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2024 - 2025 Mediterranean & Greek Isles Cruises

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Aloha, Hawai’i

Bring out your Aloha spirit with this two-part journey through the Hawaiian Islands. Come along as we trek atop volcanos, surf infamous waves, indulge in authentic cuisine, snorkel through crystal-clear waters and immerse in the local culture.

The NCL Difference

No timetables. No stipulations. Just award-winning entertainment and diverse dining options from the only cruise line built for versatile holidaying.

Get More with Free At Sea

Enrich your cruise vacation with up to 5 Free Offers with Norwegian's Free At Sea promotion. Choose from Free Unlimited Open Bar, Free Specialty Dining, Free Shore Excursions, Free WiFi and Free 3rd & 4th Guests.

Enrich your cruise vacation with up to 5 Free Offers with NCL's Free At Sea promotion. Choose from Free Beverage Package, Free Specialty Dining Package, Free Shore Excursion Credits, and more.

NCL's Free at Sea

Enjoy the most inclusive cruise holiday with NCL's Free at Sea. Upgrade your cruise and choose from offers like Open Bar, and Speciality Dining, to customise your holiday to any destination, any time of year. Plus, enjoy Airfare Credits on select cruises.

Enjoy the most inclusive cruise holiday with NCL's Free at Sea. Upgrade your cruise and choose from offers, like Open Bar, and Speciality Dining, to customise your holiday to any destination, any time of year. Plus, enjoy Airfare Credits on select cruises.

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Our award-winning ships are designed for you to enjoy as you choose whilst cruising to beautiful destinations around the world. Add a wide range of superb dining options and spectacular entertainment and you'll experience your best holiday ever.

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Experience a once-in-a-lifetime moment you will never forget whilst witnessing the icy-blue glaciers and unique wildlife of Alaska. Walk through Greece's enchanting, sun-bleached streets, or find your own paradise in a secret beach in The Caribbean. Our award-winning ships are designed for you to enjoy as you choose whilst cruising to the most beautiful destinations around the world. No matter where your dream holiday takes you, feel free to cruise your way.

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7 Night Cruise to Bermuda

• You want nearly a dozen different onboard dining options
• You appreciate a wide array of public rooms and lounges
• You enjoy vibrant, nonstop nightlife and production shows
• You're on a budget; extra onboard costs can add up quickly
• You prefer a more classic, quietly subdued cruise experience

7 Night Cruise to Alaska

• You want plenty of evening entertainment and production shows
• You don't mind paying extra for some specialty restaurants
• You want plenty of fun options for all ages by day and night
• You're after a more classic, laid-back onboard experience
• You prefer taking part in lectures and enrichment activities
• You don't like paying extra for drinks and other options

7 Night Cruise to Hawaii

• You want to sail on the only big ship operating from Honolulu
• You like plenty of dining and entertainment options onboard
• You want a good quality cruise around the Hawaiian Islands
• You don't want to sail to Hawaii; this ship is here year-round
• You are on a budget; these sailings can be quite pricey

14 Night Cruise to Transatlantic

• You want a big, reasonably sized ship with lots of amenities
• You like having fun diversions like an onboard bowling alley
• You're traveling as a family and want fun options for all
• You're looking for the biggest, newest cruise ships at sea
• You want thrill-seeking options like ziplines and racing tracks
• You are looking for a quiet, subdued onboard experience

3 Night Cruise to the Caribbean

• You want a quick, fun cruise with inclusive alcoholic beverages
• You appreciate value-added inside and oceanview cabins
• You like plenty of organized activities by day and night
• You're looking for a cruise vacation lasting a week or more
• You want the latest and greatest megaship experience at sea
• You want luxury cabins and suites with lavish amenities

5 Night Cruise to Bermuda

• You want diverse, innovative options when it comes to family cabins
• You like plenty of big-ship choice for dining and entertainment
• You appreciate Norwegian’s freestyle cruising atmosphere
• Go-karts, bumper cars and laser tag just aren’t your thing.
• You want a smaller ship with less crowding and queueing
• You want a bevvy of dining, lounge and entertainment options
• You love being outdoors; The Waterfront promenade is a winner
• You like lavish suites and well-appointed cabin options
• You don't want to pay extra for some of the ship's best features
• You dislike crowds for shows and popular top-deck activities
• You want a ship with unusual features, like a go-kart track
• You like forward-facing observation lounges to watch the sea
• You're traveling solo or as a family; Norwegian caters to both
• You want a more classically minded ocean cruise experience
• You don't want to have to pay extra for some onboard features

10 Night Cruise to the Mediterranean

• You like your ships and entertainment options super-sized
• You are traveling solo and want dedicated single cabins
• You are looking to stay in Norwegian's Haven suite area
• You want a standard oceanview room; there are none onboard
• You like ships small and intimate, with quiet spaces galore

4 Night Cruise to Bermuda

• You want nonstop fun on one of the newest cruise ships afloat
• You need kids programs and family-friendly entertainment
• You want dozens of onboard bars, lounges and dining venues
• You don't want to be upsold; there are plenty of extra-cost items
• You prefer a more classic, traditional cruise experience

9 Night Cruise to the Eastern Caribbean

14 night cruise to europe.

• You want a big ship that's still manageable in size and scale
• You like having plenty of choices, from dining to activities
• You dislike dressing up and prefer to dine when you wish
• You don't like additional-cost items; there are plenty here
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Complete Guide to Sailing Norwegian Cruise Line (What It’s Like)

What is it like to sail on Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)?

The experience can vary from ship to ship, but expect to have a great time. While the cruise line is the third of the “Big Three” in size among rivals Carnival and Royal Caribbean, it doesn’t mean that its cruises lag compared to its larger competitors.

If you haven’t yet sailed Norwegian, you might not be sure what to expect. The name of the cruise line makes it sound like it is Nordic, however, as you’ll see below, the experience is anything but.

Today the cruise line of about 18 ships sails worldwide, including cruises to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Alaska, Europe, and Asia. In total, Norwegian carries millions of passengers each year, making it among the largest cruise lines in the world.

For those unfamiliar with sailing NCL and who aren’t sure what the cruise line is all about, we’ve put together the following guide to help familiarize you with everything you need to know.

In This Article...

Overview of Norwegian Cruise Line

Founded in the 1960s, NCL is the smallest of the big three cruise lines — but it is no slouch. However, in recent years it has made a big push with a lineup of huge new ships. In total, the line has seven new ships in the past decade, with another newbuild on order each year through 2027. 

Like competitors Carnival and Royal Caribbean , Norwegian is what we call a mass market cruise line. This means it offers mega ships designed to appeal to all types of passengers. You’ll find options for everyone from families with kids to couples on romantic holidays, young, old, and in between.

Not the sort of person who likes huge ships? It is also making an effort to offer more exclusive service and a smaller ship atmosphere with “The Haven” on many vessels.

The Haven is a luxurious, high-end “resort within a resort” experience with dedicated space and amenities like a pool, restaurant, and bar that are only open to The Haven guests.

While the cruise line sails globally, North America — and the United States — is its largest market. You can find all types of sailings from the U.S., ranging from quick trips to the Bahamas (including Norwegian’s private island), to Alaskan cruises to Hawaiian cruises.

In short, no matter what you look for in a cruise, Norwegian likely has something for you.

Atmosphere of Norwegian Cruise Lines

In general the atmosphere that you’ll find on Norwegian’s ships is on par with other mass market cruise lines, although it does seem to focus on a more luxury and and upscale vibe. It is still warm, inviting, and comfortable. After all, you’re there to have a fun vacation.

You’ll find plenty of friendly staff, ready to welcome you to the ship and help with anything you need. And because Norwegian is known for its “Freestyle Cruising,” that means you can set your own schedule for dining — taking some of the rigid atmosphere out of mealtime.

Ships can vary, but with a relatively new fleet, the décor and atmosphere is modern. You’ll see bright colors painted on the ship’s hull, but the interior is more subdued with lots of wood and metal finishes.

The style seems more in line with a high-end hotel than a classic cruise ship. That said, the people — both crew and passengers — keep things friendly and down-to-earth.

If you are looking for more exclusivity and a higher-end experience, then Norwegian offers “The Haven.” Mentioned above, this is a separate area of the ships with access only for The Haven guests. It includes higher-end cabins, your own restaurant, pool, and more.

Price of Cruising

With a wide range of cruise options from quick Bahamian getaways to Alaskan cruises, and also sailings worldwide, it can be a little tricky to nail down exact pricing.

As well, there’s a wide range for prices even within a region depending on the ship you sail and the length of journey.

During the height of summer, we found prices starting around $80-120 per day on cruises from Miami on Norwegian Sky (an older ship in the fleet). For example, a five-day cruise on the Sky to Key West and the Bahamas ran $599 per person for an interior room in a recent search.

Longer trips and newer ships are usually more expensive. The summer season sees 7-day cruises from Miami to the Caribbean aboard Norwegian Escape (a newer ship, but not the newest) running around $899 per person.

However, what you spend on cruise fare is just a portion of what you’ll spend on your entire cruise. Norwegian is big on generating onboard spending.

The cruise line charges for many amenities on the ship, and at prices higher than you’ll find on other lines.

For example, while Carnival charges around $60 per day for its drink package, NCL charges $99 per day. The highest tier of wi-fi service costs about $40 per day on the ship. The cruise line also has a heavy focus on specialty restaurants that are an extra charge, as well as charges for some things to do on the ship like laser tag and go-karts.

Don’t like extra charges? Norwegian offers a “Free at Sea” sale that can give you certain perks for free, including free drinks, Internet, shore excursions, and specialty dining. For some passengers this can save money, just be aware that the rate for a cabin with these perks included is usually higher than the base price for the room.

Ports of Departure

As we’ve mentioned, Norwegian sails around the world. You can board a cruise anywhere from London to Lisbon to Los Angeles. In total, the cruise line has sailings from more than 40 ports worldwide.

In the United States Norwegian has a smaller presence than bigger lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival. That means the cruise line is more limited when it comes to U.S. departure ports. Smaller ports typically don’t have as many sailing options as you will find with larger lines.

All told, Norwegian sails from the following U.S. ports:

• Los Angeles
• New Orleans
• Port Canaveral

Ports of Call and Itineraries

No matter where on the planet you want to go, if it has a coastline then Norwegian likely sails there. This includes exotic destinations like the Greek Isles, Scandinavia, Africa, the Mediterranean, and Alaska.

Sailings include everything from short three-day getaways all the way to three-week tours of entire regions. This includes numerous trips to The Bahamas, Bermuda, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Alaska. 

Two specific ports of call deserve special mention: Great Stirrup Cay (Bahamas) and Harvest Caye (Belize). These two spots are Norwegian’s private islands for the exclusive use of NCL’s passengers.

Great Stirrup Cay features ziplining, several stretches of white-sand beaches, and beautiful blue water. If you’ve ever wanted to spend your day in a postcard-perfect island, this is your chance. Located about 140 miles due east of Miami, the island is a regular on itineraries that go to the Bahamas.

Harvest Caye is located in Belize and is often visited on cruises to the western Caribbean. Like Great Stirrup Cay, the island’s big draw is the beach and water. As well, Harvest Caye has a large freshwater pool, as well as a number of bars and restaurants, wildlife exhibits, ziplining, and more to do.

One other unique thing about Norwegian is that it has the Pride of America — a U.S.-flagged cruise ship. This allows it to sail U.S.-only itineraries around the Hawaiian islands. Foreign flagged ships (which most are) must incorporate a stop in a foreign port before they return to the United States. So if you’ve ever wanted to cruise Hawaii, NCL is your choice.

Things to Do on Norwegian

Over the past several years, Norwegian has put a major emphasis on things to do on its ships.

As with other lines, the newest and largest cruise ships will have the most — and latest — things to do. Older ships are more limited in what they offer, but still offer plenty of basics including pools, spas, casinos, and shows.

Here are a number of things to do that you’ll find on Norwegian’s newest ships:

Speedway (Go-Karts) Available on NCL’s newest and largest ships like Bliss, Joy , and Encore , the speedway is the only racetrack at sea. The electric carts race around a custom-built track that twists and turns around the top decks of these ships. It’s one of the most unique experiences you can have at sea and a lot of fun. You have to pay to ride, but it is definitely worth the price for a turn.

For more, see our guide to the go-karts on Norwegian .

Laser Tag Along with go-karts, Norwegian has made a name for itself with outdoor laser tag games. Suit up and use your gun to blast the other team. The sets that are built are immersive and extremely impressive. Our suggestion is to sign up to play at night when the laser colors and lights are easier to see.

Evening Shows Norwegian has put a big emphasis on its entertainment onboard the ship, and that means bringing Broadway shows to sea. The biggest-name shows are on their newest ships, including Choir of Man, Kinky Boots, and Footloose. Considering that people normally pay hundreds to watch these performances on Broadway, but they are free on the ship, it’s a great deal and a can’t miss.

Mandara Spa Want to pamper yourself? Check out the Mandara Spa on Norwegian ships. Here you can get any treatment under the sun, from a massage to a haircut. A day in the spa can also come with access to many unique areas, including the heated loungers, a salt therapy room, whirlpools, and a snow room.

Galaxy Pavilion A newer feature on some ships, the Galaxy Pavilion is a virtual reality playground. You can walk a plank above the city, race an F1 car, outrun dinosaurs, and blast zombies — all virtually, of course. It does cost money to play and some things (like the driving simulator) are extra on top of that.

Casino Every cruise ship in the fleet will have a casino — except for Pride of America. Gambling on cruises is always popular, and NCL is no different. Casinos on older ships are usually more closed, separate areas. On newer ships the cruise line has built them to be open and airy, which is a nice touch.

All your favorite games will be here, including slots, tables games, craps, roulette, and even a few games you won’t see on land like “claw games” where you try to maneuver the claw to pick up money.

Outdoor Dining One of the unique things about Norwegian is that they’ve placed a lot of focus on connecting people to the outdoors. Despite a cruise ship being at sea, so much takes place indoors.

Norwegian puts a big focus on outdoor dining. It may not seem like a big deal, but with the sun and wind, eating outdoors on a cruise ship can be a pain.

Instead, NCL has done thoughtful design for outdoor eating with covered spaces and windbreaks to make it pleasant to sit out and enjoy your meal. The cruise line definitely focuses on bringing people closer to the sea.

Daily Activities There is never a shortage of things to do on the ship, and what we’ve covered above is just a taster of all the things going on while you sail. (For more see our 25+ Fun Things to Do on a Norwegian Cruise .)

In addition, there are plenty of activities put on by the staff. Below is a sample of the activities on board a ship in just a single morning:

Norwegian Ships

All told, NCL offers 17 different ships, but with six new ships in the past seven years, much of its fleet consists of newer vessels. Its oldest ship, Norwegian Spirit, was built in 1998 and last refurbished in 2020.

To us, there is a big difference between the cruise line’s ships. While older ships still have plenty to love, its newer ships are much more modern in both amenities and atmosphere and have more things to do.

We’d prefer to sail on the biggest and newest vessels. That said, the lower prices for sailing older ships can be tough to ignore. You can sail largely the same trip for potentially hundreds of dollars less on an older, smaller ship.

