Which Cruise Line Should You Book in 2023? - Carnival Cruise Careers

You're considering a cruise vacation but don't know which line to choose? Don't worry! I've got you covered in this article. I'm going to compare the most popular cruise lines to show which one is best for you.

After cruising almost 80 times, I have lots of experience with all of the different lines. And because there are so many different types of cruise ships and cruise lines to choose from, there's definitely one out there for everybody, including you!

So let's get started!

Royal Caribbean

The first cruise line we're going to talk about is Royal Caribbean. We're going to break this down first by looking at the pros and then the cons.

Pros

• They have a large selection of ships. The newer and bigger ships such as Oasis class and Quantum class have loads of amenities and lots of things to do, including multiple theaters, rock climbing walls, zip lines, skydiving, robotic bars and ice skating rinks. They really could be described as "go big or go home" type of ships. The older and smaller ships are more relaxed and have less things on board but there's still plenty to do.
• They have fantastic entertainment. This includes several Broadway shows such as Grease, Hairspray, Mamma Mia and We Will Rock You.
• Their cabins are usually quite a bit bigger than normal cabins on other ships. They have a huge selection of cabins all the way from inside cabins (the cheapest cabins) to huge multi-level suites that come with things like a private restaurant and private lounge and even your own butler who Royal Caribbean lovingly call Genies. They're going to make all your wishes come true!
• They have an extensive selection of shore excursions to book at each port of call. They also have some fantastic private resorts in the Caribbean including their private island of Coco Cay. This island is amazing! It comes with its own water park, plenty of beaches and places to relax and lots of things to do. They also have their private resort of Labadee as well which comes with plenty of things to do. They are such fantastic ports of call!
• They have a huge range of dining experiences all the way from casual eateries to gourmet restaurants. The included dining includes the main dining rooms, the buffets (which are open for breakfast lunch and dinner and are some of the biggest buffets we've seen on any ship), quick bites like a free pizzeria and cafe and things like that as well as room service. They also have plenty of specialty extra fee restaurants as well.
• The decor on Royal Caribbean ships is very tasteful and very modern.
• The passengers that you're going to find on board are mixed of all ages. The kids clubs are really good and there's so much to do and see on board.
• They are super casual. There are formal nights on board but on the whole they are a very relaxed cruise line. So the dress code is super relaxed as well.
• They have fantastic internet on board. This is something you might need whilst you're cruising to be able to check in with work. And they're having Starlink internet rolled out across the fleet which means it's only going to get better.
• Royal Caribbean offers a lot of choice and variety on board their ships. You can choose from different types of cabins, dining venues, entertainment options, and activities. You can also customize your cruise experience with various packages and add-ons, such as drink packages, internet packages, shore excursions, spa treatments, etc.
• Royal Caribbean has some of the best entertainment at sea. They have Broadway-style shows, such as Grease, Mamma Mia, and Hairspray; original productions, such as AquaTheater shows, ice shows, and aerial shows; live music, comedy, karaoke, trivia, and more. They also have some of the best nightlife at sea, with nightclubs, bars, casinos, and parties.
• Royal Caribbean has some of the best private islands in the Caribbean. They own two islands: CocoCay and Labadee. CocoCay is a recently renovated island that features a water park, a zip line, a helium balloon ride, a lagoon pool, cabanas, and more. Labadee is a beach resort that features a roller coaster, a zip line, a water slide, kayaking, snorkeling, and more.

Cons

• Some of the extra paid dining restaurants can come in at a higher price tag.
• The bigger ships (Oasis class) are huge. They're the biggest ships in the world and hold over 6,000 passengers. So these newer ships actually come in at a premium. So the newer the ship, you tend to see the more expensive it's going to be. But you can bag some bargains on the older ships and they still have plenty to do on board.
• You have to book just about everything from meals to entertainment or you could miss out.
• Royal Caribbean can be more expensive than Carnival. Their fares are usually higher than Carnival’s fares for similar itineraries and cabin categories. They also charge extra fees for some of their attractions and activities on board, such as the zip line, the surf simulator, the skydiving simulator, etc. They also have higher gratuities and service charges than Carnival.
• Royal Caribbean can be more crowded than Carnival. Their ships are usually larger and carry more passengers than Carnival’s ships. This can lead to long lines and wait times for some of the popular attractions and venues on board. It can also make it harder to find a quiet spot or a lounge chair on the pool deck or on the private islands.
• Some people say that the food on Royal Caribbean can be a little bit mediocre, especially the included food. But there is plenty of choice on the other hand. The main dining room food can be hit or miss, and the buffet food can be repetitive and bland. The specialty restaurants are usually better quality but they cost extra.

