Is Norwegian Cruise Better Than Carnival?

By Alice Nichols

When it comes to choosing a cruise line for your next vacation, there are a lot of factors to consider. Two popular options are Norwegian Cruise and Carnival.

Both offer a variety of destinations, activities, and amenities, but which one is better? Let’s take a closer look.

Destinations

  • Norwegian Cruise: Norwegian Cruise Line offers cruises to destinations all over the world, including Alaska, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, and more.
  • Carnival: Carnival primarily offers cruises to destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico.

If you’re looking for more variety in your destination options, Norwegian Cruise may be the better choice for you.

Activities

Both Norwegian Cruise and Carnival offer a wide range of activities on board their ships.

  • Norwegian Cruise: Norwegian’s ships feature amenities like water parks, mini golf courses, casinos, spas, and more. They also offer unique activities such as Broadway-style shows and cooking classes.
  • Carnival: Carnival’s ships also have water parks and casinos but they also have other features such as outdoor movie theaters and comedy clubs. They also offer unique activities like skydiving simulators.

If you’re looking for more unique activities on board your cruise ship, both options seem pretty equal in that regard.

Amenities

The amenities offered by each cruise line can make or break your experience on board. Here’s how they compare:

  • Norwegian Cruise: Norwegian’s ships feature a wide range of dining options from casual buffets to upscale restaurants. They also offer all-inclusive drink packages and free Wi-Fi on some ships.
  • Carnival: Carnival also has a variety of dining options but is known for its casual atmosphere. They also offer all-inclusive drink packages and free room service.

If you’re looking for more upscale dining options, Norwegian Cruise may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a more laid-back and casual atmosphere, Carnival may be a better fit.

Price

Of course, price is always an important factor when choosing a cruise line. Here’s how Norwegian Cruise and Carnival compare:

  • Norwegian Cruise: Norwegian tends to be a bit pricier than Carnival, but they often offer deals such as free onboard credit or discounted rates for booking in advance.
  • Carnival: Carnival is known for being one of the more affordable options in the cruise industry. They also offer deals and discounts on cruises throughout the year.

If budget is your primary concern, Carnival may be the better choice for you.

Conclusion

Ultimately, whether Norwegian Cruise or Carnival is better depends on your personal preferences. If you’re looking for more destination options and upscale amenities, Norwegian Cruise may be the way to go. However, if you want a more laid-back atmosphere at an affordable price point, Carnival may be a better fit for you.

In summary,

  • Norwegian Cruise offers cruises to destinations all over the world, including Alaska, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii & more while Carnival primarily offers cruises to destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico.
  • Both Norwegian Cruise and Carnival offer a wide range of activities on board their ships. Both options seem pretty equal in that regard.
  • If you’re looking for more upscale dining options, Norwegian Cruise may be the better choice for you.
  • If budget is your primary concern, Carnival may be the better choice for you.