Cruise Frog guide
Norwegian Cruise Line vs Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean International rates higher than Norwegian Cruise Line on Cruise Frog's editorial scores, 4.0 to 3.6 out of 5 across their rated ships. Norwegian Cruise Line leads on dining; Royal Caribbean International on entertainment, service, pools & decks and value. Pick Norwegian Cruise Line for solo travelers.
Comparison updated
| Fact | Norwegian Cruise Line | Royal Caribbean International |
|---|---|---|
| Style | Mainstream | Mainstream |
| Best for | Families, First-time cruisers, Friends and groups, Solo travelers, Multigenerational groups | Families, First-time cruisers, Multigenerational groups, Friends and groups |
| Fleet rating | 3.6 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
| Cabins | 4.2 | 4.2 |
| Dining | 4.0 | 3.0 |
| Entertainment | 4.3 | 4.9 |
| Service | 3.0 | 4.0 |
| Pools & decks | 3.0 | 4.0 |
| Value | 3.0 | 4.0 |
| Ships in service | 20 | 30 |
| Ships on the way | 1 | 1 |
| Largest ship | Norwegian Encore (169,116 GT) | Icon of the Seas (248,663 GT) |
| Newest ship | Norwegian Luna (2026) | Legend of the Seas (2026) |
| Guests per ship, average | 3,071 | 3,866 |
| Usually sails | Caribbean, Bahamas, Transatlantic, Mediterranean | Caribbean, Bahamas, Mediterranean, Transatlantic |
| Loyalty program | Latitudes Rewards | Crown & Anchor Society |
| Owner | Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings | Royal Caribbean Group |
| Headquarters | Miami, Florida, United States | Miami, Florida, United States |
| Founded | 1966 | 1969 |
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, Norwegian Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean International?
Royal Caribbean International rates higher than Norwegian Cruise Line on Cruise Frog's editorial scores, 4.0 to 3.6 out of 5 across their rated ships. Norwegian Cruise Line leads on dining; Royal Caribbean International on entertainment, service, pools & decks and value.
Is Norwegian Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean International better value?
Royal Caribbean International scores higher for value, 4.0 to 3.0 out of 5 (what you get for the fare, extras included).
Is Norwegian Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean International 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 Norwegian Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean International better for entertainment?
Royal Caribbean International scores higher for entertainment, 4.9 to 4.3 out of 5 (shows, music, and things to do at sea).
Is Norwegian Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean International better for cabins?
They score the same for cabins, 4.2 out of 5.
Which has bigger ships, Norwegian Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean International?
Royal Caribbean International's largest ship, Icon of the Seas, measures 248,663 gross tons, against 169,116 for Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Cruise Line's largest. An average Norwegian Cruise Line ship carries 3,071 guests, a Royal Caribbean International ship 3,866.
How many ships do Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International have?
Norwegian Cruise Line has 20 ships in service and 1 on the way; Royal Caribbean International has 30 ships in service and 1 on the way.
Are Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International owned by the same company?
No. Norwegian Cruise Line is part of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings; Royal Caribbean International is part of Royal Caribbean Group.