When comparing Carnival Cruise vs Norwegian Cruise, the options are as diverse as the activities and attractions they offer. Each is renowned for its unique atmosphere, catering to couples, families, and seniors alike.
Carnival Cruise vs Norwegian Cruise Line stand out in the industry with expansive fleets and a range of stateroom accommodations that ensure there’s something for everyone.
Experience thrilling entertainment and relaxing home-away-from-home experiences at sea, along with distinct cuisines that set them apart in the world of travel.
“When comparing Carnival Cruise vs Norwegian Cruise, both cruise lines primarily provide sailings departing from North America. They include popular destinations such as the Caribbean, Bahamas, Alaska, Mexico, Australia, Hawaii, and Europe in their itineraries.”
Carnival Cruise Vs Norwegian Cruise
1: Size of Carnival Cruise Vs Norwegian Cruise
Carnival Cruise
Carnival Cruise Line operates a diverse fleet, with several ships accommodating around 2,100 passengers, although most of their vessels can host between 3,000 to 4,000 passengers. Their latest additions, including Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee, have a capacity exceeding 5,200 passengers, featuring industry-first attractions like actual roller coasters.
“Mardi Gras made headlines in 2021 as the first ship in North America to utilize cleaner-burning Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), reducing its carbon emissions. Carnival Celebration and Jubilee, along with Norwegian’s newest ships Norwegian Prima and Viva, also operate on LNG technology.”
Norwegian Cruise
2: Kids Activities On Carnival Cruise and Norwegian Cruise
Carnival Cruise
Carnival’s Camp Ocean program is tailored for children aged 2-11, while Circle C and Club O2 are its designated clubs for tweens and teens.
The cruise line has collaborated with Dr. Seuss to present libraries filled with kids’ books, interactive story times, and lively parades featuring the author’s famous characters. Guests of all ages can also enjoy the Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast, hosted by The Cat in The Hat.
Norwegian Cruise
Norwegian’s Splash Academy offers a range of fun activities and creative games for children aged 5-12, including crafts and a Circus School. Meanwhile, teens aged 13-17 can socialize at Entourage, where they can enjoy the latest video games, evening dance parties, and comfortable seating areas.
3: Onboard Attractions On Carnival Cruise and Norwegian Cruise
Carnival Cruise
Onboard Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee, Carnival offers a plethora of activities and amenities. Guests can experience the groundbreaking BOLT roller coaster, the first at sea, along with other exciting attractions like the IMAX theater and the thrilling WaterWorks water park with exciting waterslides.
For those looking for more laid-back fun, there’s a bike track, mini-golf, and even a ropes course. With so much to offer, guests are sure to have an unforgettable time at sea on a Carnival cruise.
Norwegian Cruise
These ships feature a wide range of exciting amenities, including Aqua Parks with thrilling thrill slides and relaxing pools. Guests can also enjoy activities such as basketball courts, minigolf, and the heart-pounding Galaxy Pavilion with its virtual reality gaming and augmented reality laser tag.
For those seeking a challenge, there are escape rooms and a daring ropes course. Additionally, guests can experience the adrenaline rush of racing slides and the excitement of bowling.
4: Entertainment on Carnival Cruise and Norwegian Cruise
Carnival Cruise
Carnival is renowned for its spectacular entertainment offerings, and on their ships, guests can enjoy a diverse array of performances and shows.
With a team of talented singers, dancers, and bands, Carnival’s entertainment lineup includes everything from Broadway-style productions to lively rock ‘n’ roll performances.
Guests can also experience the laughter and fun of comedy at the Punchliner Comedy Clubs, featuring both comics and comedy acts. Additionally, the Playlist Productions showcase offers a variety of musical performances, including jazz, classical, and music battle shows.
Norwegian Cruise
Norwegian Cruise Line offers an extraordinary entertainment experience on its ships, catering to all ages and preferences. Adults can enjoy Broadway and West End favorites like Beetlejuice and Six, while the whole family can groove to the rhythm of Burn the Floor or be enchanted by the charm of The Choir of Man.
The entertainment lineup includes comedy acts, dance shows, and pub performances, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Guests can sip on prohibition cocktails while watching shipboard productions or enjoy a fun evening with Latin music and dance shows. With a variety of acts and shows, Norwegian Cruise Line guarantees a memorable and entertaining voyage for all.
5: Food and Drink on Carnival Cruise and Norwegian Cruise
Carnival Cruise
Carnival boasts mouthwatering restaurants that cater to all tastes, including a variety of Asian-inspired dishes at JiJi’s and Guy Fieri’s famous burgers and burritos.
Guests can also enjoy crispy crust pizza, a favorite at sea, and indulge in specialty dining venues like star-studded steakhouses. With such a wide range of culinary options, Carnival ensures that every passenger finds something to satisfy their appetite.
Carnival elevates the dining experience on its ships with renowned chefs like Guy Fieri, known for their flavorful creations. Guests can savor a taste of New Orleans with Mardi Gras-themed dishes or enjoy authentic Indian cuisine.
