Nicko Cruises vs Norwegian Cruise Line

The core difference

Nicko Cruises is a German river cruise operator that has been sailing Europe’s waterways since 1994, building a reputation for dependable, value-oriented river cruising with authentic Continental character. The fleet of approximately 20 river ships, plus the ocean-going Vasco da Gama, sails the Danube, Rhine, Main, Moselle, Elbe, Douro, and Rhone. The flagship NickoVision carries 220 passengers — the largest ship in the fleet.

Nicko’s guiding philosophy is “time to discover” — slow cruising with extended port stays that let guests explore at their own pace, town-centre docking that places the gangway directly in the heart of European life, and the independence to wander through medieval old towns, riverside markets, and vineyard villages without organised coach excursions unless you choose them. The passenger base is predominantly German, with English-language sailings growing through specialist booking channels and the ship atmosphere reflecting genuine Continental travel traditions.

Norwegian Cruise Line is the world’s fourth-largest cruise line, operating 20 ocean-going ships with the Freestyle Cruising philosophy that fundamentally changed mainstream cruising when it launched in the early 2000s. No fixed dining times, no assigned seating, no dress codes — the ship operates like a floating resort where every decision is the guest’s to make.

The newest ship, Norwegian Aqua (launched April 2025), features the Aqua Slidecoaster (a hybrid waterslide and rollercoaster), go-kart tracks where guests race electric karts on a multi-level course above the ocean, laser tag arenas on the top deck, and The Haven — a private luxury enclave with its own pool, restaurant, bar, and 24-hour butler service. The fleet carries 2,400 to 4,000 guests per ship and sails the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska, Northern Europe, and seasonally Australian waters. Four additional Prima Plus Class ships and an entirely new class of 5,000-passenger vessels are on order through 2030.

This is not a conventional comparison between competing cruise lines — it is a comparison between fundamentally different holiday types. Nicko’s largest ship carries fewer guests than a single Norwegian Haven suite floor. A Nicko voyage is a quiet, cultural journey through European river landscapes — gliding past vineyards and castles, docking in medieval towns, walking off the gangway into the heart of European life. A Norwegian voyage is a resort holiday at sea — swimming pools, Broadway shows, go-kart racing, global dining, and the freedom of open ocean. The comparison serves Australian travellers deciding which type of experience suits their travel style, their energy level, and their holiday ambitions.

What is actually included

Nicko’s fare typically covers full board — breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the main restaurant — plus tea and coffee throughout the day. Alcoholic beverages, guided shore excursions, Wi-Fi, and gratuities are not included in the standard fare. Gratuities are suggested at 10 to 13 euros per passenger per night — modest by cruise industry standards. Some promotional packages bundle excursions or drink packages at reduced rates. The pricing sits 20 to 40 per cent below premium river lines like Viking and AmaWaterways, making Nicko’s value proposition accessible to travellers who consider those brands too expensive.

Norwegian’s base fare covers main dining room meals, the Garden Cafe buffet, room service, pool access, fitness facilities, and entertainment shows including Broadway-calibre productions. The Free at Sea programme bundles the Premium Beverage Package (cocktails, wines, spirits), Specialty Dining Package (meals at restaurants like Cagney’s, La Cucina, and Le Bistro), Wi-Fi, and Shore Excursion Credit — with the number of inclusions depending on stateroom category and current promotions.

Haven suite guests receive all Free at Sea inclusions automatically, plus butler service, a private restaurant, and dedicated concierge. Gratuities run approximately USD $20 per person per day for standard staterooms and are charged separately.

The inclusion models reflect different industry segments and different guest expectations. River cruise pricing increasingly trends toward more-inclusive packages, and Nicko’s base fare covers three meals daily — though it stops short of the all-inclusive model offered by premium river lines. Norwegian’s ocean cruise model separates the base fare from extras, with Free at Sea bundles bridging the gap for travellers who want drinks and speciality dining included. For Australian travellers, the critical additional cost is flights — Norwegian offers seasonal Australian departures that eliminate airfares entirely, while Nicko requires international flights to Europe for every single embarkation.

Dining and culinary experience

Nicko operates a single main restaurant on each river ship, serving all passengers in one or two sittings for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The cuisine is regional European, changing authentically with the waterway — Austrian specialities including Wiener Schnitzel and Apfelstrudel on the Danube, Alsatian Flammkuchen and Riesling on the Rhine, Portuguese bacalhau on the Douro. The kitchen sources local ingredients where possible, and the menu changes daily to reflect the towns and regions being visited. The communal dining format — shared tables, a single menu, regional wines available for purchase — creates a social, personal atmosphere where passengers share stories and recommendations. Everyone knows everyone by mid-voyage. There are no alternative restaurants, no speciality dining surcharges, and no 24-hour room service. The experience is intimate, regionally authentic, and fundamentally social.

