<ul class="summary-list"><li>Norwegian Cruise Line says its 3,550-guest Norwegian Luna will debut in 2026.</li><li>The company's 21st vessel would have family-friendly amenities such as a roller coaster-like waterslide.</li></ul><p>If you're tired of only hearing about <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/royal-caribbean-wonder-icon-of-the-seas-not-for-everyone-2024-4">ultra-large cruise ships</a> or ultra-expensive small ones, Norwegian Cruise Line has the answer.</p><p>On Wednesday, the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cruise-ships-compared-norwegian-prima-royal-caribbean-wonder-of-the-seas-2023-11">popular cruise company</a> unveiled details of Norwegian Luna, its next Prima Plus Class ship.</p><p>The upcoming vessel, Norwegian's 21st, would have family-friendly amenities like infinity pools, a high-tech sports court, and a cross between a roller coaster and waterslide.</p><p>The cruise liner is scheduled to kick off its maiden season in April 2026 with weeklong <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-cruise-lines-royal-caribbean-need-private-islands-2024-3">Caribbean cruises</a> roundtrip from Miami.</p><p>At 1,056 feet long and 156,300 gross tons, Luna would be larger than the company's preceding <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-review-new-11-billion-norwegian-prima-cruise-ship-2022-10">Prima Class vessels</a> but smaller than any ships its competitor, Royal Caribbean, has debuted over the last 15 years.</p><div type="image" title="rendering of Norwegian Luna" height="750" width="1500" msid="113496645" hostid="261" sizebytes="81646"></div><p>If you don't love giant cruise ships, Royal Caribbean's dazzling mega-ships could make for an overwhelming vacation.</p><p>The largest, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/royal-caribbean-icon-of-the-seas-cruise-ship-review-photos-2024-2">Icon of the Seas,</a> is 1,1960 feet long and 250,800 gross tons. It may be packed with family-friendly activities like a waterpark and an ice skating rink, but you'll have to share these amenities with another 7,599 guests.</p><div type="image" title="Wonder of the Seas and Icon of the Seas docked at Perfect Day at CocoCay" height="1725" width="2300" msid="113496643" hostid="261" sizebytes="352534"></div><p>Two of Royal Caribbean's <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/favorite-amenities-silverseas-new-luxury-silver-ray-cruise-ship-2024-7">less sizable cruise ships</a> are also scheduled for Miami cruises in 2026. But by then, the newer of the two, Independence of the Seas, will already be 18 years old.</p><p>So, if you want to cruise out of Miami but prefer a new, large-but-not-too-large vessel, the 3,550-guest Norwegian Luna could be a great option for you and your family.</p><p>The ship is expected to be identical to Norwegian's upcoming <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/norwegian-unveils-new-aqua-ship-sailing-in-2025-2023-11">Norwegian Aqua</a>, scheduled to debut in March 2025. The pair of floating resorts won't have as many attractions as Icon of the Seas, but they would still hold their ground in the family-friendly cruise industry.</p><div type="image" title="overhead view of pools and lounge chairs on Norwegian Prima" height="1150" width="2300" msid="113496647" hostid="261" sizebytes="332816"></div><p>Like Aqua, Luna would have <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/family-friendly-amenities-norwegian-cruise-lines-new-prima-ship-2022-11">signature Norwegian amenities</a> such as a 10-station food hall, a 10-story-tall dry slide, and Ocean Boulevard, an open-air walkway with restaurants, pools, and lounges.</p><p>Young children would have a water playground while adults have an al fresco lounge with infinity hot tubs.</p><p>Along with a new Thai restaurant, wine bar, and plant-based eatery, Aqua and Luna would also debut two firsts for the cruise line: the Aqua Slidecoaster and the Glow Court. Norwegian calls the former a cross between a roller coaster and a waterslide, and the latter a high-tech sports court that turns into a nightclub at sundown.</p><div type="image" title="rendering of aqua slidecoaster on norwegian luna" height="750" width="1500" msid="113496646" hostid="261" sizebytes="106250"></div><p>The ships may not have as expensive or playful cabins as Royal Caribbean's $100,000-a-week <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/royal-caribbean-icon-of-the-seas-most-expensive-cabin-photo-2024-1">Ultimate Family Townhouse</a>. But they would debut Norwegian's new two-story, three-bedroom Haven suites complete with a living and dining room, butler service, and access to an exclusive outdoor lounge.</p><p>Norwegian Luna's maiden season fares range from $1,400 per person for an <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/carnival-firenze-cheapest-interior-cabin-vs-balcony-newest-cruise-ship-2024-6">interior cabin</a> to $18,500 per person for the Owner's Suite. Not too steep compared to Icon of the Seas' cheapest 2026 itinerary, which comes in at about $1,710 per person for seven nights.</p>

Norwegian unveiled plans for a new cruise ship — complete with a roller coaster waterslide and night club to take on Royal Caribbean 

