Royal Caribbean
Mariner of the Seas
- Cruises
- 56
- From
- $463
Ship comparison
Mariner of the Seas vs Norwegian Prima
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Prima
- Cruises
- 51
- From
- $349
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Mariner of the Seas is a large Royal Caribbean ship carrying 3,114 passengers, in service since 2003. Norwegian Prima is a large Norwegian Cruise Line ship carrying 3,215 passengers, in service since 2022.
Choose Mariner of the Seas if you want a better-rated spa and gym or better-rated staterooms: it outscores Norwegian Prima for spa & fitness (9.0 vs 7.0) and staterooms (9.0 vs 7.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Choose Norwegian Prima if you want a newer ship, more of a party or better-rated dining: it outscores Mariner of the Seas for party (7.0 vs 5.0) and dining (7.0 vs 5.6) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its maiden voyage was in 2022 (vs 2003).
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Mariner of the Seas | Norwegian Prima | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Royal Caribbean | Norwegian Cruise Line |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2003 | 2022 (better) |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | 2018 | — |
| Gross tonnage | 138,279 | 142,500 |
| Passengers | 3,114 | 3,215 |
| Crew | 1,185 | 1,388 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.6 | 2.3 (better) |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 44.4 (better) | 44.3 |
| Cabins | — | 1,646 |
| Decks | 15 | 20 |
| Length | 1,020 ft | 965 ft |
| Beam | 157 ft | 133 ft |
| Speed | 28 mph | — |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 10 / 10 (better) | 9 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 56 | 51 |
| Upcoming sailings | 93 | 92 |
| Cruise lengths | 6 to 17 nights | 3 to 17 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $463 | $349 (better) |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Mariner of the Seas leads on 4 of the ten, Norwegian Prima on 3, with 3 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
Royal Caribbean
Mariner of the Seas
The newly amplified Mariner of the Seas from Royal Caribbean underwent a $120 million refurbishment in 2018 — and the enhancements remain eye-catching. Many of the renovations involve new features to attract families and younger cruisers.
Highlights
- Broadway-style entertainment in the Main Theater
- The Bamboo Room delivers top-notch Polynesian-inspired cocktails
- The Playmakers Sports Bar and Arcade serves up a wide selection of beers and pub favorites like chicken wings and nachos
- Spa treatments in the Vitality Spa
Sailing now
56 cruises on sale, from $463.
About Mariner of the Seas Plan my cruise on Mariner of the Seas
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Prima
First in a new class of smartships from Norwegian Cruise Line, Norwegian Prima sailed its maiden voyage in August 2022. The next-generation ship was Norwegian's first major redesign in nearly 10 years.
Sailing now
51 cruises on sale, from $349.
Questions
Mariner of the Seas or Norwegian Prima?
Which is bigger, Mariner of the Seas or Norwegian Prima?
Norwegian Prima is bigger at 142,500 gross tons, against 138,279 gross tons for Mariner of the Seas. Mariner of the Seas carries 3,114 passengers and Norwegian Prima carries 3,215.
Which ship is newer, Mariner of the Seas or Norwegian Prima?
Norwegian Prima is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2022 against 2003 for Mariner of the Seas.
Which has more space per passenger?
Mariner of the Seas, with 44.4 gross tons per passenger against 44.3 on Norwegian Prima. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
Norwegian Prima, with one crew member for every 2.3 passengers against one for every 2.6 on Mariner of the Seas.
Which is better for families?
They score the same for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 8.0 out of 10.
Still deciding?
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