Cruises to the Caribbean, Bermuda, Alaska Cruises, Hawaii, Europe Norwegian Cruise Line

Table Of Content

• Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay vs Carnival's Half Moon Cay: Which should you choose?
• Oslo, Norway
• I tried the newest ships from Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Norwegian. Here’s how they compare
• Norwegian Cruise Line

Because Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line are some of the biggest cruise lines in the world, it means they are able to provide the most variety to their guests. I have had the pleasure of visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay just once so far in my cruising adventures. I can easily say that this destination requires at least a couple visits to see and do everything onshore. CocoCay is filled with activities for members of the whole family, and guests will never be bored when visiting CocoCay.

Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay vs Carnival's Half Moon Cay: Which should you choose?

While Great Stirrup Cay may have much less to do onshore when compared to its neighbor, Perfect Day at CocoCay, it is still a great Bahamian destination. Norwegian Cruise Line is set to make headlines with its brand new, never before seen, waterslide coaster set to debut on the new Norwegian Aqua ship in 2025. Norwegian Cruise Line features some full length Broadway stage performances that I have greatly enjoyed. If you are someone looking to take in a great theater show, then Norwegian Cruise Line might catch your eye.

Oslo, Norway

Once you get to Geiranger, there are a few ways to take in more views of the fjord. If you want to be one with nature, a Nordfjordeid, Norway, trip isn't complete without a visit to Stryn. It's filled with cascading waterfalls, deep valleys, emerald green lakes and gorgeous valleys. Throughout Norway, menus in both high-end eateries and humble, family-run spots reflect the long-held local fishing traditions. King crab risotto, creamy fish soup, mussels, poached salmon, tasty fish soups and crispy cod tongues are some of the regional favourites.

I tried the newest ships from Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Norwegian. Here’s how they compare

Although they are a bit smaller in size at over 160,000 tons and more than 4,500 passengers, these are still popular and well loved cruise ships for families and kids. Considering the price of Celebrity Ascent and the more premium experience, I would personally sail again on Celebrity Ascent in a heartbeat! As an adult with no children, it checks all the boxes for me, as the award-winning ship has a lot to offer from dining to entertainment and ship design. Finally, the price coupled with the interesting itinerary options to Europe makes this the top choice for me. As such, each of these four ships will provide a wonderful cruise vacation regardless of which one you pick. As mentioned above, budget and itinerary preferences are probably the most important factors to consider when choosing the best option for you.

Although you won’t find any name-brand entertainment on Carnival Jubilee, Carnival has really stepped up its game with its Excel Class ships. To accommodate families, Norwegian Viva has crammed in kid-friendly activities like a go-kart track and virtual reality space. I’d argue Norwegian Viva has more design flaws that create more cramped spaces.

Norwegian Cruise Line

In Norway, you'll admire everything from the deep blue fjords to the snow-capped mountain peaks. Cruise to Norway and head to the inner end of the stunning Aurlandsfjorden to join a fairy tale ride along the Flam Railway, one of the steepest railway tracks in the world. Stroll through Bergen's Bryggen neighbourhood, with its medieval cobblestone alleyways and colourfully painted houses or go shopping in the small boutiques that offer handmade Sami crafts.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN UNVEILS 2025 EUROPEAN ADVENTURES - Royal Caribbean Press Center

ROYAL CARIBBEAN UNVEILS 2025 EUROPEAN ADVENTURES.

Posted: Wed, 08 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Ship size

Norwegian Cruise Line vs. Royal Caribbean comparison - Cruise Blog

Norwegian Cruise Line vs. Royal Caribbean comparison.

Posted: Mon, 09 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Royal Caribbean tends to offer just one or two main dining restaurants onboard, in addition to the buffet. Established in 1966, NCL has grown significantly, today boasting a fleet of 17 modern ships and sailing to over 300 destinations worldwide. One of the most exciting aspects of sailing on a brand-new ship is experiencing the never-before-seen entertainment. As cruise ships get bigger in size, cruise lines are expanding their entertainment offerings thanks to more space and larger crowds to accommodate. In terms of included dining, Norwegian Viva has fewer options to align with her smaller size. The newest ship from Norwegian Cruise Line only has five complimentary dining options, including the buffet and main dining rooms.

One of the features that could set Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society apart from Norwegian Cruise Line’s Latitudes Rewards, is the complimentary drinks perk. The higher status travelers earn on Royal Caribbean, they can earn free drinks for future cruising. For example, at certain tiers guests can enjoy 5+ free drinks a day, this can be a significant cost saving.