Norwegian's latest cruise ship — complete with go-kart track — will begin sailing in 2023. Take a look at the Viva.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>We sailed on an older and newer ship on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-norwegian-cruise-line-new-1-billion-prima-cruise-ship-2022-10">Norwegian Cruise Line:</a> the Sky and Prima.</li><li>The smaller Sky was basic compared to the Prima's dazzling — but more expensive — activities.</li></ul><p>One look at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-norwegian-cruise-line-new-1-billion-prima-cruise-ship-2022-10">Norwegian Cruise Line's</a> older and newer vessels will make you realize just how much bigger, bolder, and more irresistible cruise ships are becoming.</p><p>Decades of modernization and astute profit-making strategies have pushed the mass-market cruise industry to transform its small floating hotels into giant resorts with amusement park-like amenities.</p><p>So far, travelers have been loving this shift. Just look at Royal Caribbean's <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/royal-caribbean-icon-of-the-seas-cruise-ship-review-photos-2024-2">Icon of the Seas</a>, what's now the world's largest cruise ship.</p><p>The 9,950-person vessel's amenities — which include a six-slide waterpark, waterfall, and ice skating rink — could be one reason Icon has become its operator's most popular product.</p><div type="image" title="Icon of the Seas' outdoor decks" height="1725" width="2300" msid="107796478" hostid="261" sizebytes="483724"></div><p>It's likely the showiest example of the move toward larger and more activity-packed vessels. But <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/royal-caribbean-norwegian-new-cruise-ships-compared-photos-2023-2">Royal Caribbean</a> isn't riding the "bigger is better" wave alone.</p><p>Competitor Norwegian Cruise Line is getting in on the action, too.</p><p>Two Business Insider reporters sailed on Norwegian's 25-year-old Norwegian Sky and the 1 ½-year-old Norwegian Prima. (Reporter Taylor Rains spent three nights on the Sky in January, while Brittany Chang joined Prima's complimentary four-night inaugural press sailing in late 2022.)</p><h2>Sky is Norwegian's second-oldest ship, while Prima is its second-newest</h2><p>The evolution of these vessels points to how Norwegian is evolving its fleet.</p><p>The $1.1 billion Prima — sister vessel to the newer Norwegian Viva — isn't its operator's largest product. (It ranks in seven out of 19.)</p><p>Still, it's still 117 feet longer and 66,431 gross tons heavier than the older Sky — with the ability to carry 1,095 more travelers.</p><iframe title="General facts" id="datawrapper-chart-Z9Y69" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Z9Y69/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="447"></iframe><p>You'd probably envision something like the older Norwegian Sky when someone asks you to picture a typical cruise ship.</p><p>It has all the basics: a casino, a buffet, bars, children's clubs, and a crowded pool deck.</p><p>But when compared to newer ships, it fell short of major "wow" factors.</p><div type="image" title="The lobby of the Norwegian Sky with people around." height="3024" width="4032" msid="107796479" hostid="261" sizebytes="1131266"></div><p>The atrium was small and basic, the lounges lacked any razzle-dazzle, and the pool deck left much to be desired.</p><p>Most noticeably, it didn't have the grandiose amenities that are becoming more common on new ships, like the Prima. (Think water slides, flashy cocktail bars, and a go-kart race track.)</p><p>Yes, you read that right: go-karts. Good luck getting bored on the Norwegian Prima.</p><h2><strong>On-board amenities are getting flashier — and more expensive</strong></h2><iframe title="Amenities" id="datawrapper-chart-aYvUJ" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/aYvUJ/5/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="645"></iframe><p>Still, guests on the older Sky can spend their days at trivia and nights at song-and-dance shows.</p><p>Maybe even a round in the arcade, at bingo, or taking a spin on "Wheel of Fortune" — although these cost extra.</p><p>Despite the lack of super-modern amenities, Taylor found the ship's on-board events were enough to keep people entertained.</p><div type="image" title="composite of amenities on the Norwegian Sky" height="1500" width="2000" msid="107796482" hostid="261" sizebytes="128722"></div><p>But on the newer Prima, cruisers have a lot more options.</p><p>Aboard the Prima, travelers can indulge in the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/family-friendly-amenities-norwegian-cruise-lines-new-prima-ship-2022-11">go-kart race track</a>, play at the arcade juiced with virtual-reality rides and games, and enjoy modern takes on mini-golf and darts.</p><p>For quieter afternoons, they can idle around Prima's beautiful outdoor lounges and walkways.</p><div type="image" title="The slides on the Prima." height="1500" width="2000" msid="107796483" hostid="261" sizebytes="162130"></div><p>But the go-karts, virtual reality arcade, mini-golf, and darts all <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-review-new-11-billion-norwegian-prima-cruise-ship-2022-10#but-for-revenue-cruise-goers-this-area-is-one-of-the-only-complimentary-entertainment-sections-aboard-the-cruise-ship-activities-like-mini-golf-and-the-vr-arcade-come-at-an-additional-cost-its-10-per-person-for-mini-golf-and-28-a-la-carte-or-29-for-one-hour-at-the-galaxy-pavilion-35">cost extra</a>.</p><p>Pricing varies per activity: A round on the karts is $15 per person, while the flashy arcade is $28 à la carte (or $29 for one hour).</p><p>As expected, these paid activities were also Brittany's favorites.</p><div type="image" title="composite of amenities on Norwegian Prima" height="1500" width="2000" msid="107796486" hostid="261" sizebytes="236464"></div><h2>Wining and dining options were vastly different as well</h2><iframe title="Food and beverage" id="datawrapper-chart-Sd7g0" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Sd7g0/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="298"></iframe><p>A standard complimentary buffet made an appearance on the older Sky.</p><p>While a faster dining experience than the main dining room, which often had a 45-minute wait to be served, Taylor found the free-for-all options were lacking.</p><div type="image" title="composite of cruise ship buffet" height="1500" width="2000" msid="107796488" hostid="261" sizebytes="179050"></div><p>Surprisingly, Prima didn't have a typical buffet.</p><p>Instead, it hooked up all-day diners with a multi-stall food hall and diverse options like Spanish tapas, Texas barbecue, and Indian curries.</p><p>And the Prima's Onda by Scarpetta specialty restaurant — one of eight — was an Italian pasta-filled hit for Brittany (at the cost of $20 to $30 per dish). Still, she found herself returning to the complimentary food hall several times during her four nights at sea.</p><p>And unlike Sky, Prima has a list of unique bars, including one by the go-kart track (we don't condone drinking and driving!) and another that serves cocktails with liqueurs and syrups made from food scraps.</p><div type="image" title="composite of Prima's Indulge Food Hall" height="1500" width="2000" msid="107796490" hostid="261" sizebytes="235912"></div><h2>Norwegian's newer ship dangles an impressive but expensive carrot in front of cruising families</h2><p>The 25-year-old Sky did not dazzle compared to the newer Prima.</p><p>While there was enough on the old ship to entertain Taylor during her weekend getaway, she worried the lack of diverse amenities could get repetitive and boring.</p><p>Prima was the first cruise ship that didn't bore Brittany.</p><p>Fortunately for travelers, as the cruise industry has continued to embrace new tech and rides, ships have transformed from floating hotels into giant summer state fairs — ice cream included.</p><p>The 23-year difference in amenities between the Sky and Prima could not reflect that any more obviously.</p><div type="image" title="Norwegian Sky (left) and Norwegian Prima (right)" height="703" width="1405" msid="107796492" hostid="261" sizebytes="101746"></div><p>But with these advancements has come a shift to more exceptional pay-to-play activities.</p><p>It's a clear sign of the industry's shift toward the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cruise-industry-business-model-changing-bad-news-for-travelers-2023-4">budget airline model</a>: Charge a reasonable base fare but pile on enticing extras.</p><p>It's an approach that appears to be working.</p><p>When Norwegian opened bookings for Prima in 2021, the vessel quickly became its "most in-demand ship ever," following a record number of bookings within the first day and week, the cruise line said at the time.</p><h2>Glitzy new ships could be a no-brainer choice for cruising families</h2><div type="image" title="Norwegian Prima" height="1650" width="2200" msid="107796493" hostid="261" sizebytes="224016"></div><p>To compare prices, we pulled two upcoming 10-day sailings with nine ports of call:</p><ul><li><p>On the newer Prima, there's a cruise from Reykjavik, Iceland to Southampton, UK, from $1,119 per person.</p></li><li><p>On the older Sky, there's a round-trip sailing that starts and ends in La Romana, Dominican Republic, from $800 per person.</p></li></ul><p>So what's our take on the older vs. newer debate?</p><p>Brittany prefers as many amenities as possible, even if they cost extra.</p><p>And Taylor says next time she's in the market for a cruise, she would rather pay extra for a longer itinerary if it meant being on a more impressive ship like Prima.</p><p>After all, who could say no to a go-kart race followed by a few drinks? Just make sure you budget for both.</p>

We took trips on a year-old Norwegian Cruise Line ship and a 25-year-old one. The differences show the evolution of the industry. 