If you are looking for a fun and affordable cruise vacation, you might be wondering which cruise line to choose: Royal Caribbean or Carnival. Both of these cruise lines are very popular and offer a wide range of activities, entertainment, and dining options. But they also have some differences that might make one more suitable for your preferences and budget. In this article, we will compare the pros and cons of Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Lines, and help you decide which one is the best for you.

Royal Caribbean is one of the largest and most innovative cruise lines in the world. They are known for their impressive ships that feature amazing attractions such as zip lines, ice skating rinks, rock climbing walls, surf simulators, skydiving simulators, and more. They also have some of the largest and most luxurious suites at sea, as well as a variety of specialty restaurants and bars.

Where do they sail?

Now let’s take a look at where Royal Caribbean sail. Well they have a huge selection of itineraries and destinations all around the world, including Europe, the Caribbean, in USA, Alaska, Canada, Asia, and Australia. You can find cruises ranging from 3 to 14 nights or longer.

Who is it for?

Now who do we think it’s for? Well we think it’s great for first-timers to see what cruising can really offer. It’s also a great option for kids and families just because the kids clubs on board are so fantastic and there are so many things on body ships to keep the kids occupied. We like traveling as a couple and we always have a fantastic time on Royal Caribbean. Now the time of year an itinerary all-impact passenger demographic on board so you tend to find more families on shorter cruises especially during holiday periods so when children are off school. Longer cruises out of season attract more mature couples and less families. But the newer and bigger ships are always full of kids and multi-generational families. And then the older and smaller ships are much more relaxing. Royal Caribbean offers an unrivaled getaway experience for those seeking adventure. However, if you’re after a quiet holiday retreat, then Royal Caribbean might not be the best option for you.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line is the largest and most popular cruise line in the world. They are known for their fun and festive atmosphere, their affordable prices, and their diverse fleet of ships. They offer a lot of entertainment and dining options, as well as some unique features such as roller coasters, water parks, ropes courses, and more. They also have some of the most loyal and enthusiastic customers in the industry.

Pros

• Carnival Cruises offer a wide variety of activities and entertainment. They have something for everyone, from trivia, bingo, and karaoke, to dance classes, cooking demonstrations, and art auctions. They also have some of the best comedy shows at sea, featuring both family-friendly and adult-only comedians. They also have original musicals, shows, and performances, as well as live music, nightclubs, casinos, and parties.
• Carnival Cruises are much affordable than say Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and their newest ships. Their fares are usually lower than other cruise lines’ fares for similar itineraries and cabin categories. They also have more included dining options than other cruise lines, such as Guys Burgers, Blue Iguana Cantina, Pizza del Capitano, etc. They also have lower gratuities and service charges than other cruise lines.
• Their newest ships, such as their Vista class and the newer Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee, are much more modern and they come with some of the big features such as roller coasters, water parks, ropes courses, and lots and lots of features. They also have some of the largest and most comfortable cabins at sea, especially their balcony cabins and suites.

Cons

• Some of their older ships are looking a little bit run down and they have smaller cabins. And across the fleet you’ll usually find a smaller selection of cabin types to say compared to Royal Caribbean. And there’s fewer onboard amenities such as big spas and fitness centers as well as limited shore excursion choices in certain ports of call. So you’re not going to find a selection you do on other cruise lines.
• There’s also the lack of a good private island or resort. Now they do have their own resorts but they’re just not as good as other cruise lines. For example, they have Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas which is a beautiful beach but it doesn’t have much else to offer besides that. They also have Grand Turk in Turks and Caicos which has a nice pool area but it’s not really a private island. And they have Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic which has some shops and activities but it’s not very scenic or secluded.
• Carnival ships tend to be a little bit louder and rowdier than other cruise lines. And we’ve all heard the bad behavior reports from on board as well with fights and things like that so they can happen. Carnival attracts a lot of party-goers and young people who like to drink and have fun. This can make the ships noisy and crowded at times, especially on the pool deck, in the buffet area, and in the bars. It can also make it harder to find a relaxing spot or a quiet place to read or nap.
• One thing that we really don’t like about Carnival and especially that all the ships are the decor. It can be really overwhelming and tacky especially on the older ships with really bold colors flashing lights it’s really like Vegas on steroids. The newer ships are better but they still have some elements of that style. We prefer a more elegant and refined decor on our cruise ships.