Visiting Lovely Loch Ness on Scotland Vacations Royal Caribbean Cruises

As I said, I really enjoyed my hike to the Briksdal glacier, but I think I would have rather done the Loen Skylift. Depending on which length you book, you can drive up the mountain to Flydalsjuvet or Ørnesvingen view points. The other reason I wish I had booked the electric car tour is the photo opportunities. I booked a boat tour of the fjord, but I really wish I had booked one of the electric cars instead.

As an Arctic wonder, Norway offers adventure, attractions and charm all year round. Set off for the north to see the sparsely populated, mountainous country of Norway. Among the thousands of pristine lakes, isolated islands and stunning fjords, you'll feel like you've stepped back into the Ice Age.

The nice thing about Langfoss is it's right against the road that brings you into the area, so it's an easy walk to see all angles of the lower section of the waterfall. The first stop on my Anthem of the Seas cruise brought me to Haugesund, Norway, and it was my first chance to see a fjord. Over the years, he has reached Pinnacle Club status with Royal Caribbean's customer loyalty program.

Perhaps the most exciting attraction is BOLT, which is Carnival’s revolutionary roller coaster at sea found in the Ultimate Playground. Carnival Jubilee has a plethora of onboard thrills here, along with a sizable water park called Waterworks, a sports court, a ropes course, and miniature golf. Similarly, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas has 25 restaurants onboard.

In fact, it was the first port that I was really impressed with the landscape to the point I thought, "this is something I've never seen before". If you've read this site for any length of time, you know I'm not a fan of Royal Caribbean's VIP program, known as The Key. The cruise port in Haugesund is located on the small island of Risøy that is attached to the mainland and downtown Haugesund by the Risoy Bridge.

7 mistakes & 3 things I did right on my Royal Caribbean Norwegian fjords cruise

Table Of Content

• Booking the Åkrafjord and Langfoss Waterfall tour
• Royal Caribbean vs. Norwegian
• Not booking the electric car tour
• Canada & New England Cruises
• What Is a Wraparound Mortgage? 10 Tips for Understanding this Financing Option

I have personally been able to experience the Solariums onboard the Liberty of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas. Both these venues offer plenty of relaxation for those guests onboard who are 18 years and older. These areas can get quite busy during sea days, so make sure to visit early to find a spot to sit back and relax.

Booking the Åkrafjord and Langfoss Waterfall tour

Explore the remains of medieval Oslo in Gamlebyen (Old Town), and admire the charming wooden houses. In Bergen, wander alongside the wharf and through the narrow alleyways of Bryggen, the oldest part of Bergen founded in 1070. Here you'll walk amongst colourful UNESCO-listed wooden buildings, preserved or rebuilt in their original mediaeval style. At the local Tourist Office, you can usually rent a bicycle or pick up some helpful walking and cycling guides.

Royal Caribbean vs. Norwegian

Keep in mind, Celebrity Ascent is the only new ship that was not designed for families. Norwegian, Carnival, and Royal Caribbean are all family-friendly cruise lines that cater to adults and kids alike onboard. For a brand-new cruise ship, there’s not much to scoff at in terms of design. All four of these ships felt modern, stylish, and fresh, although each ship had its own unique ambiance onboard. Costing around $1 billion for the cruise line to build, Celebrity Ascent is designed with luxury in mind.

6 Cruise Ships With Cruise Lines Like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Compared: Review - Business Insider

6 Cruise Ships With Cruise Lines Like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Compared: Review.

Posted: Sun, 05 Nov 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Not booking the electric car tour

Royal Caribbean is famous for having the biggest cruise ships in the world. While many of Norwegian Cruise Line’s ships are also very large, with guest capacities exceeding 4,000 guests. Currently Royal Caribbean’s fleet size is much larger, with 28 vessels to Norwegian Cruise Line’s 19. I have had the privilege of cruising with both Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Lines several times this year. Much of my cruising experience has been sailing onboard Norwegian Cruise Line, but I have also had some great experiences onboard Royal Caribbean ships. Inside the theatre onboard Norwegian cruise ships, the lighting, sound and set design are among the best at sea.

Voted Best Bermuda Itinerary.

I'm planning on trying to post some more links and suggestions for our other ports, if time allows (work has a lousy habit of getting in the way). "Olden offers some more fjord sailing in/out, and the skylift has replaced the climate-change-decimated Briksdal Glacier for scenic shore excursions." (kaisatsu on CC). I can't speak to Norway specifically, as we are doing that cruise in 2024, but we frequently book with private companies, especially in Europe.