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings operates three brands: Norwegian, Regent Seven Seas, and Oceania.</li><li>Mass-market Norwegian and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ultra-luxury-cruise-stateroom-not-favorite-regent-seven-seas-review-2023-12">ultra-luxury Regent Seven Seas</a> target travelers from different demographics.</li></ul><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/oceania-and-regent-seven-seas-cruise-ships-compared-2024-1"><u>Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings</u></a> isn't always known for its caviar dinners and complimentary Champagne. But to some wealthy cruisers, these luxuries could be synonymous with the company.</p><p>The cruise giant oversees three brands: mass-market Norwegian Cruise Line, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/oceania-cruises-new-extended-sailings-africa-asia-premium-ship-2024-1"><u>premium Oceania Cruises</u></a>, and ultra-luxury Regent Seven Seas Cruises. As the cheapest and most expensive operators, the former and the latter couldn't be more different.</p><p>See how two of Norwegian and Regent Seven Seas' newer <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cruise-ships-compared-norwegian-prima-royal-caribbean-wonder-of-the-seas-2023-11"><u>cruise ships compare</u></a> — and which could be the best for you.</p><h2>Norwegian Cruise Line's Prima — the traditional option with splashy, family-friendly amenities</h2><div type="image" title="The pool on Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Prima cruise ship." height="1875" width="2500" msid="107029685" hostid="261" sizebytes="344892"></div><p>In October 2022, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/era-solo-cruising-here-norwegian-new-solo-staterooms-photos-2023-10"><u>Norwegian Cruise Line</u></a> invited me on the Norwegian Prima's non-revenue inaugural sailing. At the time, the 3,100-guest vessel was the newest addition to the brand's family and one of its most popular products yet.</p><p>The cruise line touts itself as a "family-oriented" brand. And after four nights on the 965-foot-long <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-norwegian-cruise-line-new-1-billion-prima-cruise-ship-2022-10">Prima</a>, I agree.</p><p>Like many new <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/norwegian-unveils-new-aqua-ship-sailing-in-2025-2023-11"><u>mass-market ships</u></a>, the $1.1 billion vessel was as much a floating resort as it was an amusement park.</p><div type="image" title="Norwegian Prima" height="1650" width="2200" msid="107029686" hostid="261" sizebytes="292486"></div><p>The Prima's upper decks are a dream for any bored child. Here, families can indulge in the water and dry slides, escape rooms, virtual reality arcade, and tri-level go-kart track, to name a few amenities.</p><p>Most of these seemed like unusual additions to a cruise. But after going on a very casual virtual alien-slaughtering rampage by way of an uncomfortably bulky headset, it's easy to see why these flashy activities have made the Prima a hot <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-review-new-11-billion-norwegian-prima-cruise-ship-2022-10"><u>cruise for families</u></a>.</p><p>It's not everyday entertainment on land, nonetheless a ship.</p><div type="image" title="Norwegian Prima" height="1650" width="2200" msid="107029689" hostid="261" sizebytes="400552"></div><p>These decks' booming sound effects, bright structures, and hyperactive children could be overwhelming for any adult. </p><p>That's when it's time to head to the adults-only pool lounge, comedy club, or cocktail bar.</p><p>For some reason, the go-kart track has a bar as well. Don't think too much about its implications.</p><div type="image" title="Norwegian Prima" height="1100" width="2200" msid="107029691" hostid="261" sizebytes="344204"></div><p>In the theater, Prima's entertainment could appeal to cruise show haters. Performances during my sailing included "The Price Is Right Live" and "Summer: The Donna Summer Musical."</p><p>As a sometimes cruise cynic, I must say both were unexpectedly enjoyable.</p><p>And as far as staterooms go, my <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-luxurious-1000-per-person-stateroom-inside-new-norwegian-prima-2022-10"><u>family balcony cabin</u></a> was roomy and flexed plenty of storage, modern details, and an unfortunate eye-sore of a mural.</p><div type="image" title="Inside the family balcony stateroom on Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Prima" height="1875" width="2500" msid="107029804" hostid="261" sizebytes="365064"></div><p>But like other mass market cruises, travelers could easily blow past their vacation budget once on board. </p><p>The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/family-friendly-amenities-norwegian-cruise-lines-new-prima-ship-2022-11"><u>Prima's most enticing amenities</u></a> — the VR arcade, mini-golf course, and go-kart track — are all pay-to-play.</p><p>If you get bored of the five complimentary dining venues, the Starbucks and eight specialty restaurants — including sushi and Italian pasta — will also cost extra.</p><p>However, one of the "free" options includes an 11-venue food hall, which is still one of my favorite cruise dining experiences.</p><div type="image" title="Norwegian Prima" height="1650" width="2200" msid="107029806" hostid="261" sizebytes="289452"></div><p>Norwegian has since welcomed its 19th vessel, the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/norwegian-viva-cruise-ship-to%20set-sail-2023-2022-1"><u>Norwegian Viva</u></a>. </p><p>In 2024, Viva's itineraries start at $1,200 per person for a 10-day cruise, while Prima's cheapest is $900 per person for a seven-day sailing. </p><p>As sister vessels, many of their amenities are the same.</p><h2><strong>Regent Seven Seas Cruises' Grandeur — the ultra-luxury option with ultra-expensive fares</strong></h2><div type="image" title="seven seas grandeur pool deck" height="1725" width="2300" msid="107029808" hostid="261" sizebytes="223904"></div><p>Regent Seven Seas is smaller than its mass-market sibling, both in the size of its fleet and vessels.</p><p>The operator only has six ships. Its newest, the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/review-ultra-luxury-cruise-wealthy-travelers-regent-seven-seas-2023-12"><u>Seven Seas Grandeur</u></a>, accommodates 746 guests.</p><p>Its fares are as exhilarating as the Prima's go-kart track. The Grandeur's cheapest 2024 itinerary starts at $4,800 per person for seven nights.</p><div type="image" title="seven seas grandeur steak tartar" height="1725" width="2300" msid="107029809" hostid="261" sizebytes="127602"></div><p>A cool $685 per night might seem expensive. But hear me out: What you pay is what you get.</p><p>As an <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/regent-seven-seas-cruise-luxury-best-part-see-inside-2024-1"><u>all-inclusive cruise line</u></a>, this fare can include roundtrip flights, pre-cruise hotel, and food, alcohol, and excursions.</p><p>Need to do laundry? No problem. That's included as well.</p><div type="image" title="Regent Seven Seas Cruises Grandeur's atrium" height="1725" width="2300" msid="107029810" hostid="261" sizebytes="496508"></div><p>In December 2023, Regent Seven Seas invited me on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/new-luxury-cruise-ship-wealthy-travelers-regent-seven-seas-grandeur-2023-12"><u>the Grandeur's</u></a> non-revenue "christening" sailing. The best part was the food.</p><p>The $516 million floating hotel doesn't serve run-of-the-mill cruise meals. During my three nights at sea, I dined on sturgeon caviar, seared foie gras, and black truffles — and they'd all be at no additional cost to passengers.</p><p>For all the drinkers, the wine and cocktails flowed as freely as the lobster and filet mignon.</p><div type="image" title="Regent Seven Seas Cruises Grandeur's library" height="1725" width="2300" msid="107029811" hostid="261" sizebytes="257444"></div><p>The Grandeur was built to be luxurious, tranquil, and generally kid-free.</p><p>There are no loud waterslides, arcades, or go-kart tracks. Instead, travelers can spend their afternoons at a cooking class, reading in the library, or playing bocce.</p><div type="image" title="Regent Seven Seas Cruises Grandeur's sports deck" height="1725" width="2300" msid="107029812" hostid="261" sizebytes="658912"></div><p>Parts of the Norwegian Prima can only be accessed by guests who've booked more expensive cabin categories. </p><p>But because everything on the 735-foot-long Grandeur is included in its price — sans spa treatments and some expensive wines and excursions — almost nothing on the ship is off-limits.</p><p>This includes afternoons in the sauna, cocktails at the lounges, and espressos at the coffee shop.</p><div type="image" title="Regent Seven Seas Cruises Grandeur' DJ" height="1725" width="2300" msid="107029813" hostid="261" sizebytes="299946"></div><p>With no overstimulating onboard activities, I thought I would feel bored for most of the sailing. But to my surprise, I was relaxed — an emotion I had never associated with cruises.</p><p>Sure, the gym was too small, the nighttime "Marauders' Ball" show too cringe, and the $6 million in on-board art (including pieces by Pablo Picasso) too ostentatious. </p><p>But these negatives were quickly forgotten during the peaceful afternoon tea service and whenever I returned to my <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ultra-luxury-cruise-stateroom-not-favorite-regent-seven-seas-review-2023-12"><u>concierge suite</u></a>.</p><div type="image" title="Regent Seven Seas Cruises Grandeur's concierge suite" height="1725" width="2300" msid="107029814" hostid="261" sizebytes="243704"></div><p>The 332-square-foot cabin, my most <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/explora-i-ocean-terrace-stateroom-review-2023-10"><u>sumptuous cruise stateroom</u></a> to date, came with an unexpectedly spacious balcony, a walk-in closet, and a marble-accented bathroom with — wait for it — a bathtub.</p><p>Forget a cruise ship! I want those amenities in my New York City apartment. I would've moved into my Grandeur cabin if I had the money.</p><h2><strong>Norwegian Cruise Line and Regent Seven Seas Cruises couldn't be more the opposite</strong></h2><div type="image" title="Norwegian Prima" height="1650" width="2200" msid="107029815" hostid="261" sizebytes="187188"></div><p>The brands follow two approaches to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cruise-industry-business-model-changing-bad-news-for-travelers-2023-4"><u>cruise pricing</u></a>. Regent Seven Seas is expensive but all-inclusive. Its mass-market counterpart is more affordable but at the expense of having irresistible pay-to-play amenities.</p><p>These models then lay the groundwork for the ships' intentions. Norwegian Prima seemed designed to foster exhaustively fun, activity-filled trips. Seven Seas Grandeur is the opposite; instead conducive to a relaxing and quiet vacation.</p><p>What's best for you depends on what you want — and what you can afford.</p><p>If money isn't a problem, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-regent-seven-seas-5-month-world-cruise-2022-5"><u>Regent Seven Seas' ships</u></a> can provide a five-star hotel experience with the convenience of cruising. However, Norwegian is best for families, especially if parents need amusement park-like amenities to distract their young ones.</p>

I sailed on two Norwegian cruises — one that's $685 a night and one that's $130. Here's how I think they compare.

