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Royal Caribbean International vs Norwegian Cruise Line

Side-by-side comparison of Royal Caribbean International and Norwegian Cruise Line cruise lines

Quick Summary

Royal Caribbean International is a contemporary cruise line with 30 ships, while Norwegian Cruise Line is a contemporary line with 20 ships. Royal Caribbean International was founded in 1968 and carries 126,293 passengers total, compared to Norwegian Cruise Line, founded in 1966, with 60,495 total passenger capacity.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Royal Caribbean

Contemporary

Norwegian

Contemporary
Market Segment
Contemporary
Contemporary
Founded
1,968
1,966
Fleet Size
30
20
Total Passenger Capacity
126,293
60,495
Headquarters
United States
United States
Parent Company
Royal Caribbean Group
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings
Biggest Ship
Icon of the Seas (250,800 GT)
Norwegian Encore (169,116 GT)
Newest Ship
Star of the Seas (2025)
Norwegian Aqua (2025)

Fleet Comparison

Royal Caribbean International vs Norwegian Cruise Line FAQ

Which is better, Royal Caribbean International or Norwegian Cruise Line?

Royal Caribbean International is a contemporary cruise line with 30 ships, known for appealing to travelers seeking a contemporary experience. Norwegian Cruise Line is a contemporary cruise line with 20 ships, catering to guests who prefer a contemporary cruise experience. The best choice depends on your budget, preferred ship size, and travel style.

Which has bigger ships, Royal Caribbean International or Norwegian Cruise Line?

Royal Caribbean International's largest ship is Icon of the Seas at 250,800 GT, while Norwegian Cruise Line's largest is Norwegian Encore at 169,116 GT. Royal Caribbean International has the bigger flagship.

Which is more expensive, Royal Caribbean International or Norwegian Cruise Line?

Both Royal Caribbean International and Norwegian Cruise Line are contemporary cruise lines, so pricing is generally similar. Actual fares vary by ship, itinerary, cabin type, and season.

How many ships does Royal Caribbean International have compared to Norwegian Cruise Line?

Royal Caribbean International operates 30 ships with a total capacity of 126,293 passengers. Norwegian Cruise Line has 20 ships with a total capacity of 60,495 passengers.

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