Norwegian offers 15 to 20 dining venues per ship, all operating under the Freestyle Cruising principle — no fixed times, no assigned tables, no dress code beyond resort casual. Cagney’s Steakhouse serves prime American cuts. La Cucina delivers Italian cuisine with handmade pasta. Teppanyaki offers communal tableside Japanese cooking with theatrical knife work. Food Republic presents global street food ordered via tablet — Korean, Mexican, Indian, Japanese. Le Bistro serves refined French cuisine.

The Indulge Food Hall on Prima and Prima Plus Class ships features multiple chef-curated stations in a contemporary market-hall format. The main dining rooms and Garden Cafe buffet are included in the fare, while speciality restaurants carry surcharges of approximately USD $30 to $60 per person. The flexibility is genuine — dinner at 6pm one night and 9.30pm the next, at a completely different restaurant each time.

The dining comparison captures the essential philosophical difference between river and ocean cruising. Nicko offers a single, intimate dining room where the menu reflects the landscape visible through the panoramic windows — you eat Austrian food as you sail past Austrian vineyards. Norwegian offers a global food court of extraordinary variety where the choice is limited only by appetite and budget. Both deliver genuine culinary satisfaction, but the experiences could not be more different in scale, atmosphere, or philosophy.

Suites and accommodation

Nicko’s river ship cabins are all outside-facing with river views through windows or French balconies — there are no inside cabins on any river cruise ship, which represents an immediate advantage over ocean cruise lines where the most affordable options are windowless. Standard cabins range from approximately 140 to 180 square feet, comparable in size to a mid-range ocean cruise balcony cabin but without the private outdoor space. The flagship NickoVision features a split-level design with extensive glass for panoramic views that make the cabins feel significantly larger. Upper-deck suites offer additional space, better sightlines, and enhanced furnishings but nothing approaching the scale or luxury of ocean cruise suite products. The standard is comfortable European four-star — clean, well-maintained, functional, and unpretentious.

Norwegian’s accommodation ranges from compact inside staterooms at approximately 140 square feet (windowless but affordable) to The Haven’s luxury suites. Standard balcony cabins average 180 to 210 square feet plus a private balcony with ocean views.

The Haven offers penthouses of 290 to 400 square feet, the extraordinary three-bedroom Garden Villa with private terrace and room for eight guests, and various suite categories with 24-hour butler service, private pool access, a dedicated restaurant, and a concierge. The variety spans every possible budget point and preference — from a solo traveller in a Studio cabin (available on select ships with access to the Studio Lounge) to a multi-generational family in the Garden Villa.

The accommodation comparison highlights the vast scale difference between these operations. Norwegian’s Haven suites alone are individually larger than most Nicko cabins. But the river ship cabin serves a fundamentally different purpose — guests spend their days in port exploring towns on foot, on the sun deck watching castles and vineyards pass, or in the lounge socialising with fellow passengers. The cabin is a comfortable base for sleeping and freshening up rather than a luxury destination in itself. Norwegian’s Haven transforms the cabin into a destination — a private retreat with butler service, a pool, and a restaurant that you might never want to leave. Both models work brilliantly for their intended purpose.

Pricing and value

Nicko prices its European river cruises from approximately EUR $800 to $1,500 per person for seven nights (roughly AUD $1,300 to $2,500), including full board with three meals daily. This represents 20 to 40 per cent savings compared to Viking, Uniworld, and AmaWaterways for comparable itineraries on the same rivers. The value proposition is clear: a solid four-star river cruise experience at pricing that opens river cruising to travellers who find the premium brands too expensive.

Norwegian prices from approximately AUD $150 to $250 per person per night for inside staterooms, with balcony cabins from roughly AUD $200 to $350 on seven-night itineraries. A seven-night sailing runs approximately AUD $1,400 to $2,500 per person before add-ons.

Free at Sea bundles add value worth AUD $100 to $200 per person per day for travellers who drink moderately and enjoy speciality dining. Haven suites command AUD $500 to $1,200 per person per night — premium pricing for a genuinely premium product.