See the top 10 family activities on Norwegian Cruise Line's new Prima ship: go-karts, a VR arcade, and lots of food

Norwegian's new Prima cruise ship will feature a 10-story slide and three-level go-kart racetrack. Here's how the vessel will look.

I sailed on Norwegian Cruise Line's new $1.1 billion Prima ship as a cruise hater &mdash; see why it was the first time I've ever enjoyed a cruise

I sailed on Norwegian Cruise Line's new $1.1 billion Prima cruise ship with two Starbucks, a 10-story slide, and a go-kart track &mdash; see what it was like

<ul class="summary-list"><li><a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cruise-industry-business-model-changing-bad-news-for-travelers-2023-4">Cruise prices are rising</a>, and the added costs are impacting my family's travel budget.</li><li>Despite the heftier price tags, I continue to book cruises because they're an excellent value.</li></ul><p>Although the cost of a cruise is going up, this form of travel is still the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-family-spent-10k-disney-world-trip-tips-2024-1">best value for a family vacation</a> right now.</p><p>The average <a target="_blank" href="https://nypost.com/2023/10/10/cruise-prices-surge-43-amid-post-pandemic-travel-boom/#">price of a cruise is up</a> more than 40% since 2019, according to Cruise Critic data reviewed by CNBC. <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2023/10/09/cruise-prices-rise-as-operators-meet-surging-travel-demand.html">Pent-up demand</a> has contributed to record-breaking bookings and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/cruise-lines-thriving-despite-inflation-higher-booking-costs">advance ticket sales</a>.</p><p>Inflation hasn't slowed the industry down, and costs might not be done rising, either. In December, Carnival CEO <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/era-of-cheap-cruises-is-over-2023-10">David Bernstein</a> told investors the cruise line is "well positioned" to drive its prices up this year.</p><p>As a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-rooms-windows-balconies-not-worth-it-frequent-cruiser-2024">frequent cruiser</a> who's sailed more than 50 times, I've navigated these increases over the past few months and found cruises are still a better deal than trips on land.</p><h2 id="94189f9e-0e8c-4f1b-a968-1ea0cc841067"><strong>Cruise accommodations can be cheaper than hotel rooms, especially in popular destinations</strong></h2><p>Last summer, my family of three booked a 10-night European cruise to Norway and Iceland on the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/norwegian-cruise-line-free-at-sea-promo-worth-it-review-2023-10">Norwegian Prima</a>.</p><p>Our cruise fare alone amounted to just over $5,000. Although I secured a discounted price by booking during a last-minute sale, this was the most I've ever paid for a cruise.</p><p>Before I booked, I priced out hotel rooms throughout Norway and found that even basic stays in most destinations topped $300 a night.</p><p>Food costs were equally staggering: A <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/MQPZc9Fo-0U">basic medium McDonald's meal in Norway</a> can be nearly $15. Finer fare, similar to what's included on cruise ships, costs even more.</p><p>After adding the train tickets, rental cars, and tour buses needed to get around the country to see as many places as we'd see on the cruise, my daily costs jumped even higher.</p><p>By comparison, my cruise offered a nearly all-inclusive experience that bundled dining, transportation, and more into one straightforward fare for about $500 a night.</p><p>It also included access to Broadway-style shows, pools, water slides, and family-friendly activities as we sailed between our itinerary's seven ports of call. And as a mom, having access to a ship's complimentary kid's club was priceless for getting alone time.</p><h2 id="a0e1919d-a17d-4e71-ad9a-58aa5a7af597"><strong>A side-by-side analysis of costs and ease of travel makes cruising a no-brainer</strong></h2><div type="image" title="View of Norway from NCL Ship" height="1080" width="1440" msid="111813592" hostid="261"></div><p>As I broke down my costs for a potential land-based trip through Norway, it became even more obvious that cruising was the less expensive option for my family.</p><p>Estimated costs for a 10-day Norway land-based trip for my family of three:</p><ul><li>Hotels: $300 per night = $3,000</li><li>Transportation: $150 per day = $1,500</li><li>Excursions &amp; Entertainment: $200 per day = $2,000</li><li>Dining: $200 per day = $2,000</li><li><p><strong>Total: $8,500</strong></p><p><em>(I excluded airfare, a necessary cost for both land and sea trips.)</em></p></li></ul><p>Although my cruise's $5,000 initial price tag felt steep, this breakdown showed me it was far cheaper than the alternative.</p><p>Plus, I'd save so much hassle by not having to map out logistics myself and keep track of a slew of independently booked activities every day.</p><h2 id="63f09eee-d4cc-40ab-9e99-993596e5bda0"><strong>Sailing on a cruise can also get you premium ocean-front views at a palatable price</strong></h2><p>As a Floridian, I live near a major cruise port and don't always have to fly to go on a cruise. However, when comparing the costs of a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/travel/best-beach-hotels-us">beachfront hotel</a> close to home and a Caribbean cruise setting sail from a local port, the latter still generally comes out ahead.</p><p>An ocean-view room at a nice hotel can cost upwards of $450 a night, and that price doesn't include dining or entertainment. Plus, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/era-of-cheap-cruises-is-over-2023-10">hotel prices are also on the rise</a>, up 40% to 50% compared to 2019.</p><p>Meanwhile, a three-night sailing on the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.thestreet.com/travel/why-royal-caribbean-cruises-are-getting-more-expensive">Utopia of the Seas</a>, Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship, can cost $533 a night. Given newer ships command more premium prices, I could likely snag a sailing on one of its other ships for even less.</p><p>In fact, the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2023/10/09/cruise-prices-rise-as-operators-meet-surging-travel-demand.html">average price for a five-night Caribbean cruise</a> in December was $736 — less than $150 per night.</p><p>At sea, I can enjoy included dining and entertainment, ocean views, and stops at beaches for an overall cost that rivals land-based hotels.</p><h2 id="00d477a1-96cb-4811-a34c-a7bedcd4b078"><strong>Cruise pricing and demand have changed the way I book, but I'm still sailing</strong></h2><div type="image" title="Author Amanda Adler on NCL ship in Iceland with husband and son" height="1156" width="1440" msid="111813595" hostid="261"></div><p>With high demand for cruises, I've found deals are getting harder to come by.</p><p>Although I snagged a last-minute booking to Europe last summer, this year's search yielded mostly high prices and sold-out sailings.</p><p>But given everything included in these types of vacations, I'm still willing to pay for them, even if they cost me much more than before.</p><p>That said, my days of cruising on a whim are over. Travelers need to make reservations early to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-ways-save-money-on-cruise-from-frequent-traveler-2023-8">secure spots on in-demand ships</a>.</p><p>I just booked my family on a cruise around New Zealand that's not setting sail until December 2025. It feels strange to book a trip this far out, but at least I have time to save up for the cruise's eye-watering $9,000 price tag.</p>

