Celebrity vs. Norwegian: Comparing Entry-Level Suites on the Edge and Joy

This post has been updated to reflect changes made by Celebrity in late 2023.

We’ve spent most of our cruises in either a Haven suite on Norwegian or a Retreat suite on Celebrity. Celebrity vs. Norwegian: which is best?

When you’re considering your first suite on a cruise line, you’ll probably choose the least expensive one to try, right? And if you’re trying to choose between cruising on Celebrity or Norwegian, you might have trouble deciding between the two.

To help you choose, I’ll break down the differences I’ve found between the two cruise lines’ entry-level suites.

For Norwegian Cruise Line, we’ll compare its Courtyard Penthouse Suite in the Haven on the Joy to Celebrity Cruises’ Retreat Sky Suite on the Edge, which are newer ships of about the same age for the respective cruise lines. Both the Courtyard Penthouse and the Sky Suite are entry-level suites.

For this post, we will only be comparing the aspects of the suite itself and what is provided for that suite, and won’t address the differences between the Haven and the Retreat’s amenities (such as restaurant, lounge, sun deck, etc.). We’ll save that for another post.

Celebrity vs. Norwegian: Ship Comparison

First, let’s do a quick comparison of the two ships. The ships began sailing within a year of each other and are of similar size, with the main difference being the tonnage of the Joy is much greater and its passenger capacity similarly higher.

Cabin

Although they are configured differently, both are similar-sized modern studio-style suites with a separate bathroom and a full-width balcony of similar size.

Norwegian: The Courtyard Penthouse Suite is 324 square feet (270 s.f. interior and 54 s.f. balcony).

Celebrity: The Sky Suite is 311 square feet (254 s.f. interior and 57 s.f. balcony).

Bed

Both cabins have comfortable king-size beds made from two twins, with ample storage beneath for suitcases. The beds have four premium pillows, four decorative pillows, and a bed runner. A nightstand with a table lamp is provided for each side of the bed.

Norwegian: The mattress is cashmere. The table lamps also include adjustable reading lamps. Beneath the end tables is blue night lighting, which can be turned off.

Celebrity: The bed has exclusive eXhale^® bedding.

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Both suites have a bathroom with a double-width sink, a separate water closet, a tub/shower combination with a shower wand, a retractable clothesline, and under-sink drawer storage. Both provide bulk toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, hand soap, and body lotion.

Norwegian: Has a much smaller bathroom with a standard tub/shower combination. L’Occitane toiletries are provided.

Celebrity: Has a makeup station with seating and magnifying mirror, three wall shelves on each side of the sink that provide more storage, and an oversized tub/shower. Bigelow toiletries are provided.

Balcony

The balconies of both cabins are of comparable size. Both have floor-to-ceiling windows with a sliding glass door and are furnished with two chairs with arms and a small table. Both have glass panels to give you an unobstructed view.

Norwegian: The balcony has two rattan-like armchairs and a small table.

Celebrity: The balcony has two comfortable side chairs and a small table.

Storage

Both suites have closets, one of which holds your room safe.

Norwegian: Has three closets, two for hanging clothes and one with shelves and drawers. The long counter has drawers beneath. The counter has two sets of drawers beneath: one shallow for paperwork, one medium depth, and one deep drawer. The drawers are self-closing.

Celebrity: The Sky Suite has two closets, one wide one for hanging clothes, and the other with shelves and three drawers. Your long counter has three large drawers beneath, divided into two sections each.

Technology

Both suites have wall-mounted flat-screen TVs with a remote, and a telephone on one bedside table.

Norwegian: The room has an at-home/make-up-room light indicator, which is a set of switches on the wall just inside the suite’s door. As for outlets, you have a European electrical outlet on one side of the bed and an American outlet on the other side of the bed. The suite has a portable phone that you can carry with you to call your butler if necessary.

Celebrity: The TV is larger and on a swivel. Has a digital HVAC control. Has a wall-mounted lighting/drapes control. There is no electrical outlet on one side of the bed, and only one American outlet on the other side of the bed.

Suite Extras

Both cruise lines provide two bathrobes and two sets of slippers for your use. The Sky Suite, however, has two umbrellas (one small and one large) that are provided for your use, and a set of binoculars. On Day Two or so, Celebrity will also provide you with a nice canvas tote bag to use for excursions that you can take home with you.

Food and Beverage

Both suites provide a butler who will bring you beverages and treats, including a bottle of sparkling wine on embarkation day.

Norwegian: The mini-fridge comes with water for sale, and can be stocked by you with sodas and waters you bring back from the Haven Lounge. Mid-afternoon each day, your butler delivers three or four trays of canapes, both sweet and savory, that can be tailored to your taste. The butler’s pantry has a refreshment station that includes a Nespresso coffeemaker with coffee pods and assorted Tea Forte teas.

Celebrity: The mini-fridge comes with free bottled water and can be stocked as you wish by your butler. Mid-afternoon each day, afternoon tea is served in the Retreat Lounge. Canapes can be delivered to your suite each day upon request. On your counter is a mini beverage station containing an ice bucket, two glasses, and two large bottles of complimentary water, which will be replenished at no cost.

Included in the Price

Packages and credits included in the cruise price are:

Norwegian: Premium Beverage Package, 300 minutes Wi-Fi, $50 credit on shore excursions (for Passenger 1)

Celebrity: Premium Drinks, Unlimited Premium Wi-Fi

Not Included in the Price

Not included in the cruise price are the following packages and credits:

Norwegian: Unlimited Wi-Fi

Celebrity: $50 off of shore excursions

Cruise Pricing

Finding two comparable cruise itineraries for these two ships was difficult because of the ships’ deployments to different parts of the world over the next two years. The closest I found to compare was a transatlantic cruise, and I tried to make the comparison apples to apples. These prices were accurate as of March 26, 2023.

Norwegian: On the Joy for 13 nights on a transatlantic from Miami to London departing January 6, 2024, in a Courtyard Penthouse Suite, the total including all gratuities would be $11,737.66 ($902.90 per night). This does not include airfare, and Norwegian is offering buy one, get one free through them. However, I would not recommend using the cruise line for air travel and would recommend you book your own. It will save you a ton of headaches if you have trip interruptions—trust me.

Celebrity: On the Edge for 14 nights on a transatlantic from Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona departing April 17, 2023, in a Sky Suite, the total including all gratuities would be $11,874.54 ($848.18 per night). This does not include airfare.

Final Thoughts

Frankly, when it comes to Celebrity vs. Norwegian entry-level suites, both have pros and cons that tend to cancel each other out. Both have comfortable beds and nice bedding, but Celebrity has a much nicer bathroom with a makeup station. Norwegian, however, has the butler’s pantry with dining accessories, a coffee/tea station, and a nicer eating area. Celebrity has nicer balcony furniture and provides umbrellas and binoculars. Norwegian offers BOGO airfare.

Bottom line? To me, it’s a draw, but with recent changes made by Celebrity, Norwegian is now coming out ahead. I enjoy both cruise lines’ entry-level suites but for different reasons.

The choice will come down to personal preferences and what is more important for you. Hopefully, these details will help you make your decision.

Happy cruising!