Carnival vs MSC: Which Cruise Line is Better?

If you are looking for a fun and affordable cruise vacation, you might be wondering which cruise line to choose: Carnival or MSC? Both cruise lines offer a variety of ships, destinations, and activities for different types of travelers. But which one is better for you? In this article, we will compare Carnival and MSC on several aspects, such as pros and cons, prices, itineraries, and target audiences. By the end of this article, you will have a better idea of which cruise line suits your preferences and budget.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line is one of the most popular and largest cruise lines in the world, with 24 ships in its fleet. Carnival is known for its fun and festive atmosphere, with colorful decor, lively entertainment, and casual dining options. Carnival caters to a wide range of travelers, especially families, couples, and young adults who are looking for a fun-filled vacation.

Pros of Carnival Cruise Line

• Carnival offers some of the lowest prices in the industry, with many deals and discounts available throughout the year. You can find cruises starting from as low as $50 per person per day.
• Carnival has some of the best entertainment options on board, with Broadway-style shows, comedy clubs, live music, karaoke, trivia, bingo, and more. You will never get bored on a Carnival cruise.
• Carnival has a variety of dining options on its ships, ranging from main dining rooms and buffets to specialty restaurants and room service. You can enjoy cuisines from around the world, such as Italian, Asian, Mexican, French, and more. You can also indulge in some of the best desserts at sea, such as the famous chocolate melting cake.
• Carnival has some of the most spacious and comfortable cabins on its ships, with plenty of storage space and amenities. You can choose from different categories of cabins, such as interior, oceanview, balcony, suite, or even a spa cabin that comes with exclusive access to the spa facilities.
• Carnival has some of the most innovative and exciting features on its ships, such as water slides, ropes courses, mini-golf, sky rides, IMAX theaters, escape rooms, and more. You can also enjoy some of the best pools and hot tubs on board.

Cons of Carnival Cruise Line

• Carnival can be very crowded and noisy on its ships, especially during peak seasons and holidays. You might have to deal with long lines, loud music, and rowdy passengers.
• Carnival can be very overwhelming for some people who prefer a more relaxing and quiet cruise experience. Some of the ships are very large and can be hard to navigate.
• Carnival’s food quality and service can be inconsistent on its ships. Some of the food options can be bland or repetitive. Some of the service staff can be rude or unprofessional.
• Carnival’s internet service can be slow and unreliable on its ships. You might have trouble staying connected or accessing certain websites or apps.

Where Does Carnival Sail?

Carnival mainly sails in the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Mexico regions. However, it also offers some cruises in other parts of the world, such as Europe, Alaska, and Australia. Carnival has a variety of itineraries to choose from, ranging from short weekend getaways to longer voyages.

Who Is Carnival Good For?

Carnival is good for travelers who are looking for a fun and affordable cruise vacation. Carnival is especially good for families with kids who can enjoy the many activities and features on board. Carnival is also good for couples and young adults who want to party and socialize on board.

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises is a European-based cruise line that has 19 ships in its fleet. MSC is known for its elegant and glamorous ships that feature modern design and technology. MSC caters to a diverse and international clientele who appreciate the European flair and style of the cruise line.

