Norwegian vs Carnival with Norwegian on the left and Carnival on the right.

Head to Head: Carnival vs Norwegian Cruise

Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line are very similar and have a lot in common. So, who would come out on top if the two went head-to-head in a Carnival vs. Norwegian Cruise Line battle? 

We’re about to find out. We’re going to put these two head-to-head against one another. 

We’ll compare them to help you discover which cruise line you use for your next family vacation.

Ready? Let’s go!

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Be sure to read Head to Head: Norwegian vs Caribbean Cruise to figure out who comes out on top!

About Carnival Cruise Lines

Carnival Cruise Line, often referred to as Carnival, is a popular cruise operator known for its entertaining cruise experiences. Established in 1972, Carnival has grown into a fleet of over 20 ships, offering a wide range of itineraries and destinations.

Carnival is famous for its “Fun Ship” concept, giving guests an energetic atmosphere. The cruise line offers a variety of onboard activities, including water parks, mini-golf, live entertainment, and themed parties. Additionally, Carnival has a reputation for its family-friendly offerings, making it an excellent choice for travelers of all ages.

Carnival Cruise Line offers different itineraries, affordable pricing, and a focus on creating a cheerful atmosphere onboard. They’re one to consider if you want to make memories on the open seas. 

About Norwegian Cruise Lines

Norwegian Cruise Line, commonly known as NCL, is a leading cruise company known for its creative approach to cruising. Established in 1966, it has a history of providing memorable cruise experiences.

NCL is celebrated for its “Freestyle Cruising” concept, allowing passengers to dine when and where they choose. This flexible dining approach caters to various tastes and preferences, making it ideal for those who enjoy dining variety.

NCL’s modern fleet of 16 ships boasts a range of onboard activities, entertainment, and excursions. These qualities help ensure guests have an unforgettable experience during their voyage. Whether you desire relaxation or adventure, Norwegian Cruise Line offers options to cater to your needs and desires.

Three of Norwegian Cruise Line's ships side by side in the water.
Source: Norwegian

Head to Head: Carnival vs Norwegian

So, let’s put the two head-to-head and see how they stack up against each other. We’re warning you: it’s going to be a close fight!

Itineraries

When comparing Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line, one significant factor to consider is their itineraries. Where the ship will take you is crucial.

Unfortunately, they don’t make it easy on us with this one. Both cruise lines have similar destinations. Both cruise lines offer opportunities to explore popular destinations like the Caribbean, Mexico, and the Bahamas. In addition, it’s easy to find transatlantic, Mediterranean, and European adventures. 

The only significant difference between the two is that Norwegian offers Pride of America. This ship spends the entire time navigating Hawaii and doesn’t visit a foreign port of call. Due to complicated international sailing regulations, you won’t find this offering with other cruise lines. While others may visit Hawaii, it’s typically a stop or two along the way.

Because of this, we’re declaring Norwegian the victor in this category. Their Pride of America is a unique ship that tips the scales in their favor.

Pride of America Cruise Ship by Norwegian Cruise Line.
Source: Norwegian Cruise Line

Size of Ships

Size is crucial when comparing Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line. Carnival’s fleet includes a variety of ship sizes, with their largest vessels accommodating over 4,000 passengers. These massive ships offer various activities, entertainment, and dining options, creating a bustling and lively onboard atmosphere.

On the other hand, Norwegian Cruise Line features a mix of ship sizes, including mid-sized and smaller vessels. While they have larger ships, they generally offer some smaller vessels a cozier and more intimate cruise experience. They’re typically less than 2,000 passengers. This can lead to a more relaxed and less crowded onboard atmosphere compared to the larger ships of Carnival.

Since this category is strictly on size, we must declare Carnival Cruise Line the winner. Their ships are substantially larger than Norwegian. However, remember, bigger doesn’t always mean better.

Cabins and Suites

Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line offer a range of cabin and suite options to cater to different traveler preferences. Carnival provides a variety of cabin categories, including interior, oceanview, balcony, and suites. 

While they offer spacious suites with additional amenities, Carnival is often known for its affordability, making it an excellent choice for those on a tight budget. Many feel Carnival is playing catch up to the rest of the cruise lines, including Norwegian.

On the other hand, Norwegian Cruise Line also offers a wide selection of cabins and suites, including their luxurious Haven suites. These fancy cabins come with exclusive privileges and first-class treatment. Their cabin options can accommodate traveler needs, including families and solo travelers. As you’d expect, they offer a range of stateroom configurations.

While Carnival is known for having larger staterooms, Norwegian’s are nicer. As a result, we’re awarding this category to Norwegian Cruise Line.

Stateroom on a Norwegian Cruise Ship.
Source: Norwegian Cruise Line

Onboard Activities

When comparing Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line, it’s essential to consider each cruise line’s onboard activities. Carnival is known for its vibrant and lively atmosphere. Whether it’s the water parks, mini-golf, live entertainment, or themed parties, there’s something always going on. They cater to travelers seeking an energetic cruise experience.

On the other hand, Norwegian Cruise Line offers onboard activities, including water parks and go-kart racing. The overall atmosphere tends to be more casual compared to Carnival’s energy.

Your preference for onboard activities can significantly influence your choice between Carnival and Norwegian. Carnival is better if you enjoy the excitement. On the other hand, Norwegian’s approach may be more appealing if you prefer a more relaxed and flexible cruise experience. 

Food and Drinks

The competition between Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line extends to food and drinks. Carnival offers a variety of dining options, including specialty restaurants and casual eateries. They emphasize value and family dining. You’ll find menu choices catering to diverse tastes and preferences.

Norwegian Cruise Line provides passengers with the “Freestyle Cruising” concept. This allows for more flexible dining times and venues. They offer specialty dining options like Teppanyaki and Cagney’s Steakhouse and dining venues with varied menus but come at an extra cost.

For food and drink, we will give this category to Carnival. Passengers rave about not having to pay extra for the restaurants on Carnival’s ships. You can enjoy incredible burgers, burritos, and pizza without paying extra. It helps to make the experience memorable and feel like a better value.

Emerial Lagassi, the new CCO of Carinval.
Source: Carnival

Who Wins: Carnival vs Norwegian

When it comes down to selecting a winner, it’s a tough call. We told you it was going to be a close battle. Overall, Carnival Cruise Line is slightly cheaper and more affordable. This causes us to declare them the winner.

Luckily, you can’t go wrong with either brand. Find one for your schedule and budget, and set sail. Set your expectations accordingly, and you’ll have a great time. Take lots of pictures, and eat an extra dessert or two.

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