What’s YOUR travel vibe?

If a cruise is in your future, choosing a specific cruise line, much like you do specific hotels or specific airlines, is arguably more important than choosing your destination. While a land-based resort allows you to leave the property to find a different "vibe," a cruise ship is your entire ecosystem—your hotel, transportation, and primary entertainment all in one.

A table comparing features of Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Princess cruise lines, including categories such as primary vibe, top activity, dress code, solo friendliness, and best for.

Princess Cruises! “I LOVE THIS!”

Princess logo with stylized wave design

Princess cruises all over the world, but is the clear champion of Alaska cruises!

Princess is the leader in technology with the best wifi at sea with MedallionClass!

  • Proactive vs. Reactive Service: The Medallion allows crew members to see your name, preferences, and even food allergies as you approach them. This enables a level of "White Glove" service where staff can anticipate your needs rather than waiting for you to ask.

  • Seamless On-Demand Delivery: With OceanNow, you can order food, drinks, or even retail items (like sunscreen or extra towels) to your exact location. Whether you are at a show, by the pool, or in your cabin, the ship's sensors find your Medallion and bring the order to you.

  • Keyless and Contactless Living: Your stateroom door automatically unlocks as you approach, and MedallionPay allows for completely touchless payments across the ship without ever needing to pull out a card or sign a receipt.

  • Award-Winning Innovation: The technology has earned prestigious accolades, including the IoT Wearables Innovation of the Year and recognition as a CES Innovation Awards Honoree, placing it alongside tech giants like Samsung and Sony.

Royal Caribbean! “The World’s BEST Family Vacation!”

Royal Caribbean logo on a blue background
Royal Caribbean cruise family cruise vacation kid-friendly special needs accessibility
A table showing Royal Caribbean Youth Program Age Groups with columns for Program Name, Age Range, Ship Type, and Key Features & Activities. Programs include Royal Babies & Tots, Aquanauts, Explorers, Voyagers, AO Kids, and Teens / Social, each with specified age ranges, ship types, and activities.

The 8 Iconic Neighborhoods: Meet the “ICONS!”

  • Icon of the Seas

  • Star of the Seas

  • Legend of the Seas (Launching in 2026!)

The "Icons" of this ship class are the eight distinct neighborhoods, five of which were brand-new concepts for Royal Caribbean.

1. Thrill Island (The Theme Park)

This is the "adrenaline" center of the ship.

  • Category 6: The largest waterpark at sea with 6 record-breaking slides (including the tallest waterslide at sea).

  • Crown’s Edge: A fear-inducing "skywalk" obstacle course that ends with you dangling 154 feet above the ocean before a sudden drop.

2. Chill Island (The Resort)

The ultimate pool day destination spread across three decks.

  • Royal Bay: The largest pool ever built on a ship.

  • Swim & Tonic: Royal Caribbean’s first-ever swim-up bar at sea.

3. Surfside (The Family Hub)

The first neighborhood designed specifically for families with young kids (ages 6 and under).

  • Parents can lounge in the Water's Edge pool while kids play in Splashaway Bay nearby. It includes its own eateries (Surfside Eatery) and a beach-themed carousel.

4. AquaDome (The Entertainment Marvel)

A massive glass dome at the front of the ship that changes vibes from day to night.

  • The Overlook: A tranquil lounge with 220-degree views during the day.

  • AquaTheater: At night, it hosts high-diving, synchronized swimming, and robotic performances with a 55-foot waterfall.

5. The Hideaway (The Adults-Only Escape)

A beach-club-style retreat that feels like Las Vegas or Tulum.

  • It features the only suspended infinity pool at sea, perched eight stories up at the back of the ship for sunset views.

6-8. Royal Promenade, Central Park, &Suite Neighborhood

  • Royal Promenade: Features The Pearl, a massive kinetic art installation that doubles as structural support and a light show.

  • Central Park: A lush, open-air park with 33,000+ real plants and high-end dining like the 8-course Empire Supper Club.

  • Suite Neighborhood: An exclusive enclave with a private sun deck (The Grove) and two-story dining.

Three large cruise ships sailing in the ocean with blue water, featuring colorful water slides and amenities on deck, and the Royal Caribbean logo in the top right corner. Icon Class vacation trip family fun
NCL logo with large white letters on a blue background and a white wave underneath. Norwegian cruise vacation couples fun relaxation dining free at sea
Logo of experience MORE at sea with a stylized sailboat and text in dark blue.

The Norwegian "Vibe": Freestyle & Flexible

  • The Philosophy: "Freestyle Dining" means no fixed dining times, no pre-assigned tables, and no mandatory formal nights. You eat when you're hungry and dress however you like.

  • Solo Traveler Leader: NCL is arguably the best line for solo cruisers, offering award-winning Studio Cabins (no single supplement fee) and exclusive solo-only lounges to meet other travelers.

  • Free at Sea: Most NCL bookings include their popular "Free at Sea" promotion, which often bundles an Open Bar package, specialty dining credits, Wi-Fi, and shore excursion credits into the base fare.