Here’s a breakdown of all ships for NCL:

• Spirit Class (1 ship, built 1998) Norwegian Spirit
• Sun Class (2 ships, built 1999-2001) Norwegian Sky Norwegian Sun
• Dawn Class (2 ships, built 2001-2002) Norwegian Star Norwegian Dawn
• Pride of America Class (1 ship, built 2005) Pride of America
• Jewel Class (4 ships, built 2005-2007) Norwegian Jewel Norwegian Jade Norwegian Pearl Norwegian Gem
• Epic Class (1 ship, built 2010) Norwegian Epic
• Breakaway Class (2 ships, built 2013-2014) Norwegian Breakaway Norwegian Getaway
• Breakaway-Plus Class (4 ships, built 2015-2019) Norwegian Escape Norwegian Joy Norwegian Bliss Norwegian Encore
• Prima Class (6 ships, built 2022-2027 Norwegian Prima Norwegian Viva Unnamed #3 Unnamed #4 Unnamed #5 Unnamed #6

Food & Restaurants

Norwegian takes its food seriously. While you don’t have to be a foodie to appreciate a good meal, even diners with high expectations should be pleased.

Specialty Restaurants Most eateries on the ship are specialty restaurants. Just like a restaurant on land, you’ll have a full menu with a la carte prices. Specialty restaurants range from steakhouses, to Italian, seafood, Japanese, Mexican, BBQ, French, and more.

We’d suggest planning to eat in a specialty restaurant at least a couple of times during your cruise. Not only is the food great, but you can pick a style that fits your taste buds.

While we have yet to try every specialty restaurant on Norwegian, the ones we have had were fantastic. We were especially surprised by Q Texas Smokehouse — a BBQ restaurant on a handful of ships. Being from Texas, we’ve grown up on BBQ and what we had would fit right in back home.

Other favorites that earn strong reviews are Food Republic (a fun spot where you order small dishes that are Asian and Mexican inspired) and Onda by Scarpetta — a high-end Italian spot.

Keep in mind that the restaurants on your specific ship will vary. Here is a list of what’s available:

• Ocean Blue (seafood)
• Onda by Scarpetta (Italian)
• La Cucina (Italian)
• Cagney’s Steakhouse
• Food Republic (Asian fusion)
• Teppanyaki (Japanese)
• Los Lobos (Mexican)
• American Diner
• Le Bistro (French)
• Q Texas Smokehouse
• Moderno Churrascaria (Brazilian)

Included Dining As far as number of options, you have a lot fewer spots to eat that are included with your fare. That doesn’t mean you will go hungry. There is plenty to eat, all around the clock.

Main Dining Room Just as with any other cruise line, Norwegian has the classic main dining rooms. With its famous “Freestyle Cruising,” one thing you don’t have to worry about is a set dining time. Simply show up when you’re hungry.

Expect classic cruise classics like steak, chick, pasta, and lobster, all served in white tablecloth atmosphere.

Garden Cafe Garden Cafe is NCL’s main buffet. (There are sometimes other spots that serve the same food in different locations on the ship.) You’ll get the classic buffet fare like burgers, dogs, entrees, salads, and desserts for lunch and dinner. In the morning, breakfast is served.

The buffet is fine, but you certainly don’t want to eat it for every meal for a week. That’s why we suggest trying breakfast in the main dining room and checking out specialty restaurants during your cruise.

The Local/O’Sheehans No matter when you get hungry, The Local or O’Sheehans will have you covered. Each ship will have one or the other, but they fill the same space — a spot to grab a bite to eat 24 hours a day. They feature sit-down dining where you eat your fill with classics ranging from burgers to salads and more.

While most people won’t stay in The Haven during their cruise, it is an important differentiation between Norwegian and other cruise lines. As well, it’s also a sign of the more upscale atmosphere that NCL has for passengers.

As mentioned, you can think of The Haven as a “resort within a resort.” So passengers staying in these rooms can get the experience of sailing on a large cruise ship with all the amenities and activities it offers, but also have the small-ship, exclusive experience.

Not every ship has this area, but many — especially newer vessels — do. To put simply, staying at The Haven makes you a VIP. Rooms are more luxurious than the rest of the cabins, and you are given access to an area reserved only for The Haven guests. Amenities include a private pool, bar, and restaurant. You also earn priority status for boarding, tendering, and even restaurants and entertainment. 

Passengers staying here also have a 24-hour butler and personal concierge. In short, if you’re looking for the most upscale experience on NCL, then you’ll find it in The Haven.

Gratuities on Norwegian

Like other cruise lines, Norwegian charges a daily gratuity (the cruise line calls it a “service charge”).

The daily rate is $16.00 for most passengers who book interior, oceanview, or balcony cabins. Guests in The Haven, Concierge or Suites pay $20 per person, per day. The rate is charged to all guests three years and older.

A couple staying in a balcony cabin would pay $32 per day in total. A week’s cruise would cost a little over $220 in these service charges.

You can pay the amount ahead of time (so you don’t have to worry about the charge during your trip) or you can have it charged to your account each day that you sail. 

As well, NCL charges a 20% gratuity on things like drinks, spa treatments, and specialty restaurants.

Plan to have a drink… or ten… on your cruise? You’re not alone. Alcohol is popular on a cruise, but it’s also expensive. Expect to pay $6-8 for a beer and $10-12 for a cocktail.

If you want to better budget your cruise, then you might want a drink package. These offer all-you-can-drink for a set daily price. This way, you don’t have to worry about a surprise bill at the end of your cruise.

Norwegian offers several different packages, for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages:

Premium Beverage Package | $109 per day + 20% gratuity The Premium Beverage Package is the base package for alcoholic drinks. It offers your choice of beverages, from water to soda to beer, wine, and cocktails. The package covers drinks on board up to $15 per glass.

Premium Plus Beverage Package | $138 per day + 20% gratuity The Premium Plus Beverage Package is made for those with higher-end tastes. It includes practically any drink on the ship as it has no dollar limit on the price of the drink. So if you are someone with top-shelf preferences, then this might be the deal for you.

Corks and Caps Package | $65 per day + 20% gratuity Beer or wine drinker? This less-expensive package could be a better deal for you. It offers up beers, wine, sodas, and more, but not cocktails.

Soda Program | $6-8 per day + 20% gratuity If you have kids or simply like to drink soda, then you can get the Soda Program. Prices vary by age. Older kids and adults pay $8 per day, while younger kids are charged $6. The program gives you your fill of any sodas on the ship.

Before you purchase a beverage package, there are a number of things to know. For example, if you purchase the package for one adult in the cabin, all adults in the cabin must buy it. For more on what you need to know, see our guide to Norwegian’s drink packages here .

What Norwegian Cruise Line Does Well

Norwegian Cruise Lines has a lot to like. In fact, it’s among our favorite lines. New ships are especially modern and gorgeous, and the newer things to do like the go-kart track are lots of fun.

In our opinion, Norwegian is a great all-around cruise line. We like the upscale, yet welcoming feel of the ships. We also like how NCL has taken special effort to bring people closer to the water with outdoor eating and outdoor promenades. Entertainment and shows are also top-notch.

Solo cruiser? Norwegian is one of the few lines that takes special effort to cater to you. Many ships have solo cabins that aren’t charged a single passenger supplement. They also feature solo-cruiser lounges for socializing with your other solo passengers.

What Norwegian Cruise Line Could Improve

That’s not to say that the cruise line is perfect. While we haven’t sailed every ship in the fleet, there is a big difference between the newest ships and older ships we’ve seen (just like on many other lines). Your impression of the line may vary based on whether you sail an older ship or the newer fleet.

What we’d like to see improved is pricing of things on the ship. Norwegian seems to price at a premium, which means the costs you see can be higher than what you’d find on rival lines, especially with drink packages. 

As well, there are charges for many things to do on the ships (such as Galaxy Pavilion and go-karts), which we’d like to see reduced or eliminated altogether.

We certainly don’t mind spending money on vacation, but seeing charges for items that are considerably less expensive on other cruise lines is hard to swallow sometimes.

More on Sailing Norwegian Cruise Lines

• 17 Tips & Tricks for Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian’s Private Island)
• 27 Fun Things to Do on a Norwegian Cruise
• Norwegian Cruise Tips & Tricks
• Complete Guide to Norwegian Drink Packages

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About Norwegian Cruise Line sailings

Norwegian cruise line destinations, norwegian cruise line cruise prices, what is the best norwegian cruise line ship, what’s included on ncl cruises, ncl firsts in the industry: what is norwegian known for, ncl loyalty program: latitude rewards, norwegian cruise line credit card, what is ncl known for.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is one of the top players in large-ship cruising, and its fleet is seeing one of its biggest refits in decades with its new Prima fleet of ships. Norwegian Cruise Line ships are also known for their colorful hull art that makes them stand out in ports around the world.

The company dates back to 1966 when it got its start as a Norwegian shipping company. Today, it has become one of the more popular mainstream cruise brands and is part of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, which also includes the Regent Seven Seas and Oceania brands.

If you’re scrolling through endless Norwegian Cruise Line reviews, let this complete guide to the cruise company give you the larger overview of what sets this brand apart from the rest. There are some interesting innovations from Norwegian that other cruise lines have since adopted, but they started here.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

NCL sails around the world with numerous routes from the U.S. to Caribbean destinations as well as around the Mediterranean and Baltic Seas.

Its loyalty program, onboard amenities and variety of cabin types offer something for every type of traveler.

Cabin types: You can expect a range of different cabin sizes and layouts ranging from solo-traveler interior studios and inside cabins for as many as four people to ocean view and balcony cabins. A wide range of suites are also available. The Prima class of ships feature the largest suites, some of which have private whirlpools on the balcony and as many as three bedrooms. 

Main U.S. routes: NCL has plenty of North America sailings from U.S. ports to Alaska, Bermuda, Canada and New England. There are also sailings to the Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico and the Panama Canal, among others. 

Loyalty program: NCL's Latitudes Rewards loyalty program, which issues one point for every night sailed as well as bonus points for booking suites or participating in certain promotions. At each elite tier, members earn onboard benefits like discounts, laundry service and special event access. The more you travel with NCL, the more benefits you can earn. 

NCL spans the globe with sailings to every continent (even Antarctica) on a wide range of ships. They leave from both U.S. coasts as well as from Hawaii — where NCL has operated inter-island Hawaiian sailing for almost two decades.

Antarctica.

New Zealand.

Pacific Islands.

Panama Canal.

South America.

Depending on how long you want to sail and where you're going, you can find cruises as brief as two nights and as long as 21 days or more.

» Learn more: The pros and cons of cruises

You'll find lots of good deals on Norwegian, but cruise fares will fluctuate based on the destination, time of year and other variables. You’ll want to keep these factors in mind when booking a cruise, as they'll affect the price of the trip:

Time of year.

Trip duration.

Destination.

Ship class.

Cabin type.

You can find cruise bargains for as low as $350 on four-night cruises, but if you want to splurge and do a longer cruise, expect to pay as much as $4,600 or more (especially if you book a suite or a Haven category room).

Of course, the fare will always vary depending on which cabin type you book.

» Learn more: The best ways to book a cruise

(Image courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)

When it comes to which NCL ship is best, that depends on what you're looking for in a cruise. If you're traveling with a family, for example, water slides, amusement park-style games and multi-bedroom suites may be important. This means you may prefer one of the line’s newest Prima Class ships: Norwegian Prima or Norwegian Viva.

If you're looking for a romantic vacation, perhaps you'll want a smaller ship or a cabin in The Haven, which is a hotel-within-a-hotel concept with more personalized service. The Haven is only available on select Norwegian ships, including Encore, Viva and Prima.

What is the newest NCL ship?

Norwegian Viva launched in the summer of 2023, making it the newest ship for NCL. It has special features like a three-tier race track, the fastest slides at sea, a food hall with 11 complimentary eateries and a sustainable cocktail bar.

» Learn more: Do you need a passport for a Caribbean cruise?

On any NCL cruise, these benefits are always included:

Accommodations in the category you select at booking.

All meals in snack and buffet restaurants, main dining rooms and, when available, the food hall. 

Free non-bottled water, juice, hot chocolate, and some coffees and teas.

Fitness center access.

Shows and entertainment.

Pools and kids pool play area.

Onboard activities.

Government fees and port taxes.

If you want to partake in specialty dining reservations, Wi-Fi, Norwegian cruise excursions or upgraded beverage packages, you'll have to pay fees (sometimes bundled for greater savings).

» Learn more: Are cruises all-inclusive?

Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered many features aboard its ships, some of which other cruise lines have imitated. These are some of the special features you'll find aboard some or all of the ships in NCL’s fleet.

Freestyle dining: open-seating in restaurants with extended hours and no reservations. 

Private island: Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas is a private island for cruise passengers. NCL was the first cruise company to offer access to a private island, and it spurred a growing trend in the industry.

Full Broadway theater productions.

Onboard internet cafe.

Bowling alley at sea.

Ice bar at sea.

Studio accommodations for solo travelers, with a private lounge.

Sustainability-focused onboard bar with zero waste.

Collection of NFTs from a cruise company, available for sale.

Race track at sea.

Latitude Rewards awards members with points based on each night they sail, and they can earn bonus nights when booking certain categories of suites.

Occasional promotions also offer double-night credit. You will only earn cruise points on eligible sailings where you are paying a traditional fare; promotional sailings with a heavy discount might not be eligible, although you would still receive the benefits at your tier. Also, sailings on sister lines do not qualify for Latitude Rewards cruise points.

As you accrue nights, you earn elite status that delivers onboard benefits that grow with each status tier.

Latitude Rewards levels

The loyalty program has seven levels, from Bronze to Ambassador. The full roster of onboard amenities can be found on the Norwegian Cruise Line website . There are some extra perks that come with certain tiers.

How to earn Latitudes Rewards points

Earn one point for every night you spend on a sailing and double points in suites or The Haven category accommodations.

How to redeem points

This program does not offer any points to redeem. Instead, you would earn benefits on future cruises related to your particular elite tier. Ambassador members (700+ points) earn a free 7-night cruise.

Spending on the Norwegian Cruise Line® World Mastercard® won’t earn you Latitude Rewards points (the only way to do that is by sailing with NCL), but it will earn you WorldPoints. This currency can be redeemed for onboard credits on future sailings, Norwegian Cruise Line shore excursions and other travel experiences. The card has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for world travelers.

With the Norwegian Cruise Line® World Mastercard, you earn WorldPoints as follows:

3x points on NCL sailings.

2x points on eligible airfare and hotel purchases.

1x point on everything else.

Earn 20,000 WorldPoints, which is good for a $200 onboard credit or discount toward a future cruise, if you spend $1,000 or more in the first 90 days the account is open.

How to redeem WorldPoints

Each WorldPoints point is equivalent to one cent, which you can then redeem for things such as:

Stateroom upgrades.

Travel discounts.

Last-minute cruises.

Onboard credits.

Car rentals.

Hotel stays.

Gift cards.

» Learn more: The best cruise lines

No, but you can pay for a Wi-Fi package, which starts at $29.99 per day per device.

No, but all sailings do include accommodations, activities, food and beverages, and entertainment. There is the ability to purchase extra benefits on each ship.

There are several drink package options on NCL sailings:

Non-alcoholic

The Unlimited Soda package includes all fountain soda drinks for $9.95 per person per day.

The Unlimited Starbucks package includes all Starbucks drinks for $12.95 per person per day.

An adult over the age of 21 could opt for a non-alcoholic drink package, but that means everyone else on their reservation must also get non-alcoholic drink packages.

Premium offers most drinks that cost $15 and under. You can pay the difference if you choose a more expensive drink. This unlimited package costs $109 per person per day.

