Icon of the Seas vs Norwegian Prima

Icon of the Seas

• Crowds disperse remarkably well across 8 neighborhoods despite ~7,600 passengers - decks and the Royal Promenade rarely feel packed
• The Hideaway is the first suspended infinity pool at sea, anchoring an adults-leaning party zone among the ship's 7 pools and 9 hot tubs
• Category 6 is the largest water park at sea with 6 slides, including Frightening Bolt (longest drop slide at sea) and the free-fall Pressure Drop
• Chill Island features the largest pool at sea plus Swim & Tonic, Royal Caribbean's first swim-up bar, with abundant loungers
• Surfside is a dedicated family neighborhood (pool, eateries, carousel) that families consistently rate as a standout

• Peak times get genuinely crowded - members report shows and restaurants must be booked early, leaving little room for spontaneity
• The top water slides draw long lines on warm sea days (waits of nearly an hour reported for the drop slides)
• Premium and steeply rising pricing - balcony fares that launched near $4,100/wk have climbed to $7,000-$8,000+, and over $12,000 on holidays
• Pervasive upcharges: Crown's Edge (~$49pp), Empire Supper Club ($200pp), Desserted milkshakes ($35), and pool casitas up to $800 on sea days
• Specialty-dining costs add up fast (Unlimited Dining Package ~$100/night for two) and several 'new' eateries carry extra fees

Norwegian Prima

• Up to 36% more space per guest than typical contemporary cruise ships, with a smaller 3,099-guest capacity that cuts down on the megaship crush
• Sleek, resort-style modern design with upscale spaces like the three-deck Penrose Atrium that reviewers consistently call beautiful
• Indulge Food Hall delivers free, made-to-order dishes you order from your table - a genuine value upgrade on a line known for nickel-and-diming
• Prima Speedway's three-level, nearly 1,400-foot go-kart track is the longest at sea and a legitimate thrill
• Ocean Boulevard's doubled-in-size 360-degree wraparound promenade gives lots of open-air walking, dining and lounging space

• Widely reported noise problems, especially in cabins near the theater and along the slide paths between decks 8 and 16
• Small main pool and limited pool-deck space for a ship this size, leading to crowding and a scramble for loungers on sea days
• Heavy upcharges - go-kart racing, mini-golf, darts, VR gaming and most specialty restaurants all cost extra
• Confusing, non-intuitive layout that leaves even seasoned cruisers disoriented finding venues
• The buffet (Surfside Cafe) is undersized and gets congested at peak meal times