NCL v Princess This is a review of NCL against Princess as regards their various ships, services and the way they do things. It is our personal view and only covers the areas we experienced (in particular it does not cover kids areas/activities and shows). We are not comparing itineraries as the Western Mediterranean (7 days on NCL Norwegian Jade) compared with Iceland and Norway (12 days on Crown Princess) would not be a meaningful comparison. Base fares are not considered as one of these cruises was a last minute deal and one was a long term full price booking. Generally, the experience is similar with some good on either side. Suffice to say we were happy with both cruise lines and would sail again on either without qualms. The two cruises were two months apart (NCL June 2010) and (Princess Aug 2010). We had equivalent level balcony cabins on both (BA on NCL - BB on Princess)

Embarkation/Disembarkation (draw) This was a similar experience with no real plusses or minuses on either side. Princess was slightly quicker delivering our luggage (it was waiting for us at our cabin).

Ship size and layout (NCL slight winner) Crown Princess takes 3000+ passengers whereas Norwegian Jade takes about 2000. We found the Jade easier to get around (particularly regarding stairs on outside decks). Crown Princess generally had more stairs and was not so disabled friendly. Crown Princess had all of the kids stuff away at the back and the top of the ship which meant there were less children running around during the day. NCL's kids area was more central. The central atrium was better on Crown Princess as there were more facilities available there and it provided a better focus. Crown Princess's atrium stretches over three decks and had a clear area whereas Norwegian Jade's spreads over two and the floor is taken up by the coffee bar. Having said that, the Crown Princess atrium got very crowded at times. Overall we just preferred the Norwegian Jade as it was that bit smaller and easier to get around - on the Crown Princess we felt like we were walking to Iceland at times! Read more