Princess Cruises vs. Norwegian Cruise Line: A Comprehensive Comparison

When it comes to planning a cruise vacation, two popular names often come up: Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line. Both offer exciting itineraries, luxurious amenities, and unforgettable experiences.

However, many potential travelers have questions and concerns about which cruise line is the best fit for their preferences and needs.

In this article, we will address the ten most frequently asked questions about Princess Cruises vs. Norwegian Cruise Line, providing an in-depth analysis and comparison to help you make an informed decision for your next cruise adventure.

What are the Key Differences Between Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line?

Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line have distinct characteristics that set them apart. Here’s a breakdown of their key differences:

Cruise Line Comparison Table

What Types of Accommodations are Offered by Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line?

Both Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line offer a variety of accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets. Here are the common types of cabins available on their ships:

Princess Cruises Accommodations:

1. Inside Cabins: These are the most budget-friendly options, providing a cozy interior space without windows.
2. Oceanview Cabins: Featuring a window or porthole, these cabins offer views of the sea.
3. Balcony Cabins: Equipped with a private balcony, perfect for enjoying scenic views and fresh air.
4. Mini-Suites: Larger than standard cabins, with a separate seating area and enhanced amenities.
5. Suites: Luxurious and spacious accommodations, often including additional perks and concierge services.

Norwegian Cruise Line Accommodations:

1. Inside Cabins: Interior cabins with comfortable amenities, ideal for travelers on a budget.
2. Oceanview Cabins: Cabins with a window or porthole offering views of the ocean or ports.
3. Balcony Cabins: Cabins featuring a private balcony to enjoy the outdoors in privacy.
4. Mini-Suites: Larger cabins with a separate sitting area and upgraded amenities.
5. The Haven: Exclusive and luxurious suite complex with upscale perks and private facilities.

It’s essential to compare the specific cabin options available on the ships you’re considering, as sizes and amenities can vary.

Which Cruise Line Offers a Better Dining Experience: Princess Cruises or Norwegian Cruise Line?

Dining experiences are a crucial aspect of any cruise vacation. Both Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line offer a range of dining options, catering to different tastes and preferences.

Princess Cruises Dining:

• Main Dining Rooms: Princess Cruises provides traditional dining with set dining times and assigned seating. This allows guests to develop a rapport with their servers and fellow passengers over the course of the cruise.
• Specialty Restaurants: The cruise line also offers specialty dining options, including steakhouses, Italian trattorias, and international cuisine.
• Buffet: The buffet serves a wide selection of dishes, from fresh salads to hot entrées and decadent desserts.

Norwegian Cruise Line Dining:

• Freestyle Dining: Norwegian Cruise Line is known for its “Freestyle Cruising” concept, which offers flexible dining times and no assigned seating. Passengers can dine when and with whom they choose.
• Complimentary Dining Venues: Norwegian provides various complimentary dining options, including main dining rooms and casual eateries.
• Specialty Restaurants: The cruise line offers specialty dining venues with diverse cuisines and unique culinary experiences, though some may incur an additional fee.

Both cruise lines have received positive reviews for their dining options, so the choice ultimately comes down to whether you prefer a traditional dining setting (Princess Cruises) or a more flexible, freestyle approach (Norwegian Cruise Line).

What are the Destinations Covered by Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line?

Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line boast extensive itineraries, taking passengers to fascinating destinations around the world.

Princess Cruises Destinations:

Princess Cruises offers a wide range of itineraries, including:

• Alaska: Explore the breathtaking glaciers and wildlife of Alaska’s Inside Passage.
• Caribbean: Experience the tropical paradise with cruises to the Caribbean’s stunning islands.
• Europe: Discover the rich history and culture of Europe’s charming cities and iconic landmarks.
• Asia: Journey through the diverse landscapes and cultures of Asia, from Japan to Southeast Asia.
• Australia & New Zealand: Experience the wonders of Down Under, including the Great Barrier Reef and Milford Sound.