Cruises are expensive but they're the best value. My family's cruise cost $3,500 less than a similar trip on land.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Since 2021, I've spent at least one night on six ships, all with different cruise lines.</li><li>These companies, including Margaritaville and Royal Caribbean, target a variety of demographics.</li></ul><p>Throughout the past two years, I've spent at least one night on six ships, all with different cruise lines. While they've all varied in prices and target demographics, one has stood out as my clear favorite.</p><p>By no means do I love cruises — the shows can be tacky, the food can be mediocre, and I'm easily bored. If I weren't a travel reporter, I'd probably never board these floating resorts. But duty calls, and since 2021 I've been invited to several nonrevenue media sailings or overnighters with cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Oceania, and Norwegian.</p><p>While I've been unsurprisingly critical of some cruise ships, others have won me over. Let's take a closer look at the six ships I've been on and the one I'd recommend.</p><h2>Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Apex: trendy but boring</h2><div type="image" title="The Celebrity Apex cruise ship at sea as photographed through the window of a tender" height="1667" width="2500" msid="104988296" hostid="261"></div><p>In late 2021, I boarded the new <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-my-first-cruise-10-years-celebrity-cruises-new-ship-2021-11"><u>$1 billion Celebrity Apex</u></a> for its two-night naming ceremony. At the time, I hadn't been on a cruise in more than 10 years. (As a kid with parents who liked cruises, I remember disliking them.)</p><p>The Apex wasn't designed for "zillennials" like me. Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, the cruise line's former CEO, told Insider at the time that <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-see-inside-celebrity-cruises-newest-1-billion-ship-2021-11"><u>Celebrity targeted Gen X customers</u></a>. Despite this disconnect, the Apex had some of the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-celebrity-cruises-apex-ship-has-a-luxury-15000-suite-2021-11"><u>best-designed and -decorated spaces</u></a> I've seen on a ship.</p><div type="image" title="A composite image of a brightly decorated lounge area and a bar area decorated with plants and green accents." height="1500" width="3000" msid="104988298" hostid="261"></div><p>Places such as Eden (a restaurant, bar, and entertainment venue) were attractive and trendy, while the Rooftop Garden looked just the way its name promised. Even the outdoor lounges and frequently overlooked atrium were more exciting than most ships' — the latter had a martini bar that sat under the glow of an LED chandelier.</p><p>While <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-celebrity-cruises-per-night-suite-on-newest-ship-apex-2021-11"><u>my 243-square-foot Infinite Veranda stateroom</u></a> had some dull decor, the natural light from the large wall of windows made my tiny cabin feel large.</p><div type="image" title="A plate of pasta on a table with projected animations of a garden and a little house." height="3024" width="4032" msid="104988300" hostid="261"></div><p>Where these spaces shined, the dining didn't: I wasn't wowed by any of my meals, including my dinner at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/le-petit-chef-is-it-worth-it-review-photos-ontario-2022-10"><u>Le Petit Chef</u></a>. Here, overhead projectors displayed an animated storyline on the dining table. But this gimmick wasn't enough to overshadow the disappointingly mediocre food.</p><p>Ultimately, I faced the same dilemma I remembered as a child: boredom. While the theater was grand, I wasn't wowed by the nighttime show. And as I said at the time, I could wade around the pool only so many times and eat and drink so much. While I loved the design of spaces such as the Magic Carpet, an outdoor extension that moves vertically between decks, I couldn't spend all day staring at it.</p><p>If I were here on a weeklong vacation, I'd be twiddling my thumbs by day three.</p><h2>Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Prima: fun with a great food hall</h2><div type="image" title="A Norwegian Cruise Line cruise ship at a port." height="1875" width="2500" msid="104988303" hostid="261"></div><p>In October 2022, I was invited on the four-night inaugural sailing for the $1.1 billion <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-review-new-11-billion-norwegian-prima-cruise-ship-2022-10"><u>Norwegian Prima</u></a>. It was the first time I had ever enjoyed being on a cruise.</p><p>Four nights is long for a cynic like me. But to my surprise, I was consistently entertained by the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/family-friendly-amenities-norwegian-cruise-lines-new-prima-ship-2022-11"><u>Prima's long list of amenities</u></a>, including modern dartboards, a VR arcade, a mini-golf course, and a thrilling free-fall dry slide. These activities — along with the outdoor game court and go-kart track — could've kept me entertained for another day or two at sea.</p><div type="image" title="A composite image of a mini golf course and a stateroom." height="1500" width="3000" msid="104988306" hostid="261"></div><p>My 230-square-foot <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-luxurious-1000-per-person-stateroom-inside-new-norwegian-prima-2022-10"><u>balcony stateroom</u></a> was also well-designed and modern: I appreciated the roomy bathroom, storage options, and contemporary feel. But the bedding was mediocre, the balcony was tiny, and the "mural" behind the bed and couch was a tacky eyesore.</p><p>On the plus side, the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-review-new-11-billion-norwegian-prima-cruise-ship-2022-10"><u>Prima had my favorite dining venue</u></a> of all six ships: an 11-restaurant food hall with tableside tablet ordering systems. Instead of going to a buffet to pick at heat-lamp-fresh leftovers, this concept gave hungry travelers such as me a convenient way to try Indian curries and Singaporean-inspired noodles in one sitting.</p><div type="image" title="A composite image of bread and ham on plate and of a tablet ordering system" height="1500" width="3000" msid="104988308" hostid="261"></div><p>But the greatest shock of all was the enjoyable nighttime entertainment, specifically Norwegian's rendition of the Broadway-approved "Summer: The Donna Summer Musical" and "The Price Is Right Live." I found myself giggling throughout the latter.</p><p>This, combined with the fun activities and food options, made sailing on the Prima an entertaining experience that I would consider booking again.</p><h2>Royal Caribbean International's Wonder of the Seas: overstimulating and packed with activities</h2><div type="image" title="The Wonder of the Seas cruise ship at a port." height="1533" width="2300" msid="104988310" hostid="261"></div><p>After boarding the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/review-royal-caribbean-wonder-of-the-sea-cruise-ship-photos-2023-1"><u>Wonder of the Seas</u></a> in December 2022, I think Royal Caribbean's big bet on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/royal-caribbean-taken-big-bets-on-big-cruise-ships-2023-1"><u>mega cruise ships</u></a> is paying off. My two-night sailing on the world's biggest cruise ship just wasn't enough time to test all of the ship's amenities.</p><p>At its massive size, there was plenty of room for "neighborhoods," such as a boardwalk, a park, an outdoor entertainment center with activities such as a zipline, and a colorful pool deck with water slides. Several of these spaces looked more like those of an amusement park than a cruise liner.</p><div type="image" title="A composite image of the boardwalk and pool deck on the wonder of the seas." height="1500" width="3000" msid="104988312" hostid="261"></div><p>The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/favorite-amenities-royal-caribbean-wonder-of-the-seas-cruise-2023-1"><u>list of Wonder of the Seas' amenities</u></a>, which included some I'd never seen on a ship before, seemed endless. If it managed to overwhelm me for two nights, I'm sure it'd keep any family booked and busy.</p><p>From an ice-skating show to an exhilarating outdoor swim, dive, and dance performance, the entertainment options were also diverse. The former was a bore — I left early. But the dramatics and coordination of the latter made it the most impressive cruise-ship show I've ever seen.</p><div type="image" title="A composite image of a stateroom and a plate with fried chicken." height="1500" width="3000" msid="104988313" hostid="261"></div><p>Onto the negatives — to start, the food quality wasn't consistent. While my buffet and dinner meals at Hooked Seafood were satisfactory, the dry and flavorless fried chicken at the new-to-brand Mason Jar was disappointing.</p><p>My <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/balcony-stateroom-on-royal-caribbeans-wonder-of-the-seas-cruise-2022-12"><u>balcony stateroom</u></a> was also a massive letdown. Sure, it had <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/review-stateroom-royal-caribbean-wonder-of-the-seas-cruise-2022-12"><u>all the essentials</u></a>, large storage units, and a clothesline in the shower. But the bathroom wouldn't be comfortable for two people, water splashed out of the sink basin whenever I washed my hands, and the bland decor was a stark contrast from the sensory overload of the rest of the ship. The stateroom looked more utilitarian than it did fun.