There are many reasons why you might want to purchase a car rental when taking acruise out of Port Everglades. Serving millions of cruise ship passengers per year, the Fort Lauderdale cruise hub is conveniently situated near the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and several popular South Florida travel destinations.
So, it wouldn’t be surprising if you wanted to stick around and explore the region before or after your cruise — and a car rental makes it possible. Here’s everything you need to know.
Where to Find the Best Port Everglades Car Rentals
The best car rental options for those sailing out of Port Everglades are undoubtedly going to be those found with the handful of car rental providers that offer a free shuttle pick-up service to and from the pier.
This shuttle service will negate the need to grab an Uber or similar rideshare to get between the port and your rental car, making your trip all the more convenient.
The below car rental companies all offer shuttle services to and from Port Everglades, as well as agreeable prices. Of course, pricing can vary depending on a range of factors, such as the type of vehicle you rent, length of rental period, seasonal demand and more.
Likewise, prices may change at any time. Prices quoted are in USD and for comparison purposes only and are for the cheapest available reservation for one day in peak Caribbean cruise season, which is late winter through spring. For the most accurate pricing, contact the rental company with your precise needs and any further queries.
Avis – from $52.19
Avis Port Everglades offers a free shuttle to Port Everglades with car rentals from the provider’s 2520 Miami Rd location in Fort Lauderdale.
Open daily from 8 am to 6 pm with shorter hours on weekends and holidays, Avis has all sizes of cars available, from economy to full size, plus SUVs, minivans, convertibles, pickup trucks, premium cars and passenger vans for up to approx 15 passengers.
Budget – from $36.44
Located 1.2 miles from Port Everglades at 2520 Miami Rd., Fort Lauderdale, and just five minutes from the cruise terminals, Budget offers full car rental services near Port Everglades.
Complimentary shuttle buses transfer renters to and from the cruise terminal, making it easy to drop off and/or pick-up your Port Everglades car rental.
Budget rents all sizes of cars, including compact, standard, full size, luxury, SUV, hybrid, premium, coupes, pickups, recreational vehicles and passenger vans for groups.
Payless – from $36.55
Open daily from 8 am, the Payless car rentals’ office is 1.2 miles from Port Everglades, at 2520 Miami Rd., Fort Lauderdale. The office offers low-price car rentals and your rental includes free cruise shuttle service to the port.
Available vehicles include economy, compact, midsize, full size, SUV, pickup, luxury, minivan and 12-seater passenger vans for cruise groups.
Gold Coast Car Rentals – from $58.30
A local provider, Gold Coast Car Rentals is based at the 3000 SE 6th Ave light, one mile from the airport and two miles from Port Everglades cruise terminals. The rental company offers shuttle transportation to both the airport and Port Everglades, from the rental agency location.
Fort Lauderdale Airport Car Rentals
Terminal at Port Everglades (Photo Credit: Solarisys)
Note that the below Fort Lauderdale Airport car rental companies do not have shuttle services to Port Everglades. As such, you’ll need to plan certain aspects of your trip accordingly.
For example, if you want to explore the area in your rental car before your cruise, plan to pick up your rental car immediately after your flight lands.
Then, return the rental car the day of your cruise embarkation, and get an Uber or Lyft to Port Everglades. When your cruise returns, you’ll need to get a rideshare back to the airport to catch your flight.
In contrast, if you want to explore the area in your rental car after your cruise, plan to take an Uber or Lyft from the airport to Port Everglades to catch your cruise.
Then, when your ship returns to Fort Lauderdale, take another rideshare back to the airport, pick up your rental car and start exploring. When you’re ready to depart, simply return the rental car to the airport ahead of your flight home.
Alamo from $46.66
Alamo car rentals are available at the brand’s Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport location. The office is open daily from 5 a.m. to midnight, and is located at 600 Terminal Dr. STE 202, Fort Lauderdale.
Hertz – from $38
Hertz car rentals are available at the brand’s Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport location, at 600 Terminal Dr. This Hertz office is open daily from 5 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Book ahead and choose the best car for your needs, whether that’s a compact, standard, intermediate, SUV, Jeep, passenger van or luxury car.
Dollar Car Rental – from $44.05
Open from 5 a.m. to midnight every day, the Dollar Car Rental office at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport offers a range of vehicles, including electric compact vehicles, SUVS, mid-size ATVs, economy cars and more.
ACE Rent A Car – from $53.51
ACE Rent A Car’s Fort Lauderdale airport office offers sedans, SUVs, vans and economy cars.
Budget – from $40.49
Budget’s Fort Lauderdale Airport office is at 600 Terminal Drive, on the 4th floor Car Rental Center. Budget provides a shuttle between the rental counter and the rental car lot, but not to and from the port.
The office operates 24/7 and offers all sizes of car including compact, standard, full size, luxury, SUV, hybrid, premium, coupes, pickups, recreational vehicles and passenger vans for up to 15 passengers.
Fox Rent a Car from $29.75
Fox Rent A Car is located in the Fort Lauderdale airport rental car office at 600 Terminal Dr. The office operates 5 a.m. to midnight and offers a full range of compact and family-size cars, SUVs, minivans and luxury vehicles at low prices.
Tips for Saving Money on Car Rentals
Driving to Port Everglades (Photo Credit: Khairil Azhar Junos)
Beyond choosing one of the more affordable car rental options listed above, and opting for a rental service that provides a shuttle to and from Port Everglades, there are a few other things you can do to save yourself a little cash on rental rates.
Pay Up Front
Book your Port Everglades car rental ahead of time and save money by paying up-front and taking a “no cancellation” option. If you do this, just be 100% positive that you won’t need to cancel or make any modifications to your booking (if you do, you’ll lose the money, as you won’t be eligible for a full or partial refund).
Avoid One-Way Car Rentals
Most car rental companies charge a surcharge for one-way car rentals. That means if you are picking up a car rental near Port Everglades cruise terminal and dropping it off at Orlando Airport, for example, the rental company will add a one-way charge to your invoice to cover the relocation of the car, if necessary. If you can return the car to the same rental location, you can avoid that fee.
Only List one Driver on Your Rental
When you choose a rental policy that allows for multiple drivers, some car rentals companies will charge more for each added drivers license or passport on the policy. By choosing just one designated driver that meets the minimum age requirements, you could save money.
Stay Away from Airport Rentals
Many car rental companies charge an airport concession fee. If you want a car rental in Fort Lauderdale, choose a rental car office that is near the port and not at the airport, for potentially lower rates.
Bring the Car Back With a Full Tank of Gas
Car Rental offices (photo Credit: Solarisys / Shutterstock)
If you opt to bring the car back without filling up the gas tank, you usually pay more per gallon for the gas, via the rental car company’s charges, and they may also add a service fee.
You can gamble with the “pick-up full – return low” fixed price offered by some companies, but you run the risk of running out of gas on that all-important journey to Port Everglades if you run the tank too low.
The cheapest and least stressful option is to simply return the car with a full gas tank. There are plenty of gas stations close to Port Everglades car rental drop-off points, so plan to fill up with gas just before returning the vehicle.
Choose Your Rental Insurance Carefully
Paying a voluntary deductible for damage and declining personal accident insurance can significantly lower the price of your Port Everglades cruise port car rental. Check the small print and terms of service, and opt for the right insurance option for your needs.
Look for Coupons
Many online car rental providers run specials and sales. Take advantage of these deals by looking for a coupon code ahead of your booking.