Premium Plus offers even more drink options, mostly premium and top-shelf category labels, bottled water, Starbucks drinks and energy drinks for a flat price of $138 per person per day.

Keep in mind that alcoholic drink packages must be purchased for all people above the age of 21 in the same reservation, and those under 21 must pay for the soda package. The policy is intended to prevent people over the age of 21 from getting alcoholic drinks for other members of their party that did not pay for the alcoholic drink package.

Norwegian Cruise Line offers sailings at different price points to a global range of destinations. It is also known for its beautiful hull art, pioneering Freestyle Dining and adding buzzworthy amenities like ice bars and race tracks to its ships. NCL cruises are fun for all types of travelers, and its loyalty program can provide added perks along the way.

(Top photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

on Bank of America's website

1.5x-2x Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

Ships & Ratings

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Norwegian Cruise Line

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Norwegian Cruise Line fleet

Norwegian aqua, norwegian viva, norwegian prima, norwegian encore, norwegian bliss, norwegian joy, norwegian escape, norwegian getaway, norwegian breakaway, norwegian epic, norwegian gem, norwegian jade, norwegian pearl, norwegian jewel, pride of america, review of norwegian cruise line.

NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line (ncl.com) was founded in 1966 (under the name "Norwegian Caribbean Line") by two shipping magnates - Knut Kloster (Norwegian, 1929-2020) and Ted Arison (Israeli, 1924-1999).

Passenger shipping operations started with one vessel ( cruiseferry /combined cruise ship and car ferry) operating on short and cheap Caribbean roundtrips from the USA. When Ted Arison left NCL in 1972 (to establish CCL-Carnival Cruise Lines ), Knut Kloster acquired more ships for NCL's Caribbean operations.

Company history and changes

The 1966-founded NCLH-Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd is an American-Bermudian corporation headquartered in Miami (Florida USA) and a stock traded company (NASDAQ) listed on NYSE ( NYC ).

In 2014, NCLH's major shareholders were three corporations - Genting Group (Malaysian/25%), Apollo Global Management (American/24%), TPG Capital (American/7%), while the remaining stocks were publicly owned.

NCL's current President and CEO is David J. Herrera (since July 2023) who succeeded Harry J. Sommer (2020-2023).

NCLH's current President and CEO (since July 2023) is Harry J. Sommer, who succeeded Frank J. Del Rio (2015-2023). NCLH's Executive VP and CFO (Chief Financial Officer) is Mark Kempa.

In 2023-2025, Frank Del Rio serves NCLH as a Senior Advisor to the Board of Directors.

• David Herrera (with NCLH since 2015) previously served as NCL’s Chief Consumer Sales and Marketing Officer (as well as NCL's Senior VP of Strategy and Corporate Development). In the period 2012-2015, he was employed by Prestige Cruise Holdings as Senior Advisor to Jason Montague (Prestige's CEO and Chairman). Along with Herrera, in 2023, Adam Malone was promoted to Chief Marketing Officer, succeeding Michael Tomoleoni.
• Prior to his NCLH employment, Frank Del Rio founded Oceania Cruises in 2002 (together with (Bob Binder and Joe Watters) and in 2002-2014 was the President of Prestige Cruise International Inc (now Prestige Cruise Holdings Inc/the parent company of Oceania and regent) until its acquisition by NCL in September 2014.

NCLH's SVP, Port Development & Construction Management team is led by Juan Kuryla, who in 2014-2021 served as PortMiami's Director and CEO. NCLH's Executive VP of Vessel Operations is Patrik Dahlgren, who in June 2023 succeeded Robin Lindsay (now NCLH's Executive VP of Newbuilds and Refurbishments). NCL's CSMO (Chief Sales & Marketing Officer) is Jason Krimmel.

In 2017, NCLH had worldwide cruise market share 9,5% (passengers) and 12,8% (revenue). NCLH (shipowner) owns and manages the fleets of three subsidiary companies/sister-brands - NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania and RSSC-Regent Seven Seas . Stats for 2020-Q4 show NCLH as the world's 4th-largest cruise shipowner by combined fleet's passenger capacity (8,3%), preceded by Carnival (39%), Royal Caribbean (24%) and MSC (11,5%).

NCLH's ownership is equally shared by Star Cruises (subsidiary of Genting Hong Kong / GHK multinational corporation specializing in resorts, leisure, and gambling) and Apollo Global Management (among the world's largest alternative asset management companies).

• In 2011, NCL had around 8% global market share. As of 2018, NCL's global market share is around 20%, ranking it world's 3rd largest passenger shipping company (after Carnival and RCCL-RCG).
• In January 2013 NCL went public. In 2013, the company had revenues USD 2,57 billion (13% increase over 2012).
• On August 31, 2014, was announced that NCLH is in "advanced talks" to buy the Miami-based Prestige Cruise Holdings Inc (owner of RSSC-Regent and Oceania /combined fleet of 8 top-luxury ships with total berths ~6500) for USD 3,025 billion (including debt's assumption). Prestige's owner (Apollo Global Management) also owns 20% of NCLH. On September 2 was announced the acquisition agreement. On November 19 the acquisition of Prestige Cruises International was completed.
• In mid-August 2017, Apollo, GHK and TPG Global affiliated funds started selling 15 million NCLH shares to a group of underwriters (Barclays Capital, Citigroup Global Markets. Goldman Sachs). The negotiated fixed price per share was USD 54.57, or total value USD 0,8185 billion.
• Until 2015, GHK was NCLH's principal shareholder, when the corporation started selling down its stake in order to buy Crystal Cruises , expand Star Cruises in Asia and create (in 2016) the premium brand Dream Cruises .

On February 21, 2012, NCL Corporation Ltd (fully owned by NCLH) acquired Sixthman Ltd (2001-founded music festival company) for USD 7,5 million. Since 2012, Sixthman operates as a theme cruise charter company serving mainly NCL.

Company changes 2018-2021

In 2018, NCLH had 8 ships on order (7x for NCL, 1x for RSSC) with deliveries planned for 2019-2027. The newest class (PRIMA/fka LEONARDO) has GT tonnage 142,500 tons and passenger capacity 3300. For the PRIMA-class ships, NCL trademarked the names Aqua , Bella, Luna, Ombra, Prima , Vela, Viva , and Ultima (all with prefix Norwegian).

On July 30, 2018, following the industry's "eco-trend", NCL announced banning fleetwide single-use plastic straws. The policy also includes the private islands Great Stirrup Cay (Bahamas) and Harvest Caye (Belize). As result, annually are eliminated 50+ million plastic straws.

In June 2019, NCL announced its exclusive partnership with Scarpetta Restaurants via LDV Hospitality (USA-based boutique hospitality company specializing in unique restaurant and bar experiences). By this deal, on the newbuild Norwegian Encore (2019) was introduced fleet's first "Onda by Scarpetta" - specialty restaurant offering dining premium experiences fleetwide. The new restaurant joins Scarpetta's land-based restaurants in NYC , The Hamptons (Long Island NY), Miami FL , Philadelphia PA , Newport RI , Las Vegas NV, and London OH. "Onda by Scarpetta" restaurant's menu showcases the unique flavors of modern Italian cuisine featuring a selection of beautifully presented seafood and signature dishes, including daily handmade pasta and traditional gourmet desserts. The new Scarpetta restaurant is similarly designed as a land-based venue, with an interior featuring walnut wood and Calacatta marble.

Since January 2020, NCL customers pay USD 9,95 per room service order. The mandatory fee was introduced in 2015 (April). Currently, from this rule are excluded only Haven Suite passengers and the Continental Breakfast orders.

On January 1, 2020, NCL became the industry's first major company to eliminate single-use plastic beverage bottles fleetwide (via partnership with the 2012-founded JUST Goods Inc).

In August 2021, NCL signed with Starbucks a partnership for delivering the coffee brand fleetwide (on all liners by 2022-Q4) as well as on NCL's private island resorts in Bahamas (Great Stirrup Cay) and Belize (Harvest Caye). By this deal, Starbucks coffees are available at all restaurants (including MDRs), plus at self-serve stations at the buffet-style restaurant Garden Cafe (on select ships). Starbucks was introduced by NCL in 2018 (on Norwegian Bliss), while Norwegian Sky became the world's ever-first ship to offer Starbucks' Nitro Cold Brew (nitrogen-infused beer).

Company changes 2022

On June 6, 2022, NCLH announced an expansion of its fleetwide sustainability program "Sail & Sustain". Extending its animal welfare policy, the shipowner is now fully committed to responsible animal food sourcing practices (regarding pork, chicken, eggs, and seafood) within the global fleet's supply chain. The goal is by the year 2025, fleetwide (NCL, Oceania, Regent) to be sourced only cage-free eggs, crate-free pork, certified sustainable seafood, and chicken purchased from American and Canadian suppliers who meet GAP (Global Animal Partnership) standards.

On June 14, 2022, NCL signed a partnership deal with Flow Beverage Corporation (USA-based health & wellness-focused company) for its "Flow Alkaline Spring Water" to become NCL's official water fleetwide. Flow Beverage's water is sourced from Seawright Springs (Augusta County, Virginia), has PH 8,1, and comes in a fully recyclable carton (made of 75% renewable materials) with a plant-based cap.

On October 3, 2022, NCLH signed with MAN Energy Solutions an MoU for retrofitting all MAN 48/60 diesel engines in the global fleet to dual-fuel (running on both diesel and methanol).

Since December 2022, fleetwide (on all NCL boats) are offered soft drinks from The Coca-Cola Company. By the new NCL-Coca-Cola contract, the brand's beverages replaced the onboard soda fountains and all the old bar equipment was changed.

Company changes 2023

In January 2023, NCLH announced its newly-established brand “Experiences At Sea”. The new program is a partnership with the NCL's subsidiary "Sixthman Festivals at Sea" and NCL’s CM&I division (Charters, Meetings & Incentives). NCLH's new brand annually schedules several themed B2Bs/back-to-back cruises/consecutive itineraries for Norwegian Pearl which target corporate clients as well as incentive and affinity-focused customers from NCLH's fleet (NCL-Norwegian, Oceania, RSSC-Regent). Experiences At Sea is managed by Anthony Diaz (Sixthman's CEO and CM&I's Senior VP). Voyages are usually themed on music (Rock, Country, Pop, Blues, Broadway celebrity performances, etc), also LGTBQIA+/Atlantis Events, Comedy Influencers, Sports, and others. The itineraries are in the Caribbean (roundtrips from Miami) and all visit NCLH's private islands - The Bahamas' Great Stirrup Cay, and Belize's Harvest Caye.

In October 2023 NCL announced that starting January 2024, the company has ~1000 solo staterooms fleetwide (across 19 ships). NCL also introduced three new cabin categories (Solo Inside, Solo Oceanview, Solo Balcony) which pricing/availability depends on itinerary/destination and demand. Also were recategorized Spa Staterooms fleetwide (Jan 2024) to increase Mandara Spa's availability and allow access to the Thermal Suites for all cabin categories.

Company changes 2024

In January 2024, NCLH signed a 10-year partnership (thru 2034) with ABB Ltd (1988-founded, Swedish-Swiss technology corporation) for upgrades and new equipment for NCL-operated vessels. The deal was for 18 vessels (14 existing plus 4 newbuilds/2025-2028) and included preventive maintenance and scheduled ABB Azipod propulsion system maintenance fleetwide. Additionally, ABB will supply propulsion control system upgrades to 11 vessels and install shore-power connections on 4 vessels.

Fun facts (company & ships)

NCL's list of "cruise industry firsts" starts with the first-ever fly-cruise deals (under the name "Cloud 9 Cruises"), the first ships capable of ferrying cars, the ever first cruise company with a private island ( Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas ), the first company to develop new Caribbean seaports of call (Jamaica's Ocho Rios ). Both NCL's first vessels - Sunward (1966) and Starward (1968) - were car ferries, but later their car decks were refitted into cabin decks (housing staterooms) and a 2-deck high theatre lounge.

A new history page for NCL Norwegian was the year 1979 when was purchased the Transatlantic ocean liner SS France - thoroughly refitted and renamed SS Norway. The liner's drydock-conversion cost USD 100+ million, but it was money well spent. Bigger than any other passenger liner, SS Norway in its time offered extra space for a great variety of onboard entertainment, thus starting the new era of "ship cruise for fun" and creating the time of mega-liners.

NCL-Norwegian is a travel brand representing one of the world's top 5 major cruise shipping companies (following Carnival, Royal Caribbean, MSC). It is best known for its revolutionary "Freestyle Cruising" (trademarked) concept signifying no fixed dining times or seatings, and no formal dress code required fleetwide.

The list of NCL's destinations includes all the world's most popular ship travel regions - Alaska and Hawaii, Europe (including UK itineraries), Bahamas-Caribbean and Bermuda, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Under the brand name "Norwegian Capricorn Line" (1997-2001), NCL operated exclusively in Australia and New Zealand. A whole new era for the company started in 2002 when it purchased the first Project America vessel (under construction at the time). The future Pride of America was towed (as hull) from its initial building yard at Pascagoula (MS, USA) to be completed in Germany by Lloyd Werft.

Pride of America is the largest US- flagged passenger ship homeported in Honolulu for year-round roundtrips to the Hawaiian Islands. Due to financial considerations, the other NCL America ships in Hawaii - Pride of Aloha (now Norwegian Sky) and Pride of Hawaii (now Norwegian Jade) - were later transferred to the company's international fleet.

NCL's Caribbean itineraries always visit the company's Bahamian private island Great Stirrup Cay (purchased in 1977). A port of call exclusively for NCL ships, Great Stirrup's vacation experience starts and ends with the "Bahama Rama Mama" tender boat (capacity of 300 passengers).

On October 17, 2012, NCLH and Meyer Werft reached an agreement for the construction of two new Breakaway-Plus class vessels with scheduled delivery in 2015 and 2017. The order for the 2nd ship was placed in July 2013. In September 2013, the two new boats were named Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Bliss , through an online campaign. The "Breakaway-Plus" project's contract value was estimated to be EUR 1.4 billion (USD 1.92 billion). Two more ships were ordered on July 14, 2014, to enter service in 2018 and 2019.

For FY2017 (fiscal year) NCLH reported the following data:

• GAAP ("Generally Accepted Accounting Principle") net income was USD 760 million (USD 633,1 million FY2016).
• The adjusted GAAP was USD 907,7 million (USD 776,3 million in 2016).
• EPS ("Earnings Per Share") was USD 3,31 (USD 2,78 in 2016).
• The adjusted EPS was USD 3,96 (USD 3,41 in 2016).
• NCLH's Net Revenue was USD 4,2 billion (11,2% increase over 2016 / USD 3,8).
• The adjusted ROIC (Return On Invested Capital") for 2017 was 16,26%.
• NCLH's total revenue reached USD 5,4 billion (10,7% increase over 2016 / USD 4,9 billion).
• Gross Yield (yield on investments before deduction of taxes and expenses) increased 4,4%.
• Adjusted Net Yield increased by 5% (Constant Currency basis).
• Marine fuel expenses in 2017 were USD 361 million.

NCL ship refurbishments

Ship refurbishments were the biggest part of "The Norwegian Edge" (fleetwide upgrade program). Drydock refurbishments started in October 2015 with NCL Epic , followed NCL Gem in November 2015. Scheduled drydocks in 2016 were for Pride of America , NCL Dawn , NCL Sun . These dry docks were longer than usual for NCL ships (some up to 3 weeks).

