scorecardI sailed on 3 of the newest cruise ships from Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Celebrity and the best was also the biggest ship. Here's how they compare.
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I sailed on 3 of the newest cruise ships from Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Celebrity and the best was also the biggest ship. Here's how they compare.

Brittany Chang   

I sailed on 3 of the newest cruise ships from Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Celebrity and the best was also the biggest ship. Here's how they compare.
The Celebrity Apex.Brittany Chang/Insider
  • I've sailed on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, Norwegian's Prima, and Celebrity's Apex.
  • The Wonder of the Seas is now my favorite ship with the Prima as a close second.

I've been on media sailings on four cruise ships across four cruise lines and one was the clear winner.

I
Brittany Chang/Insider

Ironically, I'm not shy about my disdain for cruises.

Ironically, I
The Celebrity Apex.      Brittany Chang/Insider

I don't like feeling stuck and bored on a ship with nowhere to go.

I don
Brittany Chang/Insider

I'm definitely a picky cruise goer. But only one ship fielded less complaints than the others.

I
Brittany Chang/Insider

From 2021 to 2022, I sailed on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, Norwegian's Prima, Celebrity's Apex, and Margaritaville at Sea's Paradise.

From 2021 to 2022, I sailed on Royal Caribbean
Brittany Chang/Insider

And the Wonder of the Seas mega cruise ship was by far my favorite vessel.

And the Wonder of the Seas mega cruise ship was by far my favorite vessel.
Brittany Chang/Insider

Whenever I go on a cruise, I judge my experience based on my stateroom, the common spaces and activities, the food and beverage program, and the nighttime entertainment.

Whenever I go on a cruise, I judge my experience based on my stateroom, the common spaces and activities, the food and beverage program, and the nighttime entertainment.
Brittany Chang/Insider

Here's how all four ships compared to each other. And here's why the Wonder of the Seas is the only one I'll be recommending to traveling families.

Here
Brittany Chang/Insider

Let's start with the staterooms. Despite my previous compliments, Royal Caribbean's mega-ship didn't have my favorite stateroom.

Let
Brittany Chang/Insider

The 1,188-foot-long mega vessel is currently the largest cruise ship in operation.

The 1,188-foot-long mega vessel is currently the largest cruise ship in operation.
Brittany Chang/Insider

Its 2,867 staterooms can accommodate up to 7,084 guests.

Its 2,867 staterooms can accommodate up to 7,084 guests.
Brittany Chang/Insider

However, my balcony stateroom left much to be desired.

However, my balcony stateroom left much to be desired.
Brittany Chang/Insider

It had all the bare essentials and minimal decor. There wasn't even a separate body wash and shampoo in the bathroom.

It had all the bare essentials and minimal decor. There wasn
Brittany Chang/Insider

The poorly designed sink didn't catch all of the water while I washed my hands. And overall, the bathroom felt cramped.

The poorly designed sink didn
Brittany Chang/Insider

At least the stateroom had the most storage I had ever seen. And the couch and bed were both pretty comfortable.

At least the stateroom had the most storage I had ever seen. And the couch and bed were both pretty comfortable.
Brittany Chang/Insider

Plus, it’s hard to complain about these balcony views.

Plus, it’s hard to complain about these balcony views.
Brittany Chang/Insider

But at a starting rate of $1,400 for 2023 itineraries, I was hoping for some more decor and luxurious amenities.

But at a starting rate of $1,400 for 2023 itineraries, I was hoping for some more decor and luxurious amenities.
Brittany Chang/Insider

However, I wasn't as disappointed by my stateroom aboard the Norwegian Prima.

However, I wasn
Brittany Chang/Insider

The 965-foot-long ship can accommodate 3,215 guests in its 1,646 staterooms.

The 965-foot-long ship can accommodate 3,215 guests in its 1,646 staterooms.
Brittany Chang/Insider

I stayed in the 230-square-foot family-balcony stateroom during my four-night sailing.

I stayed in the 230-square-foot family-balcony stateroom during my four-night sailing.
Brittany Chang/Insider

And despite its small square footage, it felt like this hotel room at sea could've rivaled a Manhattan studio apartment.

And despite its small square footage, it felt like this hotel room at sea could
Brittany Chang/Insider

There was plenty of storage. Not as much as my stateroom on the Wonder of the Seas but still more than I needed to use.

