We took trips on a year-old Norwegian Cruise Line ship and a 25-year-old one. The differences show the evolution of the industry.

18.02.2024 - 12:13 / insider.com / Royal Caribbean

One look at Norwegian Cruise Line's older and newer vessels will make you realize just how much bigger, bolder, and more irresistible cruise ships are becoming.

Decades of modernization and astute profit-making strategies have pushed the mass-market cruise industry to transform its small floating hotels into giant resorts with amusement park-like amenities.

So far, travelers have been loving this shift. Just look at Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, what's now the world's largest cruise ship.

The 9,950-person vessel's amenities — which include a six-slide waterpark, waterfall, and ice skating rink — could be one reason Icon has become its operator's most popular product.

It's likely the showiest example of the move toward larger and more activity-packed vessels. But Royal Caribbean isn't riding the "bigger is better" wave alone.

Competitor Norwegian Cruise Line is getting in on the action, too.

Two Business Insider reporters sailed on Norwegian's 25-year-old Norwegian Sky and the 1 ½-year-old Norwegian Prima. (Reporter Taylor Rains spent three nights on the Sky in January, while Brittany Chang joined Prima's complimentary four-night inaugural press sailing in late 2022.)

The evolution of these vessels points to how Norwegian is evolving its fleet.

The $1.1 billion Prima — sister vessel to the newer Norwegian Viva — isn't its operator's largest product. (It ranks in seven out of 19.)

Still, it's still 117 feet longer and 66,431 gross tons heavier than the older Sky — with the ability to carry 1,095 more travelers.

You'd probably envision something like the older Norwegian Sky when someone asks you to picture a typical cruise ship.

It has all the basics: a casino, a buffet, bars, children's clubs, and a crowded pool deck.

But when compared to newer ships, it fell short of major "wow" factors.

The atrium was small and basic, the lounges lacked any razzle-dazzle, and the pool deck left much to be desired.

Most noticeably, it didn't have the grandiose amenities that are becoming more common on new ships, like the Prima. (Think water slides, flashy cocktail bars, and a go-kart race track.)

Yes, you read that right: go-karts. Good luck getting bored on the Norwegian Prima.

Still, guests on the older Sky can spend their days at trivia and nights at song-and-dance shows.

Maybe even a round in the arcade, at bingo, or taking a spin on "Wheel of Fortune" — although these cost extra.

Despite the lack of super-modern amenities, Taylor found the ship's on-board events were enough to keep people entertained.

But on the newer Prima, cruisers have a lot more options.

Aboard the Prima, travelers can indulge in the go-kart race track, play at the arcade juiced with virtual-reality rides and games, and enjoy modern