Norwegian Cruise Line Destinations:

Norwegian Cruise Line focuses on several primary regions, including:

• Caribbean: Embark on a Caribbean adventure with itineraries to various Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean islands.
• Europe: Explore the beauty of the Mediterranean, the Baltic, and Northern Europe’s enchanting cities.
• Alaska: Witness the stunning wilderness and wildlife of Alaska’s fjords and glaciers.
• Hawaii: Experience the tropical paradise of Hawaii with inter-island cruises and island-hopping.

Each cruise line offers unique routes and ports of call, so it’s essential to choose the one that aligns with your travel preferences and desired destinations.

What Types of Entertainment and Activities are Available on Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line?

Both Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line provide an array of entertainment and onboard activities to keep passengers engaged and entertained throughout their voyage.

Princess Cruises Entertainment and Activities:

• Theater Shows: Enjoy Broadway-style productions, comedians, magicians, and live music performances in the ship’s theater.
• Movies Under the Stars: Princess Cruises offers outdoor movie screenings on the ship’s deck, complete with cozy blankets and popcorn.
• Enrichment Programs: Participate in art auctions, cooking demonstrations, and educational lectures.
• Pools and Spas: Relax and unwind in the ship’s pools and luxurious spa facilities.
• Sports and Fitness: Engage in sports activities like basketball, golf, and fitness classes.

Norwegian Cruise Line Entertainment and Activities:

• Broadway Shows: Experience award-winning Broadway productions on select Norwegian cruise ships.
• Water Parks and Thrill Rides: Enjoy exciting water slides and thrilling activities like go-kart racing on Norwegian’s newer ships.
• Live Music Venues: Norwegian Cruise Line offers various live music venues, including jazz clubs and rock ‘n’ roll lounges.
• Casinos: Test your luck at the onboard casinos with a wide range of games.
• Activities for Kids and Teens: Norwegian provides dedicated youth programs and facilities to keep young cruisers entertained.

The choice between Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line for entertainment and activities largely depends on your preferences for show styles, adventurous pursuits, and age-specific offerings.

What are the Family-Friendly Features on Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line?

Family vacations at sea can be an unforgettable experience, and both Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line strive to cater to the needs of families with various family-friendly amenities.

Princess Cruises Family-Friendly Features:

• Youth Centers: Princess Cruises offers dedicated youth centers for children of different age groups, each with age-appropriate activities and supervised programs.
• Movies and Games: The cruise line provides family-friendly movies and games suitable for all ages.
• Family Pools: Enjoy family time in the ship’s designated family pools and splash areas.
• Shore Excursions for Families: Princess Cruises curates shore excursions suitable for families, making the most of each port of call.

Norwegian Cruise Line Family-Friendly Features:

• Splash Academy: Norwegian’s youth program, Splash Academy, offers engaging activities for kids aged 3 to 12, including arts and crafts, themed parties, and more.
• Entourage: The exclusive teen program, Entourage, provides a safe and fun space for teenagers to socialize and participate in age-appropriate activities.
• Family Staterooms: Both cruise lines offer family staterooms and suites to accommodate larger groups.
• Ropes Courses: Some of Norwegian’s ships feature ropes courses and mini-golf, providing active entertainment for the whole family.

Both cruise lines are well-suited for family vacations, but the choice may depend on the ages of your children and the specific activities and programs you desire for them.

What is the Price Range for Cruises on Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line?

The cost of a cruise can vary significantly depending on factors such as the destination, duration, cabin type, and cruise line.

Princess Cruises Price Range:

Princess Cruises generally falls into the mid-range to upscale price category. It offers a variety of cruise options to accommodate different budgets. Inside cabins and lower-category staterooms are more affordable, while suites and premium accommodations come with a higher price tag.

Norwegian Cruise Line Price Range:

Norwegian Cruise Line is known for providing excellent value for money. It typically offers more moderate to upscale pricing, making it attractive to a broad range of travelers. Like Princess Cruises, the price range varies depending on the type of cabin and amenities you choose.

