – trivia, bingo, and nightlife entertainment from shows to dance clubs.
Family Friendly
- Kid’s Club: We enjoy the way Royal Caribbean is set up with three different age groups and amazing staff. However, in our opinion, nothing beats Disney Cruiseline when it comes to childcare for younger kids.
- Parent Time: Kids (3-11) can start dinner with you and then be picked up by club staff.
- The Promenade: These spaces are offered on their high-class ships, and they are insane. It is like having a whole little world right on your ship. They offer spots to dine or grab a snack, sip your coffee, people watch, and get some shopping in. Some ships even have an ice skating rink. Everyone in your family will find something they love here.
- Seaplex: The Seaplex is on Quantum-class ships and is the ultimate family fun center. They have everything from bumper cars to arcade games, roller skating, and even trapeze classes!
Cabins
- Tons of Choices: Various cabin options, including 24 different types on the largest ship.
- Virtual Balconies: Inside rooms often have virtual balconies.
- The Ultimate Family Suite: This suite is on the Symphony of the Seas ship and it is seriously one of the coolest places we have ever stayed.
- Suite Privileges: VIP Pool Seating and other perks on Quantum and Oasis class ships.
- BIG Rooms: We have found Royal Caribbean has some of the most spacious suites and family cabins.
Itinerary
Check out all of Royal Caribbean’s itineraries here.
- More Ports: 14+ ports in Northern America.
- Wide Variety of Options: Diverse destinations and cruise lengths.
- Year-Round Europe: Sail from Europe year-round to the Baltic, Mediterranean, or Northern Europe.
Cons
- **$$$: Higher price tags, especially on the newest ships.
- Day Care: Extra fee for nursery services for babies 6-36 months, not available on all ships.
- Kids Club: Structured activities can be challenging for younger children who prefer more freedom.
Special Features on Icon of the Seas
Largest Cruise Ship: The Icon of the Seas has 20 decks, 2805 staterooms, and 8 distinct neighborhoods.
Category 6 Waterpark: Six unique waterslides, including the tallest water slide at sea.
Perfect Day at CocoCay: An award-winning private island with a waterpark, pristine beaches, and the first adults-only escape, Hideaway Beach
Check out our full review here!
Norwegian Cruise Line
Pros
Food
- Freestyle Dining: Flexible dining with multiple restaurants to choose from.
- Specialty Restaurants and Dishes: Fine dining options like Le Bistro and Teppanyaki.
- 24/7: At least one dining spot is open 24 hours on every ship.
- All-Inclusive Cruise Fares: Fares on Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun include all drinks, even alcoholic beverages.
Entertainment
- Race Tracks at Sea: Two-level go-kart tracks on Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Bliss.
- Pools: At least one pool and multiple hot tubs on every ship, plus kids’ aqua park play areas.
- Sports Fun: Basketball, mini-golf, rock walls, ropes courses, and laser tag arenas.
- Indoor Fun: Wine and beer tastings, escape rooms, bowling, and Wii Play.
Family Friendly
- Lower Cost: Reasonable prices with great specials.
- Great Kid Programming: Divided into four age groups and includes a nursery for children 6 months-2 years.
- Other Guests: Typically full of families, ensuring a family-friendly environment.
Cabins
- Haven Bliss Suites: Top deck suites with courtyards, pools, and exclusive dining rooms.
- Family Cabins: Various options for large families, including balcony and oceanview rooms.
Itinerary
- Many Options: Destinations include Asia, Africa, Alaska, Australia & New Zealand, Florida & the Bahamas, and more.
- Hawaii Options: Voted best Hawaii itinerary, visiting four islands with nearly 100 hours in port.
- Alaska Cruises: Norwegian Bliss & Norwegian Joy are among the best ships for Alaska cruises.
- Varying Lengths: Weekend getaways to 15+ day adventures, with many options in between.
Check out all Norwegian itineraries here.
Cons
- Decisions: Freestyle dining can be difficult for large groups to coordinate.
- Freestyle Does NOT Mean All Included: Some entertainment and specialty dining cost extra, so budget accordingly. However, Norwegian offers several FREE Dining promotions.
- Solo Travelers: Ships with studio rooms attract more solo travelers, which can change the environment.
Special Features on Norwegian Bliss
Go-Kart Racing: A two-level race track at sea.
Laser Tag Arena: An outdoor laser tag experience.
15 Dining Options: Including Cagney’s Steakhouse and Teppanyaki
Check out our full review here!
So, What’s the Verdict?
Royal Caribbean Wins
- Massive Ships: Endless excitement on Oasis Class ships. We spent 7 days on Harmony of the Seas and didn’t get to do everything.
- Unique Shows: Aqua theater shows are awe-inspiring.
- Competitions: Family-friendly competitions like soccer, basketball, and ping pong.
Norwegian Wins
- Restaurants: Variety of restaurants and Free at Sea promotions.
- The Suite Experience (Haven): Luxe experience with retractable roof pools and exclusive dining rooms.
- Kids Club: More relaxed environment in the kids club.
- Bang for the Buck: Typically 15-20% cheaper than Royal Caribbean, with perks like unlimited drinks, upgraded dining, and free WiFi.
Too Close to Call
- Pools & Slides: Both have amazing water slides. My kids love the drop slide on Norwegian and the funnel slides on Harmony of the Seas.
- Top Deck Fun Activities: Royal Caribbean offers FlowRider and zip lining, while Norwegian has go-karting, laser tag, and ropes courses.
- Unique Attractions: Royal Caribbean has a robot bar and a carousel at sea, while Norwegian offers a Nitro Cold Brew Bike, Million Dollar Chocolate Machine, and a Mojito Bar.
Overall, you can’t really go wrong with either of these cruise lines! I personally love the newer ships (built in the last 7-10 years) as they often have the most activities for families and tend to lean towards Royal Caribbean as our family LOVES Perfect Day at CocoCay.
If you have any questions about Royal Caribbean or Norwegian Cruises feel free to ask in the comments or send us a message on our Instagram!
You Might Also Like:
THE ABSOLUTE BEST DISNEY CRUISE TIPS TO SAVE YOU TIME & MONEY!
MY 6 BEST TIPS FOR CRUISING WITH TODDLERS
THE ULTIMATE CRUISE PACKING LIST FOR WARM-WEATHER DESTINATIONS
Pin for Later: Royal Caribbean vs Norwegian Cruise
- 17 Epic Elf on the Shelf Arrival Ideas [Yes, It’s That Time of Year Again!] - November 29, 2024
- 25 Days of Enchanting Elf on the Shelf Ideas! - November 28, 2024
- 15 Ways to Experience the Holiday Magic at Walt Disney World - November 25, 2024
+ show Comments
- Hide Comments
add a comment