All NCL liners (except NCL Jewel ) were refurbished by the end of 2017 (Jewel in 2018). The "Norwegian Edge" project covered 11 vessels - all older ships launched before NCL Breakaway (2013). On all these ships NCL added new venues, and did extensive restaurant makeovers (La Cucina Italian, Cagney's Steakhouse, Le Bistro French, Moderno Churrascaria Brazilia). Decors were changed in MDRs (main dining rooms) and Lido-buffets. Most public spaces (including all lounges, bars, complimentary food bars) received new furniture and flooring, some were completely re-designed.

Another major upgrade was the shipwide Wi-Fi, installing interactive digital signage boards and way finders, new teak flooring (on open decks), new carpeting (hallways and corridors), adding more shaded seating areas, private cabanas and loungers/deck chairs on sundecks.

NCL's new drydock refurbishment program (2016-2018) was budgeted over USD 400 million. Along with the fleet upgrades, it also included updates of onboard culinary and enrichment programs, private island upgrades, enhanced cruisetour/destination amenities and services. Detailed refurbishment reviews per vessel you will find at their CruiseMapper's deckplan pages .

As part of the program was enhanced Great Stirrup Cay (NCL's private island in Bahamas), This project resulted in building new facilities, newly added bars, and lounges, redesigned and renovated venues, enhanced The Haven Suite passenger experience. Details on all these changes are available at the above island link.

In November 2017, the company MAN PrimeServ (a division of the marine engines manufacturer "MAN Diesel and Turbo") confirmed order from NCLH for SOLAS insulation upgrades for all 9 liners (44 diesel engines total) from the NCL fleet. MAN provided the necessary equipment for all engines with power output 375+ kW, which included heat insulation, spray protection, resistance to flammability and fluid density. Upgrades received all NCL ships with MAN marine diesel engines models 48/60B, 48/60A and 58/64. The project was scheduled for completion in 2018.

NCL cruise ship dining packages

On each of its ships, NCL offers up to 28 dining options. In 2016 on all ships were introduced upgraded main dining room menus (complimentary) with added new (a la carte priced) menu items. The upgraded complimentary food menus offer more variety of appetizers, soups, and salads, signature entrees, desserts. New are the seafood offerings (fresh grouper, shrimp ceviche, seared scallops).

• Since January 31, 2016, NCL expanded brand's specialty dining menus on Norwegian Escape and introduced them fleetwide. These new menus are for at-fee restaurants - Cagney's Steakhouse, Le Bistro (French cuisine), La Cucina (Italian cuisine), Moderno Churrascaria (Brazilian Steakhouse) and Teppanyaki (sushi). Among the new menu choices are Bouillabaisse, pan-seared scallops, and sea bass filet, veal medallions, antipasti, risotto, Osso Buco Alla Milanese.
• NCL has partnered with the ACF (American Culinary Federation) for training and certification of fleet's dining and culinary teams.
• Since August 2015, NCL offers specialty dining packages available fleetwide. The new packages prices start at USD 59 per person (3-day package purchased prior departure). These deals help save on the cover charges of all onboard specialty restaurants (including Teppanyaki, Cagney's Steakhouse, Moderno Churrascaria, La Cucina, Le Bistro).
• Specialty dining packages allow NCL passengers to dine at a la carte priced and cover charge restaurants at an additional cost raging USD 7-15. Follows the list of restaurants and the cover charge / fixed fee in USD (shown in brackets): sushi bar ($7), Raw Bar ($7), Pincho Tapas Bar ($7), Bayamo ($10), Illusionarium ($10 general- and $15 premium seating), Cirque Dreams ($10 general-, $15 premium- and $35 VIP seating), Ocean Blue ($15), Dear John Hughes ($15).
• Packages can be purchased at discounted pricing online (prior to departure) or onboard (but only during the itinerary's first 2 days). On 3-day itineraries, NCL dining packages are available for purchasing only on the 1st / embarkation day. Specialty dining reservations can be made online (within 90 days prior departure) or onboard.

NCL is noted for its high-quality shipboard foods, restaurants, unique dining concepts, well-trained certified chefs-waiters-sommeliers.

• Almost all the shipboard food (98%) is made on the ship and from scratch - including all sauces, bread, pastries, and desserts.
• All ships have full-service butcheries.
• All fish is bought whole and cut and trimmed on the ship.
• Itinerary-based regional dishes and local beers and wines are always available,
• On NCL Bliss were introduced the restaurants Q (Texas BBQ smokehouse serving smoked meats, brisket, beef-pork ribs, pulled pork, various sides) and Los Lobos (Mexican, also serving tequilas and mezcals).

Private cruise island enhancements

NCL Norwegian expanded the company's plans for its Bahamian privately-owned island Great Stirrup Cay and the exclusive luxury resort destination Harvest Caye (Belize) . Harvest Caye Port has a large-sized swimming pool, private beach, shallow lagoon (watersport activities), private cabanas available for rent, as well as a huge flora and fauna diversity.

Great Stirrup Cay was last enhanced in 2014 and by 2017 spring and now provides several new offerings and amenities (for details see the island's review above).

NCL's all-inclusive cruise package

Since 2017, NCL offers all-inclusive itineraries in some markets. The company's new program was named "Premium All Inclusive" and is included in NCL's fares. The new program is only available to travelers living in select countries and as destinations - on cruises to Alaska, Hawaii, Asia, Bermuda, Caribbean, Europe, Panama Canal , South America.

• The list of "select countries" includes Scandinavia and Russia, Belgium, Holland, Liechtenstein, Portugal, Poland, Romania, Croatia, Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, Hungary, Slovenia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Greece, Malta, Cyprus, Turkey, Morocco, Libya, Tunisia, Angola, Algeria.
• Passengers 21+ yo enjoy drinks-inclusive sailings with included unlimited spirits, bottled and draft beers, wines (by the glass), cocktails (priced up to USD 15), light beers, soft drinks, juices. Even the NCL's 18% gratuity is included. A 20% discount is given on onboard purchased bottles of wine, champagne, sparkling wines.
• Passengers aged 20-20-yo enjoy unlimited soft drinks, water and juices (excluding freshly squeezed) in all onboard bars, lounges, and restaurants during the entire cruise. Here also the 18% gratuity is included.
• The new NCL package also includes bottled water (1 L) per person per day (in the stateroom) and specialty coffees (in all restaurants at mealtimes).
• All gratuities and service charge related to the new all-inclusive onboard services are ticket price-inclusive.
• Passengers in "The Haven" staterooms and those in Suites receive 250 minutes of free WiFi, USD 100 in OBC (onboard credit) and complimentary specialty restaurants reservations (3 dinners on itineraries 3-9 nights, and 4 dinners on 10+ nights itineraries).

NCL's "Premium All Inclusive" deals were introduced on April 3, 2017, and include all cabin categories. Since September 2017, NCL offers "Premium All-Inclusive Plus" package. The new offer includes 5 additional benefits for passengers booking a selection of port-intensive longer voyages (9 nights or longer) in all worldwide destinations. The additional perks are 250-min internet package, 120-min phone package, US$50 shore excursion credit (per call port), up to GBP 75 hotel credit (in select call ports) and up to GBP 150 flight credit.

In 2015, on NCL Sun and NCL Sky ships was introduced fare-inclusive open bars for all passengers 21 years and older. However, this program was terminated in 2019 (effective for itineraries on or after September 7, 2019).

Through NCL's "Free at Sea" program on both vessels, passengers continue to enjoy an unlimited open bar, complimentary specialty dining, free WiFi, excursion credits, and family members sail for free, reduced or free airfare.

NCL's Priority Access

In 2019, NCL started to test a program (Priority Access) that allows new customers to buy the perks generally associated with NCL's loyalty program (Latitudes). "Priority Access" is currently being tested on 2 liners ( Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Breakaway ) with pricing between USD 69 and 199 per stateroom.

NCL Priority Access passengers receive:

• Priority check-in, security, boarding, tendering, debarkation (homeport)
• Access to daily, complimentary Room Service Breakfast Menu
• Spa Credit (USD 50) on port days only
• Canapes (delivered on the 2nd day of the voyage)

NCL Priority Access prices (per stateroom) are:

• US$69 - for itineraries 3-5 days
• US$99 - for itineraries 6-9 days
• US$149 for itineraries 10-15 days
• US$199 for itineraries 16/16+ days

During this test period in 2019, Priority Access is limited to 25 cabins per voyage.

NCL cruise ship weddings

Since 2016, NCL offers weddings at sea, including same-gender ceremonies. The weddings are performed by the ship's Captain.

• For now, these offers are only for the company's newest (largest) vessels of the Breakaway- and Breakaway-plus classes.
• Formerly, couples were not allowed to marry at sea, but only ashore (in ports along the itinerary). They also had to produce a marriage certificate before participating in an onboard ceremony. By the NCL's new policy, cruise ship captains can perform the wedding ceremonies on the ship, with a Bahamas-issued marriage license.
• NCL also offers absolutely legal same-gender ceremonies. However, these offers are only available in port destinations where such marriages are recognized by local law. The list of such destinations in the USA includes Hawaii, Boston MA, NYC New York, Los Angeles CA, Seattle WA, Florida (Miami, Port Canaveral, Tampa), also Vancouver BC (Canada).
• NCL's new package "Wedding at Sea" includes a bridal bouquet, 1 matching boutonniere, 1 wedding cake for 2, champagne toast. The company also provides an experienced wedding coordinator.
• In addition to the "Wedding at Sea" program, NCL also offers harborside ceremonies (when the ship is docked in ports of call along the itinerary), also destination weddings (beach and resort) and vow renewals.

NCL cruise ship lifeguards

In April 2017, NCL announced it will employ certified lifeguards on some of its vessels (in summer 2017) and fleetwide (by the year 2018). The news made NCL the 3rd major cruise company with shipboard lifeguards - following Disney and Royal Caribbean .

• The onboard lifeguards are stationed only at the family pools during scheduled swimming pool hours. This staff will be "American Red Cross" trained and certified.
• NCL also offers complimentary swim vests for both adults and kids. Parents can obtain safety vests at Lido Deck's towel station during daytime hours.
• The first NCL ships with lifeguards will be Norwegian Epic (homeported in Port Canaveral), Norwegian Escape (Miami), Norwegian Getaway (Miami) and Norwegian Breakaway (NYC New York).
• NCL started testing monitoring through CCTV cameras at family pools (on fleet's largest ships only) since 2015. So adding full-time lifeguards was a decision for more safety on pool decks. However, it should be known that lifeguards don't replace parental supervision and that parents (legal guardians) remain the best form for preventing onboard accidents.
• DCL-Disney employs certified lifeguards since 2013. RCI-Royal Caribbean employs shipboard lifeguards since February 2017 (by the line's "water safety program"). RCI's onboard lifeguards are dressed in special uniforms (bright red and white) and stationed at every onboard swimming pool, including the Solarium (adults-only retreat) during the complex' opening hours.

NCL stateroom upgrades

In February 2017, NCL started a new (industry's first) cabin upgrade program that allows already booked passengers to bid for upgrades to higher-category staterooms.

• The new "Norwegian Upgrade Advantage" program was tested and approved by a group of top travel agencies. The entire system is automated and doesn't require travel agent intervention and pays commissions on the enhanced fare.
• NCL's senior sales VP Camille Olivere commented: "After final payment guests can bid on an upgrade and there's a little dial that will show them in red, yellow or green the likelihood their bid is going to be accepted. When NCL offers the cabin upgrade to the guest we email the travel agency of record, so they see the guest has been offered the ability to upgrade, and if the bid is accepted we notify the agency. The agency has to do absolutely nothing".
• Once the passengers' bids are accepted, they are assigned to an available higher-level stateroom - interior to oceanview, oceanview to balcony, balcony to Suite or The Haven staterooms. However, they can't choose the exact stateroom (number) to which they are assigned.

(NEW) NCL cruise gratuities (2022)

IMPORTANT : Since January 1, 2023, NCL's fleetwide daily tips are US$ 25 (The Haven staterooms) and US$20 (Club Balcony and below cabin categories).

Daily gratuities are per person (pp) and were effective between April 1st and December 6, 2022.

• USD 16 pp (interior, oceanview, balcony staterooms, both adults and kids) - increased from USD 13,99 pp (effective since April 1, 2018) and 14,50 (2021).
• USD 18 pp (Club Balcony Suites receiving concierge/butler services) - increased from USD 16,99 pp (effective since April 1, 2018) and 17,50 (2021).
• USD 20 pp (The Haven Suites)

Gratuities increases apply to all NCL vessels, except Norwegian Sky (which is drinks-inclusive). On NCL Sky ship, standard cabin and mini-suite passengers pay per person USD 19 per day, while suite passengers pay USD 22 per day.

Daily gratuity is an automatic service charge added to the passenger's onboard account each day.

Passengers can prepay gratuities.

The amount of gratuities is split between the ship's staff (dining, housekeeping, cabin stewards, butlers, concierges, support).

Onboard specialty restaurants (a la carte priced or cover charge venues) add an 18% gratuity service charge.

NCL Cruise Cancellation Policy

Since January 2016, NCL adjusted the company's final payment and cancellation policies. Under the new cruise cancellation policy, booked NCL customers will incur penalties further from departure date when canceling.

Before 2016, NCL itineraries 6 days or longer, canceled 56 to 75 days prior to embarkation date guaranteed full deposits back. Under the new cancellation policy, final payment for itineraries 6 or more days is due 90 days prior to departure date (vs the old policy's 75 days). Cancellation penalties start 89 days prior to departure date.

NCL's cruise deposit schedule also shifted. Previously, for itineraries 6 to 9 nights long, booked customers had to put down a USD 250 pp (per person) deposit. After January 2016, that was changed to USD 250 pp for itineraries 7 to 9 days, and USD 100 pp for itineraries 2 to 6 nights long.

Final payments for holiday sailings (Christmas and New Year) are now due 120 days prior to departure dates, only excluding Norwegian Sky .

(Coronavirus crisis) passenger shipping pause 2020-2021

Due to the COVID pandemic, NCLH's entire fleet (all vessels of the brands NCL-Norwegian, RSSC-Regent, Oceania) is with an expanded cancellation policy. All bookings on pre-scheduled itineraries (departures March 14, 2020, through April 30, 2021) were given the option to cancel (up to 48 hours prior departure) without penalties.

Eventually, NCLH canceled all NCL voyages leaving between March 14, 2020, and July 2021.

Next are listed all NCL ships and their scheduled first departure dates/homeports - BLISS (Oct 24, 2021/Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles), BREAKAWAY (Sept 26, 2021/Bermuda from NYC), DAWN (Dec 8, 2021/Tampa), ENCORE (Aug 7, 2021/Alaska from Seattle), EPIC (Sept 5, 2021/Mediterranean-Barcelona), ESCAPE (Nov 13, 2021/Port Canaveral), GEM (Aug 15, 2021/Caribbean from La Romana Dominicana), GETAWAY (Sept 13, 2021/Mediterranean-Rome), JADE (July 25, 2021/Mediterranean-Athens), JEWEL (March 29, 2022/Miami), JOY (Nov 20, 2021/Miami), PEARL (Dec 23, 2021/Miami), SKY (March 2, 2022/Miami), SPIRIT (May 7, 2022/Alaska from Seattle), STAR (April 3, 2022/Mediterranean from Barcelona), SUN (May 5, 2022/Alaska from Seattle), PRIMA (Sept 3, 2022/ Maiden Voyage /Europe-Baltic from Amsterdam), VIVA ( June 15, 2023 / Maiden Voyage /Mediterranean), PRIDE OF AMERICA (April 9, 2022/Hawaii from Honolulu).

