Deciding whether to go with Norwegian Cruise Line vs. Royal Caribbean for an Alaskan cruise can be challenging. Both offer small and large ships from various embarkation ports.
While they offer similar itineraries and onboard experiences, we explore the key differences between these cruise lines. Regardless of whether you’re traveling solo or with kids, it’s important to select the best Alaskan cruise line that meets your specific preferences.
Norwegian Cruise Line distinguishes itself through its unique Freestyle Cruising approach, offering flexibility in dining and entertainment options.
Alternatively, Royal Caribbean provides innovative features such as the North Star and FlowRider. So, if you want to surf at sea, Quantum-class ships are the vessel of choice.
Fleet Comparison
Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line have extensive fleets, diverse ship sizes, and innovative features. Although Alaska is best enjoyed on a small to mid-sized ship, Norwegian has favored its larger vessels.
Size And Variety Of Ships
Royal Caribbean International’s ships tend to be larger on average. Their Quantum-class vessels (Quantum Anthem and Ovation) have a passenger capacity of 4905. In contrast, Norwegian’s Breakaway Plus class has a capacity of 3804 to 4004 on the Bliss, Joy, and Encore.
These larger vessels cater to families or multi-generational groups, with a plethora of onboard attractions and activities. If you prefer a smaller ship, consider the Norwegian Jade or Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas or Radiance of the Seas.
For 2025 Alaska season, the cruise line choices are:
| 2025 | Larger ships | Smaller ships |
|---|---|---|
| Norwegian | Bliss Encore Joy | Jade |
| Royal Caribbean | Anthem of the Seas Quantum of the Seas | Serenade of the Seas Radiance of the Seas |
In 2026, Norwegian’s Alaska fleet will remain unchanged. However, Royal Caribbean is making some changes. The Ovation of the Seas will replace the Quantum, and Voyager of the Seas will take over from the Radiance.
| 2026 | Larger ships | Smaller ships |
|---|---|---|
| Norwegian | Bliss Encore Joy | Jade |
| Royal Caribbean | Anthem of the Seas Ovation of the Seas | Serenade of the Seas Voyager of the Seas |
When planning a cruise to the 49th state, ship size is a major factor for some guests.
Innovative Features On Board
Alaska cruises are about the destination, and the ship provides transportation. However, the vessel may be a priority for cruise guests with children, ranking it first over the itinerary.
For groundbreaking onboard attractions, both lines deliver. Royal Caribbean has the FlowRider surf simulator, RipCord by iFLY skydiving experience, Bionic Bar and North Star observation capsule on larger vessels.
To combat the cold in Alaska, the FlowRider’s water is heated. We recommend wearing Rashguard clothing for extra warmth and protection. On clear days, the North Star offers lovely aerial views. However, there may be no views on wet days, as I experienced on my Quantum of the Seas cruise.
The Haven, found on newer Norwegian ships, provides an exclusive ship-within-a-ship luxury enclave. Haven guests have their own lounge, swimming pool, sun decks, and restaurants.
Bliss, Encore, and Joy have multiple water slides and a multi-level speedway. Guests can zip around the track on battery-powered go-carts while enjoying the incredible views.
Winner: It’s a draw since both lines offer similar ships and innovative features.
Itineraries In Alaska
Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean offer mostly 7-day Alaska cruise itineraries. However, Norwegian Joy has 9- and 10-day options. For longer than 10 days, select a back-to-back itinerary or opt for a cruise and land tour.
Glacier Bay National Park Option
Of the two lines, Norwegian is the only one with Glacier Bay National Park access. All three larger vessels (Joy, Encore, and Bliss) include Glacier Bay in their itineraries, while the Norwegian Jade visits Hubbard Glacier.
We find the UNESCO World Heritage Site to be a significant draw for cruise guests due to its protected status and ranger program. Norwegians’ inclusion in this pristine area can be a deciding factor for some travelers.