For Australian travellers, the total cost calculation must include flights — and this is where the comparison shifts dramatically. Norwegian’s seasonal Australian departures eliminate airfares entirely: a seven-night South Pacific cruise from Sydney at AUD $1,500 to $2,500 per person requires no flights, no jet lag, and no transit hotel. Nicko requires flights to Europe — AUD $2,000 to $4,000 per person return from Australian east coast cities. A Nicko Danube cruise at EUR $1,200 per person plus AUD $3,000 flights totals roughly AUD $5,000 per person — good value for a European river cruise but significantly more than a Norwegian sailing from Sydney. The comparison is only fair when both involve international travel: an Australian flying to Miami for a Norwegian Caribbean cruise versus flying to Vienna for a Nicko Danube cruise would find the total costs much more comparable.

Spa and wellness

Nicko’s wellness offering is modest and makes no pretence otherwise — a small fitness area, occasionally a sauna on the larger vessels, and sun loungers on the top deck. The genuine wellness on a river cruise comes from daily shore exploration: walking through cobblestoned town centres, climbing castle staircases, cycling along riverbanks (bikes are available at many ports), and exploring vineyard trails and market squares on foot. A typical port day on a Nicko cruise involves 10,000 to 15,000 steps of walking through European towns — more genuine physical activity than most ocean cruise sea days provide. The sun deck provides meditative relaxation as the scenery passes, and the simple act of watching the river landscape unfold is a form of mindfulness that no gym or spa treatment replicates.

Norwegian’s Mandara Spa features treatment rooms, a thermal suite with heated loungers, salt room, snow room, and hydrotherapy pools (available via day or voyage pass), and comprehensive fitness centres with ocean-view cardio equipment, free weights, and group classes including yoga and spinning. Norwegian Aqua expands the wellness programme with an enhanced thermal spa.

Beyond the spa walls, Norwegian’s active entertainment programme — go-kart racing, laser tag, ropes courses, waterslides, the Aqua Slidecoaster — provides adrenaline-fuelled physical activity that doubles as entertainment and exercise simultaneously.

The wellness comparison is between onboard facilities at a massive scale and destination-based activity at an intimate, organic scale. Norwegian delivers more facilities in a single ship than Nicko’s entire fleet could collectively house. Nicko delivers daily walking through some of Europe’s most beautiful and historically significant towns. Both contribute meaningfully to physical and mental wellbeing — through entirely different mechanisms.

Entertainment and enrichment

Nicko’s entertainment centres on the destination rather than the ship. Local musicians may board briefly in port to perform folk music or regional repertoire. Cultural talks from onboard guides provide historical and geographical context for the rivers, towns, and regions being visited — the story behind the Loreley rock, the history of the Habsburg dynasty along the Danube, the winemaking traditions of the Wachau Valley. Evening entertainment is deliberately low-key: a pianist or small ensemble in the lounge, conversation over regional wines, a themed evening reflecting local culinary traditions. There are no production shows, no casinos, no gaming arcades, and no organised nightlife. The entertainment is the journey — watching the landscape evolve through the panoramic windows, transiting locks, arriving in a new town each morning.

Norwegian delivers mainstream cruise entertainment at the industry’s highest level. Broadway and West End-calibre shows including SIX and the first official Prince tribute show at sea on Norwegian Aqua. Go-kart racing on multi-level tracks above the ocean — an experience unique to Norwegian across the entire cruise industry. The Galaxy Pavilion virtual reality complex. Open-air laser tag on the top deck under the stars.

Ropes courses, waterslides, and the Aqua Slidecoaster that combines waterslide and rollercoaster mechanics complete the active entertainment roster. Vibrant nightlife across multiple bars and lounges keeps the evening energy high. The entertainment programme fills every waking hour with options, and the Freestyle philosophy means you choose what you want without scheduled obligations.

These entertainment philosophies are so fundamentally different that comparison is barely meaningful. Nicko’s guests chose the line specifically because they do not want production entertainment, go-karts, or laser tag — they want the scenery, the towns, and the quiet company of fellow travellers who share their appreciation for European culture. Norwegian’s guests chose the line specifically because they want the thrills, the shows, and the freedom to set their own pace across dozens of entertainment options. Both audiences are excellently served by their chosen product.

Fleet and destination coverage

Nicko’s fleet of approximately 20 river ships operates on European rivers exclusively, with ship sizes varying to match the specific navigational requirements of each waterway — narrow vessels for lock-restricted stretches of the Main-Danube Canal, larger ships for the broad Danube below Budapest. The ocean-going Vasco da Gama adds a single ocean vessel. Destination coverage is deep within Europe — the Danube, Rhine, Main, Moselle, Elbe, Douro, Rhone, and select international waterways — but geographically narrow. There is no presence outside European river systems, no Caribbean or Mediterranean ocean cruising, and no Australian deployments.