• In late-March 2021, NCL canceled through October-November all voyages scheduled for the ships ENCORE (Alaska from Seattle), JEWEL (Alaska from Vancouver-Seward), Sun (Alaska from Seattle), BLISS (Alaska from Seattle), JADE (Europe-Baltic-Mediterranean), JOY (Bermuda from New York), GEM (Bermuda from Boston, Canada New England from Boston-Quebec).
• In early-April 2021, NCL announced new schedules for the ships JADE (7-day Mediterranean-Greek Islands from Athens/starting July 25), JOY (7-day Caribbean from Montego Bay Jamaica/starting August 15) and GEM (7-day Caribbean from La Romana-Punta Cana Dominicana/starting August 15). Previously the boats were planned to restart as follows - JOY (October 19, 2021/Caribbean from Miami), GEM (Oct 29, 2021/Bermuda from NYC), JADE (January 2, 2022/South Africa from Cape Town). JOY's ex-Greece program was canceled in May. GEM's ex-Dominicana program was canceled in June.
• In late-May 2021 were canceled JOY's Caribbean roundtrips from Montego Bay Jamaica (Aug 7 thru Oct 9) and BLISS' Alaskan program from Seattle (Aug-Oct).
• In late-June were delayed the restarts of 5 ships (Pride of America, DAWN, JOY, SKY, STAR thru 2022 March).

Itinerary of Norwegian Cruise Line

All NCL cruise ships are either new or recently refurbished. As you can see from their list below, the oldest one (NCL Sky) is just 14 years old. NCL's fleet is one of the world's biggest and most innovative ones. NCL ships are big (to really large), well-equipped, offering feature amenities and onboard activities, and sailing worldwide.

In 2023, NCL had its ever-biggest Europe-Meditarranean itinerary program by deploying in the region 10 ships (Breakaway, Dawn, Epic, Gem, Getaway, Jade, Prima, Sun, Star, Viva).

In 2008 (June-July-August) NCL started homeporting in Baltimore MD/at Maryland Cruise Terminal offering 10-day roundtrips to Bermuda (St George's) with the ship Norwegian Majesty/now Crown Iris (1992-built as Royal Majesty for Majesty Cruise Line, in service with NCL 1997-2009). In fall 2023, NCL restarted its ex-Baltimore operations and homeported 2 ships - Norwegian Sky (September-October) and Norwegian Sun (November-December).

NCL's 2024-2025 schedule includes 4 new/maiden call ports - Mina Salman-Manama Bahrain (visited by Norwegian Sky), Sokhna-Cairo Egypt (Norwegian Sun), Avarua/Rarotonga Island, Cook Islands NZ (Norwegian Sun) and Akita City Japan (Norwegian Spirit).

(NEW) NCL cruises from Jacksonville Florida

In January 2024, JAXPORT's Board of Directors approved a 3-year agreement with NCL for seasonal homeporting in  Jacksonville FL  (November to April every year through 2028).

Starting November 2025,  Norwegian Gem ship  offers roundtrip voyages visiting The Bahamas and Eastern Caribbean island destinations. Bookings opened on February 15th (2024).

Norwegian Gem's ex-Jacksonville schedule (during the inaugural season 2025-2026) included mainly 4-5-day itineraries to The Bahamas (Great Stirrup Cay, Freeport, Nassau) as well as 3x 12-day and 2x 11-day Eastern Caribbean itineraries (visiting Great Stirrup Cay, Puerto Plata Dominicana, St Thomas USVI, St John’s Antigua, Basseterre St Kitts, San Juan Puerto Rico).

NCL ships' itineraries overview

In 2021-2022, NCL has planned a collection of new European voyages with 7 liners deployed in the region and port-intensive itineraries that are often with late departure times. NCL's 2021-2022 Mediterranean program is based on homeporting in (departures from) Piraeus-Athens , Barcelona , Civitavecchia-Rome , Venice and Dubai UAE . NCL's Northern Europe cruises depart from Southampton , Amsterdam , Copenhagen , Stockholm and Reykjavik Iceland .

Ship deployments, homeports and itineraries 2023-2024-2025

In September 2020, NCL announced its winter 2022-2023 worldwide program for 13 (of its 18) liners.

EXTRAORDINARY JOURNEYS

The new sailings offer a selection of Extraordinary Journeys - longer, one-of-a-kind port-rich cruises.

• Beginning November 12, 2022, Norwegian Jewel offers a selection of Panama Canal cruises featuring 12-day experiences from Los Angeles , San Diego , and Colon Panama , allowing passengers to plan additional vacation days pre-/post-cruise. The itineraries call at Cabo San Lucas , Puerto Vallarta , Acapulco , Huatulco , Puerto Quetzal , San Juan del Sur , Puntarenas , and Acajutla .
• Norwegian Getaway embarks on a 13-day European trip from Southampton UK to Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy on November 14, 2022. The vessel is scheduled to debut in Oporto and Villefranche-sur-Mer and call at Cadiz-Seville ( Cadiz ), Malaga , Cartagena , Palma de Mallorca , Barcelona , Lisbon , Paris (Le Havre) , Florence/Pisa (Livorno) , and Naples .

PANAMA CANAL

From October 2022 through March 2023, Norwegian Cruise Line offers a variety of itineraries ranging from 8 to 21-day sailings traversing the Panama Canal onboard 6x NCL boats (Encore, Jewel, Pearl, Bliss, Gem, Joy).

Norwegian Encore begins a 21-day Panama Canal cruise on October 23, 2022, sailing from Seattle WA, repositioning to Miami FL. During the sailing, 8 out of 11 port-of-calls include a minimum of 9 to 11 hours of port time.

Norwegian Joy debuts in Port Canaveral FL as she departs on a 14-day trip from Orlando to Los Angeles CA on December 4. During the voyage, she also calls at San Juan Del Sur for the first time and visits Cartagena, Puerto Caldera (Puntarenas), Puerto Quetzal, Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo San Lucas.

Kicking off the New Year, NCL Norwegian Gem offers 11- and 12-day voyages to and from NYC and Panama City in January-February 2023. During her 12-day cruise from New York City on January 2, she debuts in Puerto Limon and the Pacific Cruise Terminal in Panama City during an 11-day trip on January 14.

Norwegian Encore transits the Panama Canal during the 21-day Extraordinary Journey (relocation voyage starting October 13, 2024/from Seattle WA to Miami FL) that visits San Francisco, Los Angeles, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco, Puerto Quetzal, Panama City, Cartagena, George Town, and PortMiami.

Beginning January 28, 2022, through May 17, 2023, NCL offers a range of 5- to 14-day sailings across the Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean. NCL's itineraries include visits to Harvest Caye (resort destination in Belize), as well as calls at its private island resort in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay. Ships sailing the Caribbean include NCL Bliss, Breakaway, Dawn, Encore, Epic, Escape, Gem, Getaway, Pearl, and Sky.

• Norwegian Encore sails an 11-day Southern Caribbean roundtrip from Miami on December 23, 2022, making her debut in Castries, St. Lucia, and Saint John's, and visiting Oranjestad Aruba , Willemstad Curacao , Kralendijk Bonaire , St. Thomas, and Puerto Plata.
• Norwegian Breakaway, which is currently the newest and largest ship sailing from New Orleans (Port NOLA) , offers a mix of 5-, 7-, and 9-day roundtrip sailings to the Western Caribbean starting November 20, 2022.
• As of December 17, 2022, Norwegian Bliss calls Miami Florida home as she embarks on a season of 7-day Western Caribbean roundtrip sailings through April 1, 2023, with calls at Roatan Island , Harvest Caye , Costa Maya , and Cozumel .
• On January 8 and February 26, 2023, passengers can embark on NCL Norwegian Getaway for a 12-day roundtrip sailing in the Southern Caribbean from New York City. The liner debuts in St. John's, Antigua , and calls at San Juan , Basseterre , Castries , Bridgetown , Puerto Plata , and St Thomas USVI

Sailing roundtrip from New York , Norwegian Prima offers 10-to-12-day Caribbean cruises beginning November 2024 through to March 2025 visiting Puerto Plata, San Juan, Basseterre, St. Thomas, Tortola, and Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda.

For the 2nd year, Norwegian Viva homeports in San Juan Puerto Rico from December 2024 through to April 2025 offering 7-day roundtrip Southern Caribbean voyages with zero sea days. The itineraries include calls to Castries and Bridgetown on the east, while select itineraries call to the ABC Islands: Oranjestad, Aruba; Kralendijk, Bonaire; Willemstad, Curacao; and more on the west side of the Caribbean.

Norwegian Escape offers 7- and 14-day Caribbean voyages from December 2024 through to March 2025 from Galveston, Texas. The vessel's 7-day Western Caribbean itineraries visit Costa Maya, and Cozumel in Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; and Harvest Caye Belize. For guests searching for an extended vacation, the 14-day Eastern Caribbean voyages include visits to Cozumel, Mexico; St. Thomas, USVI; Castries, St. Lucia; George Town, Grand Cayman; Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas, and more.

MEXICAN RIVIERA

Sailing from the West Coast between Los Angeles CA and San Diego CA, passengers can take in the Mexican Riviera beauty with a mix of 5-, 7-, and 8-day roundtrip sailings between Norwegian Bliss, Joy, and Jewel beginning October 30, 2022, through April 16, 2023.

Norwegian Joy kicks off her sailings on December 18, 2022, with an 8-day roundtrip sailing where she visits San Diego CA for the first time.

From December 23, 2022, through April 8, 2023, NCL Norwegian Getaway sails select 8-day voyages to the Bahamas and Florida from New York City which include calls at Port Canaveral, Nassau, and Great Stirrup Cay. Beginning January 20, 2023, through May 29, 2023, NCL Norwegian Sky sails 3- and 4-day roundtrip voyages from Miami FL, calling at Nassau, Freeport, and Great Stirrup Cay.

In November 2022, NCL Norwegian Joy offers passengers a Bahamian winter escape on 5- and 7-day roundtrip sailings from New York City featuring overnights at the Royal Naval Dockyard. NCL Getaway also offers 5-night voyages (December 2022 and February-March 2023).

NCL's winter 2024-2025 and summer 2025 voyages sail to bucket-list destinations in Europe, Alaska, and the Caribbean. Sailing to ~400 destinations worldwide, guests can choose from a range of tropical itineraries to the Caribbean and voyages from the Extraordinary Journeys collection that sail to once-in-a-lifetime destinations, such as aspirational regions around the globe like the grand pyramids in Egypt, and more.

Highlights from the 2024-2025 deployment include:

GREEK ISLES and HOLY LAND (Israel and Egypt)

Norwegian Viva, the 2nd ship from the Prima Class set to debut in August next year, offers select roundtrip 7-day Greek Isles cruises from Athens (Piraeus), as well as 9-to-11-day voyages between Haifa (Tel Aviv-Nazareth, Israel), Athens (Piraeus), and Istanbul (Turkey) from May through November 2025. The sailings call at Iraklion, Santorini, Mykonos, and Rhodes in Greece, offer 15-hour long port stays in Ashdod (Jerusalem, Israel), and visit Alexandria and Port Said (Cairo), Egypt, allowing plenty of time for passengers to visit Giza's pyramids.

NORTHERN EUROPE

From May through to September 2025, Norwegian Prima sails a series of 10-and-11-day voyages from London (Southampton), England UK and Reykjavik (Iceland) offering itineraries calling to Geiranger, Norway, home to Geirangerfjord. The itineraries also call to Alesund, Flam, Bergen, Brussels/Bruges (Zeebrugge), Akureyri, Isafjordur, and Amsterdam.

SOUTHERN EUROPE-MEDITERRANEAN

Starting April 2025 through to October 2025, Norwegian Breakaway offers a series of 9- and 10-day roundtrip Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona with an overnight in Livorno (to Florence and Pisa) providing 2 days to explore the destination. The two itineraries call to bucket-list destinations like Ibiza, Cagliari, Naples, Rome (Civitavecchia), Cannes, and more.

During the Alaska cruise season from late April through to October 2025, Norwegian Joy returns to The Last Frontier and offers 9- and 10-day roundtrip sailings from Seattle WA to allow for a longer experience for guests. Her voyages include scenic sailings to Glacier Bay NP ; and Hubbard Glacier . Select cruises also visit Ketchikan and Icy Strait Point .

NCL cruises to Cuba

In December 2016, NCLH (shipowner) received permission to operate cruises to Cuba, beginning March 2017. The first-ever NCL ship visiting Cuba was Norwegian Sky.

• NCL Sky's itinerary program offered 4-night roundtrips from Miami that included Havana overnights. The itinerary also visited Great Stirrup Cay (Bahamas) .
• In 2018, NCL expanded its Cuban program to a total of 63 itineraries, most of which offer Havana overnight.
• Norwegian Sun completed her first Cuban season (from Port Canaveral ) with the last roundtrip on September 3, 2018, then moved to Miami for select itineraries before the South American (fall/winter) season. Being the first Port Canaveral-homeported vessel to Cuba, NCL Sun served 30,000+ tourists on 15 roundtrips (4-day Cuba itinerary) during summer 2018 season, visiting Key West Florida and Havana (overnight). Following the successful first season, NCL Sun returned to Port Canaveral in April 2019 with Cuban itineraries.

IMPORTANT: On June 4, 2019, the US Government announced new regulations (economic sanctions) that ended group travel to Cuba, including via US-homeported cruise liners, effective immediately. The ban relates to "private and corporate aircraft, cruise ships, sailboats, fishing boats, and other similar aircraft and vessels". The US travel restrictions impacted hundreds of pre-scheduled itineraries, which were adjusted to no longer stop in Cuban seaports.

NCL's Cuban program was based on two Florida-homeported liners - Norwegian Sky (from Miami) and Norwegian Sun (from Port Canaveral). Following the US Gov's June 2019-issued ban on group travel to Cuba from the USA, NCL revised all its scheduled itineraries visiting Cuban seaports. All planned departures beyond September 2 (2019) were auto-canceled. Cuba-visiting itineraries prior to September 2nd were modified to exclude Havana and visit other Caribbean ports - including in Bahamas ( Great Stirrup Cay Island , Freeport , Nassau ) and Florida ( Key West )

According to the current Cuban law, US citizens of Cuban origin (born in Cuba) are not allowed to visit the island country (including on cruise vessels). Regardless of their US citizenship status, Cuba-born Americans were denied booking on itineraries visiting ports in Cuba. However, the situation changed in April 2016, after Carnival Corporation negotiated with the Cuban government for allowing ships with Cuban-born passengers, as such US citizens are allowed to visit the country on USA-Cuba charter flights. The Carnival-fathom line started Miami to Cuba voyages in May 2016.

Alaska Airlines offers regular nonstop flights to Havana from Los Angeles (California USA). An 80-min ling JetBlue flight from Fort Lauderdale (Florida) to Havana costs less than USD 100. Previously, air travel from the USA to Cuba was thought charter flights only.

Norwegian Cruise Line related cruise news

NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line announces cancellation of multiple 2025 sailings (7 ships)

NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line announced the cancellation of several voyages scheduled for 2025 across its fleet, citing necessary drydock maintenance...

8 NCL's Norwegian Dawn cruise passengers stranded on African island amid allegations of ship...

8 cruise tourists from the Norwegian Dawn ship found themselves stranded on Sao Tome Island (Sao Tome and Príncipe, central-west Africa...

