Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises are three of the giants of big-ship cruising, with resort-style ships packed with pools, shows and restaurants. They look similar on paper, but each has its own personality.
Here is how they compare.
You’ll find on this page
- A comparison table of every cruise line in this guide
- The three lines side by side
- Our verdict
- Answers to the questions we’re asked most
- How to book or get expert advice at the end of the page
At a glance: compare the cruise lines
| Cruise line | Style | Fleet | Best for | Included highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Caribbean | Mainstream ocean | 31 Ships in the fleet | Thrills and families | Main dining, Adventure Ocean kids’ clubs, Theatre & shows |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | Mainstream ocean | 20 Ships in the fleet | Freedom and choice | Main dining, Splash Academy, Theatre & shows |
| MSC Cruises | Mainstream ocean | 25 Ships in the fleet | Value and the Med | Service charges, Main dining, Kids’ clubs |
Fleet sizes and inclusions are from each line’s own information and can change; inclusions often depend on the fare you book.
Quick verdicts
The three lines side by side
Royal Caribbean
- Mainstream ocean
- 31 Ships in the fleet
The world’s largest cruise line, with 31 ships, FlowRider surf simulators, huge waterslides, Adventure Ocean kids’ clubs and private destinations in the Bahamas and Haiti, plus seasonal sailings from Southampton.
Best for: Thrills and families
Norwegian Cruise Line
- Mainstream ocean
- 20 Ships in the fleet
Freestyle Cruising with no fixed dining times or formal dress code, more than 20 restaurants per ship, the all-suite Haven, and the Free at Sea upgrade package.
Best for: Freedom and choice
MSC Cruises
- Mainstream ocean
- 25 Ships in the fleet
A 25-ship Italian-heritage fleet sailing year-round from the UK and the Mediterranean, with family programmes, big entertainment and the MSC Yacht Club ship-within-a-ship.
Best for: Value and the Med
Side by side: the details
| Royal Caribbean | Norwegian Cruise Line | MSC Cruises | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fleet | 31 Ships in the fleet | 20 Ships in the fleet | 25 Ships in the fleet |
| Ship size | – | – | – |
| Included as standard | Main dining, Adventure Ocean kids’ clubs, Theatre & shows, Most onboard activities, Solarium pool, Perfect Day at CocoCay | Main dining, Splash Academy, Theatre & shows, Pools & water park, Race tracks & laser tag, Free at Sea upgrade | Service charges, Main dining, Kids’ clubs, Theatre & shows, Pools & hot tubs, Ocean Cay access |
| Main departure ports | Southampton, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Cape Liberty (NJ), Galveston | Southampton, Miami, Barcelona, Athens (Piraeus), Civitavecchia (Rome) | Southampton, Barcelona, Civitavecchia (Rome), Genoa, Miami |
| Loyalty programme | Crown & Anchor Society | Latitudes Rewards | MSC Voyagers Club |
| Might not suit you if | you want a small, quiet ship; you want adults-only; you want all-inclusive | you want adults-only; you like fixed dining times and formal nights; you want everything truly all-inclusive | you want a small, ultra-quiet ship; you want zero dress code; you want all-inclusive across every fare |
Our verdict
Choose Royal Caribbean for the biggest, boldest ships and the most to do, especially with teenagers. Choose Norwegian Cruise Line if you hate fixed dining times and dress codes. Choose MSC for value, a European feel and the luxury of the Yacht Club. All three sail from Southampton at times, and all three charge extra for drinks unless you add a package.
How we compared them
We compared the three lines using the information on our own cruise-line pages. Our comparisons are based on what each line offers as standard: ship size, what’s included, atmosphere and who it suits. Fares and inclusions change and often depend on the fare type, so check the details for your sailing, or ask a Travel Designer to compare them for you.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for families, Royal Caribbean or MSC?
Royal Caribbean has more thrills; MSC is often better value with a European atmosphere.
What is Freestyle Cruising?
Norwegian’s approach: no fixed dining times and no formal dress code.
What is the MSC Yacht Club?
A private area of suites with its own restaurant, lounge and pool on many MSC ships.
Do they sail from the UK?
MSC sails year-round from Southampton; Royal Caribbean and Norwegian have seasonal Southampton sailings.
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Browse every cruise line we sell, or ask a Travel Designer to compare ships, cabins and itineraries for you.
Keep planning
Updated October 2026. Cruises can be booked through Travelisto, with flights and hotels added where you need them.