In some cases, you can simply sign up for a rental provider’s marketing emails and get a best rate guarantee and special savings delivered right to your inbox (make sure to check your junk e-mail folder!).
Save Money on Your Car Rental — And Have More to Spend During Your Cruise!
If you plan on exploring Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding region (Miami is only a short drive away!), either before or after your cruise, you’ll need a rental car.
Luckily, there are plenty of options, and even some incredibly budget-friendly options that include shuttle service to and from Port Everglades. With a few savvy booking decisions, you can save yourself a ton of cash, and have more to spend on having fun during your cruise.
Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale is a very popular embarkation point for those taking a Caribbean cruise. Serving millions of passengers each year, cruise ships from a handful of cruise lines sail from Port Everglades on a regular basis.
While, often, it’s smart to fly in and then take a rideshare or public transit to the cruise port, if you want to drive a rental car or personal vehicle to the port, you’ll need somewhere to park that vehicle. Luckily, at Port Everglades, you have plenty of parking lot options.
There are several self-parking parking garages and lots, on-site at Port Everglades, all of which can, in total, accommodate more than 5,500 vehicles.
The Heron Parking Garage can accommodate nearly 2,000 vehicles and offers 8-foot clearance. Park at this facility if you’re sailing out of Cruise Terminal 2 or 4.
Cruise Terminal 2 is accessible from the garage via an air-conditioned elevated passenger bridge with moving sidewalks, on the garage’s fifth floor. To find this garage, after you enter the port, just look for the orange signs featuring a heron.
The Palm Parking Garage offers 1,966 spaces, but the height of a parking space in this garage is only 7 feet, so it might not be the best fit for larger vehicles.
Park here if you’re cruising out of Terminals 19, 21, 25, 26 or 29. Shuttle service is available between the garage and Terminal 29. To find this garage, just look for the green directional signs featuring a palm frond.
Beyond these two garages, there are also three parking lots.
If you’re cruising out of Terminal 19 or 26, consider using the open-air Parking Lot A, with its entrance at 2000 Eller Drive. If you’re cruising out of Terminal 18 or 19, consider Parking Lot B, with its entrance at SE 19th Ave. If you’re cruising out of Terminal 18, consider Parking Lot C, which is right next to Terminal 18.
These secure garages and lots include plenty of handicap-friendly spots as well. Parking fees are also waived for those that can display a Florida Toll Exemption Permit, a Disabled Veteran license plate or vehicle modifications made for disabilities (like added ramps).
Do note that you can’t reserve or prepay for your spot at Port Everglades. Parking is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
For large vehicles, like RVs or vehicles with trailers (or really anything over 20 feet or that exceeds standard width), you may need a special spot that can accommodate that vehicle. Limited oversized spots are available on-site, for slightly higher daily rates, but you have to call the ports parking service office for details.
Rate: $4 for 0 – 1 hour, $8 for up to 5 hours, and a $20 daily maximum ($25 daily maximum for oversized vehicles)
Unofficial Fort Lauderdale Cruise Parking Options
Cruise passengers don’t have to park at Port Everglades, though, if they don’t want to. You have other, competitive Port Everglades cruise port parking options, if, for example, you don’t want to risk showing up to the on-site Port Everglades parking lots and not being able to find a parking spot, or you want to shop around for a lower rate.
Some of these off-site options offer shuttle services during the cruiseport hours of operation. Others provide easy confirmation of your reservation, so you can rest assured your spot is waiting for you, upon arrival.
Park by the Ports
Park by the Ports Lot
Park by the Ports allows you to reserve your parking spot ahead of time. While parking rates vary depending on when you reserve your spot and how long you park, you can expect to generally find day rates cheaper than what you’ll get at Port Everglades (so less than $20/day).
When you arrive at the lot and check in, the staff will help you with your luggage and then shuttle you to Port Everglades. The shuttle service is free if you have four or fewer members in your party.
For more than four people, every additional passenger incurs a fee of $8. Shuttle service is available from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Shuttle service is available for pick-up as well, to bring you back to the parking lot on your disembarkation day.
Do note that Park by the Ports does not offer shuttle service or staffing during holiday periods. The lot does not accommodate RVs either.
Park by the Ports’ lot is at 100 Fronton Blvd, situated within the Dania Beach casino parking lot. Go to the NE corner of the casino. There, you’ll find a white trailer, where you can check in. You’ll be given stickers to wear for pick-up, so that your driver can identify you when you come back from your cruise.
Rates: Less than $20/day
Gold Coast Cruise & Fly Parking
Arriving at Port Everglades, Florida (Photo Credit: Solarisys)
Gold Coast Cruise & Fly Parking is located about a mile from Port Everglades. You can reserve your spot there ahead of time, drop off your car and then a valet will park it while the shuttle service whisks you away to your cruise terminal.
You can book additional services, too, to be performed while you’re away, such as a car wash ($10), wash and vacuum ($20) or full car detail ($35).
Unfortunately, this parking provider’s website is not exactly easy to navigate, and getting a quote for parking requires contacting a staff member directly.
Parking at Nearby Hotels
Hampton Inn, Fort Lauderdale (Photo Credit: Buddy Phillips)
There is also the option of parking at nearby hotels, many of which will offer you free or highly discounted parking for the length of your cruise, so long as you book a stay with them before your cruise embarks.
Some of these hotels offer shuttle service to the Ft Lauderdale cruise port and Fort Lauderdale International Airport, while others do not. If the latter is the case at your chosen property, you may need to take a Lyft or Uber.
Parking for Your Next Cruise Shouldn’t Be Stressful!
Parking for your cruise shouldn’t be stressful. You shouldn’t have to spend minutes of your cruise worried about getting a parking ticket or whether or not you’ll make it back to your car during a garage’s closed hours.
So, get your cruise off on the right foot by thinking about your parking options ahead of time and planning accordingly. Doing so will allow you to have the smoothest, most stress-free embarkation day and cruise possible.
While not the biggest cruise line in the world, MSC Cruises still boasts an impressive more than 20 ships in its fleet. These ships range from older, smaller ships — with the oldest in the fleet being 2001’s MSC Armonia — to bigger, better ships with lots of bells and whistles, like the brand-new, 2025 MSC World America.
If you’re interested in cruising with MSC Cruises, but are unsure which ship you should sail on, here are the quick, need-to-know details, with MSC Cruises’ ships organized from newest to oldest.
MSC World Asia (2026)
MSC World Asia Cruise Ship (Image Courtesy: MSC Cruises)
MSC World Asia will become the third world-class cruise ship for MSC Cruises. The ship is under construction at France’s Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard, where the first piece of steel was cut in April 2024. MSc World Asia will be LNG-powered and one of the most advanced and sustainable vessels in the fleet.
Entering Service: December 2026
Gross Tonnage: 215,683
Passenger Capacity: 6,762
Crew Capacity: 2,138
Length: 1,092 ft.
MSC World America (2025)
MSC World America in Miami
Built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique, MSC World America is the second among MSC Cruises’ World Class ships. The ship was intended to debut in early 2024, but was pushed back a year, after construction started in October 2022.
While not the largest cruise ship in the world, the World Class does contain some of the largest in the world and MSC World America is very similar to the World Class’s lead ship, MSC World Europa, but with a few slight differences.