Carnival’s dining rooms offer a variety of treats for the tastebuds, including barbecue and bistro-style dishes. With a focus on flavor and variety, Carnival ensures that every meal on Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee celebrates the flavors of New Orleans, offering guests a taste of authentic Creole cuisine.
In celebration of the cruise line’s 50th anniversary, Carnival offers unique bar experiences on ships like Carnival Celebration and Mardi Gras, featuring the Alchemy Bar and The Fortune Teller. These bars are known for their creative concoctions and expert bartenders who craft drinks to delight patrons.
Guests can explore a menu of favorites or let the bartenders work their magic, creating drinks that are sure to please. With drinks that smoke and even a prescription pad, Carnival’s bars offer an unforgettable experience for all.
Norwegian Cruise
Norwegian caters to foodies with its innovative Freestyle Cruising concept, offering a wide array of dining options. Guests can choose from various dining packages to suit their tastes and dining times, with no set schedules.
With a plethora of restaurants and eateries to favor, including specialty dining rooms, guests can enjoy many meals without additional costs. Reservations are recommended to secure tables, and upgrades are available for those looking for an enhanced dining experience, though they do cost extra.
6: Cabins and Suites on Carnival Cruise and Norwegian Cruise
Carnival Cruise
Carnival offers unique accommodations like Family Harbor and Havana Suites on its ships, setting itself apart from its competitors. Family Harbor provides spacious cabins with exclusive access to a family lounge, while Havana Suites feature private plunge pools and a serene pool area.
On Norwegian ships, suite guests can enjoy the benefit of daytime access to a private sundeck. Both cruise lines cater to a wide spectrum of sun-worshippers and travelers seeking relaxation. In 2024, Norwegian will be transitioning some of its spa accommodations to solo cabins to better serve individual travelers.
Norwegian Cruise
One of the most exclusive experiences on a Norwegian cruise ship is staying in The Haven. This private area offers luxurious accommodations such as studio cabins for solo travelers and expansive suites for suite guests. The Haven provides its guests with exclusive access to a dedicated lounge, sundeck, and private restaurant.
Designed with elegant decor and features like mood lights, The Haven includes a private pool and specialized decks.
Although the pricing is premium, the benefit of avoiding crowds and enjoying top-tier amenities makes it worthwhile for many passengers. The Haven ensures a luxurious cruise experience, distinct from other accommodations on the ship.
Furthermore, certain ships have cabins that are specially designed for families. In 2024, the fleet will phase out spa cabins to create more solo cabins, catering to individual travelers.
7: Carnival Cruise Vs Norwegian Cruise Demographics
Carnival Cruise
Carnival Cruise Line appeals to a wide range of passengers, including families, couples, friends, and singles. With a focus on affordability and fun, it’s a popular choice for bachelorette parties, family reunions, and other groups.
For many guests, the convenience of a departure port within driving distance adds to the appeal. About half of Carnival Cruise Line passengers are between the ages of 30 and 60, with a significant portion falling within the 35 to 55 age range.
This majority enjoys the affordability and convenience that makes Carnival a top choice for families and friends seeking a memorable vacation experience.
Norwegian Cruise
Norwegian Cruise Line is a cruise line known for offering diverse cruising experiences that cater to a wide range of demographics. With Studio cabins designed for solo travelers, Norwegian provides freedom and flexibility for seniors, families, couples, and friends alike.
The cruise line’s itineraries and ships appeal to travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure. Norwegian is a popular choice for those looking to enjoy the freedom to party or simply unwind.
Catering to numbers between 30 and 60, Norwegian’s cruising experiences offer something for everyone in the industry, making it a favorite among cruisers of all ages.
8: Carnival Cruise Vs Norwegian Cruise Cost
Carnival Cruise
With its lower cruise cost, Carnival Cruise Line attracts a diverse range of travelers. It offers a variety of activities and add-ons, providing excellent value with competitive fares that include dining options and onboard activities.
Travelers can customize their trips with excursions, drink packages, and internet plans, enhancing their overall cruise experience.
Norwegian Cruise
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Sea program offers guests the flexibility to customize their cruise experience without additional fees. This initiative allows travelers to choose from various deals such as drink packages, specialty dining, and shore excursion discounts included in the cruise fare.
With options like internet minutes and access to exclusive restaurants, Norwegian ensures that about half of its guests take advantage of these added benefits.
Norwegian Cruise Line also offers Free at Sea promotions that include airfare deals like BOGO offers, where the cruise line handles your air travel arrangements. This provides a convenient option for travelers looking to book their entire vacation with various pricing options and packages available to help them save money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Norwegian Considered A Luxury Cruise Line?
Norwegian Cruise Line operates sizable mass-market ships, accommodating between 1,936 and 4,266 passengers, while also offering a touch of luxury, particularly in The Haven, which represents the line’s exclusive ship-within-a-ship concept.
Why Did Carnival Charge Me $$200?
Upon boarding the carnival cruise ships, a preauthorization hold of up to $200 is placed on all credit and debit card accounts to verify their validity. For cruises lasting 2 to 6 days, this hold amounts to $100 USD per stateroom when charged to the same credit or debit card.