Norwegian Cruise Line introduces 'NCL Connect' to empower travel agents

NCL/Norwegian Cruise Line has introduced 'NCL Connect', a co-branding and marketing solution aimed at enhancing the sales and marketing efforts of...

Search underway for 3 missing Colombians from Norwegian Sky cruise ship

The Department of Immigration and the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force are soliciting assistance from the public in locating three Colombian...

Norwegian Joy's refurbishment details/changes unveiled (SPA, Suites, Beach Club)

NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line has unveiled a series of enhancements aboard the Norwegian Joy following a 3-week drydock refurbishment project. Among the...

Cholera fears prompt Mauritius to refuse entry to NCL cruise ship Norwegian Dawn

Mauritius has declined permission for an NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line ship to dock at Port Louis, citing concerns about a potential illness outbreak (of...

Venice removed from NCL-Norwegian's 2024-2025 cruise itineraries due to regulatory measures

A leading cruise line has adjusted its itineraries for 2024 and 2025, omitting Venice City amidst the ongoing measures to regulate tourism. NCL...

NCL's ship Norwegian Joy completes a drydock refurbishment in Rotterdam

The NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line ship Norwegian Joy has concluded a 3-week dry dock at Damen Shiprepair Rotterdam/Holland, unveiling new...

IAATO regulations prompt NCL's ship Norwegian Star to change itinerary, skips Antarctica

NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line has made a last-minute adjustment to the itineraries of its ship, Norwegian Star, removing Antarctica from the upcoming...

Mojo Nixon (singer) died on NCL's cruise ship Norwegian Pearl

Renowned American alternative musician, actor, and DJ Mojo Nixon (Neill Kirby McMillan Jr/1957-2024) has passed away at the age of 66. Nixon, best...

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Norwegian Cruise Line is a wildly popular cruising company that emphasizes “Freestyle Cruising”—meaning light-hearted, carefree vacation fun for you and yours. The line has been in operation since 1966 and employs their freestyle concept to every aspect of the cruising experience, whether it’s the delicious dining in the main dining rooms or specialty restaurants, vibrant entertainment, comfortable accommodations, exciting shore excursions and the most thrilling onboard activities at sea. Since NCL ships sail to destinations all over the world, from tropical to arctic, there’s a vacation for all types of travelers, whether you’re a history buff or culinary adventurer.  Cruise like a Norwegian for your next vacation.

Accessibility

Learn about Norwegian Cruise Line's handicap accessible cruises and accommodations for guests with special needs or disabilities, including service animals, Braille and special rooms.

Savor Freestyle dining aboard Norwegian Cruise Line, including the specialty restaurants like Ocean Blue, Cagney's, Le Bistro, Moderno Churrascaria, The Haven Restaurant, the main dining rooms and several pubs, bars, grills and cafes.

Entertainment

Enjoy Norwegian Cruise Line's onboard entertainment, including Broadway productions, comedy clubs, dueling pianos and much more.

Onboard Activities

Engage in Norwegian Cruise Line's onboard activities, including water parks, casinos, dance clubs, arcades, ropes courses, sports courts, duty-free shops and more.

Service & Awards

Learn how Norwegian Cruise Line takes care of your every need with an extensive list of onboard services. Plus, view Norwegian Cruise Line's awards.

Spa & Fitness

Participate in Norwegian Cruise Line's fitness centers, training programs and relax at spa treatments, including massages, body wraps, acupuncture, facials and more to relax and soothe.

Special Events

Learn about Norwegian Cruise Line's special themed cruises, including popular rock music themed cruises through a partnership with Sixthman.

Learn about Norwegian Cruise Line's staterooms, including suites, mini-suites, balconies, oceanviews, interiors and solo-traveler Studio rooms.

Youth Programs

Learn about Norwegian's Splash Academy youth programs and cruising with children of all ages.

Top 10 Norwegian Cruise Line Itineraries

• Norwegian Prima 11 Night Caribbean - Other Product (GAL/MIA) Departing From Galveston, Texas (Apr 2024)
• Norwegian Gem 7 Night Bermuda - Boston (BOS/BOS) Departing From Boston, Massachusetts (Apr 2024 - Oct 2025)
• Norwegian Getaway 12 Night Eastern Caribbean - New York (NYC/NYC) Departing From New York, New York (Apr 2024)
• Norwegian Encore 21 Night Panama Canal - Miami (MIA/SEA) Departing From Miami, Florida (Apr 2024)
• Norwegian Escape 16 Night Repo - Transatlantic (NYC/CIV) Departing From New York, New York (Apr 2024)
• Norwegian Jade 11 Night Caribbean - Other Product (PCV/PCV) Departing From Port Canaveral, Florida (Apr 2024 - May 2024)
• Norwegian Joy 5 Night Bermuda - New York (NYC/NYC) Departing From New York, New York (Apr 2024 - Oct 2024)
• Norwegian Sky 10 Night Caribbean - Other Product (LRM/LRM) Departing From La Romana, Dominican Republic (Apr 2024)
• Norwegian Star 17 Night Repo - Transatlantic (RIO/LIS) Departing From Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Apr 2024)
• Norwegian Bliss 7 Night Alaska - Seattle (SEA/SEA) Departing From Seattle, Washington (Apr 2024 - Oct 2025)

Norwegian Cruise Line Cruise Destinations

Travel the world on Norwegian cruises! This fantastic cruise line boasts over 120 different ports of call, located in countries all over the world. Norwegian Cruise Line is always breaking new ground in their itinerary offerings. You can choose from over 145 different itineraries, each of which has been carefully chosen to present the destination in a unique and exciting way. Kick back on the beautiful beaches of the Bahamas. Become a culinary expert in the Mediterranean. Golf on professional links in Bermuda. Explore the wonders of South America. Enjoy the colors of New England in the fall. Or even sail the Panama Canal!

Animals of all kinds, exotic gourmet dishes and unique culture is what you’re bound to find cruising Africa with Norwegian Cruise Line.

The scenic beauty of an Alaska cruise will brighten your spirit—from breaching whales to snow-capped peaks.

Alaska Cruisetours

Glaciel views, incredible wildlife, and once-in-a-lifetime cultural experiences await you on your Alaskan cruise tour with Norwegian Cruise Line.

Enter a new world of mysterious cultures and ancient traditions on a cruise through Asia with Norwegian Cruise Line.

Asia Cruisetours

Expand your Asian cruise vacation with a cruisetour with Norwegian, spending more time in the cities that mean the most.

Tropical treats lie ahead: snorkeling, sunbathing, soothing breezes and more on a Bahamas cruise.

Luxurious tropical days can be spent on the white-sand beaches or on the links during your Bermuda cruise.

Colonial. Clam Chowder. Colorful Vistas. Cruise to Canada and New England for all of this and more.

Water sports and intriguing tropical ports highlight the Caribbean region.

Eastern Caribbean

Magnificent days at the beach, tasty fare, and sun-soaked excursions lie awaiting you in the Eastern Caribbean.

Diverse cultures, outstanding historical attractions, and intriguing peoples are a few of the features of a cruise to Europe.

Europe Cruisetours

Explore Europe in a deeper way with a Norwegian Cruise Line Europe Cruisetours, featuring the chance to spend more time in Europe’s most interesting cities.

Kiss the everyday goodbye, find unique exotic natural beauty and cultural excitement in Hawaii.

Hawaii Cruisetours

Spend the extra time you need to truly discover bliss in paradise with a Hawaii Cruisetour.

Mediterranean

Comb the Greek Isles for culinary delights and immerse yourself in the religious history of Italy on a cruise to the Mediterranean and Greek Isles.

Mexican Riviera

Culinary excellence, romance, and some shipwreck adventures—Mexico cruising.

Northern Europe

Create your own fairytale – complete with towering castles, elegant palaces and royal gardens – on a Northern Europe cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line.

Panama Canal

Experience the overwhelming sight of the Panama Canal and its surrounding attractions for your next cruise.

South America

Explore ancient history, astounding wildlife and artistic cultures on a South American adventure with Norwegian Cruise Line.

South Pacific / Tahiti

Exotic creatures, delicious cuisine and rich, traditional culture are ready to be explored on a cruise to the South Pacific and Tahiti.

Transatlantic

Coast to coast, port to port, the Grand Atlantic will astound you with its beauty and intriguing stops along the way during a Transatlantic cruise.

Transpacific

From exotic Japanese cuisine to picturesque Alaskan glaciers, you’ll definitely enjoy a Transpacific cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line.

U. S. Pacific Coast

Invigorate yourself with the wineries and wonders of the U.S. West Coast with a Pacific Coastal cruise.

Western Caribbean

Mayan ruins will astound you and Jamaican fare will delight you on a cruise to the Western Caribbean.

Norwegian Cruise Line Departure Ports

Looking for a getaway without the need to fly far, then Norwegian has options for you. The cruise line has ships leaving from New York, Boston, Miami, New Orleans and Seattle. If you do want to travel abroad they have ships in Europe leaving from ports like Venice, Barcelona and Copenhagen. Isn’t it time for you to cruise with Norwegian. Check out all of their itineraries on our site and then call us to discuss the best vacation option for you with our expert cruise consultants. 

Auckland, New Zealand

The mild temperatures in Auckland enhance an outdoorsy cruise destination. Tour the many beaches, hike beautiful mountain ranges or just wander Auckland’s city streets.

Explore Baltimore’s rich history and culture as you visit the local neighborhoods which are home to important world changing events. 

Discover imaginative architecture, impressive Spanish dishes and beautiful excursions into nature when you cruise to Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia.

Benoa (Bali), Indonesia

For decades Bali has lured visitors with its beautiful beaches, forests and mountains and a culture that is devoted to the arts.

Boston is home to great sports, great food and loads of history with the Freedom Trail and Harvard.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires is a charming European style city with the perfect combination of new world characteristics mixed with old world history and culture.

Cairns, Australia

With near perfect tropical weather and natural attractions, there is always an adventure for everyone cruising to Cairns – from white water rafting to hiking and diving.

Cape Town, South Africa

See the beautiful sights of Cape Town, South Africa’s most visited city, which offers cruisers natural beauty, plentiful wine, historical significance and a sense of peace.

A cruise to Civitavecchia is a chance for you to hop a quick train to Rome and explore the enormous history through ruins, galleries and The Vatican museums.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is a delightful city with some of the world’s most interesting places, like the longest pedestrian street and one of the oldest amusement parks in the world.

Doha, Qatar

A bustling city in Qatar, Doha is known for it's iconic skyline and stunning beaches on the Persian Gulf.

Galveston, Texas

Indulge in the local flavor with fresh Gulf shrimp, Galveston Bay oysters and pristine Gulf coast beaches as you relax in southern comfort in Galveston, Texas.

Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii

Honolulu, with its near perfect weather every day and beautiful mountains and tropical landscapes, is a destination not to be missed.

Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is a unique city that blends its two distinct influences – from its founding as the Christian capital of Constantinople to the Ottoman ruled Istanbul. Today you can discover both eras and the modern beauty in this thriving city.

Jacksonville, Florida

When in Jacksonville, expect diverse itineraries, award-winning ships and top-notch excursions. Favorites include trips to the beach and museums, or just cruise the downtown on your tropical adventure.

Keelung (Taipei), Taiwan

Keelung (Taipei), Taiwan is a modern and cosmopolitan city that is perfectly infused with ancient traditions and culture.

La Romana, Dominican Republic

La Romana is a beautiful resort-geared port located in the Caribbean. Explore the beaches and wander the streets of the old villages for equal parts relaxation and rejuvenation.

Laem Chabang (Bangkok), Thailand

This enchanting city along the Chao Phraya River offering rich and ancient culture can be known as Laem Chabang (Bangkok) Thailand.

Lautoka, Fiji

Experience the beauty of Fiji when you visit its second largest city, Lautoka, the Sugar City.

Le Havre (Paris), France

In Northern France, explore Le Havre, a city with modern architecture and one of the most inspiring collections of Impressionist artwork.

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon has deep cultural roots that are exposed through ruins and museum artifacts. Cruise to Lisbon and discover the culture and history of Portugal in its capital city.

The possibilities are endless when cruising to or from the City of Angels. Let your inner rock star shine as you explore the many wonders of Los Angeles, California.

Manila, Philippines

Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is sure to please with its historic sites and cultural richness.

Melbourne, Australia

Soak up the culture and relaxed environment of Melbourne as you take in the live music, sip some perfect coffee and explore all that this unique city has to offer.

In Miami, you’ll enjoy a small taste of the tropical weather many of you will experience during your cruise, and you’ll see why Miami is one of the most popular places to live in America.

New Orleans, Louisiana

The Big Easy is one of the world’s most fascinating cities and a melting pot of culture, food and music.

Take in the incredible art scene of New York City, expand your cultural horizons in the city’s diverse neighborhoods and marvel at the architectural wonders.

Oslo, Norway

Enjoy the great outdoors in Oslo, the beautiful and spacious capital of Norway, where the city includes lakes, forests and lots of history.

Panama City, Panama

Enjoy the contrasts of the historic colonial-era landmarks and the bustling city life of Panama City, all surrounded by lush rainforests!

Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia

This picture-perfect island is everything you ever dreamt of, from lush greenery inland and perfectly clear turquoise waters to the scent of gardenia from the coconut groves.

Learn about the Greek gods and the early philosophy of Socrates when you visit the incredible ruins left in Athens, Greece. At night, go out and take in the culture with the modern Athenians.

The seafood is fresh, the sun is shining and there’s a whole lot to do, so get out there and explore the city before, during and after your cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida.

Port Louis, Mauritius

Cruise to Port Louis in Mauritius for its natural beauty and stay to explore its fascinating past as a Dutch, French and British colony.

Quebec City, Quebec

It’s easy to be wowed by Quebec City as Old World Europe is mixed with North American cultures alongside breathtaking landscapes and the flowing Saint Lawrence River.

Reykjavik was just a small village until seeing a major expansion after World War II, but this popular cruise destination still offers a small town feel different than any other European capital.

Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro, one of the most visited cities in the southern hemisphere, has numerous activities for every desire. Cruise to Rio for the Carnival celebrations, natural environment, beautiful beaches and famous landmarks.

San Diego, California

Situated on the Pacific Ocean, San Diego is known for its near perfect weather, beautiful beaches and abundance of activities.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan is a gateway to the Caribbean with activities for everyone. Enjoy an old-world feel as you wander around Old San Juan, relax on the many beaches or explore the rainforests.

Known as The Emerald City, Seattle is a beautiful, luscious city with incredible views of the Cascade Mountains and Elliott Bay. The city is full of activities for both water lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Seoul (Inchon), South Korea

On a visit to Seoul, you’ll enjoy serene gardens, magnificent art and vibrant folklore along with new age technology, ultra-modern skyscrapers and a fast-paced city life. 

Seward, Alaska

The beautiful small coastal town of Seward, which is most known for its picturesque scenic views and many visitors’ attractions, is a perfect addition for your next Alaska cruise.

Singapore, Singapore

Southeast Asia’s most modern city, Singapore, also contains a lot of history and treasures from the past, along with a perfect tropical climate – all making Singapore a wonderful destination year round.

The cruise port of Southampton features tons of diverse attractions that provide insight into England’s culture and storied past, including fortresses, gardens and national parks.

Whether looking out into the city’s waterways, ancient castles or modern buildings, you’ll always have a great view when cruising to Stockholm, Sweden.

The near perfect days, beautiful scenery, pristine beaches and sparkling water offer the perfect backdrop for any dream adventure in Sydney, Australia.

