We sailed on an older Norwegian ship and a newer one. The big changes show how the cruise line is evolving to compete with Royal Caribbean and Carnival.

Brittany Chang,Taylor RainsOct 6, 2024, 18:03 IST

Two Business Insider reporters compare Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Prima.Norwegian Cruise Line<ul class="summary-list"><li>We sailed on an older and newer ship on <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/norwegian-cruise-line-prima-old-new-ships-compared-photos-review-2024-2">Norwegian Cruise Line</a>: 11-year-old Breakaway and two-year-old Prima.</li><li>Breakaway was larger but had markedly less exciting family-friendly amenities.</li></ul>A lot can happen in nine years — more than two presidential terms and your child's high school and college graduation, for example.In the case of Norwegian Cruise Line, nine years means the difference between a bare-boned ship and one with show-stopping amenities.Two Business Insider reporters sailed on Norwegian's 11-year-old Norwegian Breakaway and two-year-old <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-review-new-11-billion-norwegian-prima-cruise-ship-2022-10">Norwegian Prima</a>. (Reporter Taylor Rains spent seven nights on Breakaway in mid-September, while Brittany Chang joined Prima's complimentary four-night inaugural press sailing in late 2022.)The older (though still young by industry standards) and larger Breakaway has a capacity of about 3,900 guests — 800 more than Prima. And yet, Prima was notably more amenity-heavy and extravagant, showcasing Norwegian's — and the general mass-market cruise industry's — evolving preference for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/norwegians-new-cruise-ship-luna-could-take-on-royal-caribbean-2024-9">amusement park-like ships</a>.

Norwegian wants bigger and bolder amenities.

The more basic pool deck on the Norwegian Breakaway.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Flashy amenities are catnip for cruising families.

Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas has a six-slide waterpark.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Unfortunately, many of the best amenities also have a prohibitive cost barrier.

Prima's go-karts cost $15 per person.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

As with most cruise ships, the upcharges extend to dining as well.

Breakaway had three main dining rooms, two of which were Savor and Taste across from one another (top left).Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Many specialty options were available on both ships.

Prima's Indulge Food Hall has digital ordering pads where diners can conveniently select dishes from several venues without leaving their table.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

What would a cruise dinner be without drinks?

Rains' husband took advantage of the free mojitos.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Where Prima excelled was its open-air decks.

View of the infinity pool on Prima.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

The newer ship only had one waterslide. The option for more wasn't missed.

Norwegian Prima had high-tech dart boards.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

We don't recommend either ship if you're exclusively interested in Broadway shows.

Breakaway Theater performances.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Thankfully, both ships had smaller alternative entertainment venues.

One of the venues on Prime.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

But both ships had better-than-expected cabins.

Rains' room (top) on Breakaway and Chang's room (bottom) on Prima.Taylor Rains, Brittany Chang/Business Insider

It's clear Norwegian's fleet is progressively becoming more upscale and exciting.

Breakaway's 2020 refurbishment added more open-air spaces and the rock hall.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

If you're looking for exciting family activities, Norwegian's newest ships are, as expected, the obvious choice.

Norwegian Prima pool deck.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

I've been to over 50 countries. Here are 5 of my favorite destinations for a romantic getaway.

Cookies on the Business Insider India website