Pros of MSC Cruises

• MSC offers some of the best deals and discounts in the industry. You can find cruises starting from as low as $40 per person per day.
• MSC’s drinks prices are very reasonable on board. You can also take advantage of some of the best drinks packages that include unlimited drinks for a fixed price.
• MSC’s ships are some of the most beautiful and stylish in the industry. They feature stunning decor, artwork, and lighting. They also have some of the most advanced technology and features on board, such as water parks, VR zones, multiple theaters, sports courts, and more.
• MSC’s cabins are very spacious and well-designed. You can choose from different categories of cabins, such as interior, oceanview, balcony, suite, or even a yacht club cabin that comes with exclusive access to a private lounge, restaurant, pool, and butler service.
• MSC has a great nightlife on board, with bars, lounges, nightclubs, and casinos. You can enjoy live music, dancing, cocktails, and games. The nightlife starts later than on other cruise lines, so you can party until the early hours.
• MSC has a relaxed dress code on board, with formal nights once a week. You can also dress up for gala and dress to impress nights.
• MSC has a variety of dining options on its ships, ranging from main dining rooms and buffets to specialty restaurants. You can enjoy cuisines from around the world, such as Italian, French, Japanese, Spanish, and more. Some of the specialty restaurants also have waterfront outdoor seating.
• MSC has a very diverse and international crowd on board. You can meet people from different countries and cultures. You can also learn some new languages and customs.

Cons of MSC Cruises

• MSC’s entertainment quality and variety are not very good on board. The shows are mostly original productions that are very similar and underwhelming. They feature singing, dancing, acrobatics, and magic. They are not very engaging or entertaining.
• MSC’s food quality and service can be very hit and miss on board. The free options are limited and often cold or bland. The specialty restaurants can be expensive and require reservations. The service staff can be rude or unprofessional.
• MSC’s ships can be very chaotic and loud on board. Depending on the passengers, you might have to deal with noise, crowds, pushing, and cutting in line.
• MSC’s announcements are made in five to seven languages on board. This can get very annoying and repetitive. Some of the announcements are very long and unnecessary.
• MSC’s internet service can be slow and unreliable on board. You might have trouble staying connected or accessing certain websites or apps.

Where Does MSC Sail?

MSC mainly sails in Europe, especially in the Mediterranean region. However, it also offers some cruises in other parts of the world, such as the Caribbean, South America, Asia, and Africa. MSC has a variety of itineraries to choose from, ranging from short weekend getaways to longer voyages.

Who Is MSC Good For?

MSC is good for travelers who are looking for a cheap and glamorous cruise vacation. MSC is especially good for travelers who appreciate the European style and culture of the cruise line. MSC is also good for travelers who want to meet people from different countries and backgrounds.

Both Carnival and MSC are great cruise lines that offer different experiences for different types of travelers. Depending on your preferences and budget, you might find one cruise line more suitable than the other.

World Cruises and Princess Cruises: A Guide

If you are looking for a cruise vacation that offers a variety of destinations, experiences, and amenities, you might want to consider world cruises and Princess Cruises. In this article, we will give you an overview of these two options and help you decide which one is best for you.

What are world cruises?

World cruises are long-term voyages that visit multiple continents and regions, usually lasting from three to six months. They are ideal for travelers who want to explore the world in depth and enjoy different cultures, cuisines, and landscapes. World cruises often include exclusive shore excursions, onboard lectures, and special events that enhance the experience.

There are several cruise lines that offer world cruises, such as Cunard, Holland America, Oceania, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, Silversea, and Viking. Each one has its own itinerary, pricing, and features, so you should compare them carefully before booking. Some of the factors to consider are:

• The number of ports and countries visited
• The duration and departure date of the cruise
• The size and style of the ship
• The inclusions and exclusions of the fare
• The onboard amenities and activities
• The quality and variety of the food and service
• The availability and cost of flights, visas, vaccinations, and insurance

World cruises are not for everyone, as they require a lot of time, money, and planning. However, if you have the opportunity and the budget, they can be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that you will never forget.

What is Princess Cruises?