Tampa, Florida

Whether it’s a trip to the historical streets of Ybor, a day in the Florida Aquarium or a nice Cuban-infused meal, your time in Tampa will make you consider a longer stay.

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is a dazzling city where you might be overwhelmed at first by its modernity but will find lots of interesting subcultures in its various neighborhoods.

Trieste, Italy

Sit back and enjoy the sea breezes in Trieste, an Italian city that despite being close to Venice is more akin to Vienna, the capital of the Hapsburg Empire. 

Tromso, Norway

Bundle up to experience the culture and beauty of Tromso, one of the largest cities within the Arctic Circle.

Ushuaia, Argentina

The unique location and beauty of Ushuaia is unmatched by many other destinations as the Andes Mountains meet the Southern Ocean. Cruise to Ushuaia for many incredible outdoor adventures.

Whether it’s your cruise destination or a launching point, Vancouver is a beautiful destination in itself with a sophisticated downtown and lots of natural elements to explore.

Experience the serene, romantic splendor of Venice, but don’t forget to check out its wonderful museums and neighborhoods located off the Grand Canal.

Whittier, Alaska

Experience the best of the Last Frontier in quaint Whittier, Alaska. Enjoy the clear water filled with salmon, red snapper and trout along with the freely roaming wildlife, all combining to make Whittier a treat to visit.

Yokohama, Japan

See Japanese history in person as you discover Yokohama, Japan’s biggest port city, where the country was first opened to outside trade after more than 200 years of seclusion.

Norwegian Cruise Line Ships

Norwegian cruise ships, like the exciting Norwegian Bliss, all-new Norwegian Prima and Viva and all the others below offer a variety of stateroom options, ranging from the extravagant 'Haven' accommodations to classic balcony staterooms the more reasonable (yet still supremely comfortable) inside staterooms.  Some of Norwegian's accommodations are studios, perfect for solo travelers! With Broadway shows, avant-garde dining and nightlife options, and a focus on "Freestyle Cruising," each ship is filled with all the amenities and activities you could ask for. Some of our favorite features include the Studio Cabins, the cruise line’s partnership with legendary sketch comedy group Second City and the fine French cuisine served at Le Bistro. 

Norwegian Aqua

• Passenger Capacity: 3,751 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2025
• Last Refurbished: N/A

Norwegian Bliss

• Passenger Capacity: 4,004 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2018
• Last Refurbished:  2021

Norwegian Breakaway

• Passenger Capacity: 3,963 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2013
• Last Refurbished: 2020

Norwegian Dawn

• Passenger Capacity: 2,340 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2002
• Last Refurbished: 2021

Norwegian Encore

• Passenger Capacity: 3,998 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2019

Norwegian Epic

• Passenger Capacity: 4,200 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2010
• Last Refurbished:  2020

Norwegian Escape

• Passenger Capacity: 4,266 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2015
• Last Refurbished:  2022

Norwegian Gem

• Passenger Capacity: 2,394 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2007
• Last Refurbished: 2022

Norwegian Getaway

• Passenger Capacity:  3,963 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2014

Norwegian Jade

• Passenger Capacity: 2,402 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2006

Norwegian Jewel

• Passenger Capacity: 2,376 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2005

Norwegian Joy

• Passenger Capacity: 3,852 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2017
• Last Refurbished: 2024

Norwegian Pearl

Norwegian Prima

• Passenger Capacity: 3,099 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2022

Norwegian Sky

• Passenger Capacity: 2,004 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 1999

Norwegian Spirit

• Passenger Capacity: 2,032 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 1998

Norwegian Star

• Passenger Capacity: 2,348 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2001

Norwegian Sun

• Passenger Capacity: 1,936 (double occupancy)

Norwegian Viva

• Year Built: 2023

Pride Of America

• Passenger Capacity: 2,186 (double occupancy)

Photo Gallery for Norwegian Cruise Line Cruises

Before you experience “Freestyle Cruising” with Norwegian check out this photo gallery which features many of their ships, specialty dining options and innovative staterooms. 

Norwegian Getaway aerial

Spice H2O outdoor theater

Norwegian Pearl pool deck

Haven Courtyard

Norwegian Escape Haven Courtyard

Norwegian Breakaway ropes course

Guest climbing the rockwall

Video Arcade

Norwegian Star teen club

Underground Teen Club

Kids Splashdown Club

O'Sheehans bowling alley

Norwegian Pearl Stardust Theater

Norwegian Getaway Sunset Waterfront

Le Bistro Specialty Restaurant

Teppanyaki specialty restaurant

Norwegian Getaway spa thermal suite

Norwegian Escape Spa Balcony

Pride of America Penthouse Suite

Norwegian Gem Garden Villa stateroom

Norwegian Spirit balcony stateroom

Norwegian Epic spa suite balcony stateroom

Hawaii Luau Kalamaku

Greece, Santorini

Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey

Glacier Bay, Alaska

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Norwegian Cruise Line Review – Ships, Destinations, Dining, and More

Katie Seemann

Senior Content Contributor and News Editor

340 Published Articles 43 Edited Articles

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Basic Information

Departure ports, featured shore excursion, onboard activities, complimentary dining, specialty dining, bars and beverages, accommodations, latitudes rewards, final thoughts.

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Norwegian Cruise Line has been around since 1966. Since that time, it’s grown to be one of the largest cruise lines in the world. It has been an innovator in the cruise industry by being the first cruise line to eliminate set dining times with their Freestyle Cruising program.

A Norwegian ship is easy to spot since each one’s hull is adorned with bright artwork, some of which have been done by world-famous artists like Peter Max, Guy Harvey, and David “Lebo” Le Batard.

With 17 ships sailing to over 450 destinations across the world, there’s a Norwegian cruise to suit every traveler’s dreams!

Name: Norwegian Cruise Line

Parent Company: Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (which also owns Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises)

Number of Ships: 17

Destinations: 450+

Loyalty Program: Latitudes Rewards

Credit Card : Norwegian Cruise Line ® World Mastercard ®

Norwegian currently operates 17 cruise ships:

• Norwegian Bliss
• Norwegian Breakaway
• Norwegian Dawn
• Norwegian Encore
• Norwegian Epic
• Norwegian Escape
• Norwegian Gem
• Norwegian Getaway
• Norwegian Jade
• Norwegian Jewel
• Norwegian Joy
• Norwegian Pearl
• Norwegian Sky
• Norwegian Spirit
• Norwegian Star
• Norwegian Sun
• Pride of America

Norwegian Encore, built in 2019, is the newest ship in the NCL fleet. In 2022, the new Leonardo class of ships will be introduced.

Hot Tip: Think you can’t use miles and points to book a cruise? Think again. Check out our ultimate guide to booking a cruise using miles and points.

Norwegian sails to over 450 destinations from 17 departure ports across Europe and North America.

Private Ports/Islands

Norwegian Cruise Line has 1 private island in the Bahamas called Great Stirrup Cay. Activities offered on the island include snorkeling, kayaking, zip-lining, paddle boarding, and more!

If luxury is what you’re after, you can rent a private villa at Silver Cove. Each villa comes with a private bathroom, a TV with on-demand movies, air conditioning, a retractable glass wall, and access to the upscale Silver Cove buffet.

You won’t go hungry during your day at Great Stirrup Cay. You can make your own tacos at Abaco Taco, grab a quick bite at the food truck, Tropic Like It’s Hot, or enjoy lunch at the Jumbey Beach Grill. You’ll also find 3 bars on the island — Bacardi Bar, Bertram’s Bar, and Patron Bar.

If you’d prefer to explore beyond Great Stirrup Cay, you can book the exclusive shore excursion at this port to visit the famous swimming pigs! Your excursion includes round-trip transportation to Treasure Island to interact with these playful piggies.

Hot Tip: Want to make sure you’re getting the best price on your cruise? Check out our list of the  best websites to book your cruise  at the lowest price to get started.

There is so much to do on a Norwegian cruise! In addition to cruise ship staples like pools, a casino, art auctions, Broadway-style shows, and a spa, Norwegian also offers lots of unique and thrilling activities including:

• Kids’ Aqua Park
• Ropes course
• Virtual reality
• The Waterfront oceanfront promenade
• Waterslides: Ocean Loops, Free Fall, The Epic Plunge, The Whip

Note that some of these activities may come with additional fees, and not every activity is available on every ship.

Hot Tip: When booking your cruise, make sure you’re using the right credit card to maximize your benefits. See our guide to the  best credit cards to book cruises  for some guidance.

Dining and Beverages

Norwegian Cruise Line was a pioneer with its Freestyle Dining program. There are no set dining times or assigned seats, as is customary with “traditional” dining on many cruise lines. You can dine whenever and where ever you wish. Plus, there is never a formal night requirement.

• Main dining rooms (up to 3 per ship)
• O’Sheehan’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill
• Asian Fusion
• 24-hour room service

Norwegian offers a selection of specialty dining restaurants that come with an additional cost (some offer à la carte pricing while others come with a flat per person charge). Not all of these locations are available on every ship.

• Bayamo by Ocean Blue
• Cagney’s Steakhouse
• Food Republic
• Margaritaville
• Moderno Churrascaria
• Pincho Tapas Bar

Hot Tip: You can purchase specialty dining packages ahead of time so you can enjoy these restaurants without having to worry about payment. Packages start at 3 specialty meals for $99.

A Norwegian ship can feature up to 22 different bars and lounges including:

• 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar
• Bliss Ultra Lounge
• Great Outdoors
• The Humidor Cigar Lounge
• Magnum’s Champagne and Wine Bar
• Maltings Beer and Whisky Bar
• O’Sheehan’s Bar and Grill
• Shaker’s Martini Bar
• Skyy Vodka Ice Bar
• Sugarcane Mojito Bar
• Vibe Beach Club
• Waves Pool Bar

As typical with many cruise lines, some beverages aren’t included in the cost. If you would prefer to pay for your drinks upfront, you can purchase a beverage package:

• The Corks and Caps Wine and Beer Package includes soft drinks plus beers and wines by the glass. The cost is $65 per person per day.
• The Premium Beverage Package includes soft drinks, select spirits, cocktails, wines by the glass, and bottled or draft beer up to and including $15 each. The cost is $99 per person per day. 
• The Premium Plus Beverage Package includes soft drinks, beers, spirits, cocktails, wines by the glass and select bottles of wine with dinner, plus sparkling water, energy drinks, and specialty coffees. The cost is $128 per person per day.

For the 3 packages above, you must be 21 years old or older to purchase. If 1 person purchases a package, everyone (over 21 years old) residing in the same stateroom or additional staterooms that were under the same form of payment is required to purchase it. Anyone under 21 years of age on the same reservation will be required to purchase the Soda Program.

• The Soda Program provides endless fountain soda throughout your cruise. The cost is $5.95 per person per day for ages 12 and under. For anyone over the age of 12, the cost is $7.95 per person per day.

Bottom Line: Beverage packages must be purchased for the entire length of the cruise . A 20% gratuity and beverage service charge will be added to all beverage package purchases.

Norwegian offers many different types of staterooms to accommodate all kinds of travelers. Whether you’re traveling solo or with the whole family, on a budget or looking to splurge, you’ll find a stateroom that will suit your needs.

Here are some of the highlights:

If you’re traveling by yourself, check out the Studios on Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss, and Pride of America. These 1 person accommodations are designed for the solo traveler — and priced accordingly.

At approximately 100 sq. ft., these mini rooms have just the essentials, but you’ll also get access to the Studio Complex and Lounge, a shared space where you can relax, order room service, watch TV, and meet your neighbors.

A Family Balcony Stateroom comes with a location that’s near the kid-friendly action, including the youth program and pool deck, and it sleeps up to 4 passengers.

If a spa experience is what you’re after, consider booking a Spa Suite, Mini-Suite, or Balcony Stateroom . These relaxing rooms are located close to the Mandara Spa and include access to the Thermal Spa Suites, sauna, hydrotherapy pools, steam room, and heated loungers.

For the ultimate in luxury at sea, try out The Haven by Norwegian . The Haven collection features the most luxurious staterooms located at the top of the ship. You’ll have access to a concierge and 24-hour butler, plus the private sundeck (complete with pool and hot tub) reserved just for Haven guests. Select ships also offer a private Haven bar and restaurant.

Hot Tip: Make sure you don’t forget anything — check out our  printable cruise vacation packing list!

Latitudes Rewards is Norwegian Cruise Line’s loyalty program. Each tier is determined by the number of points you have earned.

• You’ll earn 1 point for each cruise night (for example, you would earn 7 points for a 7-night cruise)
• Earn an additional 1 point per night when you book a Concierge, Suite, or Haven stateroom
• Earn an additional 1 point per night if you book a Latitude Rewards Insider Offer

Latitudes Rewards perks vary by tier — here are some of the highlights (each level of status includes all benefits offered by lower tiers):

• Bronze: Priority check-in at the pier, a bottle of sparkling wine in your stateroom, free artwork for attending the art auctions
• Silver: Exclusive onboard cocktail party, discounts on shore excursions, photos, and spa treatments while in port
• Gold: Priority tender tickets, discounted laundry service, priority disembarkation
• Platinum: Priority embarkation, dinner for 2 and a bottle of wine at Cagney’s or Le Bistro, free internet minutes
• Platinum Plus: Dinner with ship officers, priority restaurant and entertainment seating.
• Ambassador: Complimentary 7-day cruise

Norwegian Cruise Line has been a cruise industry leader since the 1960s. Whether you want to sail the Caribbean, explore Europe, or journey through exotic destinations in Asia, Norwegian has you covered.

It was the first cruise line to eliminate the traditional set dining times when it introduced Freestyle Dining, allowing guests to eat at any time at up to 28 different locations on each ship.

Plus, if you sail with Norwegian multiple times, you’ll be able to take advantage of their loyalty program, Latitude Rewards, which offers benefits like priority check-in, discounts on shore excursions, priority tender tickets, and even a free cruise!

Whether you’re looking for a quiet, relaxing room for 1, or are living it up with a big group, you’ll find lots of different staterooms to choose from on a Norwegian ship.

Norwegian is among the world’s largest cruise lines and offers everything from simple, budget-friendly vacations to all-out luxury sailing. The choice is yours!

Interested in other cruise lines? Check out of fact sheets of Carnival , and Princess Cruise Lines to see what other options are awaiting you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best norwegian cruise ship.

The idea of the “best” ship is subjective, but the biggest and newest ship is Norwegian Encore, which debuted in 2019. Norwegian will be introducing the new Leonardo class of ships in 2022.

Where does Norwegian Cruise Line cruise to?

Norwegian Cruise line sails to over 450 destinations across the world in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.

Is Norwegian Cruise Line all-inclusive?

Norwegian Cruise Line isn’t totally all-inclusive, but it’s close. Each ship will have numerous restaurants to eat at that are included in your fare. However, many beverages require an additional charge, and there are always restaurants available that come with either à la carte pricing or incur a per person charge. A majority of the activities on board are included, so you are definitely able to have a great vacation without paying anything extra on board.

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About Katie Seemann

Katie has been in the points and miles game since 2015 and started her own blog in 2016. She’s been freelance writing since then and her work has been featured in publications like Travel + Leisure, Forbes Advisor, and Fortune Recommends.

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The best Norwegian Cruise Line ship for every type of traveler

What's the best Norwegian Cruise Line ship? Over the years, I've sailed on all but three of Norwegian's 19 vessels, and my personal favorite is Norwegian Prima. I love its stylish design and upscale feel, as well as its wide mix of eateries, bars and entertainment.