There was plenty of storage. Not as much as my stateroom on the Wonder of the Seas but still more than I needed to use.
Brittany Chang/Insider

The ambient lighting provided a warm glow that made the hotel room at sea feel like home. And the bathroom was spacious and well-designed.

The ambient lighting provided a warm glow that made the hotel room at sea feel like home. And the bathroom was spacious and well-designed.
Brittany Chang/Insider

The amenities — like the couch, balcony, and desk — were about the same as Royal Caribbean's.

The amenities — like the couch, balcony, and desk — were about the same as Royal Caribbean
Brittany Chang/Insider

This hotel room at sea will start at $991 for spring 2023 five-to-seven-day round trips from New York City to Bermuda.

This hotel room at sea will start at $991 for spring 2023 five-to-seven-day round trips from New York City to Bermuda.
Brittany Chang/Insider

When I sailed on the Celebrity Apex in 2021, it was the cruise line's newest ship and my first time on a cruise as an adult.

When I sailed on the Celebrity Apex in 2021, it was the cruise line
The Celebrity Apex.      Brittany Chang/Insider

The 1,004-foot-long vessel can accommodate a little over 2,900 guests in its 1,467 staterooms.

The 1,004-foot-long vessel can accommodate a little over 2,900 guests in its 1,467 staterooms.
The Celebrity Apex.      Brittany Chang/Insider

I stayed in the 243-square-foot Infinite Veranda stateroom and was surprised by how spacious and plush the small room felt.

I stayed in the 243-square-foot Infinite Veranda stateroom and was surprised by how spacious and plush the small room felt.
The Infinite Veranda stateroom on the Celebrity Apex.      Brittany Chang/Insider

The veranda, lined with floor-to-ceiling windows, was the perfect private nook during sunny and breezy days out at sea.

The veranda, lined with floor-to-ceiling windows, was the perfect private nook during sunny and breezy days out at sea.
The Infinite Veranda stateroom on the Celebrity Apex.      Brittany Chang/Insider

The bed was one of the most comfortable I've slept on aboard a cruise ship.

The bed was one of the most comfortable I
The Infinite Veranda stateroom on the Celebrity Apex.      Brittany Chang/Insider

And the bathroom was also fairly polished and spacious. I never felt too cramped. Overall, I have no complaints.

And the bathroom was also fairly polished and spacious. I never felt too cramped. Overall, I have no complaints.
The Infinite Veranda stateroom on the Celebrity Apex.      Brittany Chang/Insider

When I sailed in 2021, a stay in the stateroom for 2022 sailings started at $1,440, making this stateroom the most expensive on the list.

When I sailed in 2021, a stay in the stateroom for 2022 sailings started at $1,440, making this stateroom the most expensive on the list.
The Infinite Veranda stateroom on the Celebrity Apex.      Brittany Chang/Insider

Of all three staterooms, Norwegian Prima's balcony stateroom was my favorite with Celebrity Apex's as a close second.

Of all three staterooms, Norwegian Prima
Brittany Chang/Insider

Both were spacious, modern, and well designed despite having a compact square-footage.

Both were spacious, modern, and well designed despite having a compact square-footage.
The Infinite Veranda stateroom on the Celebrity Apex.      Brittany Chang/Insider

But the Prima's warm ambient lights and splashes of color made the hotel room at sea a clear winner.

But the Prima
Brittany Chang/Insider

Onto the onboard activities and common spaces. This is where the Wonder of the Seas really shines.

Onto the onboard activities and common spaces. This is where the Wonder of the Seas really shines.
Brittany Chang/Insider

It's evident the cruise ship catered to families. And given its size, it should be no surprise that this vessel had the most amenities and activities I'd ever seen aboard a vessel.

It
Brittany Chang/Insider

Almost every section of the ship — called "neighborhoods — catered to travelers of all ages in some way.

Almost every section of the ship — called "neighborhoods — catered to travelers of all ages in some way.
Brittany Chang/Insider

Listing all of these amenities and activities would take too long. But some standout neighborhoods include Central Park, a peaceful outdoor walkway lined with plants, shopping, and restaurants …

Listing all of these amenities and activities would take too long. But some standout neighborhoods include Central Park, a peaceful outdoor walkway lined with plants, shopping, and restaurants …
Brittany Chang/Insider

… and Boardwalk, another open-air neighborhood designed to look like a real boardwalk with a carousel, hot dog stand, and candy store.