Princess Cruises is a popular cruise line that operates more than 150 ships in various sizes and classes. It is known for its elegant and comfortable ships, its excellent food and service, its innovative technology, and its diverse entertainment options. Some of the pros of Princess Cruises are:

• Fantastic included food from the main dining room and their buffet. The buffet is really fantastic and one of the best we have seen on any cruise line. You also have the international cafe as well, which is a cafe that’s open 24 hours a day serving really lovely snacks and bites to eat.
• Glamorous and traditional ships. You will find lots of wood and gold colors on board. You really know that you are on a cruise ship. They are very comfortable and very lovely. That goes for the cabins as well, which have super comfortable beds with some of the best mattresses we have ever slept in on any ship.
• Fantastic and attentive crew. They make you feel welcome and pampered. It feels more like a luxury cruise than other big cruise lines.
• Ocean Medallion device. This is a wearable piece of technology that makes cruising more personalized and smarter. The device allows you to check in faster, unlock your cabin door, order drinks and food on the app, play games on interactive screens, locate your friends and family on board, and access other features.
• Good internet connection. We always find the internet to be really good on Princess cruise ships. We have easily been able to stream and upload things on YouTube.
• Great entertainment options. You will find full-length original shows, trivia, bingo, activities, parties, movies under the stars, live music, comedy clubs, casinos, bars, lounges, spas, pools, gyms, sports courts, art galleries, shops, libraries, kids clubs, and more.

Some of the cons of Princess Cruises are:

• Lack of water parks, mini golf courses, rope courses, and other big attractions that you will find on some other cruise lines like Royal Caribbean.
• Slightly more formal dress code on evenings and formal nights than other cruise lines. Most nights are smart casual, but some nights require cocktail dresses or suits.
• Higher prices than some other cruise lines, but you get what you pay for: luxury at a more affordable price.
• Ocean Medallion device can sometimes malfunction or not work properly, which can be annoying.
• Limited selection of cabins and suites compared to other cruise lines. There are only a few different cabin types, so if you are looking for huge multi-level suites, you will not find them on Princess Cruises.
• Expensive shore excursions with not a lot of variety.

Where do Princess Cruises sail?

Princess Cruises sail just about everywhere. They have a lot of choice in Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Alaska, Canada, Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico, South America, and even Antarctica. They also offer world cruises and cruises from Dubai and the Middle East. You can find a cruise that suits your preferences and budget.

Who are Princess Cruises good for?

Princess Cruises are good for travelers who are looking for a more upscale and refined cruise experience, but still want to have fun and variety. They are great for couples, solo travelers, families, and groups who enjoy good food, service, entertainment, and relaxation. They are also good for travelers who want to explore different destinations and cultures with ease and comfort.

World cruises and Princess Cruises are two different ways to enjoy a cruise vacation. World cruises are long-term voyages that let you see the world in depth, while Princess Cruises are shorter trips that offer elegance and fun. Both have their pros and cons, so you should weigh them carefully before booking. Whichever you choose, you will have a memorable and enjoyable time.

Princess Cruises vs Virgin Voyages: Which One Is Right For You?

If you are looking for a cruise vacation, you might be wondering which cruise line to choose. There are so many options out there, each with its own pros and cons. In this article, we will compare two popular cruise lines: Princess Cruises and Virgin Voyages. We will look at their destinations, their onboard experience, their target audience, and their pricing. By the end of this article, you should have a better idea of which cruise line suits your preferences and budget.

Destinations

Both Princess Cruises and Virgin Voyages offer a variety of destinations around the world. Princess Cruises has a larger fleet of 18 ships, while Virgin Voyages has only 3 ships (as of 2023). Therefore, Princess Cruises has more itineraries and ports of call than Virgin Voyages.

Some of the destinations that Princess Cruises visits are:

• the Caribbean
• east and west coast of the USA
• Canada
• Alaska
• World Cruises
• Australia
• and Asia

Some of the destinations that Virgin Voyages visits are:

• the Caribbean
• Mediterranean
• Northern Europe
• and Transatlantic crossings

Onboard Experience

The onboard experience of Princess Cruises and Virgin Voyages is very different. Princess Cruises is more traditional and laid back, while Virgin Voyages is more modern and adventurous. Here are some of the features that distinguish them:

Princess Cruises

• Princess Cruises is for those who appreciate a more laid back cruise, with a mix of traditional and contemporary elements.
• Princess Cruises is great for couples wanting a relaxing and romantic holiday. You will find a mature crowd on Princess Cruises, but with the new kids clubs and facilities, they are also a good option for multi-generational families.
• Princess Cruises has a dress code that requires formal attire on some nights. If you hate dressing up and some of the formalities of traditional cruising, Princess Cruises might not be the cruise line for you.
• Princess Cruises has a variety of dining options, from buffet to specialty restaurants. You can choose between fixed or flexible dining times, depending on your preference.
• Princess Cruises has a range of entertainment options, from Broadway-style shows to live music to movies under the stars. You can also enjoy activities like trivia, bingo, art auctions, lectures, and classes.
• Princess Cruises has a spa, a fitness center, a casino, and several pools and hot tubs on board. You can also find sports courts, mini-golf, and a jogging track.
• Princess Cruises has an innovative feature called MedallionClass, which is a wearable device that allows you to access your cabin, order food and drinks, locate your friends and family, play games, and more.

Virgin Voyages

• Virgin Voyages is for those who want a fresh take on cruising, with a more edgy and fun vibe.
• Virgin Voyages is adults-only (18+), so you won’t find any kids or families on board. You will find a diverse crowd of people from different backgrounds and ages, who are looking for a good time.
• Virgin Voyages has no dress code at all. You can wear whatever you want, whenever you want. You will see people dressing up for themed nights, such as Scarlet Night (red outfits) or Drag Brunch (glamorous costumes).
• Virgin Voyages has amazing food options, with no extra charge for specialty restaurants. All the food is cooked fresh and served in different venues, such as The Galley (a food hall), The Wake (a steakhouse), Razzle Dazzle (a vegan-friendly diner), and more. You can choose when and where you want to eat, with no fixed seating or dining times.
• Virgin Voyages has unique and original shows and parties that are unlike anything else on other cruise lines. You will find acrobatic performances, immersive theater, comedy acts, drag shows, DJ sets, and more. The Scarlet Night is a must-see event, with a spectacular party that takes over the whole ship.
• Virgin Voyages has a wellness focus, with a spa, a gym, a yoga studio, and a juice bar on board. You can also find a tattoo parlor, a barber shop, a blow dry bar, and a nail salon. You can also enjoy the pools, the hot tubs, the sun loungers, and the cabanas.
• Virgin Voyages has a lot of technology on board, such as an app that lets you book your dining, entertainment, and shore excursions. You can also control your cabin features, such as the lighting and the air conditioning, with an iPad. You can also access free Wi-Fi, free movies, and free room service on board.

Target Audience

Based on the onboard experience, you can probably tell that Princess Cruises and Virgin Voyages have different target audiences. Here are some of the factors that might influence your decision:

• If you are looking for a more traditional and laid back cruise, with a mix of classic and modern elements, Princess Cruises might be right for you.
• If you are looking for a more adventurous and fun cruise, with a more edgy and innovative vibe, Virgin Voyages might be right for you.
• If you are looking for a cruise that is suitable for families and kids, Princess Cruises might be right for you.
• If you are looking for a cruise that is adults-only and kid-free, Virgin Voyages might be right for you.
• If you are looking for a cruise that has formal nights and dress codes, Princess Cruises might be right for you.
• If you are looking for a cruise that has no dress codes and themed nights, Virgin Voyages might be right for you.
• If you are looking for a cruise that has more destinations and itineraries to choose from, Princess Cruises might be right for you.
• If you are looking for a cruise that has more overnight stays and unique ports of call, Virgin Voyages might be right for you.

Pricing

The pricing of Princess Cruises and Virgin Voyages can vary depending on the season, the destination, the cabin type, and the availability. However, here are some general guidelines to help you compare:

• Princess Cruises tends to have lower base fares than Virgin Voyages. However, Princess Cruises also charges extra fees for things like Wi-Fi, specialty dining, room service, soda, and gratuities. These fees can add up quickly and make your cruise more expensive than you expected.
• Virgin Voyages tends to have higher base fares than Princess Cruises. However, Virgin Voyages also includes more things in the price, such as Wi-Fi, all dining options, room service, soda, and tips. These things can save you money and make your cruise more hassle-free.
• Both cruise lines offer promotions and discounts from time to time. You can check their websites or sign up for their newsletters to get the best deals. You can also use a travel agent or a booking site to compare prices and find the best value.

