I posted about this on another forum, but I thought it might help here too.
I promised to share my thoughts on NCL vs. Princess after doing back-to-back transatlantic cruises with both lines. We just finished a 14-day trip on the NCL Sky, and while we enjoyed it, there were some things that stood out. Now that we’re on the Caribbean Princess (only been 24 hours), the differences are huge.
Here are a few things we noticed right away:
Buffet quality is way better on Princess.
Service in the main restaurant is faster. NCL felt like it was understaffed.
Less extra charges for things that NCL makes you pay for.
The whole boat feels newer, with better furniture and a more modern look.
Just feels like everything is a step up on Princess. We’ll be on this ship for 16 days as it heads back across the Med and Atlantic, so I’ll update if there’s more to share. Cheers!
Here’s a copy of the original post to keep it on record.
I posted about this on another forum, but I thought it might help here too.
I promised to share my thoughts on NCL vs. Princess after doing back-to-back transatlantic cruises with both lines. We just finished a 14-day trip on the NCL Sky, and while we enjoyed it, there were some things that stood out. Now that we’re on the Caribbean Princess (only been 24 hours), the differences are huge.
Here are a few things we noticed right away:
Buffet quality is way better on Princess.
Service in the main restaurant is faster. NCL felt like it was understaffed.
Less extra charges for things that NCL makes you pay for.
The whole boat feels newer, with better furniture and a more modern look.
Just feels like everything is a step up on Princess. We’ll be on this ship for 16 days as it heads back across the Med and Atlantic, so I’ll update if there’s more to share. Cheers!
To be fair, you were on one of NCL’s oldest ships, so it’s not exactly the same as their newer ones. Sky isn’t like the Encore, Escape, or Bliss—let alone the new Prima or Viva. I’ve been on the Sky’s sister, the Star, and it was just okay. But the Breakaway class on NCL? Those ships are top-notch in my opinion.
For NCL, it’s more about the route on the older ships. The newer ones have better dining, bigger buffets, and just feel way more up-to-date.
@Reagan
Yeah, Caribbean Princess is over 20 years old too, and it doesn’t compare to newer ships like Sky Princess. I’ve been on both and loved both, but there’s definitely a noticeable difference.
@Reagan
Is it normal for older ships to not be as good? I get that newer ships have more amenities, but it seems like food quality shouldn’t be that different.
Uma said: @Reagan
Is it normal for older ships to not be as good? I get that newer ships have more amenities, but it seems like food quality shouldn’t be that different.
Fair point. I’ve heard others say that the food and service aren’t as great on the older ships. They also don’t have room for all the specialty restaurants, and the buffet is smaller with fewer options.
For me, it’s more about the outdoor spaces. On newer ships, there’s outdoor dining, bars, and the thermal spas are great—perfect for relaxing with a book. Just my take though!
Uma said: @Reagan
Is it normal for older ships to not be as good? I get that newer ships have more amenities, but it seems like food quality shouldn’t be that different.
Actually, I sometimes feel like the food on older ships can be better! Maybe it’s easier to manage on a smaller scale with fewer restaurant options?
@Reagan
I liked the Sky as a ship overall. I’m not into the big, flashy amusement-park-style ships. I just like being on the water and crossing an ocean. The Sky has a lot going for it, but Princess just gives you more for your money and a better experience.
@Reagan
The Breakaway class is nice, but I wouldn’t call it the best out there. Carnival’s Excel class and Royal Caribbean’s Oasis and Icon classes might be even better, especially when you look at food and service. NCL seems to have cut back a bit on quality since the pandemic.
@Paris
On our NCL cruise, we were probably in the youngest 20%—I’m 60, and my partner is 58. On this Princess cruise, we’re easily in the youngest 10%. It feels like 70% of the passengers are over 75!
Riley said: @Paris
On our NCL cruise, we were probably in the youngest 20%—I’m 60, and my partner is 58. On this Princess cruise, we’re easily in the youngest 10%. It feels like 70% of the passengers are over 75!
I’m in my 40s, and on recent Princess cruises to Canada and the Caribbean, I saw a mix of ages. The route probably affects the crowd a lot—parents with kids can’t easily do a transatlantic trip during the school year.
@Reagan
Wait, you sailed on the Star Princess already? It doesn’t launch until 2025, and it’s not a sister ship to Sky Princess—it’s actually a new type of ship.
Arin said: @Reagan
Wait, you sailed on the Star Princess already? It doesn’t launch until 2025, and it’s not a sister ship to Sky Princess—it’s actually a new type of ship.
They meant the NCL Star from 2001, which was renovated in 2021. Different ship entirely!
My friends wanted to try Princess. I didn’t really care either way, so I went with it, but honestly, I thought it would be kinda cheesy since I grew up seeing Princess on the Love Boat show.
Turns out I was way off—I actually loved our 10-day Alaskan cruise. We’ve already booked a 16-day Panama Canal cruise with Princess next year. Seems like they’re pretty popular on this forum.