… and Boardwalk, another open-air neighborhood designed to look like a real boardwalk with a carousel, hot dog stand, and candy store.
Brittany Chang/Insider

And we can't forget about the all-important pool deck. The one on the Wonder of the Seas is a colorful paradise for families.

And we can
Brittany Chang/Insider

There are three water slides, an outdoor water park for children, and multiple pools and hot tubs throughout the overwhelmingly bright space.

There are three water slides, an outdoor water park for children, and multiple pools and hot tubs throughout the overwhelmingly bright space.
Brittany Chang/Insider

And the deck above this had even more activities including a mini-golf course, dry slide, zip line, and surf simulator. It's the only cruise ship on this list with the latter two activities.

And the deck above this had even more activities including a mini-golf course, dry slide, zip line, and surf simulator. It
Brittany Chang/Insider

And in my opinion, they epitomizes Royal Caribbean's goal of appealing to families.

And in my opinion, they epitomizes Royal Caribbean
Brittany Chang/Insider

The Norwegian Prima had similarly family-oriented activities including some I never expected to find on a cruise ship.

The Norwegian Prima had similarly family-oriented activities including some I never expected to find on a cruise ship.
Brittany Chang/Insider

Like the Wonder of the Seas, there was a children's water park, although it wasn't as grand as Royal Caribbean's.

Like the Wonder of the Seas, there was a children
Brittany Chang/Insider

Families could also play mini golf and slide down the decks-long dry slide aboard the Prima.

Families could also play mini golf and slide down the decks-long dry slide aboard the Prima.
Brittany Chang/Insider

But unlike the Wonder of the Seas, the ship also had a VR arcade, high-tech darts, a go-kart course, and the "Stadium" with outdoor activities like ping pong.

But unlike the Wonder of the Seas, the ship also had a VR arcade, high-tech darts, a go-kart course, and the "Stadium" with outdoor activities like ping pong.
Brittany Chang/Insider

But its pool deck was far from exciting. At least there was a water slide.

But its pool deck was far from exciting. At least there was a water slide.
Brittany Chang/Insider

But this deck wasn’t the only option for pool-side lounging. The ship also had a more peaceful 0.33-mile walkway with pools, lounge chairs, and daybeds.

But this deck wasn’t the only option for pool-side lounging. The ship also had a more peaceful 0.33-mile walkway with pools, lounge chairs, and daybeds.
Brittany Chang/Insider

Unlike Norwegian and Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises is actively trying to attract Gen X travelers, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, Celebrity Cruises' CEO, told Insider in 2021. And this is definitely reflected in the ship

Unlike Norwegian and Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises is actively trying to attract Gen X travelers, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, Celebrity Cruises
The Celebrity Apex.      Brittany Chang/Insider

While the common spaces aboard Prima and Wonder of the Seas were playful and youthful, the Apex had a modern and polished flair akin to a new hotel.

While the common spaces aboard Prima and Wonder of the Seas were playful and youthful, the Apex had a modern and polished flair akin to a new hotel.
Inside Eden.      Brittany Chang/Insider

Areas like the Rooftop Garden and Eden were sophisticated and some of the most beautiful spaces I've seen aboard a cruise ship.

Areas like the Rooftop Garden and Eden were sophisticated and some of the most beautiful spaces I
The Rooftop Garden.      Brittany Chang/Insider

But given the target demographic, there were no water slides or activities designed just for young children.

But given the target demographic, there were no water slides or activities designed just for young children.
The pool.      Brittany Chang/Insider

And while any Solarium with glass ceilings is luxurious, this one looked a bit dated.

And while any Solarium with glass ceilings is luxurious, this one looked a bit dated.
The Solarium.      Brittany Chang/Insider

However, it’s worth mentioning that the gym — lined with Pelotons — was fairly luxurious.

However, it’s worth mentioning that the gym — lined with Pelotons — was fairly luxurious.
The gym.      Brittany Chang/Insider

Of all the ships, Royal Caribbean's newest mega-ship had the most impressive amenities.

Of all the ships, Royal Caribbean
Brittany Chang/Insider

Its size definitely helps: The more space you have, the more amenities you can include.

Its size definitely helps: The more space you have, the more amenities you can include.
Brittany Chang/Insider

There are enough activities to keep a family entertained for days at sea.

There are enough activities to keep a family entertained for days at sea.
Brittany Chang/Insider

And even though the Norwegian Prima had a VR arcade and go-karting, the Wonder of the Seas' unique spaces made it a clear winner.

