Virgin Voyages is the better choice for adults who want an all-dining-included, no-formal-nights experience with a contemporary atmosphere. Norwegian Cruise Line is better for families and travellers who want more ship variety, more itinerary options, and the flexibility of their Free at Sea promotion. Both offer solid value for Canadians — the deciding factors are whether you want adults-only and whether all-inclusive dining matters to you.
| Feature | Virgin Voyages | Norwegian Cruise Line |
|---|---|---|
| Adults Only | Yes — 18+ only | No — all ages welcome, kids programs available |
| Dining Included | All 20+ restaurants, no surcharges | Main dining + buffet included; specialty costs $25-$60+ extra |
| Wi-Fi | Basic Starlink included | Not included; available via Free at Sea or $15-$30/day |
| Gratuities | $20/day prepaid ($22 on board) | $20-$25/day auto-charged |
| Drinks | Bar Tab prepaid credit (not a package) | Drink package available via Free at Sea or $109+/day |
| Dress Code | No formal nights | Smart casual encouraged; no strict formal nights |
| Ship Size | ~2,770 guests (4 identical ships) | 2,000-4,200+ guests (19+ varied ships) |
| Free at Sea | N/A — most items already included | Bundle promotion: choose 2-5 perks (drinks, Wi-Fi, excursions, specialty dining, 3rd/4th guest free) |
Norwegian's Free at Sea promotion is their biggest selling point — but it's important to understand what you're actually getting vs what Virgin Voyages includes by default.
Free at Sea lets you choose from perks like a drink package, Wi-Fi, specialty dining credits, shore excursion credits, and free 3rd/4th guests. On paper, this sounds competitive. In practice:
For a Canadian couple on a 7-night cruise, the total cost calculation often favours Virgin Voyages once you account for the specialty dining surcharges on Norwegian that don't exist on VV.
Norwegian has a "cruise your way" philosophy — maximum flexibility and choice. Ships range from intimate to mega-size, with varied entertainment options, multiple pools, and extensive kids and teen programs. The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly.
Virgin Voyages is exclusively for adults, with a curated, design-forward atmosphere. No kids, no buffets, no formal nights. It attracts a younger, more style-conscious crowd (though travellers of all ages enjoy it).
For Canadian families: Norwegian. For Canadian couples and adult groups: Virgin Voyages.
Not sure which line is right for you?
Sean sells both Virgin Voyages and Norwegian Cruise Line. He'll give you an honest recommendation based on your group.