Norwegian Cruise Line vs Princess Cruises

Why should we cruise with NCL?

We asked NCL why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...

No schedules. No stipulations. Just award-winning entertainment and diverse dining options from the only cruise line built for versatile vacationing. NCL's award-winning ships are designed for you to enjoy as you choose while cruising to beautiful destinations around the world. Add a wide range of superb dining options and spectacular entertainment and you'll experience your best holiday ever.

What destinations are NCL exploring this season?

Our thoughts...

The low down on NCL from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) stands out for its relaxed “Freestyle Cruising” style - more flexibility, fewer formalities, and a resort-like onboard vibe. NCL’s Free at Sea inclusions can add strong value for travelers who want drinks, some specialty dining, Wi-Fi and shore credits bundled into their booking, helping to make their total trip costs easier to predict. If you want a cruise that feels casual, choice-rich and good-value, Norwegian is often an excellent option; if you want the most family attractions, a more traditional cruise atmosphere, or a more premium “quiet luxury” feel, competitors like Royal Caribbean, Princess, Holland America read more or Celebrity may be a better match.

Who cruises with NCL?

Couples, solo travellers and families; freestyle cruisers who like to holiday on their own schedule.

What are NCL known for?

Freestyle Cruising with no fixed dining times, award-winning entertainment and top-deck innovation including racetracks at sea.

Are NCL's fares all-inclusive?

No.

What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?

Guests need to pay for shore excursions, WiFi, specialty dining, spa and salon services, selected onboard activities, some entertainment and certain beverages and services.

Are gratuities included?

Gratuities are included for Australian and New Zealand passengers. They are not included for North American passengers.

Are shore excursions included?

No.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes, charges apply or is included in NCL’s Free At Sea™ package.

Does NCL have a loyalty program?

No. Latitudes Rewards only.

Is NCL a family friendly cruise-line?

Yes. NCL are a popular family option with family-friendly accommodation, comprehensive youth programs and family-friendly amenities.

Are any onboard activities included?

Sports court games, outdoor pools and hot tubs, select onboard presentations, the ropes course and ziplining.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

Yes, except on Pride of America.

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

Specialty onboard seminars, go-kart sessions, laser tag, video arcade games and bowling incur additional charges.

Are there specialty restaurants on board NCL's ships?

Yes. Specialty restaurants are available and charges apply. Upgrade to NCL’s Free At Sea™ to add premium beverages, specialty dining, shore excursion credit and Wi-Fi.

Are there dining packages for purchase?

Yes. Upgrade to NCL’s Free At Sea™ to add specialty dining.

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

No.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

No.

Do NCL sell any beverage packages?

Yes. Upgrade to NCL’s Free At Sea™ to add premium beverages, specialty dining, shore excursion credit and Wi-Fi.

Do NCL offer room service?

Yes. Complimentary 24/7 room service is available; charges apply for alcohol orders.

Are spa and salon services available?

Yes. Spa and salon services are available for an additional charge.

Are there gyms onboard NCL's ships?

Yes.

Are fitness classes available onboard NCL's ships?

Yes. Charges apply.

Do NCL offer personal training?

Yes. Charges apply.

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

No.

Do NCL offer a laundry service?

Yes. Charges apply.

Why should we cruise with Princess?

We asked Princess why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...

Why Princess? Because you want to tell better stories. To immerse yourself in destinations near and far. To try new foods and encounter new cultures. To refresh your spirit and reconnect with those you love. Choosing a cruise line can seem tough, but Princess makes it easy. Because you want more than the usual cruise experience…you want to come back new. Discover what makes each port unique through the insights of local experts and crew members who sail with us to over 330 destinations.

What destinations are Princess exploring this season?

Our thoughts...

The low down on Princess from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...

Princess Cruises differentiates itself as a premium mainstream cruise line focused on elegant, destination-centred voyages, personalised service and innovative technology (MedallionClass). Compared with Carnival’s high-energy, budget style and Royal Caribbean’s action-packed ships, Princess offers a calmer, refinement-driven cruise experience ideal for couples, mature travellers and anyone who values service quality over onboard thrills. With broad global itineraries, excellent included dining and a top-rated loyalty program, Princess is a compelling choice for travellers seeking a comfortable, sophisticated cruise vacation that balances traditional read more cruising with modern amenities.