Canada & New England Cruises

While Norwegian Cruise Line seems to pay special attention to adult only areas onboard. Both Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line take pride in their ability to provide excellent cruise vacations for every member of the family. Nearly every Norwegian Cruise Line ship and Royal Caribbean vessel has a designated area just for the younger members of the family.

Norwegian cruise line is most known for it’s relaxed “freestyle cruising” concept. You won’t find strict dress codes and formal nights on a Norwegian cruise ship. Those who are cruising with a family, love to cruise with Royal Caribbean as it is the ultimate cruise line for family vacations. As someone who has cruise with both Norwegian and Royal Caribbean, I know first hand that both cruise lines have a lot to offer. I'm used to carribean cruises where I have been so many times I don't bother getting off the ship.

Whether it’s your first time cruising or you’re a veteran at this type of travel, it can be difficult to decide which cruise line is the best fit for you. One such trip is this 12-night itinerary from Celebrity Cruises, which includes a visit to both Visby and Tallinn. Other highlights include a visit to Stockholm and Copenhagen, including an overnight stop in the latter. Scandinavia—and Norway in particular—is an expensive place to travel around, so a cruise can make financial sense for those seeking an introduction to the region.

The one time I had serious FOMO (fear of missing out) in terms of things to do on my Norwegian fjords cruise was when I saw photos from the people that did the Loen Skylift. I'm fine skipping tours in cities when I know I can easily get around on my own, such as my day in Bergen. But I wasn't totally confident in getting around Olden on my own, and booking a Royal Caribbean tour is easy. Suffice to say, I came away with the exact same conclusion as before because the program is heavily front-loaded, meaning the bulk of the benefits are for the first day of the cruise.

We also wanted to hike one way up to Mt Fløyen in Bergen but, again, we've now booked the funicular both ways to ensure that he'll be able to manage the rest of the cruise. Worst case scenario, he'll just stay on the ship when we're in port (we've made no plans for Geiranger or Haugesund just yet as a contingency). Aboard the Norwegian Encore, for example, you’ll find seven different room types, including several different types of suites, ocean view and interior rooms and studio rooms for solo travelers. Royal Caribbean allows guests to either choose an assigned dining time or to eat whenever they like — you’ll make your selection during the booking process. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services.

A Nordfjordeid, Norway, holiday is perfect for the whole family, especially if you enjoy history. Head to the Sagastad Viking Centre to learn all about Viking history before climbing onboard a replica of Norway's largest known Viking ship. Kids will love the virtual reality (VR) experience and interactive exhibits.

Latitudes Rewards enhances your cruise experience by providing exclusive benefits to repeat customers. The rewards start accruing from your second cruise onward, making it an excellent program for those planning to cruise with NCL repeatedly. Moreover, NCL offers larger family cabins and multi-room suites to comfortably accommodate families of any size.

Originally a Norwegian word describing a narrow inlet formed within a glacial valley, the term 'fjord' has since gone international. Norway is home to no less than 1,000 fjords, so be sure to check out the country via these winding waterways. Admire the Geirangerfjord in Geiranger, the Aurlandsfjord in Flam or the Lustrafjord in Skjolden for a heavenly view. Construction of Akerhus Castle and Fortress began in 1299, and the structure has fended off a number of attacks since then. It's also been a royal residence and a prison, so there's a lot of history to take in.

Norwegian’s “Freestyle Cruising” is designed to be more contemporary and less traditional, attracting a carefree crowd. Royal Caribbean’s crowd is a mix of international travelers and those from North America, including couples, families, and singles from all walks of life. The Crown and Anchor Society is Royal Caribbean’s loyalty program, offering perks to repeat cruisers based on the number of cruise points they have earned. Cruise points are earned based on the length of the cruise and the type of stateroom booked. Similarly, I was surprised that Carnival Jubilee only featured two new production shows while most of the headliner shows were repeats from other Excel Class ships.

But it's the Ski Museum that really delivers, with thousands of years of skiing history right up to modern times, as well as polar exploration artifacts. Royal Caribbean’s itineraries span the globe, with more than 260 destinations in over 70 countries. The line is especially known for its Caribbean cruises, where guests can explore stunning islands like St. Maarten, Barbados, and their private island in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Some of these shows, such as ‘Six’ have actually been performed on Broadway, and for very good reason. All of these shows have a great story and plot, and are sure to hold audiences’ attention while thoroughly entertaining them. When it comes to style and aesthetics, Norwegian Cruise Line tends to be more understated and modern, while Royal Caribbean thrives off of bright colors and eye catching designs.