Wondering which is better: Princess Cruises or Norwegian? Explore key differences in service, ships, and itineraries to make your choice.
When planning a cruise, choosing the right cruise line can make all the difference in your experience. Two of the most popular cruise lines, Princess Cruises and Norwegian, offer distinct onboard experiences, destinations, and entertainment options. Whether you prioritise luxury, adventure, or family-friendly amenities, understanding the key differences between NCL vs Princess can help you make an informed decision. This guide will compare Norwegian Cruise Line vs Princess in terms of onboard atmosphere, dining, entertainment, destinations, pricing, and overall value.
The overall vibe of a cruise line is one of the first things to consider when choosing between Norwegian Cruise and Princess Cruise.
Princess Cruises is known for its sophisticated and relaxed atmosphere. The ships exude a sense of elegance with refined decor, luxurious lounges, and a more traditional cruising experience. It is ideal for couples, retirees, and those looking for a laid-back yet upscale holiday experience. The dress code leans towards smart casual, with formal nights adding a touch of glamour to the voyage.
On the other hand, Norwegian offers a more vibrant and lively atmosphere. Norwegian Cruise Line is famous for its Freestyle Cruising concept, which means no fixed dining times or strict dress codes. This makes it a great choice for younger travellers, families, and those who prefer a more relaxed, fun-oriented experience. The ships are designed with bright colours, modern decor, and an energetic nightlife scene.
Food is an essential part of any cruise, and both Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess offer diverse dining experiences.
Princess Cruises offers a mix of traditional dining and specialty restaurants. Passengers can choose between traditional dining with set times and companions or anytime dining, which provides flexibility. Specialty dining options include Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, The Crown Grill Steakhouse, and Chef’s Table Experience. Additionally, Princess Cruises is renowned for its 24-hour International Café, where guests can enjoy gourmet snacks and coffee.
NCL takes a more casual approach with Freestyle Dining, allowing guests to dine wherever and whenever they like. The fleet features a wide variety of specialty restaurants, such as Cagney’s Steakhouse, Le Bistro (French cuisine), Teppanyaki, and Moderno Churrascaria (Brazilian steakhouse). NCL ships also have numerous casual eateries, buffet-style restaurants, and room service options for a laid-back dining experience.
Both Norwegian vs Princess offer a wealth of entertainment and activities, but their styles differ.
Entertainment on Princess Cruise tends to be more traditional, with Broadway-style theatre productions, live music, and Movies Under the Stars, a signature outdoor movie experience. The line also offers enrichment programs, including cooking demonstrations, dance classes, and destination lectures.
NCL offers some of the most exhilarating entertainment at sea, with full-scale Broadway musicals such as Six, Jersey Boys, and Kinky Boots. Norwegian also features comedy clubs, live music venues, escape rooms, and go-kart tracks on some of its larger ships. Those looking for a high-energy experience will find Norwegian Cruise vs Princess Cruise caters more to thrill-seekers and party lovers.
Both cruise lines sail to some of the world's most sought-after destinations, but their focus varies.
Princess Cruises has a strong reputation for destination-focused itineraries, offering sailings to Alaska, Europe, the Caribbean, Asia, and the South Pacific. Their Alaska Cruise & Denali Land Tours are among the most immersive experiences, featuring expert naturalists and cultural excursions.
NCL covers similar regions but also offers unique destinations like Hawaii with the Pride of America (the only US-flagged cruise ship), as well as niche itineraries to South America and Africa. Norwegian is also known for its private island experiences, such as Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas.
When comparing Princess Cruise vs Norwegian, pricing is a key factor.
Princess Cruises tends to have a mid-range to premium pricing model, depending on the itinerary and ship. They often include promotions like free gratuities, onboard credits, and beverage packages, making their overall value strong for those seeking an elegant experience.
NCL pricing varies significantly, with a la carte pricing for specialty dining, drinks, and excursions. While base fares may be lower, the additional expenses can add up. However, they frequently offer “Free at Sea” promotions, including free specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and open bars, making the experience more cost-effective for those looking for inclusions.
Accommodation plays a big role in choosing between Norwegian vs Princess.
Princess offers a range of luxurious suites, mini-suites, balcony cabins, and interior rooms. Their Medallion Class technology enhances the guest experience, offering keyless room entry, smart ordering, and personalised service.
NCL provides diverse accommodation, from budget-friendly inside cabins to The Haven, an exclusive ship-within-a-ship experience for luxury seekers. Norwegian’s studio cabins cater to solo travellers, making them an excellent choice for independent cruisers.
For families debating Norwegian Cruise vs Princess Cruise, NCL is often the better choice.
Princess caters more to multigenerational families, with youth programs, Discovery at SEA activities, and educational programs. However, it may not have as many thrill-based attractions as Norwegian.
NCL’s ships are designed with families in mind, offering water parks, kids’ clubs, and family-friendly entertainment. Their ships also have three-bedroom suites, making them ideal for large families.
Ultimately, the choice between Princess Cruises vs Norwegian comes down to your travel style. Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, both cruise lines offer fantastic experiences to suit different preferences. When booking a cruise, you can choose Princess Cruises if you prefer a refined, traditional cruising experience with excellent service, destination immersion, and elegant dining. Or you can go for Norwegian Cruise Line if you love flexibility, vibrant nightlife, thrilling entertainment, and casual dining options.
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