</p><h2>Margaritaville at Sea's Paradise: cheap and quick</h2><div type="image" title="A composite image of the pool deck and lounge of Margaritaville at Sea" height="1500" width="3000" msid="104988315" hostid="261"></div><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/jimmy-buffett-margaritaville-resorts-rv-parks-cruise-line-is-like-2023-9"><u>The Margaritaville empire's</u></a> nascent cruise line exclusively operates two-night round-trip sailings like clockwork from Palm Beach, Florida, to Freeport, Bahamas. It's a great <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/margaritaville-at-sea-unlimited-cruise-pass-2023-3"><u>cruise for budget travelers</u></a> — most of these dates can be booked for well under $200 a person, including some at $50.</p><p>But Margaritaville at Sea's attraction ends at its eye-catching fares. When I attended the ship's one-night inaugural sailing in May 2022, I realized travelers get what they pay for: a very old ship. Before it adopted <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/margaritaville-branding-cruises-hotels-restaurants-2022-11"><u>Jimmy Buffetts' branding</u></a>, Margaritaville at Sea was the budget operator Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, and the Paradise was its 30-year-old flagship Grand Classica vessel.</p><div type="image" title="An outdoor restaurant." height="1533" width="2044" msid="104988316" hostid="261"></div><p>Sure, the vessel had some references to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-margaritavilles-latest-rv-resort-hotel-2022-10"><u>Buffett</u></a> in the names of its venues, signage, and wall art. But besides that and a handful of new decor (shown above), it didn't seem as if the ship had undergone a massive cosmetic overhaul to align with the Margaritaville brand.</p><p>Instead, the Paradise looked out of style and place compared with other properties in the hospitality giant's portfolio. And when I tried to use the public restroom on the pool deck, the flush almost fell off its mount.</p><p>Similarly, instead of an immersive <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-staying-at-margaritavilles-new-florida-rv-resort-2022-5"><u>Margaritaville accommodation</u></a> with beach-cottage-like decor, my <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/margaritaville%20at%20sea-cruise-line-stateroom-review-2022-5"><u>176-square-foot oceanview stateroom</u></a> was bare and looked as old as the original song. While functional, the dark lines in my bathroom shower looked dirty, while the yellowish walls and wood accents made my cabin feel outdated and unkempt.</p><div type="image" title="A composite image of a bedroom and bathroom on the Margaritaville cruise" height="1500" width="3000" msid="104988317" hostid="261"></div><p>On the plus side, my meal at JWB Prime Steakhouse might have been one of the best steakhouse dinners I've ever had. But <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/travelers-spending-more-money-on-cruises-2023-10"><u>guests have to pay extra</u></a> to eat there.</p><p>The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/margaritaville-spent-millions-of-dollars-into-updating-its-cruise-ship-2023-7"><u>cruise line has since spent millions of dollars</u></a> updating areas such as the staterooms and adding amenities such as a pickleball court. I haven't boarded the ship since this refresh. But my first experience has left me so cynical that I don't plan on giving it a second try. I'm not sure a few million dollars is enough to fix its "<a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/margaritaville-cruise-tiktok-the-spirit-airlines-of-the-sea-2023-4"><u>Spirit Airlines of the Sea</u></a>" reputation.</p><h2>Explora Journeys' Explora I: luxurious, expensive, and boring</h2><div type="image" title="People walking on the Explora I cruise ship" height="1725" width="2300" msid="104988318" hostid="261"></div><p>MSC Group's new Explora Journeys is a growing luxury-cruise brand you probably haven't heard of. I spent one night on its first $560 million Explora I ship in October while it was docked in New York City, and I think the new brand made a great first attempt at breaking into the luxury market.</p><p>While my <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/explora-i-ocean-terrace-stateroom-review-2023-10"><u>ocean terrace suite</u></a> was the smallest cabin on the ship, it was more luxurious than any hotel I've paid for. My cabin's walk-in closet, welcome bottle of Veuve Clicquot, Dyson hairdryer, and balcony daybed won me over. But the cheapest itinerary in 2024 comes out to $500 a day per person — it's up to you if you think these little luxuries justify this steep price.</p><div type="image" title="A luxurious stateroom." height="1725" width="2300" msid="104988320" hostid="261"></div><p>Like the Wonder of the Seas, there were spaces aboard the ship that looked nothing like an average cruise vessel. Instead of a typical atrium, upscale stores such as Rolex and Cartier surrounded what looked like a hotel bar. And instead of a large central pool deck, the Explora I had four smaller pools, including an infinity pool and one under a retractable glass roof.</p><p>At its price, it's fair to expect luxury food. The thinly sliced wagyu at the pan-Asian Sakura was one of the best dishes I've had on a ship. But I preferred my own baked miso cod to the one I was served.</p><div type="image" title="A composite image of the Explora I bar and pool" height="1500" width="3000" msid="104988322" hostid="261"></div><p>Luckily, the ship didn't have any splashy "production-style shows" for me to turn my nose up at. But once again, I'm not sure how much time I can spend in the spa or at the outdoor gym before I'm bored. So, while I appreciated the rows of cabanas and modern lounges, I think a weeklong vacation on the Explora I would be too quiet for me.</p><h2>Oceania Cruises' Vista: upscale but boring</h2><div type="image" title="The Oceania Vista and a walking track." height="1725" width="2300" msid="104988324" hostid="261"></div><p>In late September, I spent one night on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/oceania-cruises-new-vista-ship-review-luxury-2023-10"><u>Oceania Cruises' Vista</u></a> while it was docked in New York City. I think the new ship is a great option for mature travelers who are interested in higher-end cruises but don't want to pay for the likes of Regent Seven Seas.</p><p>For a food-focused cruise line, my dinner in the Grand Dining Room had luxurious options such as monkfish and caviar. But in retrospect, it was memorable only because of the ingredients, not the taste. Unfortunately, my lobster didn't beat the comforts of Norwegian Prima's food hall or the wagyu from Explora.</p><p>Appropriately for a premium cruise ship, my <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/review-stateroom-on-oceania-cruises-new-vista-cruise-ship-photos-2023-9"><u>veranda stateroom</u></a> was lined with one of the largest balconies I've ever had. And small details such as designated cup holders in the bathroom, a complimentary beverage station, and Bulgari toiletries made it stand out from any veranda cabin on a mass-market cruise ship.</p><div type="image" title="A composite image of a cruise cabin and pool deck" height="1500" width="3000" msid="104988326" hostid="261"></div><p>Like my accommodations, the Vista's common spaces, such as the library lounge, had an upscale flair. Even the circular daybed-lined pool deck was more elevated and modern than the typical cruise-ship pool surrounded by generic lounge chairs. And while there were no water slides or arcades, there was a large putting green and walking track.</p><p>Unsurprisingly, I did not enjoy the cringy "Headliners'' evening song-and-dance show. And because I had limited time on the ship, I didn't get to experience activities such as cooking or art classes. This might have made a difference — but in the end, I again found the ship to be too calm for my liking.</p><h2>The verdict: Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas is my favorite</h2><div type="image" title="A carousel on a cruise ship." height="1725" width="2300" msid="104988327" hostid="261"></div><p>While I appreciated the upscale qualities of Explora and Oceania's vessels, I couldn't imagine spending more than three days on either ship. Similarly, while Margaritaville at Sea Paradise's cheap costs are enticing, I don't plan to sail on it again.</p><p>My favorite cruise liners are the ones with engaging activities and creative spaces that don't look like those of a typical ship. The Wonder of the Seas executed all of this — more than the Norwegian Prima — perfectly, enough to make me overlook the sore spots of my stateroom and mediocre meal. Because of this, it's the one ship I'll continue recommending to most cruise fans.</p><p>But that doesn't mean it has to be your favorite. If your priority is a cheap, quick-and-dirty getaway, Margaritaville at Sea Paradise is great. If you want something luxurious but don't want to spend too much, try the Oceania Vista — or the Explora I if you really want to ball out. And if you're traveling with children, Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas and the Norwegian Prima are great options. The latter two are the only ones I'd consider booking again.</p>