And even though the Norwegian Prima had a VR arcade and go-karting, the Wonder of the Seas
Brittany Chang/Insider

Onto dining. Royal Caribbean's giant cruise ship has over 20 dining venues. However, over half are specialty restaurants that come at an extra cost to travelers.

Onto dining. Royal Caribbean
Brittany Chang/Insider

There were a handful of fun dining options like an outdoor build-your-own taco and burrito bar, a pizza shop, and an 18-seat restaurant.

There were a handful of fun dining options like an outdoor build-your-own taco and burrito bar, a pizza shop, and an 18-seat restaurant.
Brittany Chang/Insider

But the best meal I had aboard the ship was the cruise ship buffet. There was something for everyone, including international dishes, classic favorites, and a seafood section. And the raw fresh was shockingly fresh.

But the best meal I had aboard the ship was the cruise ship buffet. There was something for everyone, including international dishes, classic favorites, and a seafood section. And the raw fresh was shockingly fresh.
Brittany Chang/Insider

However, I can't say the same for the two specialty dining restaurants I tried.

However, I can
Brittany Chang/Insider

Hooked Seafood was satisfactory but not mind-blowing. And Mason Jar, a new-to-brand Southern restaurant with live music, served me unbearably dry chicken.

Hooked Seafood was satisfactory but not mind-blowing. And Mason Jar, a new-to-brand Southern restaurant with live music, served me unbearably dry chicken.
Brittany Chang/Insider

At least the new cruise ship had a diverse list of drinking venues.

At least the new cruise ship had a diverse list of drinking venues.
Brittany Chang/Insider

There's a watering hole operated by robots, another designed to look like an old English pub, and a bar on a platform that moved vertically between decks.

There
Brittany Chang/Insider

Like the cruise ship’s amenities and activities, there was something for every drinker aboard the ship.

Like the cruise ship’s amenities and activities, there was something for every drinker aboard the ship.
Brittany Chang/Insider

But the Norwegian Prima had the most unique restaurant options of all the ships I sailed on.

But the Norwegian Prima had the most unique restaurant options of all the ships I sailed on.
Brittany Chang/Insider

There were 14 dining options. Half were specialty restaurants.

There were 14 dining options. Half were specialty restaurants.
Brittany Chang/Insider

But my favorite meals were at the complimentary food hall with touch screen ordering pads at every table, the first I've ever seen on a cruise ship.

But my favorite meals were at the complimentary food hall with touch screen ordering pads at every table, the first I
Brittany Chang/Insider

Here, diners could choose between 11 restaurants including an Indian eatery, an international noodle bar concept, and a rotisserie option.

Here, diners could choose between 11 restaurants including an Indian eatery, an international noodle bar concept, and a rotisserie option.
Brittany Chang/Insider

And to my surprise, almost everything I tried here was as good as the typical on-land options. I could've eaten every meal here.

And to my surprise, almost everything I tried here was as good as the typical on-land options. I could
Brittany Chang/Insider

The ship also had plenty of bars. In my opinion, the Metropolitan bar was its most unique concept.

The ship also had plenty of bars. In my opinion, the Metropolitan bar was its most unique concept.
Brittany Chang/Insider

Here, the zero-waste cocktails used liqueurs and syrups made from some of the ship's food scraps.

Here, the zero-waste cocktails used liqueurs and syrups made from some of the ship
Brittany Chang/Insider

Cruise ships aren't known for being low-waste or great for the environment. And the bar only cut a tiny fraction of the ship's food waste. But at least the attempt was made.

Cruise ships aren
Brittany Chang/Insider

There are 29 dining venues aboard the Celebrity Apex. Seven are specialty venues.

There are 29 dining venues aboard the Celebrity Apex. Seven are specialty venues.
The buffet.      Brittany Chang/Insider

However, these options weren't too exciting. Most restaurants served either American or European cuisine with the exception of a raw bar with sushi and sashimi.

However, these options weren
The Rooftop Garden Grill.      Brittany Chang/Insider

The meals on Apex were good at best. I didn't eat anything too memorable.

The meals on Apex were good at best. I didn
The entrance into one of the restaurants.      Brittany Chang/Insider

While Le Petit Chef and Family was fun and wholesome, the food was just satisfactory.

While Le Petit Chef and Family was fun and wholesome, the food was just satisfactory.
Le Petit Chef and Family.      Brittany Chang/Insider

The Apex's target Gen X demographic is clear with its choice of bars.