Norwegian’s fleet of 20 ocean-going ships sails globally: the Caribbean (where the line has won Best Caribbean Cruise Line at the World Travel Awards repeatedly), Mediterranean, Alaska, Northern Europe, Bermuda, and seasonally Australia and the South Pacific. The fleet ranges from the mid-size Norwegian Jewel (approximately 2,400 guests) to the newest Prima Plus Class Norwegian Aqua (approximately 3,500 guests). Four more Prima Plus ships and a new class of 5,000-passenger vessels are on order. Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas and Harvest Caye in Belize are Norwegian’s private island beach destinations. The destination coverage is genuinely global, with seasonal deployments that follow the sun.

For Australian travellers, Norwegian’s global reach and seasonal local deployments from Sydney give it an accessibility advantage that Nicko cannot match. Nicko’s strength is depth of European river expertise — 30 years on waterwayss that many ocean cruise lines have never visited — rather than breadth of global destination coverage.

Where each line excels

Nicko excels in value European river cruising with three decades of operational expertise on the continent’s most scenic waterways. The slow-cruising philosophy — extended port stays, town-centre docking, independent exploration — suits culturally curious travellers who prefer walking through medieval towns to watching production shows. Pricing 20 to 40 per cent below Viking, Uniworld, and AmaWaterways makes river cruising accessible to budget-conscious travellers. The authentic German operator atmosphere and predominantly European passenger mix create a genuinely Continental experience.

Norwegian excels in Freestyle Cruising flexibility with no fixed dining times, no assigned seating, and no dress codes. The Haven luxury enclave is the benchmark ship-within-a-ship product in mainstream cruising, with its private pool, restaurant, and butler service. Participatory entertainment — go-karts, laser tag, the Aqua Slidecoaster — offers onboard thrills no other line provides. Free at Sea bundling delivers strong value for adult travellers. Seasonal Australian departures make Norwegian accessible without international flights.

Standout itineraries for Australian travellers

Nicko’s eight-day Danube cruise from Passau to Budapest is the quintessential European river itinerary and the best showcase of what river cruising offers — docking in the heart of Vienna for a full day, visiting Bratislava’s atmospheric old town, cruising through the Wachau Valley wine region with its terraced vineyards and medieval monasteries, and arriving in Budapest for an overnight stay with the illuminated Parliament building as backdrop. The Rhine cruise from Amsterdam to Basel — passing the Loreley rock, calling at Cologne, Koblenz, and the charming Moselle wine villages — is equally compelling. Both require flights to Europe from Australian gateways, typically via Singapore, Dubai, or London.

Norwegian’s seasonal Australian deployment offers South Pacific itineraries from Sydney without any international flights — the lowest-barrier entry to Norwegian’s Freestyle experience for Australian travellers. For international sailings, Norwegian Aqua’s seven-night Caribbean from Miami showcases the newest ship in the fleet with the Slidecoaster, redesigned Haven, and Prince tribute show. A 12-night Mediterranean from Barcelona or Rome delivers Freestyle dining across 20-plus restaurants with iconic European ports. Alaska on Norwegian Bliss or Encore offers the go-kart track with glacier views — an unforgettable combination.

Ship-by-ship recommendations

NickoVision (220 passengers) is the flagship river ship with a split-level design and extensive panoramic glass — the best ship in the fleet for the signature Danube itinerary. NickoSPIRIT (170 passengers) offers a more intimate, boutique experience on the Rhine and Moselle. Choose by itinerary and river — the waterway determines the vessel, and each ship is purpose-built for the rivers it serves.

Norwegian Aqua (approximately 3,500 guests) is the newest and most feature-rich Norwegian ship, best for Caribbean sailings from Miami showcasing the Slidecoaster and Haven. Norwegian Prima or Norwegian Viva (approximately 3,200 guests) suit Mediterranean and Northern European itineraries with the Ocean Boulevard promenade and Indulge Food Hall. Norwegian Jewel (approximately 2,400 guests) or similar mid-size vessels typically serve the Australian seasonal deployment, delivering Freestyle dining and entertainment at a more intimate scale suited to South Pacific cruising.

For Australian travellers specifically

Norwegian has a growing Australian presence with seasonal deployments from Sydney, AUD pricing, and Australian-market promotions. Nicko has no Australian operations — no local office, no local representative, no ships that visit Australian waters, and no foreseeable plans to change this. Every Nicko voyage requires flights to Europe, specialist booking channels, and planning around European seasonal schedules. This makes Norwegian dramatically more accessible for Australian travellers who want to cruise from a local port.