I've been on 6 cruise ships &mdash; here's how they compare and the one I would recommend

<ul class="summary-list"><li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cruise-industry-business-model-changing-bad-news-for-travelers-2023-4">Traveling on a cruise ship can</a> be cheaper than replicating the itinerary with flights and hotels.</li><li>But small fees can quickly increase the cost of your vacation at sea.</li></ul><p>If you're not careful, you could easily blow past the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-i-sailed-margairatvilles-new-cruise-ship-wont-again-2022-5#when-margaritaville-and-bahamas-paradise-joined-forces-the-latter-company-and-its-cruise-ship-adopted-the-margaritaville-at-seas-name-11"><u>base fare of your cruise vacation</u></a>.</p><p>Compared to recreating a cruise itinerary with airfare and hotels, booking a vacation at sea could be an economical vacation option. After all, the ticket includes accommodations, access to the pool deck, food, and entertainment.</p><p>But on top of the price to sail, you could find yourself dishing out more cash than you initially anticipated. And it's not just for the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/review-royal-caribbean-bahamas-cococay-private-island-photos-2023-3">fun excursions at port</a>: Expect to pay up for comforts like WiFi, nice restaurants, and booze.</p><p>If you're new to cruises, these are the six fees to watch out for and one sneaky psychological trick that could get you to spend more, especially if you're traveling on a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/review-royal-caribbean-wonder-of-the-sea-cruise-ship-photos-2023-1"><u>new ship</u></a> filled with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-royal-caribbean-new-icon-of-the-seas-cruise-ship-2022-10"><u>attractive and expensive amenities</u></a>.</p><h2>1. Flights</h2><div type="image" title="Holland America Line's Volendam in Alaska." height="1250" width="2500" msid="105473941" hostid="261" sizebytes="169350"></div><p>Budgeting for the cost of flights is an obvious must-do when planning a vacation. But for travelers interested in taking a European cruise, Patrick Scholes, an analyst at Truist Securities, suggests booking airfare before the cruise. If not, your flight could be more expensive than the sailing itself.</p><p>Let's look at an example: From May 10 to 12, Royal Caribbean says its Anthem of the Seas will sail two nights roundtrip from Southampton, England to Le Havre, France starting at $366 per person. But roundtrip flights can easily match or exceed that price, more than doubling the cost of the entire trip.</p><h2>2. WiFi</h2><div type="image" title="Wonder of the Seas Solarium" height="1725" width="2300" msid="105473943" hostid="261" sizebytes="299468"></div><p>Spending days without internet connectivity may seem impossible to some travelers. And cruise lines know that — <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cruise-lines-increasing-gratuity-wifi-fees-speciality-restaurants-2023-1"><u>WiFi</u> on ships</a> can range from about $10 to well over $20.</p><p>With Carnival, the ability to browse social media sites like Instagram and Facebook starts at $12.75 a day. But for people who want access to all of the internet, it'll be $17 a day. And this still doesn't include streaming or video calls, which is an additional $1.70 daily.</p><p>With Norwegian Cruise Line, be ready to pay $30 a day for one device. Again, this doesn't include streaming, which is an additional $10 daily.</p><h2>3. Specialty dining</h2><div type="image" title="Two chefs in front of teppanyaki in the MSC Meraviglia" height="1725" width="2300" msid="105473947" hostid="261" sizebytes="226414"></div><p>Cruise fares generally include access to venues like the buffet and the main dining room. But if you want to splurge on a sushi or steakhouse dinner, you'll have to pay up.</p><p>For example, a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/royal-caribbean-wonder-of-the-seas-worlds-largest-cruise-tour-2022-12"><u>teppanyaki dinner at Royal Caribbean's</u></a> Izumi restaurant starts at $46 per person. But if you plan to hit at least three specialty restaurants during your cruise, you're better off buying the unlimited or three, four, or five-restaurant package starting at $75 per person for three venues.</p><h2>4. Alcohol</h2><div type="image" title="The amenities inside Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Prima cruise ship." height="1875" width="2500" msid="105473949" hostid="261" sizebytes="347258"></div><p>Be prepared to pay for the luxury of sunbathing on the pool deck with a piña colada in hand. Many major cruise lines sell beverage packages for soda and alcohol drinkers.</p><p>With Carnival, this starts at $60 a day — not including the 18% service charge — for spirits, sodas, and caffeine under $20 each with a limit of 15 alcoholic beverages daily. With <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/era-solo-cruising-here-norwegian-new-solo-staterooms-photos-2023-10"><u>Norwegian</u></a>, the Premium Plus beverage package is $138 daily plus gratuity.</p><h2>5. Onboard activities</h2><div type="image" title="Norwegian Prima" height="1650" width="2200" msid="105473950" hostid="261" sizebytes="187188"></div><p>Everyone knows excursions at port cost extra money to book. But on the ship itself, there are plenty of fun activities that could quietly drain your wallet as well.</p><p>From robotic rides to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/new-luxury-explora-cruise-ship-photos-2023-10#for-guests-who-need-a-relaxing-getaway-access-to-the-spa-but-not-its-services-is-included-in-the-fare-7"><u>fancy spas</u></a> to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/9-reasons-royal-caribbean-icon-of-the-seas-shake-industry-2023-7"><u>water parks at sea</u></a>, several new cruise ships are decked out with enticing amenities. And of course, guests may have to pay to access some of them.</p><p>On the Norwegian Prima, it's $29 for one hour of unlimited play in the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-review-new-11-billion-norwegian-prima-cruise-ship-2022-10#i-understand-why-some-travelers-gravitate-toward-the-slow-relaxing-form-of-vacationing-4"><u>VR arcade</u></a>. To go-kart, it'll be $15 per person.</p><h2>6. Gratuity</h2><div type="image" title="the bedroom with windows that overlook the water" height="1667" width="2500" msid="105473951" hostid="261" sizebytes="143070"></div><p>On cruise lines like luxury newcomer <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/msc-new-luxury-cruise-ship-review-2023-10"><u>Explora Journeys</u></a>, gratuity is included in the base fare. But with lines like Celebrity Cruises and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-review-new-11-billion-norwegian-prima-cruise-ship-2022-10#norwegian-cruise-line-invited-me-to-sail-on-its-newest-cruise-ship-the-norwegian-prima-during-its-roundtrip-four-night-inaugural-sailing-from-new-york-city-to-halifax-nova-scotia-in-early-october-1"><u>Norwegian</u></a>, daily gratuity payments have been increasing. On the latter, this daily tip rate was increased from $20 to $25 in 2023 for passengers staying in the most expensive suites.</p><p>Increasing daily gratuities — while some companies like Norwegian have cut back on housekeeping services — serves as an automatic pay boost for the crew, helping cruise lines attract more workers, Scholes told Business Insider in early 2023.</p><h2>7. Pre-booking activities before the cruise</h2><div type="image" title="Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas cruise ship" height="1725" width="2300" msid="105474171" hostid="261" sizebytes="437630"></div><p>Cruise lines have been making a "huge effort" to pre-book onboard activities, Robin Farley, a leisure analyst at UBS, told Business Insider. While not a specific fee, customers who tend to do this could find themselves splurging more during their vacation.</p><p>In the second quarter of 2023, about two-thirds of Royal Caribbean Group's travelers reserved some "onboard activities" before the vacation, "translating into incremental spend once on board," Jason Liberty, the cruise giant's CEO, told investors in a call in July.</p><p>Travelers tend to book their vacations at sea — and additional packages — six to nine months in advance. So when it's finally time to travel and those initial costs have been paid off, some end up boarding the cruise ready to spend as if they hadn't already, Scholes told Business Insider in early 2023. But as long as you're keeping a close eye on how much you've been spending, this probably won't be an issue.</p>

Watch out for these 6 fees and 1 sneaky trick that could make your cruise vacation more expensive