The ship features the very first Eataly at sea, and it will also introduce a few brand-new restaurants to the brand, including the new Paxos Greek Restaurant and Paxos on the Go, as well as Promenade Bites and The Harbour Bar & Bites. New bar, lounge, and dessert experiences are also planned.
Also built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique, MSC Euribia is a member of the Meraviglia Plus-class.Construction started in late 2021 and the ship debuted in 2023.
This ship is slightly smaller than MSC World America, but still offers impressive features. The ship is exceptionally environmentally friendly, featuring an advanced onboard wastewater treatment system, waste management system and a high level of energy efficiency. It’s also LNG-powered.
The ship features a large amount of art onboard. There are five pools capable of, all together, holding a thousand cruisers at once, and the ship’s Galleria Euribia features the longest LED dome at sea. MSC Euribia also features the first MSC Foundation Youth Centre.
Entered Service: June 2023
Gross Tonnage: 183,500
Passenger Capacity: 6,327
Length: 1,087 ft.
MSC World Europa (2022)
MSC World Europa Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: HasanZaidi)
Built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique with construction starting in 2020, MSC World Europa is the lead ship for the World class. The LNG-powered cruise ship (the first of its kind for MSC Cruises), at the same gross tonnage and at a slightly longer length than sister ship MSC World America, is currently one of the biggest cruise ships in the world not owned by Royal Caribbean.
Stand-out features on this ship included its Y-shaped open aft and the Venom Drop dry slide, which is the longest dry slide at sea currently. The ship also offers the largest waterpark out of any MSC Cruises ship, and has seven swimming pools.
Entered Service: December 2022
Gross Tonnage: 215,683
Passenger Capacity: 6,762
Length: 1,093 ft.
MSC Seascape (2022)
Photo Courtesy: MSC Cruises
This Fincantieri-built ship is a member of the Seaside EVO class. With construction starting in 2019, the ship was delivered in late 2022, with her naming ceremony taking place in New York City in December 2022.
The ship boasts a large casino, lots of family-friendly activities, more than a dozen pools and water features, nearly 20 bars and lounges, and 11 dining venues. It also features the cruise industry’s only three-seat Robotron thrill ride.
Entered Service: November 2022
Gross Tonnage: 169,400
Passenger Capacity: 5,877
Length: 1,112 ft.
MSC Seashore (2021)
Photo Courtesy: MSC Cruises
Also built by Fincantieri, starting in 2019, and a member of the Seaside EVO class, MSC Seashore is quite similar to MSC Seascape. It’s the same size as the newer ship in the class.
It features a New York City-inspired design and various environmental features, as well as more than three acres of outdoor space.
When it launched, it was the longest ship in the entire MSC Cruises fleet. The vessel’s naming ceremony took place at the cruise line’s private island in the Bahamas.
A member of the Meraviglia Plus class, this Chantiers de l’Atlantique-built ship began construction in 2018 and was originally planned to launch in 2020. However, pandemic-related delays meant that this ship did not start service until May of 2021.
Unique ship features include a Formula 1 simulator ride, a robotic bartender named Rob (the first of his kind at sea) and the largest shopping area at sea in the Galleria Virtuosa, with its 11 art boutiques and more than 250 brands on display.
Entered Service: May 2021
Gross Tonnage: 181,541
Passenger Capacity: 6,334
Length: 1,087 ft.
MSC Grandiosa (2019)
MSC Grandiosa Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Gabriel S Fernandes)
MSC Grandiosa preceded sister ship MSC Virtuosa as the lead in the Meraviglia Plus class. The Meraviglia Plus class is a sub-class of the Meraviglia class.
MSC Grandiosa is very similar to MSC Virtuosa. Built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique with construction beginning in 2018, the ship offers an expansive shopping space, lots of kid-friendly amenities and the MSC Yacht Club.
Entered Service: November 2019
Gross Tonnage: 181,541
Passenger capacity: 6,334
Length: 1,087 ft.
MSC Bellissima (2019)
Photo Credit: MSC Cruises
The last of the Meraviglia-class ships, MSC Bellissima, was built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique, and construction began in 2017.
MSC Bellissima offers many of the same features that cruisers can expect on MSC Cruises’ newer ships, including the MSC Yacht Club, the large galleria promenade, an expansive theater and spa, as well as robust children’s programming and lots of outdoor spaces.
Entered Service: March 2019
Gross Tonnage: 171,598
Passenger Capacity: 5,655
Length: 1,034 ft.
MSC Seaview (2018)
Photo Credit: angelo manoel borba / Shutterstock
Before there was the Seaside EVO class, there was the plain Seaside class. Slightly smaller ships, the newest Seaside class ship is MSC Seaview. Built by Fincantieri, construction began in early 2017.
Very similar to the other ship in this class, MSC Seaside, MSC Seaview provides features as the longest zip line at sea, multiple pools, a waterfront boardwalk, a four-deck atrium and more.
Entered service: June 2018
Gross tonnage: 153,516
Passenger capacity: 5,079
Length: 1,060 ft.
MSC Seaside (2017)
MSC Seaside in Port Canaveral (Photo Courtesy: Port Canaveral)
The lead ship for the Seaside class, MSC Seaside debuted directly ahead of sister ship MSC Seaview. The ship was likewise built by Fincantieri, and construction began in 2016.
While considered relatively modest in size by today’s standards, when this ship debuted it was in the top 15 largest cruise ships in the world. The ship features a waterfront boardwalk, multiple pools, a four-deck atrium and all the other venues that MSC Cruises fans know and love from the ships that debuted during this time period, such as the MSC Yacht Club and MSC Aurea Spa.
Entered service: December 2017
Gross tonnage: 153,516
Passenger capacity: 5,079
Length: 1,060 ft.
MSC Meraviglia (2017)
MSC Meraviglia in New York (Photo Credit: Wirestock Creators)
The first ship to debut in the Meravgilia class, the lead MSC Meraviglia was built by STX Europe, with construction beginning in late 2015. While older than the entirety of the Seaside class, MSC Meraviglia is still larger than the ships in that class, and, at time of launch, the ship was the sixth largest cruise ship in the world.
Beyond the classic features on this ship, such as the promenade and multiple pools, the ship also features water slides and a ropes course.
Entered service: June 2017
Gross tonnage: 171,598
Passenger capacity: 5,642
Length: 1,036 ft.
MSC Preziosa (2013)
Photo Courtesy: MSC Cruises
With construction starting in 2010, interestingly, MSC Preziosa was originally ordered not by MSC Cruises, but by the Libyan government, which had intents to launch a luxury cruising industry in the country.
When the Libyan Civil War began, builder STX Europe canceled the contract and MSC Cruises swooped in to buy the beginnings of what would become MSC Preziosa.
MSC Preziosa is the final Fantasia class ship. Given the ship’s age, it has undergone some minimal renovations since launching more than a decade ago. Today, cruisers will find lots to love, including a water park, one of the longest water slides at sea, the MSC Yacht Club and more.
Entered service: March 2013
Gross tonnage: 139,072
Passenger capacity: 4,345
Length: 1,094 ft.
MSC Divina (2012)
Photo Credit: Debbie Ann Powell / Shutterstock
Also in the Fantasia class and directly preceding MSC Preziosa, MSC Divina‘s construction began in 2010, atSTX Europe.
While MSC Divina and MSC Preziosa are the same size, they’re both slightly larger than the other two ships in the Fantasia class. MSC Divina contains eye-catching features such as Swarovski staircases and a stone piazza.