Princess Cruises and Virgin Voyages are both great cruise lines that offer different experiences to their guests. There is no definitive answer to which one is better or worse. It all depends on your personal preferences and budget. We hope this article has helped you get a better idea of what each cruise line offers and what to expect from them. Ultimately, the choice is yours. Whichever cruise line you choose, we hope you have an amazing time!

Virgin Voyages vs Norwegian Cruise Line: Which One Is Better?

If you are looking for a fun and exciting cruise experience, you might be wondering which cruise line to choose: Virgin Voyages or Norwegian Cruise Line. Both of them offer some unique features and benefits, but they also have some drawbacks and limitations. In this article, we will compare and contrast the two cruise lines and help you decide which one is better for you.

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages is a new cruise line that launched in 2020 with its first ship, Scarlet Lady. It is an adults-only cruise line that aims to provide a different and innovative cruise experience. It has a second ship, Valiant Lady, that debuted in 2021, and a third ship, Resilient Lady, that will launch in 2023.

Pros

• Virgin Voyages offers a modern and stylish design with a lot of attention to detail. The ships are sleek and elegant, with a lot of art and technology. The cabins are spacious and comfortable, with mood lighting, smart TVs, and minibars. Some of the cabins also have balconies or terraces with hammocks.
• The cruise line includes a lot of things in the fare that other cruise lines charge extra for, such as Wi-Fi, gratuities, basic beverages, group fitness classes, and all dining venues. There are no buffets on board, but instead there are over 20 different restaurants and bars to choose from, offering a variety of cuisines and styles. The food quality and service are excellent, and there are no set dining times or dress codes.
• The entertainment on board is also diverse and innovative, with shows that are more like immersive experiences than traditional performances. There are also DJs, live music, comedy clubs, karaoke, drag shows, and more. The ships also have a lot of fun and relaxing spaces, such as a rooftop lounge, a spa, a casino, a tattoo parlor, a library, and a nightclub.
• The cruise line also offers some unique features and benefits, such as a champagne button in the cabins that delivers a bottle of bubbly to your door, a private beach club in the Bahamas that has a pool, cabanas, music, and food, and a loyalty program that rewards you with free voyages after sailing 10 times.

Cons

• Virgin Voyages is not for everyone. It is designed for adults who are looking for a fun and lively cruise experience, but it might not appeal to those who prefer a more traditional or quiet cruise. The ships can be noisy and crowded at times, especially at night when the parties and events are happening.
• There can be a lack of storage in some of the smaller cabins and the non-suite cabins do have very small bathrooms. Quite a lot smaller than some other cruise lines. It’s not a big problem. I’m six foot two and I was fine but they are very small. They do have a small pool area as well compared to some of the other cruise ships and you’re going to need to book all of your shows and dining or miss out so do make sure you do this before you get on board. We did find that the app which is used to book everything can be a little bit buggy sometimes. We find this with lots of cruise ship apps but it does crash and things like that which can be a little bit annoying.
• There are no drinks packages to buy either. You can buy something called Sailor Loot so this is money towards drinks and things and sometimes you get bonuses but from the outside the price might appear much higher than other cruise lines but do consider what is included in the price. It’s like eating at a specialty restaurant every single night with the fantastic quality of food and service and as we said it includes things like Wi-Fi and gratuities as well which can easily add up and inflate other cruise lines.
• They have limited itineraries because they only have two ships sailing at the moment with another ship coming this year so it’s mostly Caribbean and Europe. The new ship Resilient Lady will actually be doing some Asia and Australia itineraries this year as well which is really fantastic.

Who is it for?

We think Virgin Voyages are for adults obviously and couples as well as well as foodies those who like their food are going to be in for a treat on this ship and it’s for those who want to have a great time and fun. It doesn’t matter if you’re young or young at heart. It doesn’t fit the traditional cruise model and it’s great to try something different and it doesn’t matter what age you are if you’re 21 or 121 you can still have a fantastic time.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is one of the oldest and most popular cruise lines in the world. It has a fleet of 17 ships that sail to various destinations around the globe. It is known for its freestyle cruising concept, where you have more freedom and flexibility to enjoy your cruise your way.

