👑
VSRoyal Caribbean
🇳🇴
Norwegian
Royal Caribbean vs Norwegian
Royal Caribbean and Norwegian are both premium mainstream cruise lines, but they take different approaches. Royal Caribbean focuses on innovation and mega-ships, while Norwegian pioneered "Freestyle Cruising" flexibility.
Last updated: January 8, 2026
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Category | 👑 Royal Caribbean | 🇳🇴 Norwegian |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price (7-night) | $800-$1,500/person✓ | $900-$1,700/person |
| Fleet Size | 28 ships✓ | 19 ships |
| Dining Flexibility | Set dining times or My Time | Freestyle - eat anywhere, anytime✓ |
| Dress Code | Smart casual, formal nights | Resort casual, no formal nights |
| Solo Cabins | Limited availability | Studio cabins with solo lounge✓ |
| Drink Package Cost | $56-$125/day (unlimited)✓ | $109-$139/day (unlimited) |
| Free at Sea Perks | No equivalent program | Free drinks, WiFi, specialty dining✓ |
| Ship Innovation | Industry-leading (Icon class)✓ | Strong (Prima class) |
| Broadway Shows | Grease, Hairspray, Cats | Six, Jersey Boys, Kinky Boots |
| The Haven/Suite Experience | Suite perks, Royal Suite Class | The Haven - ship within a ship✓ |
👑Choose Royal Caribbean if you...
- •Families with young children
- •First-time cruisers
- •Those who want mega-ship activities
- •Budget-conscious mainstream cruisers
🇳🇴Choose Norwegian if you...
- •Solo travelers
- •Couples wanting flexibility
- •Those who hate dress codes
- •Luxury seekers (The Haven)
💡 The Bottom Line
Choose Royal Caribbean for family-friendly mega-ships, better pricing, and theme-park-style entertainment. Choose Norwegian for dining flexibility, solo-friendly options, and a more relaxed dress code.
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