Cruise Frog guide
Carnival Cruise Line vs Norwegian Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line rates higher than Norwegian Cruise Line on Cruise Frog's editorial scores, 3.7 to 3.6 out of 5 across their rated ships. Carnival Cruise Line leads on service and value; Norwegian Cruise Line on cabins, dining, entertainment and pools & decks. Pick Carnival Cruise Line for value seekers; Norwegian Cruise Line for solo travelers and multigenerational groups.
Comparison updated
| Fact | Carnival Cruise Line | Norwegian Cruise Line |
|---|---|---|
| Style | Mainstream | Mainstream |
| Best for | Families, First-time cruisers, Friends and groups, Value seekers | Families, First-time cruisers, Friends and groups, Solo travelers, Multigenerational groups |
| Fleet rating | 3.7 / 5 | 3.6 / 5 |
| Cabins | 3.1 | 4.2 |
| Dining | 3.0 | 4.0 |
| Entertainment | 4.0 | 4.3 |
| Service | 4.0 | 3.0 |
| Pools & decks | 2.9 | 3.0 |
| Value | 5.0 | 3.0 |
| Ships in service | 29 | 20 |
| Ships on the way | 3 | 1 |
| Largest ship | Carnival Celebration (183,521 GT) | Norwegian Encore (169,116 GT) |
| Newest ship | Carnival Jubilee (2023) | Norwegian Luna (2026) |
| Guests per ship, average | 3,253 | 3,071 |
| Usually sails | Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexican Riviera, Bermuda | Caribbean, Bahamas, Transatlantic, Mediterranean |
| Solo cabins | None | — |
| Single supplement | Fares are quoted per person based on double occupancy, and a solo guest pays a single supplement that varies by sailing and cabin. In a… | — |
| Loyalty program | Carnival Rewards | Latitudes Rewards |
| Owner | Carnival Corporation & plc | Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings |
| Headquarters | Doral, Florida, United States | Miami, Florida, United States |
| Founded | 1972 | 1966 |
Ratings are Cruise Frog's editorial scores of each line's ships in service, 1 to 5, averaged; the higher figure is highlighted. How we rate.
Quick answers
Which is better, Carnival Cruise Line or Norwegian Cruise Line?
Carnival Cruise Line rates higher than Norwegian Cruise Line on Cruise Frog's editorial scores, 3.7 to 3.6 out of 5 across their rated ships. Carnival Cruise Line leads on service and value; Norwegian Cruise Line on cabins, dining, entertainment and pools & decks.
Is Carnival Cruise Line or Norwegian Cruise Line better value?
Carnival Cruise Line scores higher for value, 5.0 to 3.0 out of 5 (what you get for the fare, extras included).
Is Carnival Cruise Line or Norwegian Cruise Line better for dining?
Norwegian Cruise Line scores higher for dining, 4.0 to 3.0 out of 5 (good food in the main dining room and the specialty venues).
Is Carnival Cruise Line or Norwegian Cruise Line better for entertainment?
Norwegian Cruise Line scores higher for entertainment, 4.3 to 4.0 out of 5 (shows, music, and things to do at sea).
Is Carnival Cruise Line or Norwegian Cruise Line better for cabins?
Norwegian Cruise Line scores higher for cabins, 4.2 to 3.1 out of 5 (comfortable, quiet, well kept).
Which has bigger ships, Carnival Cruise Line or Norwegian Cruise Line?
Carnival Cruise Line's largest ship, Carnival Celebration, measures 183,521 gross tons, against 169,116 for Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Cruise Line's largest. An average Carnival Cruise Line ship carries 3,253 guests, a Norwegian Cruise Line ship 3,071.
How many ships do Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line have?
Carnival Cruise Line has 29 ships in service and 3 on the way; Norwegian Cruise Line has 20 ships in service and 1 on the way.
Are Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line owned by the same company?
No. Carnival Cruise Line is part of Carnival Corporation & plc; Norwegian Cruise Line is part of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.