One of the cruise line’s (relatively) smaller ships, MSC Magnifica may not be as grand and filled-with-fun as some of MSC Cruises’ newer ships, but it does still offer classic MSC Cruises style (think European-inspired décor) and a handful of dining options and entertainment venues, including five restaurants, 11 bars and lounges and just under 1,300 cabins and suites.
The last ship in MSC Cruises’ Musica class, construction on MSC Magnificabegan in 2008, at STX Europe.
MSC Splendida was the second ship in the Fantasia class. While hardly impressive in terms of size today, this ship was originally one of the largest ships owned by a European cruise line, at the time of debut. The ship was the second of MSC ships to offer the MSC Yacht Club, with construction at STX Europe starting in 2007.
Entered service: July 2009
Gross tonnage: 137,936
Passenger capacity: 4,363
Length: 1,093 ft.
MSC Fantasia (2008)
Photo Credit: Martchan / Shutterstock.com
Leading the vessels of the Fantasia class is, of course, MSC Fantasia. This ship shares many features with sister ship MSC Splendida, including size.
Also built at STX Europe and with construction beginning in 2016, the ship was the largest in MSC Cruises’ fleet when it first set sail and was the very first ship to include the MSC Yacht Club.
Other highlight features include a Formula 1 racing simulator and the ship’s 4D cinema. The ship offers guests a little over 1,600 staterooms and suites.
This Musica-class ship’s construction began in 2006. The smaller ship features three swimming pools, four hot tubs, three dining venues and 1,275 staterooms and suites.
This is definitely a more intimate ship, but if that’s what you prefer from a cruise line, you’ll feel right at home on MSC Poesia. MSC Poesia was built at STX Europe.
Entered service: April 2008
Gross tonnage: 92,627
Passenger capacity: 3,223
Length: 964 ft.
MSC Orchestra (2007)
Photo Credit: Vytautas Kielaitis / Shutterstock.com
MSC Orchestra is smaller than later Musica-class ships by gross tons, but it can still accommodate the same number of passengers as MSC Poesia. This ship does admittedly show its age (it was built in 2006 at STX Europe), even though it was refurbished as recently as 2021.
Entered service: May 2007
Gross tonnage: 92,409
Passenger capacity: 3,223
Length: 964 ft.
MSC Musica (2006)
MSC Musica Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: byvalet)
MSC Musica is the lead ship in the Musica class. While this ship is small by today’s standards, and even by MSC Cruises’ modern standards overall, it was a landmark ship for the cruise line when it launched, as it was their largest ever, built at STX Europe in 2005.
Even more recently, though, the ship still broke size-related records, gaining status as the largest cruise ship to sail from Israel.
The ship was refurbished in 2019, at Port Marseille’s Chantier Naval de Marseille Shipyard. However, while all public venues, such as the gym and kids club, and staterooms were renovated, this ship does still feel its age, in terms of both décor and features.
Entered service: July 2006
Gross tonnage: 92,409
Passenger capacity: 3,223
Length: 964 ft.
MSC Opera (2004)
MSC Opera Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: CeltStudio)
MSC Cruises’ final Lirica-class ship, this ship was built at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in 2004. This ship is about as small as it gets by modern standards, before you get into river cruise-specific and expedition ships. It can only hold a few thousand passengers and only has just over a thousand staterooms and suites.
Entered service: June 2004
Gross tonnage: 65,591
Passenger capacity: 2,658
Length: 902 ft.
MSC Lirica (2003)
Photo Credit: Mummert-und-Ibold / Shutterstock
While MSC Lirica does share a name with its Lirica class, this is not actually the oldest ship in this class, as is typically the case when a ship and class share a name.
Built at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in 2002, MSC Lirica is actually the third-oldest ship within its class and it was the very first new-build cruise ship for MSC Cruises. Previously, the cruise line sourced all its older ships from elsewhere.
The ship is relatively basic, and this basic-ness helps it feel slightly less outdated than some of the other ships introduced by MSC Cruises in the 2000s.
However, the ship’s small size means that there are very few options aboard the ship, in terms of dining and entertainment. The ship was refurbished in 2015, and this refurbishment saw the addition of an aqua park.
The ship has fewer than a thousand staterooms and suites.
Entered service: March 2003
Gross tonnage: 65,591
Passenger capacity: 2,648
Length: 902 ft.
MSC Sinfonia (2005)
MSC Sinfonia (Photo Credit: Roger Utting)
More than two decades old, MSC Sinfonia was originally built at Chantiers de l’Atlantique, in 2002, for Festival Cruises. Festival Cruises was a Greek cruise line that operated in the 1990s and early 2000s, before declaring bankruptcy.
The ship was originally known as MS European Stars. MSC Cruises purchased the ship and redubbed it MSC Sinfonia in July 2004, adding it to its fleet as what would become the Lirica class.
Technically, this ship — as far as its life as an MSC Cruises ship — is younger than MSC Opera and MSC Lirica, but overall, the ship’s past life with Festival Cruises means that it’s older.
Entered service (for MSC Cruises): March 2005
Gross tonnage: 65,591
Passenger capacity: 2,646
Length: 902 ft.
MSC Armonia (2004)
MSC Armonia Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Stefan Lambauer)
Last, but certainly not least, the current oldest cruise ship in the MSC Cruises fleet is the MSC Armonia. Like its Lirica-class sister ship MSC Sinfonia, MSC Armonia wasoriginally built at Chantiers de l’Atlantique for Festival Cruises, in 2001.
The cruise line had named the ship MS European Vision. After Festival Cruises declared bankruptcy, MSC Cruises purchased the ship, which had been sailing Festival itineraries for three years, and rechristened her.
Today, the ship is not only MSC Cruises’ oldest ship but also its smallest.
Icon of the Seas made waves when she entered service in January of this year as the world’s largest cruise ship – coming in at 248,663-gross tons and 1,196.7 feet long.
But now it’s clear that she also holds the biggest space in the hearts of Cruise Hive readers – as the first of the Icon-class ships has officially been voted the Best New Cruise Ship of 2024.
Out of a competitive group of nine new ships that launched throughout 2024, the 5,610-guest vessel (or up to 7,600 at maximum capacity) topped the list – earning 34.68% of the votes.
This is quite the accomplishment – with this one particular ship standing out to thousands of Cruise Hive readers, who placed their votes from mid-October through December 22, 2024.
Since her maiden voyage on January 27, 2024, thousands of cruisers have already gotten to explore the first-of-its-kind vessel as she alternates between 7-night Western and Eastern Caribbean sailings out of Florida’s Port Miami.
The ship is particularly renowned for the new, innovative experiences she offers. One of which is Category 6, which is the largest waterpark at sea with six thrilling water slides for families to enjoy.
Chill Island on Deck 15 is also home to the biggest pool at sea, which contains over 40,000 gallons of water.
Best New Cruise Ship of 2024
The ship also pioneered the use of the the Pearl, which doubles as a tool for structural support and the world’s largest kinetic art sculpture.
The unique orb is located midship on the port side of Icon of the Seas, stretching from Deck 5 to Deck 8, with a staircase through the interior for guests to move from the Royal Promenade on Deck 5 up to the Pearl Cafe on Deck 6.
Of course, these examples only scratch the surface of Royal Caribbean’s innovation that is found across the eight neighborhoods, or zones, onboard the massive ship – which helped make it the winner here at the Cruise Hive Awards.