Royal Caribbean’s itineraries include Hubbard Glacier, Sawyer Glacier in Tracy Arm, and Dawes Glacier in Endicott Arm.
Cruise Tours
Both cruise lines offer land-and-sea packages known as cruise tours. These combine a traditional cruise with a land tour, allowing guests to explore Alaska’s interior. Both lines finish or start their cruise portion in Seward, Alaska.
Their cruise tours are similar and include visits to Denali National Park, Anchorage, Talkeetna, and Fairbanks. The itineraries vary depending on the length of the land tour.
Only Princess Cruises offers off-the-beaten land destinations such as Copper Landing or Copper River.
Docking Locations
Of all the cruise lines that sail Alaskan waters, Princess Cruises and Holland America have prime docking locations since they have been cruising to Alaska the longest.
Norwegian has priority docking in Icy Strait Point since it built the port in cooperation with the Huna Totem Corporation. In Ketchikan, their ships dock in Ward Cove, seven miles from downtown. Shuttle buses provide transportation to town, but queue and travel time can take away up to two hours of a port day.
This docking location can impact the time spent on shore excursions and independent exploration. This factor may discourage cruise passengers from booking a Norwegian vessel that visits Ketchikan.
Royal Caribbean is building a new port on Douglas Island in Juneau. It will have priority access over other cruise lines.
Winner: It’s a draw. While Norwegian cruises to Glacier Bay, docking in Ward Cove is less desirable.
Accommodations
Both cruise lines offer diverse accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. Some vessels have studio cabins, family-friendly staterooms, and luxury suites.
Studio Cabins
With the rise in solo travelers, it’s comforting to see more ships with solo cabins. Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered studio cabins for solo travelers. These compact rooms are designed for single occupancy and are tiny at under 100 sq. feet.
These solo cabins provide access to an exclusive Studio Lounge. The lounge serves as a gathering space for solo cruisers to meet and mingle.
Royal Caribbean introduced studio cabins more recently. Their solo rooms on the Quantum-class vessels are slightly larger than Norwegian’s and include virtual balconies on some vessels. These high-definition screens display real-time ocean views, creating an illusion of a window.
While Norwegian solo rooms are in the interior and oceanview categories, Royal Caribbean single travelers can book a solo balcony cabin.
Staterooms For Families
Royal Caribbean excels in family accommodations with innovative options. Their Family Junior Suites and standard balcony rooms accommodate four with lots of space and storage. Some ships feature two-story loft suites that can accommodate five or more.
Norwegian Cruise Line features family-friendly accommodations across its fleet. Their Family 2-bedroom Family Suites can sleep up to six guests. Their affordable family options sleep four in 135 sq. feet. It’s a tight squeeze but definitely wallet friendly.
Both lines offer interconnecting staterooms, allowing families to book adjacent cabins with a connecting door. This setup provides privacy while keeping family members close.
Luxury Suite Offerings
Norwegian Cruise Line’s The Haven is an exclusive ship-within-a-ship concept. This luxurious enclave features spacious suites, a private pool, a lounge, and a restaurant. Haven guests enjoy priority embarkation, concierge service, and 24-hour butler assistance.
Royal Caribbean’s Royal Suite Class offers a tiered system of luxury accommodations. The top tier, Star Class, includes expansive suites with personal Royal Genies (butlers) and access to exclusive areas. We particularly like their Grand Loft Suites, with floor to ceiling windows that span two decks.
Both lines provide premium amenities in their luxury suites, such as high-end toiletries, plush bathrobes, and priority reservations for dining and entertainment.
Winner: Norwegian’s Haven suites win this category if you can afford the luxury upgrade.
Onboard Experience
Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean offer distinct onboard experiences that entertain families at sea.
The Ovation of the Seas features an adult-only solarium, one of the best indoor pools we’ve used on a ship. While other Quantum-class and Quantum-Ultra class vessels have a solarium, the Ovation’s version is superior.