For Australians planning a European holiday, however, the comparison becomes more interesting. Nicko offers a fundamentally different way to experience Europe — intimate, slow-paced, culturally immersive, and affordable relative to the premium river brands. Many Australian travellers who have cruised the Mediterranean on ocean ships multiple times find that a Danube or Rhine river cruise with Nicko opens an entirely new dimension of European travel — inland waterways, small towns, vineyards, and castles that no ocean itinerary can reach.

Both lines price in AUD for the Australian market on their respective booking platforms, which removes exchange rate risk on the fare itself. Onboard spending is typically charged in the local currency — USD on Norwegian, EUR on Nicko — meaning exchange rates affect daily spend on drinks, excursions, and extras regardless of which line you choose.

The combination approach deserves particular consideration for Australian travellers. A Nicko Danube cruise from Passau to Budapest (one week) followed by a Norwegian Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona or Rome (10 to 14 nights) creates a three-week European holiday combining the intimacy and cultural depth of river cruising with the entertainment and variety of big-ship ocean cruising. The contrast between the two experiences makes both more memorable, and the combination delivers a breadth of European travel that neither product achieves alone.

The onboard atmosphere

Nicko’s atmosphere is quiet, Continental, and personal in a way that ocean cruising — even on the smallest ships — rarely achieves. Under 220 passengers per vessel. Predominantly German passenger base with English-speaking guests growing on dedicated departures.

The pace is deliberate and unhurried — mornings spent exploring port towns independently, afternoons on the sun deck watching the river landscape pass or in the lounge reading and socialising, evenings at dinner followed by gentle entertainment and conversation over regional wines. Smart casual dress throughout with absolutely no formal expectations. The social dynamic is intimate and organic — everyone knows everyone by the third day, and the shared experience of watching Europe unfold through the windows creates a natural bond between travellers.

Norwegian’s atmosphere is relaxed, energised, and social at a completely different scale. Freestyle Cruising creates a resort-casual environment where nothing is compulsory, nothing is scheduled unless you want it to be, and the dress code is genuinely relaxed — shorts at dinner are fine. The passenger mix is diverse — couples, families, groups, solo travellers — with a predominantly North American base and growing Australian representation.

The energy level varies by venue and time of day but peaks around the pool deck, entertainment venues, and bars. The Haven provides a quieter, more refined retreat for suite guests who want the best of both worlds — big-ship entertainment steps away, but a tranquil private pool and restaurant to return to. The average age skews younger than many cruise lines on Caribbean sailings, particularly on ships with go-karts and the Slidecoaster.

The atmosphere comparison is between deep intimacy and energised variety. Nicko is a quiet conversation over Austrian wine as the Wachau Valley vineyards pass the windows — personal, slow, contemplative. Norwegian is a poolside cocktail followed by a Broadway show followed by go-kart racing under the stars — social, active, stimulating. Both are entirely valid ways to spend a holiday. The choice depends entirely on which version of relaxation, engagement, and discovery speaks most directly to what you need from your time away.

The bottom line

Nicko and Norwegian represent fundamentally different cruise philosophies — river versus ocean, intimacy versus scale, cultural immersion versus resort entertainment — and comparing them is less about choosing the better product than about choosing the right holiday type for your particular needs and desires.

Choose Nicko for a value European river cruise — the Danube, Rhine, Moselle, or Elbe at pricing 20 to 40 per cent below the premium brands, with town-centre docking, regional cuisine that changes with the landscape, and the genuine intimacy of a ship carrying under 220 guests. Accept the flights to Europe, the modest onboard facilities, the predominantly German passenger mix, and the deliberately low-key entertainment. Choose Nicko when what you want is to walk off a gangway into the heart of a medieval European town every single morning.

Choose Norwegian for Freestyle ocean cruising — flexible dining with no rules, no dress codes, go-karts at sea, The Haven luxury enclave with its private pool and butler service, Broadway-calibre shows, and seasonal Australian departures from Sydney that eliminate international flights entirely. Accept the scale of thousands of guests, the add-on pricing for drinks and speciality dining, the American-personality entertainment, and the high-energy atmosphere. Choose Norwegian when what you want is the freedom to do whatever you like on a ship that offers more options than any resort on land.

For Australian travellers who enjoy both river and ocean cruising, these lines complement each other perfectly — and the combination of both on a single European trip delivers a holiday that is greater than the sum of its parts. A Nicko river cruise for depth. A Norwegian ocean cruise for breadth.

The traveller who experiences both will understand that the best cruises are not defined by ship size, fare price, or the number of restaurants on board — they are defined by how well the product matches the purpose of the journey and the temperament of the traveller.