Royal Caribbean Ships Snag First and Second Place
While Icon of the Seas was the clear winner, another Royal Caribbean ship is in second place for the title of Best New Cruise Ship of 2024.
Indeed, Utopia of the Seas earned the metaphorical silver medal by earning 21.38% of the vote. This speaks to the high quality of Royal Caribbean’s most recent additions – which is particularly significant with Star of the Seas on the way for 2025.
Utopia of the Seas, which is currently the second largest ship at sea, officially entered service on July 19, 2024, from Port Canaveral, Florida. Since her maiden voyage, the 5,668-guest ship has continued to operate 3 to 4-night voyages to the Bahamas from the Orlando-based port.
Utopia of the Seas Arriving at Nassau Cruise Port
Like Icon of the Seas, this Oasis-class vessel has also improved the experience at sea – such as with the expansion of The Ultimate Abyss, which is the tallest dry slide at sea at 10-stories high and 259-feet in length. While this racing slide is found on other Royal Caribbean ships, this version is 43 feet longer.
Moving down the list, the third-place spot for Best New Cruise Ship of 2024 belongs to Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess – which earned 17.81% of the vote.
After a delay that pushed back her original inaugural voyage, the largest ship in the Princess fleet officially set sail on February 28, 2024 – and is currently alternating between Western and Eastern Caribbean voyages based out of Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida.
The 4,300-guest ship launched with manynew and improved features, such as the cruise line’s largest casino, the first ever family zone on a Princess Cruise ship, a two-story Lotus Spa, and original productions and performances in the round at the Princess Arena.
Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay has officially been crowned the Best Cruise Line Private Island of 2024 – marking the fourth time in a row the private island destination has won the honor.
Voting opened in mid-October and closed on December 22, 2024 – during which time thousands of Cruise Hive readers placed their votes.
Royal Caribbean’s private island ultimately cinched the lead by earning 32.58% of the votes – with second place (Half Moon Cay, Bahamas) more than 10 points behind at 19.21%.
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas – which has recently been renamed as RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay – is used exclusively by Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line.
To reflect its new name, the exclusive destination will be getting some major upgrades in the next couple of years, including an expanded beach area, more dining and beverage options, and a new pier – and might even give CocoCay a run for its money once completed.
Amber Cove, Dominican Republic, which is owned and operated by Carnival Cruise Line, landed in third place with 15.44% of the vote.
Best Cruise Line Private Island/Destination
The private 30-acre retreat is located at Maimón in the province of Puerto Plata. It’s divided into two areas with different types of dining, shopping, relaxation, and water-filled experiences in each: the waterfront Welcome Center Marketplace and the Aqua Zone.
The rest of the private islands earned 7.34% or less of the vote – and none stood out quite as positively as Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay.
What Makes CocoCay the Best?
Perfect Day at CocoCay has won in the Cruise Hive awards year after year against some steep competition – indicating that this island must offer something extra special.
While this was already a massive investment and undertaking, the cruise line has continued to work to improve the experience on the island – such as with the opening of the Coco Beach Club in 2021, which features a clubhouse restaurant, luxury lounging, a bar, and an infinity pool.
The new addition allows guests 18+ to enjoy pristine beaches, pools, cabanas, and more without little ones around – and even features a section called The Hideout, which includes 10 rentable cabanas with an exclusive plunge pool and in-water loungers.
The 125-acre destination is also home to several record-breaking experiences for the whole family to enjoy – including but not limited to Daredevil’s Peak, the tallest waterslide in North America; Oasis Lagoon, the largest freshwater pool in the Bahamas; and the biggest wave pool in the Caribbean.
The Miami-based cruise line is also in the process of expanding the Perfect Day experience to elsewhere in the Caribbean – and will certainly be putting everything the brand has learned from operating and enhancing CocoCay to good use.
The first “Perfect Day” experience will be brought to the western end of Paradise Island in Nassau, Bahamas. The new 17-acre destination, which has been named Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, is currently under construction and is expected to open next year (2025).
In 2027, Royal Caribbean is also planning to open “Perfect Day Mexico” on the sunny shores of Costa Maya.
Guests who have set sail aboard Cunard Line’s Queen Victoria for a celebratory New Year’s Eve sailing will not be ringing in the new year where they had anticipated, due to a last-minute itinerary change.
While the ship’s overall cruise has not been changed, the shift in port times changes the New Year’s Eve celebrations.
The Carnival-owned Queen Victoria departed Southampton, UK on the 5-night “Short Break” sailing on Saturday, December 28, 2024.
The original itinerary called for a day at sea on Sunday, a visit to Zeebrugge, Belgium on Monday, an overnight call to Amsterdam from Tuesday (December 31) into Wednesday (January 1), and returning to Southampton on Thursday, January 2.
Guests were notified onboard, however, of a slight shift to the ship’s itinerary plans – a shift that changes where the vessel will be when the new year officially begins at midnight.
“The calls at Zeebrugge and Amsterdam will happen a day earlier than originally scheduled and the departure time from Amsterdam will now be mid-afternoon on 31 December,”the notification read.“As a result, New Year’s Eve celebrations will take place at sea.”
Now, the ship will be visiting Zeebrugge on Sunday, Amsterdam from Monday into Tuesday (December 31), and will spend Wednesday at sea before returning to Southampton on Thursday as scheduled.
The exact time that Queen Victoria will depart Amsterdam has not yet been confirmed, but is sure to allow ample time for the ship to safely maneuver before holiday celebrations – including fireworks – may begin.
Adverse weather is the cause of these itinerary changes rather than any attempt to keep guests onboard the ship rather than enjoying New Year’s Eve ashore in Amsterdam.
Strong winds and swells can be dangerous for any cruise ship to navigate through Amsterdam’s canals, and it is best to adjust the itinerary to ensure smoother and more comfortable sailing.
It should also be noted that Queen Victoria will be returning to the QEII Terminal in Southampton, rather than the Ocean Cruise Terminal as originally planned. This can impact where guests may find their onward transportation after debarkation, as well as how they may reach parked vehicles.
Further details may be provided toward the end of the cruise if shuttles or other assistance could be available.
Embarkation for the voyage was also delayed by two hours to facilitate deeper cleaning and sanitizing following an increase in gastrointestinal illness symptoms reported aboard the previous sailing, a 12-night cruise to the Canary Islands.
New Year’s Eve on Cruise Ships
Many cruise travelers enjoy spending New Year’s Eve onboard their favorite ship, and there’s nothing quite like ringing in a new year while at sea.
Of course, it is understandable that guests aboard Queen Victoria may be disappointed to miss out on Amsterdam’s celebrations, particularly if they had planned to meet friends in the city or otherwise join in the festivities on land.
Queen Victoria Vessel (Photo Credit: Milos Ruzicka)
Onboard the ship, however, celebrations are sure to include live music and other activities such as a special dinner menu, champagne toast at midnight, a countdown, and blowing the ship’s horn to welcome the new year.
On different cruise lines, fake “snow” in the atrium, a celebratory balloon drop (indoors where debris is safely collected and not an environmental hazard), and other activities are all part of ringing in the new year.
Furthermore, fun activities throughout the day leading up to the new year are often planned, such as themed trivia games or special shows. On New Year’s Day, first-of-the-year fitness classes or other ways to engage with one’s new year’s resolutions may be part of the activity schedule as well.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and Royal Caribbean International (RCI) stand out as two of the most popular and well-known cruise lines, each catering to distinct demographics and offering unique advantages and amenities.