<ul class="summary-list"><li>I've been going on cruises for over 10 years, so I have some <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/advice-for-first-time-cruisers-from-ship-employee-2022-8">tips for first-time cruisers</a>.</li><li>Book directly through a cruise line and reconsider drink packages to save money. </li></ul><p>I've been on dozens of cruises in the past 10 years, and I've learned a lot about the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/things-to-know-before-first-cruise-former-employee-reveals-2022-9">best ways to sail</a>.</p><p>Here are my best <a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/things-to-never-do-on-your-first-cruise-according-to-cruise-director-2023-2">tips for someone booking their first cruise</a>.</p><h2><strong><span>Take the time to choose the right cruise line and ship for you</span></strong></h2><p><span>Not all cruise lines are the same. Some, like </span><a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/recommend-disney-cruises-all-ages-pros-cons-from-frequent-traveler"><span>Disney Cruise Line</span></a><span>, showcase beloved characters and have mostly family-friendly activities. </span></p><p><span>Others, like </span><a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/norweigan-cruise-line-not-worth-it-says-frequent-cruiser-2023-8"><span>Norwegian Cruise Line</span></a><span>, target cruisers looking for a more upscale and modern cruise ship with plenty to do for adults and older teens.</span></p><p><span>To find the right cruise line, consider what you want to do on the ship and the types of travelers you want to sail with. </span></p><p><span>Then, narrow down to the right ship by looking at what each offers. Also, consider your budget and </span><a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/where-are-the-best-and-worst-rooms-on-cruise-ship"><span>what type of stateroom you'll want to book</span></a><span>.</span></p><h2><strong><span>Book your cruise by calling the cruise line directly to get the best deal</span></strong></h2><div type="image" title="Disney Wish at Castaway Cay" height="2268" width="3024" msid="106358105" hostid="261" sizebytes="524542"></div><p><span>In my experience, the best way to get deals is to call the cruise line directly to book your sailing. </span></p><p><span>Although you may have seen some deals on the cruise line's website,  people working in the booking center can see every deal you're eligible for at once. </span></p><p><span>Because of that, they can see which offer will save you the most money.</span></p><p><span>For example, on a recent sailing with Carnival, I saw discounts on standard balcony rooms online. When I called, an employee told me I was also eligible for a discount through the casino because of my spending on a previous sailing. </span></p><p><span>I'd had no idea, and the latter was the better deal for me and my family.</span></p><h2><strong><span>Join a Facebook group for your cruise</span></strong></h2><p><span>After you book your cruise, try to find the appropriate Facebook group for your sailing. </span></p><p><span>You can do that by using the search bar and typing in the ship's name and the dates of your sailing, like "Norwegian Prima, December 2-5, 2022."</span></p><p><span>If you can't find one, consider starting one yourself. </span></p><p><span>The groups are a fun way to meet other people who are going to be on your sailing. They're also a great place to ask questions about the trip. </span></p><p><span>I've learned a lot from lurking in these groups.</span></p><h2><strong><span>Try to explore the ship online before you leave your house</span></strong></h2><p><span>All major cruise lines have ship models online that guests can virtually explore before getting to the terminal. </span></p><p><span>This is a great tool to use to learn where your stateroom is, what's around it, and which activities are on the ship.</span></p><p><span>Usually, you can explore the ship floor-by-floor, and if you click on a restaurant, lounge, or something else, a small description of the space will pop up so you can learn more about it.</span></p><h2><strong><span>Book the port excursions you want to do ahead of time</span></strong></h2><div type="image" title="Megan DuBois, author, in a mickey baseball cap with a coconut drink looking out into Castaway Cay" height="3024" width="4032" msid="106358109" hostid="261" sizebytes="537860"></div><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/things-not-to-do-on-cruises-according-to-staff-2021-7"><span>Booking a port excursion</span></a><span> before getting on the ship is the best way to secure your spot on tours and fun activities. </span></p><p><span>Many people will book excursions on the ship, and the lines at the port desk can get very long, especially as more people arrive.</span></p><p><span>You may also want to consider booking excursions with reliable third-party vendors that have good reviews online and don't take you too far from the pier. </span></p><p><span>All-inclusive beach days are a great option to book with third-party groups because most beaches are just a short walk or taxi ride away from the ship.</span></p><p><span>The downside to booking excursions that are not through the cruise line is that if you are late getting back, the ship will not wait for you, and you could be left in an unfamiliar port city. </span></p><p><span>The best bet to not get left behind is to leave the excursion or beach at least an hour and a half before the ship's departure time.</span></p><h2><strong><span>Try to get to the departure city at least a day early</span></strong></h2><p><span>One of the biggest </span><a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/best-ways-save-money-on-cruise-from-frequent-traveler-2023-8"><span>stress-relieving tips for cruising</span></a><span> is getting to your cruise's departure city at least a day early. </span></p><p><span>This will help you board the ship on time and relieve some travel stress regarding delayed flights on the day your ship sets sail. </span></p><p><span>Arriving a day early will add to your overall vacation cost, so be sure to budget for an extra night at a hotel and food for the extra day.</span></p><h2><strong>Always pack a carry-on bag for the first day of the cruise</strong></h2><p>When boarding a cruise ship, you don't carry your larger suitcases with you. </p><p>On embarkation day, staterooms typically aren't ready until later in the afternoon, and luggage can arrive well after dinner.</p><p>Because of this, I recommend bringing a carry-on bag for the first day of your cruise. </p><p>I usually suggest bringing a swimsuit so you can enjoy the pool, plus any charging cords, medications, and sunscreen you may need.</p><h2><strong><span>Really, really consider if drink packages are worth it</span></strong></h2><div type="image" title="Two drinks on cocktail napkins on Carnival Elation" height="2268" width="3024" msid="106358111" hostid="261" sizebytes="326256"></div><p><span>Most cruise lines offer </span><a target="_blank" href="https://www.insider.com/why-cruise-drink-packages-are-not-worth-money-frequent-cruiser-opinion"><span>drink packages</span></a><span> that can draw you in with the idea that you pay a flat fee once and get over a dozen alcoholic beverages in one day. </span></p><p><span>But I suggest crunching some numbers to decide if the packages will be worth it for you. For many packages, you need to drink seven or eight cocktails a day to break even. </span></p><p><span>On most cruise lines, everyone in your stateroom has to order the drink package to deter people from sharing drinks with others. </span></p><p><span>Drink packages are priced per day and must be bought for the entirety of a cruise. So, on a seven-night cruise, you must buy a seven-night drink package.</span></p><p><span>But you can also check if the drink package includes specialty coffee or milkshakes, which can help offset the cost.</span></p>

You Searched For "norwegian prima" and got 12 results

Norwegian unveiled plans for a new cruise ship — complete with a roller coaster waterslide and night club to take on Royal Caribbean

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Norwegian's latest cruise ship — complete with go-kart track — will begin sailing in 2023. Take a look at the Viva.

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We took trips on a year-old Norwegian Cruise Line ship and a 25-year-old one. The differences show the evolution of the industry.

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I sailed on two Norwegian cruises — one that's $685 a night and one that's $130. Here's how I think they compare.

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See the top 10 family activities on Norwegian Cruise Line's new Prima ship: go-karts, a VR arcade, and lots of food

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Norwegian's new Prima cruise ship will feature a 10-story slide and three-level go-kart racetrack. Here's how the vessel will look.

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I sailed on Norwegian Cruise Line's new $1.1 billion Prima ship as a cruise hater see why it was the first time I've ever enjoyed a cruise

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I sailed on Norwegian Cruise Line's new $1.1 billion Prima cruise ship with two Starbucks, a 10-story slide, and a go-kart track see what it was like

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Cruises are expensive but they're the best value. My family's cruise cost $3,500 less than a similar trip on land.

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I've been on 6 cruise ships here's how they compare and the one I would recommend

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Watch out for these 6 fees and 1 sneaky trick that could make your cruise vacation more expensive

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I've been cruising for over a decade. Here are 8 tips everyone should know before booking their first cruise.

Megan duBois