Norwegian Cruise Line: The Rebels Who Threw Out the Rulebook
If you’ve ever wanted to cruise but dreaded the thought of formal nights and assigned dinner times, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is about to become your new best friend. These are the rebels who looked at traditional cruising and said “nah, we’re doing this differently.” And thank goodness they did.
NCL invented “Freestyle Cruising” back in 2000, which basically means you can eat when you want, dress how you like, and do your own thing without someone with a clipboard telling you where to be at 7:30pm. It’s cruising for people who don’t like being told what to do – which, let’s face it, is most of us.
What Makes NCL Different (And Why You’ll Love It)
Freestyle Cruising: The headline act. No assigned dining times, no formal dress codes, no stuffy traditions. Eat breakfast at 2pm if you want. Wear shorts to dinner. Nobody cares, and that’s exactly the point.
Solo Traveler Paradise: NCL actually gets that not everyone cruises in pairs. Their Studio cabins are designed specifically for solo travelers, with no dreaded single supplement fee and access to a Studio Lounge where you can meet other solo adventurers.
The Haven: For when you want all the freestyle benefits but with a side of luxury. It’s like a ship within a ship – private suites, exclusive restaurants, and your own pool area where you won’t be fighting teenagers for deck chairs.
Go-Kart Tracks at Sea: Because apparently someone at NCL thought “you know what this floating hotel needs? A race track.” And they were absolutely right. Some ships have two-level go-kart tracks where you can live out your Formula 1 fantasies while cruising to the Caribbean.
Real Broadway Shows: Not cruise ship interpretations of musicals, but actual Broadway productions. We’re talking full-scale shows that would cost you £100+ to see in London’s West End.
The Honest Truth: Pros and Cons
The Good Stuff:
- Freedom to do whatever you want, whenever you want
- Excellent entertainment that rivals land-based shows
- Solo cabins that don’t punish you for traveling alone
- Innovative features like race tracks and virtual reality zones
- Genuinely diverse dining options
- Great for families without feeling like a kids’ club with adults attached
The Reality Check:
- Those “freestyle” specialty restaurants cost extra (and it adds up fast)
- Drinks packages are pricey but almost essential if you enjoy alcohol
- Popular ships get crowded during school holidays
- Wi-Fi costs extra and isn’t exactly lightning fast
- Gratuities aren’t included, so budget for those daily service charges
🛳️ Pro Tip: Get a Pass
On Encore, I discovered the Vibe Beach Club. This spot is hidden away just for adults who buy a pass. It’s an amazing peaceful place with lovely lounge chairs, umbrellas, and a private bar. I grabbed a week-long pass, but you can also ask about day passes at Guest Services.
The Fleet: Size Matters (Sometimes)
NCL operates 30 ships ranging from intimate to absolutely massive. Here’s what you need to know:
Newest Ships (Prima Class and Beyond):
- Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva – The current stars with go-kart tracks, incredible suites, and enough activities to exhaust a small army
- Norwegian Aqua (March 2025) – The first Prima Plus ship, featuring a hybrid roller coaster/waterslide because normal waterslides are apparently for amateurs
- More Prima Plus ships coming 2026-2028, each bigger and more ambitious than the last
The Breakaway Plus Class: Ships like Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Getaway, and Norwegian Bliss – These hit the sweet spot of size and features, with water parks, multiple dining venues, and enough space that you’re not constantly bumping into the same people.
Epic and the Rest: Norwegian Epic deserves special mention for being absolutely bonkers in the best way – it looks like no other cruise ship and has features you won’t find anywhere else. The older ships are perfectly fine but lack the bells and whistles of their younger siblings.
What’s Actually Included (And What Isn’t)
Your cruise fare includes:
- Accommodation (obviously)
- Main dining rooms and buffet
- Basic drinks (water, coffee, tea at meals)
- Entertainment and shows
- Pools, hot tubs, gym access
- Kids’ and teens’ clubs
- The privilege of walking around a floating city
What costs extra (and will add up faster than you think):
- Specialty restaurants (and they’re really good, which is the problem)
- Alcoholic drinks and fancy coffee
- Wi-Fi that actually works
- Spa treatments and fitness classes
- Shore excursions
- Gratuities (about £15-18 per person per day)
- Photos (because apparently hiring a photographer to follow you around isn’t free)
Dining: From Buffet to Brilliant
Included Options:
- Main Dining Rooms – Multiple venues serving proper sit-down meals
- Garden Café – The buffet that never closes and somehow always has exactly what you’re craving
- O’Sheehan’s – 24-hour pub grub for when you need chips at 2am
- The Local – Another 24-hour spot because NCL understands that hunger doesn’t follow a schedule
Specialty Restaurants (Extra Cost but Worth It):
- Cagney’s Steakhouse – For when you want a steak that costs more than some people’s daily food budget
- Le Bistro – French cuisine that’ll make you feel sophisticated
- Teppanyaki – Japanese hibachi where the chef juggles knives and somehow doesn’t kill anyone
- La Cucina – Italian food that’s actually Italian, not cruise ship Italian
- Moderno Churrascaria – Brazilian steakhouse where they bring meat until you physically can’t eat anymore
Pro tip: The specialty dining packages often work out cheaper than paying individually if you’re planning to try multiple restaurants.
🛳️ Pro Tip:
Arrive at the port early to beat the crowds and ensure a smoother embarkation process.