While NCL focuses on a more flexible “freestyle cruising” model ideal for laid-back travelers, Royal Caribbean is known for offering innovative and adventurous amenities in a family-friendly environment.
Both lines boast large fleets and extensive itineraries you can choose from, so there are plenty of options available. Read this guide to see which cruise line matches your unique cruising preferences.
To help you understand how these two major cruise lines compare, here’s a quick overview of some of the relevant statistics and figures for NCL and RCI, and how they got to where they are today.
Overview of Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean
As mentioned, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean are among the world’s leading cruise lines, each with a unique history and influence on the industry.
Norwegian Cruise Line was founded in 1966 by Knut Kloster and Ted Arison. Its headquarters are now in Miami, Florida, and it is part of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., alongside Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
One of NCL’s most revolutionary contributions to the cruise industry was the introduction of “Freestyle Cruising,” which allows guests to enjoy flexible dining and entertainment options without adhering to a fixed schedule. This more relaxed style of cruising appeals to younger demographics and has played a large role in enhancing NCL’s appeal.
On the other hand, Royal Caribbean International was founded in 1968 as a joint effort by three Norwegian shipping companies. Today, it is also headquartered in Miami, Florida, and is a subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Group, the second-biggest cruise company in the world behind Carnival Corporation.
Today, Royal Caribbean operates the largest cruise ships in the world, including its Oasis-class and Icon-class vessels. The company focuses on appealing to wider demographics by offering innovative onboard amenities and layouts, making its cruises suitable for families, couples, and younger adventure seekers.
Surf simulators, zip lines, ice rinks, water parks
Cabins
Solo Studios are a standout; Haven is premium
Broad cabin variety; suites tied to Royal Suite Class perks
Private Island
Great Stirrup Cay (laid‑back beach vibe)
Perfect Day at CocoCay (water park, pools, beaches)
Price Positioning
Mid‑range with frequent promos
Mid‑range to premium depending on ship/class
Loyalty Program
Latitudes Rewards
Crown & Anchor Society
Itineraries
Strong in Caribbean, Europe, Alaska
Very strong in Caribbean; expanding globally
Fleet Size
Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean Ships (Photo Credit: Victor Maschek)
Norwegian Cruise Line has a fleet of 20 cruise ships divided into six different classes, with each ship focused on providing guests with a sophisticated cruising experience. Currently, Norwegian Encore is the largest ship in the fleet, belonging to the cruise line’s Breakaway class. However, there are many newer ships in the fleet, such as the Norwegian Aqua, as part of the Prima Plus class.
Royal Caribbean International has a larger fleet of 29 vessels, with Star of the Seas being the newest, as of February 2026. These 29 vessels include the largest cruise ships currently in operation, such as Icon of the Seas.
Cruise ships in the Royal Caribbean are divided into seven classes, with the record-breaking Icon class being the largest and the relatively small Vision class being the smallest.
Annual Passenger Volume
Passengers on Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Stefan Lambauer / Shutterstock)
In recent years, Royal Caribbean has hosted over 7 million passengers across its various cruise ships, which represents nearly 20% of the worldwide cruise market by passengers.
Norwegian Cruise Line accommodates a smaller share of the cruise market, with the cruise line’s various ships hosting approximately 2.7 million passengers in 2023.
Given that Royal Caribbean International has a larger fleet and higher-capacity cruise ships, this disparity in passenger volumes is not overly surprising.
Now that we’ve gone over some of the technical aspects, let’s examine how these cruise lines differ from an aesthetic perspective, starting with the décor and general atmosphere inside their various cruise ships.
While each ship in the fleet has its own unique design, Royal Caribbean tends to design its vessels to convey a family-friendly atmosphere with adventure in mind.
Newer ships, like the record-breaking Icon of the Seas, also have this same family-oriented interior. Aside from outfitting their ships with amenities that appeal to all ages, the ships encourage exploration, thanks to their unique “neighborhood” layout, where the ships are separated into distinct areas with their own themes.
Large open and themed promenades, like the Boardwalk or Central Park area, which blend outdoor greenery with New York City-style restaurants and cafés, mean Royal Caribbean International cruise ships offer an innovative style that is highly appealing to all demographics. Bright, contemporary furnishings are found throughout the shared spaces and private accommodations on Royal Caribbean ships.
Another common theme with Royal Caribbean ships is the focus on expansive, light-filled indoor spaces, which can be more exciting and awe-inspiring for those traveling with small children.
On the other hand, Norwegian Cruise Line cruise ships tend to have a more modern and urban vibe, with an emphasis on passenger comfort and a sense of sophistication.
Luxury is always an overriding theme in the style of an NCL ship, which actually dates back to the company’s original vision of providing luxurious passenger experiences between California and Mexico.
Since the focus is on more upscale and refined décor and furnishings, Norwegian ships tend to have an adult look and feel. While families with kids are certainly welcome, and there are plenty of amenities that appeal to all ages, the style is more similar to an upscale resort than a family-oriented theme park, which is often the case with Royal Caribbean vessels.
Target Audience
AquaTheater at the Aft of the Ship
Given these stylistic differences, it is unsurprising that Royal Caribbean cruising tends to appeal more to families, teens, and travelers looking for a more casual but action-packed experience.
In addition to the exciting interiors and adventure-themed activities, including ice skate rinks and performances, zip lines, rock-climbing walls, and waterparks, Royal Caribbean also offers family-friendly live performances, like Grease and Hairspray, which are both regular musical performances on Harmony of the Seas.
In contrast, NCL cruises usually appeal to smaller adult groups, solo travelers, couples looking to relax and indulge, and older cruisers.
The more sophisticated interior style of an NCL ship is often paired with a greater number of adult-only pools, lounge areas, and bars, as well as more options for sophisticated dining venues.
The Haven area on several NCL ships features a private pool, restaurant, and sun deck, which can be an excellent option for guests looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a more luxurious and quieter atmosphere.
Their ships also offer plenty of adult-oriented entertainment options, like live bands, comedy performances, and Broadway-style shows.
Pools and Swim Spas
Allure of the Seas Caribbean Pool Deck
Royal Caribbean pool options on its newest ships, like its Icon-class and Oasis-class ships, offer some of the best pool facilities of any cruise ship in the entire industry.
The ships are even characterized by their vast pool decks, where distinct themed areas cater to different ages and preferences. The main pool areas offer giant open pools, family-friendly splash pads, adult-only infinity pools, hot tubs, and more, and they tend to be a major attraction.
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas even includes record-breaking water park features, like theCategory 6 water park and its six full-sized water slides.
Beyond the family-friendly pools and water features, most Royal Caribbean vessels feature a Vitality Spa & Fitness Area, a luxury area with a separate area for kids and teens, so nobody feels left out.
Norwegian cruise ships also offer guests an array of pool types to enjoy, especially when traveling on the cruise line’s Prima-class ships, which offer a mix of traditional swimming pools with more unique water attractions.
This includes the brand-new Infinity Beach concept and Ocean Boulevard Zone, where infinity pools and hot tubs hang off the edge of the deck, providing users with stunning views. These areas are also outfitted with luxury loungers, a range of bars, and glass bridges that are ideal for photographs.
All Norwegian Cruise Line ships are also outfitted with a Mandara Spa, a full-service spa offering massages and other treatments, thermal suites with saunas and vitality pools, a hair styling salon, and various exclusive areas for relaxation.