It’s essential to compare the total cost, including any additional fees and onboard expenses, when evaluating the overall value of each cruise option.

What is the Dress Code on Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line?

The dress code on cruise ships can impact the overall ambiance and experience. Here’s an overview of the dress code on Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line:

Princess Cruises Dress Code:

• Formal Nights: Princess Cruises typically holds one or two formal nights per cruise, where guests have the opportunity to dress up for special events, such as elegant dinners and photo sessions.
• Smart Casual: On most evenings, smart-casual attire is the norm in the main dining rooms and specialty restaurants.
• Resort Casual: During the day and in various casual venues, resort casual wear is acceptable, including shorts, sundresses, and swimwear near the pools.

Norwegian Cruise Line Dress Code:

• Freestyle Dressing: Norwegian Cruise Line adopts a “resort casual” approach throughout the cruise, allowing guests to dress as they feel most comfortable.
• No Formal Nights: Unlike some other cruise lines, Norwegian Cruise Line does not have formal nights or strict dress codes.

While both cruise lines offer relaxed dress codes for the most part, Princess Cruises has formal nights that may appeal to those who enjoy dressing up for special occasions.

What are the Highlights of Alaska Cruises with Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line?

Alaska cruises are incredibly popular due to the state’s awe-inspiring natural beauty and unique experiences.

Princess Cruises Alaska Cruises:

• Alaskan Culture: Princess Cruises offers immersive experiences that delve into Alaskan culture and traditions.
• Scenic Cruising: The cruise line’s ships are designed with ample viewing spaces to enjoy the breathtaking scenery, including glaciers and wildlife.
• Alaska Land Tours: Princess Cruises offers pre or post-cruise land tours, allowing you to explore the interior of Alaska, including Denali National Park.

Norwegian Cruise Line Alaska Cruises:

• Glacier Bay National Park: Some Norwegian Alaska itineraries include a visit to Glacier Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Outdoor Adventure: Norwegian’s Alaska cruises offer a range of adventurous excursions, such as dog sledding, kayaking, and helicopter tours.
• Entertainment and Dining: Enjoy the comforts and entertainment options of Norwegian’s modern mega-ships while cruising Alaska’s stunning coastline.

Both cruise lines provide unforgettable experiences in Alaska, but the specific itineraries and activities can vary, so it’s essential to choose the one that aligns with your interests.

What Onboard Amenities and Services are Provided by Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line?

Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line offer a range of onboard amenities and services to enhance the guest experience.

Princess Cruises Onboard Amenities:

• Lotus Spa: Enjoy relaxing spa treatments, including massages, facials, and thermal suite experiences.
• The Sanctuary: An exclusive adults-only retreat with comfortable loungers and attentive service.
• Enrichment Programs: Engage in activities like art auctions, culinary demonstrations, and destination presentations.
• Shopping: Browse duty-free boutiques offering a variety of merchandise, including fine jewelry, clothing, and souvenirs.

Norwegian Cruise Line Onboard Amenities:

• Mandara Spa: Experience rejuvenating spa treatments and thermal suite facilities for ultimate relaxation.
• The Haven: Norwegian’s exclusive ship-within-a-ship concept, providing luxurious suites and a private sundeck.
• Casino and Bingo: Test your luck at the onboard casino or enjoy exciting bingo games.
• Fitness Centers: Stay active with state-of-the-art fitness centers and group exercise classes.

Both cruise lines offer a diverse selection of onboard amenities, ensuring there’s something for every passenger to enjoy.

The Choice is Yours

Choosing between Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line depends on your preferences, budget, desired destinations, and onboard experiences. Princess Cruises boasts a classic and refined atmosphere, traditional dining, and enriching activities. On the other hand, Norwegian Cruise Line offers a more casual and contemporary experience, with freestyle dining, thrilling onboard activities, and modern mega-ships.

Consider the key differences outlined in this article and weigh them against your personal preferences to make the best decision for your dream cruise vacation. Happy sailing!