Entertainment And Activities
Royal Caribbean and Norwegian showcase Broadway-caliber productions at sea. Royal Caribbean Quantum-class vessels feature the Two70, a multi-level venue with top-rated shows. Norwegian offers abbreviated versions of hits such as “Jersey Boys” and “Kinky Boots.”
For younger cruisers, both lines provide extensive kids’ programs. Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean and Norwegian’s Splash Academy offer age-appropriate activities and supervised fun for children and teens.
North Star And Racing Tracks
Royal Caribbean’s North Star observation capsule provides breathtaking 360-degree views from 300 feet above sea level on the Quantum, Anthem, and Ovation. This London Eye-inspired pod lifts guests high above the ocean and is a significant draw for glacier viewing day.
Its other attractions include bumper cars in the SeaPlex, and Ripcord by iFly. The Seaplex features other games and activities when the bumper cars are charging. It’s a great indoor venue when the Alaska weather isn’t cooperating.
Norwegian counters with thrilling go-kart tracks on newer vessels like Norwegian Joy, Bliss, and Encore. These multi-level racetracks let guests zoom around tight turns at sea, an experience unique to Norwegian’s fleet. Their larger vessels also have laser tag arenas.
Both lines push the boundaries of onboard attractions.
Dining Options
Norwegian focuses on freedom and flexibility with their “Freestyle Cruising” concept. Their ships offer diverse dining options and entertainment venues.
Norwegian pioneered “Freestyle Dining” with no set dining times or assigned seating. This flexibility allows guests to dine when and where they please. Royal Caribbean offers traditional fixed seating and “My Time Dining” for more flexibility.
Both lines feature a mix of complimentary and specialty restaurants. Norwegian’s specialty venues include Le Bistro for French cuisine and Cagney’s Steakhouse. Royal Caribbean offers options like Chops Grille Steakhouse and Izumi for Asian fusion.
Royal Caribbean wins hands down for food quality, presentation, and taste. While their specialty restaurants are pricier than Norwegians, guests can purchase packages to save overall.
Winner: Royal Caribbean, because it caters to multi-generational families, and its food is hard to beat.
Pricing And Value
Regarding pricing strategies and value, the lines have key differences in their approaches.
Cost Comparison
Royal Caribbean typically has lower base fares compared to Norwegian Cruise Line. The latter often runs a “Free at Sea” offer, which includes extra perks like Wi-Fi, beverages, shore excursion credit, and more. However, these so-called free perks are usually built into the price.
Royal Caribbean sometimes runs a “kids sail free” event, an excellent promotion for families. Children under a certain age can sail complimentary when sharing a cabin with a paying adult.
Pricing can vary significantly based on itinerary, ship, and sailing date. We recommend comparing specific cruises you’re interested in for the most accurate price comparison.
Inclusions And Add-ons
Royal Caribbean generally includes more activities in their base fare, such as rock-climbing walls, bumper cars, FlowRider surf at sea, and roller skating. Their Ripcord by iFly and North Star are complimentary in port.
Norwegian charges for a spin around the speedway track, and its unlimited ridership packages are expensive at around USD 200 pp. Laser tag also incurs a fee. So, if you’re traveling with kids, expect to pay hundreds of dollars more for onboard activities.
Winner: Royal Caribbean because more activities don’t incur extra fees, and their base pricing tends to be lower than the competition.
Which Cruise Lines Works For You?
When cruising Alaska’s stunning landscapes, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean are popular choices. While each line offers unique itineraries and onboard venues, picking a line comes down to personal preferences.
Itinerary, onboard amenities, availability, and pricing may all play a factor. Glacier Bay may be a big draw, but docking in Ward Cove, not so much. Royal Caribbean dining options may win bonus points if you’re a foodie.
For some cruise guests, loyalty to one line may be the deciding factor. Beyond loyalty and other comparisons here, examine the port times. More hours in ports provide additional time to explore Alaska’s breathtaking scenery, wildlife, and rich culture.