The Apex
The Craft Social Bar.      Brittany Chang/Insider

There was a martini bar at the heart of the ship next to a craft beer and sports bar. These classy additions fit both the demographic and current drink trends.

There was a martini bar at the heart of the ship next to a craft beer and sports bar. These classy additions fit both the demographic and current drink trends.
The Martini Bar.      Brittany Chang/Insider

But one of the most unique bars — and spaces in general — aboard the ship was the Magic Carpet, a bar and lounge on an open-aired platform that can rise and lower between decks.

But one of the most unique bars — and spaces in general — aboard the ship was the Magic Carpet, a bar and lounge on an open-aired platform that can rise and lower between decks.
The Magic Carpet.      Brittany Chang/Insider

It also doubles as a tender dock at ports of call.

It also doubles as a tender dock at ports of call.
The Magic Carpet.      Brittany Chang/Insider

Between the three ships, the Norwegian Prima's food and beverage program was my favorite.

Between the three ships, the Norwegian Prima
Brittany Chang/Insider

Almost everything I ate at the digital food hall was delicious and it was fun seeing a modern concept on a cruise ship.

Almost everything I ate at the digital food hall was delicious and it was fun seeing a modern concept on a cruise ship.
Brittany Chang/Insider

The Wonder of the Seas buffet comes in a close second. But the diversity of cuisines at Prima's food hall makes it a winner in my eyes.

The Wonder of the Seas buffet comes in a close second. But the diversity of cuisines at Prima
Brittany Chang/Insider

However, Royal Caribbean's mega vessel shines again with the nighttime entertainment.

However, Royal Caribbean
Brittany Chang/Insider

The ship's ice skating show wasn't my favorite although the venue itself is unique for a cruise ship.

The ship
Brittany Chang/Insider

But "inTENse" — an exciting outdoor show filled with divers, dancers, a tightrope walker, and synchronized swimmers — made up for the lackluster ice skating show.

But "inTENse" — an exciting outdoor show filled with divers, dancers, a tightrope walker, and synchronized swimmers — made up for the lackluster ice skating show.
Brittany Chang/Insider

Here, the two halves of the stage — and its performers — rose and sank into a pool.

Here, the two halves of the stage — and its performers — rose and sank into a pool.
Brittany Chang/Insider

I was fully engaged and enthralled during the show. And the outdoor venue was the best I've ever seen on a vessel.

I was fully engaged and enthralled during the show. And the outdoor venue was the best I
Brittany Chang/Insider

Unlike the Wonder of the Seas, Prima's entertainment thrives on being recognizable. However, I wasn't able to take photos during the shows.

Unlike the Wonder of the Seas, Prima
Brittany Chang/Insider

During my media sailing, the ship was showing its rendition of Broadway musical "Summer: The Donna Summer Musical," a contemporary tap dancing and beat boxing mashup "Noise Boys," and "The Price is Right Live" game show.

During my media sailing, the ship was showing its rendition of Broadway musical "Summer: The Donna Summer Musical," a contemporary tap dancing and beat boxing mashup "Noise Boys," and "The Price is Right Live" game show.
Brittany Chang/Insider

While I'm not a fan of musicals, the Prima's production of the Donna Summer Musical and "Noise Boys" were two of the most impressive productions I've seen on a ship …

While I
Brittany Chang/Insider

… although it wasn't as entertaining as Royal Caribbean's "inTENse."

… although it wasn
Brittany Chang/Insider

And "The Price is Right Live" was a surprising hit. It was as much a game show as it was an interactive comedic experience.

And "The Price is Right Live" was a surprising hit. It was as much a game show as it was an interactive comedic experience.
Brittany Chang/Insider

However, I don't have this high praise for the Celebrity Apex's show.

However, I don
The Celebrity Apex.      Brittany Chang/Insider

The nighttime performers aboard the Apex are undeniably talented but I wasn't amused by the acrobat and electric violin production. It was far from memorable and reminded me of a typical cruise ship performance.

The nighttime performers aboard the Apex are undeniably talented but I wasn
A show in the theater.      Brittany Chang/Insider

Nothing compares to the Wonder of the Sea’s “inTENse” water show. It changed my perspective of cruise ship shows.

Nothing compares to the Wonder of the Sea’s “inTENse” water show. It changed my perspective of cruise ship shows.
Brittany Chang/Insider
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