Who cruises with Princess?

A broad international mix of couples, solo travellers, families and multi-generational groups. Princess particularly appeals to mature travellers seeking a traditional premium cruise experience, while family programmes attract younger guests during school holidays.

What are Princess known for?

Premium cruising, destination-focused itineraries, Princess MedallionClass technology, Movies Under the Stars, strong Alaska programmes and a relaxed traditional cruise experience.

Are Princess' fares all-inclusive?

Princess Standard fares include accommodation, main dining and buffet meals, entertainment, pools and fitness centre access.

What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?

Standard-fare guests generally pay extra for alcoholic and most specialty beverages, WiFi, specialty and casual dining, shore excursions, spa treatments, laundry, selected fitness classes, room-service delivery and OceanNow delivery. Crew gratuities also apply on most cruises outside Australia unless included through a package.

Are gratuities included?

For cruises departing from and returning to Australia or operating with AUD onboard, crew gratuities are included in the fare. On most other Princess cruises, daily crew appreciation is automatically charged unless included through Princess Plus or Princess Premier.

Are shore excursions included?

No. Princess Premier includes a shore excursion credit of between $100 and $300 per guest on eligible cruises, depending on the length of the cruise.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes. MedallionNet WiFi is available for an additional charge with Princess Standard. Princess Plus includes access for one device per guest and Princess Premier includes access for up to four devices per guest.

Does Princess have a loyalty program?

Yes. Princess Captain's Circle has Gold, Ruby, Platinum and Elite tiers, with benefits progressing from preferential offers and onboard events to WiFi discounts, priority benefits, spa and shore excursion discounts and complimentary laundry at Elite level.

Is Princess a family friendly cruise-line?

Yes. Princess caters well for families and multi-generational groups, with family accommodation, youth clubs, pools, sports, movies and organised activities.

Are any onboard activities included?

Production shows, live entertainment, Movies Under the Stars, pools, hot tubs, quizzes, games, sports facilities, enrichment activities and fitness centre access are included.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

Yes.

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

Yes. Casino gaming, bingo, selected fitness classes, specialty activities, spa facilities and treatments, and some ship-specific experiences attract additional charges.

Are there specialty restaurants on board Princess' ships?

Yes. Specialty and casual dining venues vary by ship and can include Crown Grill, Sabatini's, The Catch by Rudi, Alfredo's or Gigi's, Kai Sushi and experiential dining. Charges apply outside Princess Premier.

Are there dining packages for purchase?

Yes. Princess Plus includes four casual dining meals, while Princess Premier includes unlimited casual and specialty dining. Inclusions vary for some ships and departure dates.

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Some basic beverages such as water, tea, coffee and selected juices are included. Soft drinks, bottled water, specialty coffees and other premium non-alcoholic drinks cost extra unless covered by a beverage package.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are additional on a Princess Standard fare. Princess Plus and Princess Premier include beverage packages covering drinks up to specified values.

Do Princess sell any beverage packages?

Yes. Beverage packages are available separately and are also bundled into Princess Plus and Princess Premier. Princess offers both alcoholic and non-alcoholic package options.

Do Princess offer room service?

Yes. Room service is available 24 hours a day. Standard-fare guests generally pay a delivery charge, while delivery fees are waived with Princess Plus and Princess Premier.

Are spa and salon services available?

Yes. Lotus Spa offers massages, facials, body treatments, acupuncture, hair, beauty and salon services for an additional charge. Facilities vary by ship.

Are there gyms onboard Princess' ships?

Yes. Princess ships have fitness centres with cardio and strength-training equipment, with general gym access included in the cruise fare.

Are fitness classes available onboard Princess' ships?

Yes. Group classes such as yoga, Pilates, cycling and other fitness programmes are offered. Some classes attract additional charges or may be included through selected packages.

Do Princess offer personal training?

Yes. Personal training is available for an additional charge.

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

Yes. Princess ships have self-service launderettes with washers, dryers and ironing facilities. A small charge generally applies.

Do Princess offer a laundry service?

Yes. Paid laundry, pressing and professional cleaning services are available. Full-suite guests and Elite Captain's Circle members receive complimentary standard laundry and cleaning benefits.