Again, NCL’s focus on more adult-oriented spaces becomes evident when looking at these pool areas. With that said, their ships also feature splash areas, interactive water features, and water slides that appeal to children, but even the ships with the most options, like Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Prima, still have fewer than the largest Royal Caribbean ships.
Entertainment and Activities
Ship Slides and FlowRider
Beyond the pools and water parks, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line outfit their cruise ships with various entertainment amenities.
As mentioned, Royal Caribbean’s focus tends to be on more family-oriented and adventure amenities. From Broadway-level shows to indoor skydiving simulators, like RipCord by iFly, the FlowRider Surf Simulator, elevated rock climbing walls, the 150-foot Ultimate Abyss slide, and the unique North Star Observation Capsule that offers 360° views from 300 feet above the water, Royal Caribbean is constantly innovating and adding new and exciting features to their ships.
As you would expect, they also offer a wide range of onboard activities that are specifically designed for families with young children, like mini putt courses, themed jungle gyms, arcades, youth dance studios, and live performances for kids, like Once Upon a Time King or the various ice shows held at the skating rink.
In addition, Royal Caribbean ships host an award-winningkids program called Adventure Ocean, which offers several age groups. Every Royal Caribbean ship also has a dedicated teen venue where teenagers can enjoy themed parties and group socials.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s entertainment options are also impressive, with several venues on each ship hosting live music, comedy shows, and several well-known exclusive performances, like Kinky Boots.
Norwegian cruise ships also tend to focus on creating a lively nightlife, which they achieve by offering numerous venues for dancing and socializing, like Bliss Lounge and Glow Party, where passengers enjoy dancing and listening to live music and DJ performances. The Freestyle Experience onboard NCL ships allows guests to enjoy more casual access to these venues and events.
Most Norwegian ships also include a casino, ropes course, and the NCL ThrillPlex Activity Zone, a unique area with laser tag, ropes courses, a multi-sport court, and even a go-karting course on certain ships, including Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy, and Norwegian Viva.
While there is no shortage of things to do on the ships of either cruise line, there tends to be a wider range of activities available onboard Royal Caribbean cruise ships.
So, if you are looking for an action-packed cruise above all else, you might want to consider traveling on one of Royal Caribbean’s newer ships rather than booking with NCL.
Dining
While both cruise lines offer a mix of included dining areas and specialty dining establishments, they have a slightly different take on dining. To make it easier, here’s a basic overview of typical dining options on Royal Caribbean and Norwegian cruise ships.
Royal Caribbean Dining
Spectrum of the Seas Dining Room (Photo Credit: I Love Drones)
All Royal Caribbean ships feature a venue called the Main Dining Room, which is a central dining area that offers multi-course meals for breakfast and dinner, as well as lunch on sea days. With a rotating menu, this included dining venue tends to be where guests will enjoy the majority of their meals.
Unlike other cruise lines, including NCL, this main dining room tends to be a more formal experience than a typical included area. It has assigned seating and enforced dining times unless passengers choose to use My Time Dining, which allows them to book meals at their preferred times.
Beyond this main room, every Royal Caribbean ship features a casual, buffet-style establishment called Windjammer Café and a casual pizza and pasta restaurant called Sorrento’s Pizza.
Non-included specialty dining options can also be found throughout Royal Caribbean ships, with popular establishments including Chops Grille Steakhouse, Izumi Sushi, Jamie’s Italian, and casual spots like the Ice Cream Parlor and Johnny Rockets.
The newer ships, like Icon of the Seas, feature even more innovative dining options, such as the AquaDome Market, the cruise line’s first food hall.
Norwegian Dining Options
The Manhattan Room, Main Dining Room
Norwegian also pioneered “freestyle dining,” which allows guests to dine wherever and whenever they want without worrying about a set schedule. Most ships feature Le Bistro, a French restaurant with an a la carte menu, and La Cucina, a family-style Tuscan-themed Italian restaurant.
Like Royal Caribbean, NCL also offers specialty restaurants, including Cagney’s Steakhouse, Los Lobos Mexican, Food Republic Teppanyaki, and other great dining options that can be booked at the guest’s convenience thanks to the freestyle dining model.
While NCL ships avoid fixed dining times and pre-assigned seating, you will typically find far more dining options on a Royal Caribbean ship than on one of Norwegian’s.
Accommodations
Wonder of the Seas Boardwalk Cabin (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)
Accommodations aboard either cruise line can also fit just about any budget and preference, but Royal Caribbean tends to offer a wider variety, especially for young families.
For its standard cabins, Royal Caribbean even offers interior rooms with virtual balconies, which provide realistic ocean views on a digital screen.
Some of its themed neighborhoods on larger ships also mean its rooms can offer interior-facing balconies and views, like its Boardwalk View Staterooms found on Icon-class and Oasis-class vessels.
However, Royal Caribbean truly stands out for its themed luxury suites, like the Ultimate Family Suite found on Icon-class and Oasis-class ships. These multi-level staterooms feature slides, dedicated kid spaces, multiple bedrooms, and more.
Plus, Sky Loft Suites and Owner’s Suites feature large private balconies, more premium furniture, and a luxury bathroom complete with a whirlpool and rain shower.
When booking, it is also worth noting that different types of rooms come with different perks. For example, all suites include complimentary Wi-Fi and bathrobes, while the premium options also provide guests access to private lounges and include drinks packages.
Norwegian Cruise Line Solo Cabin
As for Norwegian Cruise Line accommodations, standard cabins tend to be relatively minimal but still feature the modern and functional amenities that make NCL a popular option for travelers concerned with luxury and relaxation.
For those with a bigger budget, the luxury suites found in The Haven, NCL’s private area, feature exclusive amenities for suite guests, like pools, sun decks, and even private restaurants.
Another unique feature of the NCL cruising experience is the option to book Studio Staterooms for Solo Travelers, which are small but private cabins designed for a single passenger.
Norwegian Cruise Line Ship (Photo Credit: ernestos vitouladitis)
Both cruise lines offer extensive itineraries throughout the Caribbean, Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, Asia, Alaska, and even Australia.
In fact, Royal Caribbean even offered a world cruise on Serenade of the Seas called The Ultimate World Cruise. It lasted 274 days and visited over 60 countries and 11 world wonders!
For Royal Caribbean, most of the cruise line’s most popular destinations can be found in the Caribbean, which is unsurprising given their name. The Bahamas, Cozumel, Curacao, Bermuda, and the U.S. Eastern Seaboard are the most popular destinations and routes.
They even offer stops at exclusive destinations, with Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas being the cruise line’s most well-known. This privately owned island features a two-sided cruise ship dock, pristine beaches, and Thrill Water Park, which can only be accessed by Royal Caribbean guests.
Like Royal Caribbean, NCL also has an exclusive destination in the Bahamas called Great Stirrup Cay. This privately owned island can only be accessed by Norwegian guests. It provides white sand beaches, snorkeling, restaurants, and a massive zipline course that covers the entire island.
Pricing and Loyalty Programs
Crown and Anchor Society Loyalty Passenger Event (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)
As you would expect, pricing tends to vary depending on the voyage duration, the itinerary, the specific cruise ship you are traveling on, and the type of accommodations you have booked.
With that said, Royal Caribbean fares for a 3-day Caribbean cruise with a basic cabin start at just $400 to $600 per person. For NCL, similar cruises tend to be slightly more expensive, with most guests finding prices ranging from $450 to $700.