Pros

• Norwegian Cruise Line offers freestyle dining, where you can eat where you want and when you want. You don’t have to follow any set dining times or dress codes, and you have a lot of options to choose from. There are complimentary dining venues, such as the main dining rooms, the buffet, and the 24-hour pub, as well as specialty dining venues, such as steakhouse, Italian, French, Asian, and more.
• Their newer bigger ships are full of activities such as outdoor screens, go-karts racing tracks, amazing slides and water slides, laser tags, VR gaming rooms, and much much more. There is so much to do on board with game shows, trivia, activities, and some fantastic shows as well. The kids clubs on board are really fantastic especially on the newer ships. There’s plenty to do there.
• There’s great included food as well with lots of extra pay options. Then you have the Haven area as well which is when you book a suite cabin you have a whole area area dedicated to The Haven Suite area including a private restaurant, pool area, bar area and even outdoor areas which are just for those suite guests.
• You’re also going to find some great deck parties and themed parties as well and you can take advantage of the Free at Sea promotion. Now this is a popular perks program which can include things like a beverage package, dining packages, Wi-Fi deals, and much more. So it can save you an absolute fortune especially if you like to have a drink.
• There’s also a great selection of themed bars and we always find the crew on board to be really fantastic and there are no formal nights on board as well so it’s a super relaxed dress code. So if you don’t like to dress up Norwegian is perfect for you.

Cons

• Norwegian Cruise Line can also be expensive and have a lot of extra charges that you need to be aware of. Things like the go-karts, the laser tag, the VR games, and some of the shows are not included in the fare and can add up quickly. You also have to pay for things like room service, bottled water, specialty coffee, and some of the activities on board.
• The ships can also be very crowded and noisy at times, especially during peak seasons and holidays. You might have to deal with long lines, wait times, and reservations for some of the dining venues and shows. The pool areas can also be very small and packed with people.
• Recently there’s been lots of cuts such as cutting the big Broadway shows. They’ve been axed due to rising costs. Some of the older ships in the fleet can also be outdated and in need of refurbishment. They might not have all the features and amenities that the newer ships have.
• They also have limited itineraries for some of the destinations that they sail to. For example, they only have one ship that sails to Hawaii year-round, which is the Pride of America. They also don’t sail to some regions like Asia or Australia very often.

Who is it for?

We think Norwegian Cruise Line is for anyone who wants to have a fun and flexible cruise experience with a lot of choices and options. It’s great for families with kids, couples, solo travelers, groups of friends, and anyone who likes to try new things and enjoy different activities. It’s also great for those who want to take advantage of the perks program and save money on drinks and dining.

So which cruise line is better: Virgin Voyages or Norwegian Cruise Line? Well, it depends on what you are looking for in your cruise vacation. Both cruise lines have their pros and cons, and they cater to different types of cruisers. If you want a modern and stylish cruise experience with a lot of included features and benefits, then Virgin Voyages might be for you. If you want a fun and flexible cruise experience with a lot of choices and options, then Norwegian Cruise Line might be for you. Either way, you are sure to have a great time on board these cruise lines.

Our Recommendations

So, which cruise line should you choose? Here are some of our recommendations based on your preferences and needs:

• If you are a family with kids and want lots to do and keep very busy with lots of activities and entertainment, we would recommend Royal Caribbean’s newer ships.
• If you are going to cruise without kids, definitely Virgin Voyages. It’s a no-brainer. It is so much fun.
• If you are a couple who like to have fun, again we recommend Virgin Voyages, followed by Royal Caribbean or Norwegian Cruise Line.
• If you are a foodie, you should pick Virgin Voyages or Princess Cruises.
• If you want a more relaxing cruise with a more traditional atmosphere, Princess Cruises are a great option, or even some of the older Royal Caribbean ships.
• If you are looking for a bargain but still like to have fun, Carnival and MSC are great options.
• If you are a solo traveler, there is no better cruise line than Norwegian Cruise Line. They have solo cabins and solo lounges that are fantastic.
• If you are a first-time cruiser, we always recommend Royal Caribbean because they have a little bit of everything for everyone. They are the middle cruise line. But we recommend doing a slightly longer cruise. Don’t do the taster cruises because they feel very different and they can turn into kind of a booze cruise. You don’t get the same atmosphere that you would do on a normal cruise.

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