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Related: 7 classes of Royal Caribbean cruise ships explained

Norwegian Cruise Line ships range in size from around 1,900 passengers (unique by megaship standards) to more than 4,100 passengers. The line isn’t trying to win the size war, but it offers plenty of excitement across the board. The latest Norwegian ships are topped by multilevel go-kart racetracks that add vroom For the cruise experience.

Related: 9 Classes of Norwegian Cruise Line Ships, Explained

Cabins and Suites

Both cruise lines proudly offer a wide range of accommodations. Norwegians especially shine in the area of ​​creativity and innovation.

On top of the newest ships in the fleet is The Haven, a suite complex with a private restaurant, sundeck, pool and lounge — basically a separate boutique hotel on top of a ship. Guests of The Haven have privacy in an upscale, contemporary environment whenever they want, but they also have access to all the fun activities elsewhere on board.

Norwegian also pays special attention to solo travelers. At The Studio, passengers traveling solo can design creatively inside the cabin for the price of one (a cruise rarity). They come with exclusive access to a shared lounge, so you can socialize with other solo travelers if you wish.

Elsewhere, family cabins are close to the children’s facilities, and spa cabins are located near the spa.

Royal Caribbean aims to please all travelers with the largest selection of cabin types of any cruise line. The line has it all, from inside tight and affordable cabins with virtual balconies (ocean views delivered via LED screens) and solo rooms on select ships to two-story loft suites.

Some suites overlook the high-diving show, while some standard-sized cabins face the Royal Promenade, the boardwalk, or the ship’s Central Park neighborhood. (You exchange ocean views for people-watching.) Royal is matching NCL by offering suite guests access to private lounges, restaurants and sundecks on its new ships.

RELATED: Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Cabin and Suite Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Food and drink

Years ago, Norwegian developed what it called “freestyle cruising,” a model that tried to turn some cruise traditions — such as assigned tables in large main dining rooms and formal night dress codes — on their head. Instead, passengers eat when and where they want. However, in many cases, reservations are still required.

NCL goes all out with choices; Larger ships, such as the Norwegian Viva, offer more than two dozen dining experiences. You can eat for free in the small dining room or splurge on the buffet or steak, French, Brazilian and Asian fare. Norwegian pays particular attention to providing outdoor dining options.

For food included in cruise fares, Royal Caribbean focuses more on its Windjammer Marketplace (buffet) and main dining room; Later, you can choose to dine at assigned tables or at any time. Jamie’s Italian with British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver is a shining point of fee-based options on select ships. Fans are also excited about the line’s fancy chef’s table experience, a multicourse affair with chef commentary on what you’re tasting.

Related: The Ultimate Guide to Cruise Ship Food and Dining

Children’s activities

Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean Program (for ages 3 to 12) offers an educational spin, giving kids the chance to become a certified adventure scientist. Special programs are also available for babies, toddlers and older children ages 13 to 17.

The Norwegian Splash Academy (for children aged 5 to 12) entertains with creative play, including a circus school. Meanwhile, the Entourage (ages 13 to 17) keep the teenagers busy with games, sports and parties at the hip club.

Related: 5 Best Cruise Lines for Families

Onboard attractions

Both Royal Caribbean and Norwegian have developed their new ships as active floating playgrounds with supercharged indoor and outdoor activities for all ages. Royal is at the peak of its ability to push the envelope, but the Norwegian is coming on strong.

Norwegian’s most popular and most impressive attractions on its latest ships are a multi-story go-kart racetrack that occupies part of the upper deck and a virtual reality arcade called the Galaxy Pavilion that can be found on select ships.

The ships also offer an aqua park with exciting dual racing slides, full-size basketball courts, escape rooms, laser tag, miniature golf, darts, bowling and a ropes course. The line’s 3,250-passenger Prima Class ships feature a pair of new 10-story freefall thrill slides billed as the fastest at sea.

Related: 10 Wild Attractions You’ll Find on a Cruise Ship

Entertainment

Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean have a war of sorts in terms of signing Broadway shows for onboard productions. Both cruise lines recruit talent from Broadway, London’s West End and around the world to rehearse in their own studios in Florida, and have large casts aboard their ships. These shows are slightly shorter versions of what you’ll see on land.

Royal Caribbean’s roster includes popular shows such as “Grease,” “Hairspray” and “Cats” on its largest ships. On Norwegian ships, you can see productions of popular Broadway shows like “Beetlejuice,” “Six” and “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical,” as well as the super-fun pub show “The Choir of Men.”

But the entertainment options don’t stop there. Choose Royal Caribbean ships with performance spaces you wouldn’t expect to find at sea. The line’s aqua theaters feature outdoor shows featuring acrobats and high divers, and ice skating shows with professional skaters take place in its Studio B ice skating rinks. Hi-tech shows, live music and dancing the night away are also popular onboard entertainment.

Norwegian features additional fees, adult-only show productions, depending on wine or restricted cocktails, which accompany the drinks. Comedy is part of the scene — Prima Class ships even have improv clubs — and Norwegian-themed parties are especially popular with the late-night crowd. Fun bars include the Sky Ice Bar, where you don a parka to enjoy vodka on ice. Select ships have the Cavern Club, featuring Beatles cover bands, complete with shaggy hairdos.

While both lines offer a wide selection of games and contests, Norwegian has floating, interactive versions of popular TV game shows like “Deal or No Deal” and “Press Your Luck.”

Who is on the board?

Norwegian’s “freestyle cruising” is designed to be more contemporary and less traditional, and the crowd on board tends to embrace the carefree nature of the experience. The dress code is whatever you like — dress up for date night or down for a casual meal at the pub.

On US cruises, the crowd is mostly North American and represents people of all ages, from children to seniors. Some adults party late at dance clubs or try their luck at the award-winning Norwegian casino.

Royal Caribbean’s crowd is a mix of international travelers and North American tourists, including couples, families and singles from all walks of life. You’ll also see night owls on Royal, although the crowds are a bit higher than on Norwegian. That’s partly because Royal Caribbean ships have a higher percentage of lavish, expensive suites on board and attract people who have the money to spend on booking them.

Travel plans

Both Norwegian and Royal Caribbean base most of their ships in North America, but they also ship to destinations around the world.

Norwegian is the only cruise line with a ship – the US-flagged Pride of America – that sails year-round to the Hawaiian Islands. Norwegian also focuses more on the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Alaska, New England and Canada, the Mexican Riviera and Bermuda. The line offers popular, affordable cruises to the Mediterranean and Greek islands. Other locations include Northern Europe, Africa, Australia, New Zealand and South America.

Likewise, Royal Caribbean places a strong emphasis on North America – the Caribbean, the Bahamas (including the line’s own extraordinary private island, Perfect Day at Kokoka), Alaska, Canada and New England, and the Mexican Riviera – but also sails to several regions in Europe. . Its ships also sail to other parts of the world, including Australia, New Zealand, China and Singapore.

Related: 5 Best Places You Can Visit on a Royal Caribbean Cruise