For more high-end suites and longer itineraries, NCL’s Haven suites can be as much as $8,000 for a 7-night voyage. This may sound like a lot, but Royal Caribbean offers more expensive options, with stays in their Ultimate Family Suites costing over $20,000 for a full week.
Both Norwegian and Royal Caribbean offer their own loyalty programs to reward repeat bookings. For Royal Caribbean, the Crown & Anchor Society allows repeat guests to earn points that can be used to make purchases on the ship and on land. The more points earned, the higher the member’s rank, opening up new perks like complimentary drinks and room upgrades.
Norwegian offers a similar program called Latitudes Rewards, which provides participants with various loyalty perks, like onboard credit for specialty restaurants, discounts on future bookings, and lower-cost room upgrades.
Will it be NCL or Royal Caribbean For You?
As we have explored, both Royal Caribbean International and Norwegian Cruise Line have areas where they excel, which helps explain why they are two of the most popular cruise companies in the industry.
Where Royal Caribbean cruise ships tend to appeal to families and thrill-seeking groups looking to enjoy numerous onboard attractions, NCL ships usually have a vibe that blends luxury with flexibility. Their ships appeal to those who prefer a flexible and casual environment that still makes it easy to indulge.
It is with heavy hearts that Celebrity Cruises has lost of one of its most beloved crew members – Bug Naked, the feline companion of Captain Kate McCue, has passed away.
The much-adored female elf-eared sphynx cat has been the ever-present companion of the Celebrity Cruises captain for over 8 years. Unfortunately, she passed from health complications following a routine dental cleaning and tooth extraction on Thursday, December 26, 2024.
“She was surrounded at home by our family and enough love to fill this universe. 8 years and 6 months that we were blessed to spend together. The greatest of sidekicks, the sweetest of angels, the saltiest of seafaring cats, Bug was one in billion. We are devastated.”
Bug was well known to Celebrity Cruises’ guests, having sailed with McCue since she was a 3-month-old kitten. Onboard, “Bug Trivia” was a highlight of many sailings, with winning guests having the opportunity to enjoy a special cat cuddle and earning a limited edition collector Bug pin.
Crew members and guests alike loved the fearless feline, and messages of sympathy and condolences have been streaming in from the cat’s more than 81,000 Instagram followers as well as fans on other social media platforms.
The saucy cat had wonderful adventures aboard Celebrity Beyond, sailing with Captain Kate and visiting countries all over the world. Bug Naked celebrated birthdays aboard the ship, showed off more than 100 outfits and costumes, and had her own EU passport.
Born March 20, 2016, Bug Naked was named for Kate McCue’s own childhood nickname, “Love Bug.” Onboard ships, Bug has had free access to the bridge and enjoyed finding every available sunbeam for luxurious lounging.
The cat quickly rose to fame with the rise of social media, frequently being featured in posts and videos showing shipboard life from a unique feline perspective.
Bug also had her own “official” title onboard as the ship’s “Maneuvering Support Mammal” for docking navigation, often supervising such activities as she patrolled on the bridge.
The cat was also often spotted out and about onboard, even attending onboard weddings, visiting shows, or strolling down corridors for daily walks. Bug would also go for walks in her own stroller.
Bug Naked (Credit: Kate McCue)
It should be noted that pets are not typically permitted onboard cruise ships, but Bug Naked received special exemptions due to Captain Kate’s rank within the cruise line.
Royal Caribbean – a sister line to Celebrity Cruises within the Royal Caribbean Group – also has official animals onboard two ships. Rover is the official “Chief Dog Officer” of Icon of the Seas, and the upcoming second Icon class ship, Star of the Seas, will have Sailor as its Chief Dog Officer.
While Bug’s life as a seagoing celebrity was just 8.5 years, the sphynx cat breed does have one of the shortest life expectancies of all domestic cat breeds. According to a study published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, the average lifespan of these cats is just 6.68 years.
Of course, as with any pet, individual care, overall health, and other factors all contribute to lifespan. Undoubtedly, Captain Kate gave Bug Naked the very best of care and was well attuned to her cat’s health needs.
Cruise Hive sends condolences and comforting wishes to Captain Kate McCue, Celebrity Cruises, crew members, and every guest who knew and loved Bug Naked over the years.
The votes are in and cruisers love thrill-seeking options on every cruise line, but it is Carnival Cruise Line’s high speed, twisty, first-of-its-kind BOLT that has taken the top honors as the Best Cruise Ship Feature in the 2024 Cruise Hive Awards.
The dynamic, thrilling coaster received 34% of the votes in the category, well above the second place attraction and securing its spot as a top choice for a unique and exciting cruise experience.
BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster is featured on all three of Carnival Cruise Line’s Excel-class ships, having made significant waves in the cruise thrill industry when Mardi Gras launched in 2021.
Likewise, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee also showcase the top deck rollercoaster with motorcycle-style seats and phenomenal 360-degree views.
No one believed a rollercoaster could be put on a cruise ship until Carnival announced the addition of BOLT in 2018, as Mardi Gras was under construction. At that time, all interest was on just how the coaster would be engineered and what thrills it would offer adrenaline-seeking guests.
The all-electric coaster, designed and built by German manufacturer Maurer Rides, sends two riders at a time on a thrilling, 800-foot track above Deck 19 and around the ship’s iconic whale-tale funnel.
Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz
Guests taking on BOLT have some control over the ride’s speed, making each loop unique and just as thrilling as riders dare. The top speed is 35-40 miles per hour, and the coaster rises to a height of 187 feet above sea level.
All riders must be at least 52 inches (4 feet, 4 inches) tall to enjoy BOLT, and no more than 77 inches (6 feet, 5 inches) tall. A weight limit of 300 pounds per rider (a total of 440 pounds for two riders together) is strictly enforced to ensure safety.
Because of possible jerky motion, acceleration, and sudden stops, the ride is not recommended for those who may be pregnant, have back or neck problems, heart problems, or other conditions. These are standard restrictions for most land-based rollercoasters as well, and all riders should heed warnings appropriately.
Similarly, no loose articles are permitted on the ride, and no cameras, GoPros, or other recording equipment is permitted to be used during the ride.
BOLT’s hours of operation vary on each cruise, and the ride may be closed if high wind or rain may affect its operation.
BOLT is an extra charge attraction, costing $15 per rider for two full laps around the track in a single ride. Charges are processed to guests’ shipboard Sail & Sign cards.
This is not the first year BOLT has taken the top honors in the Cruise Hive Awards; the feature was also voted the best in 2023, 2022, and 2021 – every year it has been eligible for the reader-driven recognition.
Best Cruise Ship Feature
Other Top Thrilling Attractions
While BOLT won the 2024 top honors for Best Cruise Ship Feature, cruise travelers certainly love exciting and heart-pounding attractions.
Royal Caribbean’s classic favorite FlowRider Surf Simulator came in second, with 20% of the votes. These powerful simulators are found across the Royal Caribbean fleet and guests can enjoy not only open surfing sessions of different degrees of difficulty, but also private lessons (for an extra charge).
Coming in third with 15% of the votes was Norwegian Cruise Line’s Speedway Go-Kart Track, found on five of the line’s 20 ships: Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Prima, and Norwegian Viva. Each track is different and offers a high-speed race experience for drivers to enjoy.
Voting in the 2024 Cruise Hive Awards opened in mid-October, and the final votes were cast on Sunday, December 22.
