Norwegian vs Princess: Which Cruise Line Is Right for You?
Norwegian and Princess offer distinct cruise experiences based on CruiseSheet data. Princess provides a lower average nightly rate of $147 compared to Norwegian's $165, though Norwegian features a lower typical inside-cabin starting price of $1,216 versus Princess's $2,098 due to significantly shorter average trips (7.4 nights for Norwegian versus 13.8 nights for Princess). Norwegian operates 22 ships with a typical capacity of 3,099 guests, focusing on a relaxed Freestyle Cruising concept. Princess operates 19 slightly larger ships averaging 3,307 guests, emphasizing premium, destination-focused travel. Princess holds a 4.4 rating across 1,793 sailings, while Norwegian holds a 4.2 rating across 1,616 sailings.
🏁 At a Glance
📊 Head to Head
| Norwegian | Princess | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruises on saleHow many upcoming sailings CruiseSheet is tracking | 2,011 | 1,941 |
| Lowest priceCheapest inside cabin on any sailing | $159 | $175 |
| Typical priceAverage inside-cabin starting price | $1,217 | $2,080 |
| Price per nightAverage nightly cost — the fairest value yardstick | $163 | $149 |
| Average trip lengthLonger voyages vs. shorter getaways | 7.3 nights | 13.3 nights |
| Ships in fleetActive ships currently sailing | 22 | 19 |
| Typical ship sizeBig-ship amenities vs. a more intimate feel | 3,099 guests | 3,307 guests |
| Largest shipGuest capacity of the biggest vessel | 4,266 guests | 4,320 guests |
| Guest ratingCruiseSheet guest rating | 4.2 / 5 | 4.4 / 5 |
Figures are drawn from live CruiseSheet pricing and fleet data and update as new sailings are loaded.
🤔 Which Should You Choose?
Choose Norwegian if you prefer shorter, resort-style vacations with ultimate dining flexibility, smaller typical ship capacities around 3,099 guests, and lower overall entry package prices starting at a typical $1,216. Choose Princess if you want longer, destination-focused itineraries averaging nearly two weeks, a slightly lower price per night at $147, and a higher customer satisfaction score of 4.4 out of 5. With 1,793 options on sale compared to Norwegian's 1,616, Princess offers more long-duration choices from ports like Ft. Lauderdale and Vancouver, whereas Norwegian excels at week-long trips out of hubs like Miami and Seattle without fixed dining schedules.
💰 Norwegian vs Princess: Current Deals
Norwegian
Princess
❓ Norwegian vs Princess: Common Questions
❓ Which cruise line is cheaper per night?
Princess is cheaper on a per-night basis, averaging $147 per night compared to Norwegian's average of $165 per night. However, Norwegian has a lower typical overall inside cabin package price of $1,216 compared to Princess's $2,098 because Norwegian trips are much shorter on average.
❓ Which line offers longer itineraries and more sailing choices?
Princess offers longer itineraries, with an average trip length of 13.8 nights compared to Norwegian's 7.4 nights. Princess also currently has slightly more cruises on sale, offering 1,793 options compared to Norwegian's 1,616 choices.
❓ How do guest ratings and ship sizes compare between Norwegian and Princess?
Princess earns a slightly higher guest rating of 4.4 out of 5 compared to Norwegian's 4.2 out of 5 rating. Princess ships are also slightly larger on average, with a typical capacity of 3,307 guests versus Norwegian's 3,099 guests, though both fleets share an average build year of 2012.