Still, Norwegian Prima isn't necessarily the best Norwegian Cruise Line ship for you. Whether you'll have a better time on one of the other 18 vessels in the Norwegian fleet will depend a lot on the type of traveler you are.

Norwegian has some vessels, such as Norwegian Encore, that are loaded with family-friendly attractions such as waterparks and go-kart tracks that are perfect for families with teens and tweens. To me, Norwegian Encore is an even better choice than Norwegian Prima for families with school-age kids.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Other Norwegian cruise ships, such as Norwegian Epic and Norwegian Sun, have specific features that might make them better options for solo travelers or retirees. Certain Norwegian ships are best for budget travelers, while others are best for luxury travelers.

In short, the best Norwegian cruise ship for you will depend on a bunch of factors, and which ship is best for a trip with your family might not be your top pick for a couple's cruise or girlfriends' getaway.

Here we list our top picks for the best Norwegian cruise ships for five different types of travelers.

Norwegian Encore: Best for families

The best Norwegian Cruise Line ships for families, hands down, are the four giant, activity-packed ships of its Breakaway-Plus class: Norwegian Encore , Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Escape. Of these, Norwegian Encore — the biggest of them all — is our top pick.

At 169,116 tons and carrying 3,958 passengers, Norwegian Encore is the largest ship in the Norwegian fleet. That means it has the most space for the many over-the-top family fun zones that are at the core of the four Breakaway-Plus vessels — a series of ships that was specifically designed with families in mind.

For starters, Norwegian Encore is home to some of the most thrilling waterslides at sea, as well as a kiddie splash zone that will have your little ones squealing with delight. But those are just the appetizers when it comes to family fun on the top deck of the ship.

Norwegian Encore is also the setting for one of the biggest go-kart racing tracks at sea . (Yes, this is a thing — Norwegian debuted the concept on its Breakaway-Plus-class ships and now has a go-kart track on five vessels.) Two decks high and nearly 1,150 feet long, the Norwegian Encore Speedway includes four sections that extend up to 13 feet over the sides of the vessel. The racecourse also features a middle-of-the-track observation area where your family and friends can cheer you on to victory — and even shoot you with "lasers" that'll give you a boost of power.

Related: The 5 best cruise lines for families

In addition, Norwegian Encore has a large laser tag area on its top deck (one that I can tell you from personal experience is a blast) and a massive indoor gaming and virtual reality zone called the Galaxy Pavilion. Both are tween and teen favorites.

That's all on top of dedicated children's play areas, pools and family-friendly entertainment that will keep your family busy from morning to night.

In short, there are so many family-friendly things to do on Norwegian Encore that you and your kids likely won't be able to do it all in a single, weeklong cruise.

Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva: Best for luxury lovers

Luxury lovers have two new top choices in the Norwegian fleet: Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva .

Unveiled in 2022 and 2023, respectively, the 3,195-passenger vessels are the first entrants in a new class of Norwegian ships that the line has designed to be more upscale than its earlier vessels. An "elevation" of the brand is how executives describe it.

The upscale turn included loading Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva with the largest variety of suites and high-end cabins (13 categories in all) of any ships in the NCL fleet, including the largest three-bedroom suites of any new cruise vessel. If it's swanky digs you're after (and you have the money to spend), you'll find plenty of options on these ships.

Extra suite categories are just the start of what makes Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva the best Norwegian cruise ships for luxury lovers.

Notably, the entire back of each of these ships is dedicated to an upscale luxury zone for the fancy set called The Haven. Rising eight decks high, it's home to 107 of the aforementioned suites, a sprawling private indoor lounge area, private outdoor lounge and pool areas, and a private restaurant — all exclusively for the use of the deep-pocketed biggies who pay up for one of its suites.

Related: The 8 best cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

We've seen these private The Haven suite areas on Norwegian ships before but never on this scale. If it's living large on a Norwegian ship that's your goal, you're not going to find anything better than this.

Outside of The Haven, other areas on these ships have a more elegant feel of the sort you find in the fleets of Norwegian's higher-end sister brands, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises — albeit on a bigger scale.

The entryway to each of these ships, for instance, deposits you at the three-story-high Penrose Atrium, which may be the most beautiful atrium of any big ship at sea. It has a curvy, sculptural feel as if the entire space were an art piece.

It's a look that carries over to a bevy of high-end eateries, including Nama, a new-for-Norwegian sushi restaurant with a design that is as sophisticated as the sushi it serves. Also striking is the look of a version of Le Bistro, Norwegian's signature French eatery, that can be found on both of these vessels. Both of the spaces are built around three massive crystal chandeliers costing nearly $100,000 that hang down to the floor — a showstopper of a design element. Gold-leaf wallpaper lines its booth seating.

Notably, the public areas that include these restaurants feel more spacious than many of the other ships in the Norwegian fleet. Indeed, they are. Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva were built with a higher ratio of space to passengers than earlier Norwegian vessels, which itself is an upscale touch. The ships also have a higher crew-to-passenger ratio than many Norwegian ships, leading to better service.

In short, these are the Norwegian ships to book when you want to take things up a notch.

Norwegian Sky: Best for budget travelers

Norwegian Sky is the Norwegian ship to pick when you're looking for a low-cost, easy-to-do getaway — at least in the summer months.

Based in Miami for part of the year, the 24-year-old vessel operates a mix of short three- to five-night voyages to the Bahamas out of the cruise hub as well as longer trips to the Caribbean from spring to fall that have one thing in common: They're unusually affordable on a per-night basis.

In many cases, Norwegian Sky sailings out of Miami will start under $100 a day per person, though it depends on the week and pricing for sailings can vary significantly. We sometimes see the ship's shorter sailings starting as low as $249 per person for the entire cruise.

Indeed, the ship often is at the top of the list when you sort cruises by lowest price on Norwegian's website.

For would-be Norwegian cruisers, Norwegian Sky's shorter sailings out of Miami serve as a sort of "test the line" opportunity. Their short time frame and low pricing mean you're not out a lot in time or money if you don't love it as much as you hoped. These shorter sailings cater heavily to first-time cruisers and Florida locals who can book on short notice and drive into the port for a quick escape.

One of two ships in the line's Sun class that date to the turn of the millennium, Norwegian Sky is far from the snazziest ship in the Norwegian fleet. This is both because of its age but also its size. At 77,104 tons and carrying 1,944 passengers, it's just half the size of Norwegian's biggest ships and has far fewer venues, from bars and restaurants to entertainment spaces. There is no giant water park on its top deck or a go-kart track to keep the kids busy all day, so it's not the best Norwegian Cruise Line ship for families.

Related: The 8 classes of Norwegian Cruise Line ships, explained

That said, Norwegian Sky has its allures, one of which is that it has a much more intimate feel than the line's bigger vessels. It's a great choice for adults on a budget who are satisfied with the basics.

Norwegian Epic: Best for solo travelers

When it comes to the best Norwegian cruise ship for solo travelers, one ship stands out above all the others: Norwegian Epic.

Unveiled in 2010, Norwegian Epic caters to solo travelers like no other large cruise ship at sea — from any line, not just Norwegian — with an unusually large private zone for solo travelers that has its own two-story lounge for solo mixers as well as special solo cabins.

Tucked away in the middle of the ship, this "studio" zone is essentially a private escape for solos, with more solo cabins — 128 — than you'll find on any other ship at sea.

The cabins measure just 100 square feet but are superbly designed to maximize storage space. They're also clustered around the exclusive Studio Lounge, which has its own private bar and a television area where solo travelers can mingle at daily hosted happy hour gatherings.

Only solos staying in the solo cabins (via keycards) can access the Studio Lounge, meaning that you and your new solo friends will have the place to yourselves.

Related: The best cruise lines for solo travelers

Norwegian Epic was the first Norwegian ship with an exclusive solos zone, and it was such a hit the line later added them to eight more vessels. But none of the latter zones are as big as the one on Norwegian Epic.

The bigger Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Bliss all have an 82-cabin solo complex, while two older ships — Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway — have solo areas with 59 cabins. The line's two newest vessels, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian VIva, have 72-cabin solo complexes spread over two decks.

Norwegian also offers four solo cabins on its Hawaii-based Pride of America.

Having sailed in one of Norwegian Epic's cabins for one, I can confidently declare them among the coolest solo digs at sea. I particularly love the "Jetsons" futuristic-style design and the multicolored mood lighting.

One big caveat: They're all inside cabins without an ocean view, although most have a window that looks out onto a corridor.

Related: Why a windowless inside cabin isn't so bad

A bigger caveat, perhaps, is that these solo cabins have become so popular they often sell out far in advance and at prices that aren't much better than booking a cabin for two.

Norwegian Sun: Best for retirees

For older travelers looking for a Norwegian ship that isn't filled to the gills with children, Norwegian Sun is the perfect option.

Dating to 2001, Norwegian Sun is one of Norwegian's oldest and smallest vessels, and it lacks many of the family-focused onboard attractions that are typical for the line's newer and bigger vessels. You won't find big waterparks, go-kart racing tracks or laser tag zones on this ship.

Norwegian Sun's top deck mostly comprises sunning areas, with a single pool and whirlpools, as is typical for ships built more than two decades ago.

As a result, it draws far fewer families than most of the vessels mentioned above and caters more to an older crowd of mostly couples.

Norwegian Sun also is the ship that Norwegian deploys on some of its longest and most destination-focused itineraries, the type that particularly appeals to retirees looking to see more of the world.

Related: The 7 best cruises for seniors who love to travel

Over the next two years, for instance, Norwegian Sun is sailing lots of long voyages out of such less-common home ports as Benoa, Indonesia; Melbourne, Australia; Auckland, New Zealand; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Papeete, Tahiti.

The sailings out of Papeete will offer the chance to visit such iconic French Polynesian islands as Bora Bora, Raiatea and Moorea. ia and Thailand in-depth, with departures ranging from 13 to 18 nights — the sort of cruise that appeals more to older couples than families.

The sailings in and out of Buenos Aires and Melbourne, all on the longer side, will offer in-depth explorations of the southern half of South America (Argentina, Uruguay and Chile) and New Zealand, respectively.

Norwegian Sun is also one of the smallest and least kid-focused of the five ships the line deploys to Alaska in summer, making it a good choice for retirees wanting to visit that destination. Families with kids naturally gravitate to the two giant, activity-packed vessels Norwegian sends to Alaska each summer — Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Norwegian ship

At 78,309 tons, Norwegian Sun is less than half the size of the biggest Norwegian ships, and it holds just 1,878 passengers at double occupancy. (Compare that to more than 4,000 for Norwegian's biggest vessels.) Expect a far more intimate experience than what you'll find on most of the ships mentioned above.

Note that due to the ship's small size, some of Norwegian's signature features, including a private The Haven suite complex and solo cabins, aren't found on the ship. Still, you'll find more than half a dozen eateries, including several main dining rooms, a casual buffet, a diner-style pub, a steak house, an Italian trattoria and a French bistro as well as a showroom with nightly shows, a casino, a multipurpose basketball/volleyball court, golf driving nets and a jogging track.

Bottom line

Norwegian Cruise Line's fleet consists of 19 ships that come in a wide range of sizes and feature differing mixes of venues and activities. Some are jampacked with fun zones that make them perfect for families, while others are geared toward couples and retirees. Some ships have attributes that make them stand out for luxury, solo or budget travelers.

If you're considering a Norwegian cruise, it pays to study not just the itineraries that are available from the line but the specific ships that are operating the itineraries. You want to make sure you end up on the best Norwegian Cruise Line ship for you.

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Cruise Norwegian - NCL 12+

Vacation schedule & planner, norwegian cruise line®, designed for iphone.

• #91 in Travel
• 4.8 • 89.4K Ratings

iPhone Screenshots

Description.

Prepare for your cruise by pre-booking dining and shore excursions while at home. Once onboard, access Daily Activities and continue to book dining, shore excursions, and entertainment, and even stay in touch with friends and family using the chat and onboard-calling feature*. Key features include: Retrieve reservation details, view your E-docs, prepare and save time boarding with mobile check-in, and access directions to the pier. Organize vacation itineraries by pre-booking activities in advance and while onboard i.e. shore excursions, dinner reservations, entertainment, and make purchases including gifts (wine, flowers, and treats). Call and message guests onboard through the app, including Group Chat*. View ship itineraries, port information, and daily activities. Review your folio for onboard purchases in the app. Check Latitude Reward points and learn more about our CruiseNext program. Review disembarkation information including immigration and easy walk-off details. *Calling and Texting Package has a nominal one-time fee per person for making unlimited onboard calls and texts during your cruise.

Version 2.4.7

Bug fixes and performance improvements

Ratings and Reviews

89.4K Ratings

First time cruisers

There are some things that we loved about the cruise! And there are some things that we thought could be better about the cruise. Notwithstanding, there was really nothing that we hated about the cruise. Pretty much, we’ve loved everything that we’ve experienced on the encore ship. The staff Was well, accommodating, polite, and kept things clean, and orderly! There were a couple of minor incidents with staff, that we thought was rude, however, not enough to really even mention. It’s more understood that these folks deal with a lot of people every day on these ships so forgiven. The excursion times seem to be a bit rushed. And aside from being rushed, The NCL excursions are quite expensive. When you pay as much as we did for the whole cruise, hotel airlines, etc. it’d be nice to have a more affordable set of excursions. I understand that the business is here to make a profit but it seems like you do get nickeled and dined, in a lot of different ways on these ships! Consider free Wi-Fi consider a little bit more affordable drink package. Little more alcohol in your drinks. Regardless, we love the ocean we had a great time definitely a time to remember!

App usage and issues

I normally do not write a review of applications, if they function then I work through the app to get things done. But in the case of the NCL app i have to admit it has not been that effective. Let’s start with the “email” function, you log in and see an alert number for a new email to view, all of the emails look the same and the date of the email is the day you are logged in. You can look at each one and ta-da nothing changes. You go back to the main menu and you still have an alert that you have emails to view. Selecting options, no matter where you are in the app, eating, excursions or even online check-in, you select to chose something and it immediately warns you you are being redirected to a browser, you have to “select cancel” to stay in the app. If all actions are supposed to be in the app, why in the world would you want to go to a browser? Ran into issue with pre-booking where it would not allow my partner take a picture for them on their app, it was like the app I was using was blocking there’s from working. No emails listed show packages that have been paid for on the cruise, it gives old alerts but no confirmations that you have purchased these in the app those go to your outside email, would be nice if it was all in one place.

Not perfect, but very useful

Overall, this app worked well and was a tremendous help to my group...being able to search through the restaurants was the biggest advantage to this app (and being able to book reservations directly from it was supper convenient). Again, overall, extremely useful. One thing I used frequently while on my cruise was the “what’s happening” feature...this shows all of the things happening in the next 24 hours (I was constantly looking at it to see what options were coming up). The one thing I didn’t like about this feature is that you can’t tap an item and get more information...that would have been EXTREMELY useful because some titles didn’t lend themselves well to what that event actually was. Another change I’d like to see (and some others have said the same thing) are menus for all restaurants...most have “sample menus” (which is better than nothing), but some don’t have anything so you don’t really know what they serve.

App Privacy

The developer, Norwegian Cruise Line® , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Linked to You

The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:

• Contact Info
• Identifiers
• Diagnostics

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

English, French, German, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish

• Developer Website
• App Support
• Privacy Policy

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