Drink Packages: Do the Math
NCL’s drink packages range from “just the sodas please” to “yes, I’ll have the premium everything”:
- Unlimited Open Bar Package – About £90-100 per day including gratuities. Covers most drinks up to £12 per glass
- Premium Plus – Around £114 per day for the really good stuff
- Corks and Caps – About £54 per day for beer and wine lovers
- Soda Package – Around £6-8 per day because even soft drinks cost extra
Reality check: You need to drink about 6-7 alcoholic beverages daily to break even on the premium packages. That’s either impressive dedication or a cry for help.
Cabins: From Cozy to Ridiculous
For Solo Travelers: Studio cabins are brilliant – compact but efficient, with access to a Studio Lounge for meeting other solo cruisers. No single supplement fee, which is practically unheard of in cruising.
For Couples: Balcony cabins offer private outdoor space and are worth the extra cost if you enjoy morning coffee with ocean views. The Haven suites are jaw-droppingly nice if your budget can handle it.
For Families: Family cabins sleep up to 5 people without everyone wanting to murder each other. Some connecting cabins are available for larger groups.
For Show-Offs: The Haven suites come with butler service, private areas, and amenities that’ll make your friends back home question their life choices.
🛳️ Pro Tip: Galaxy Pavilion
The Galaxy Pavilion is a virtual reality arcade with 4-D video games, racing simulators, and more. It’s a super fun and different way to spend time on the ship, and it’s not as crowded as other areas.
Entertainment: Actually Impressive
NCL doesn’t mess about with entertainment:
- Broadway Shows – Full productions like “Kinky Boots” and “Jersey Boys”
- Live Music – Everything from classical to rock, often performed by genuinely talented musicians
- Comedy Shows – Some funny, some… well, at least they’re trying
- Game Shows – Participate or just watch other people embarrass themselves
Activities: Because Sitting Still Is Overrated
Adventure Stuff:
- Go-kart racing on select ships (surprisingly fun, possibly addictive)
- Laser tag for releasing your competitive spirit
- Virtual reality experiences that’ll make you question reality
- Ropes courses for testing your fear of heights
- Waterslides ranging from “gentle fun” to “possible death trap”
Relaxing Stuff:
- Multiple pools including adults-only areas
- Hot tubs for soaking and people-watching
- Spa treatments that cost more than your mortgage but feel amazing
- Quiet decks for reading or napping
Destinations: Everywhere You Want to Go
NCL sails pretty much everywhere:
- Caribbean Cruise Ports – Their bread and butter, including their private island Great Stirrup Cay which is getting a massive makeover
- Mediterranean Cruise Ports – Because everyone needs to Instagram that Santorini sunset
- Alaska Cruise Ports – For wildlife and glaciers that’ll make you feel insignificant
- Hawaii Cruise Ports – Inter-island cruising that beats island-hopping flights
- Northern Europe – Fjords and midnight sun adventures
Great Stirrup Cay: The Private Island Revolution
NCL owns the world’s first cruise line private island, and they’re not resting on those laurels. Great Stirrup Cay private island is getting the most ambitious private island transformation ever attempted, turning what was already a solid beach day into a legitimate Caribbean destination.
What’s happening right now: The island operates via tender boats (for now), but winter 2025 changes everything. A new multi-ship pier means no more waiting around for small boats – you’ll walk straight from ship to sand.
The big additions coming late 2025:
- 28,000-square-foot heated pool with swim-up bars (roughly the size of ten blue whales, if you’re keeping track)
- Vibe Beach Club – Adults-only retreat with private cabanas and elevated amenities
- Splash Harbor – 3,400-square-foot kids’ splash pad with interactive fountains
- Island-wide tram system for easy exploration
- New welcome center for smoother arrivals
Summer 2026 brings the showstopper: Great Tides Waterpark spans six acres with 19 waterslides, a 170-foot Tidal Tower, cliff jumps, and an 800-foot “dynamic river” that’s faster than your typical lazy river. This isn’t just competing with other cruise line private islands – it’s declaring war on them.
Why this matters: Great Stirrup Cay sits in plain sight of Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay. Now NCL guests won’t have to stare longingly at their neighbor’s waterslides anymore.
Current reality: Even without the upgrades, Great Stirrup Cay delivers three pristine beaches, complimentary BBQ (actually decent), and your ship’s beverage packages work on the island. The Silver Cove luxury villas offer an exclusive experience for those willing to pay villa prices for villa amenities.
Great Stirrup Cay is positioning itself to become the most comprehensive private island experience in the Caribbean – if they pull it off.
Family Cruising: Kids Welcome, Parents Survive
Kids’ Clubs:
- Splash Academy (ages 3-12) – Supervised activities that actually tire kids out
- Entourage (ages 13-17) – Teen space where they can pretend you don’t exist
Family Features:
- Water parks on many ships
- Family cabins that don’t require sleeping in shifts
- Kids eat free in main dining rooms
- Enough activities to prevent “I’m bored” complaints
The Haven: Luxury Within Luxury
If you’re willing to pay significantly more, The Haven offers:
- Private suites with butler service
- Exclusive restaurants and bars
- Private pool area and sun deck
- Priority everything (boarding, dining reservations, show seating)
- The feeling of being very, very important
It’s expensive but genuinely luxurious – not just cruise ship luxury.
Dress Code: Finally, Some Sense
Thanks to Freestyle Cruising:
- Daytime: Whatever makes you comfortable
- Evening: Smart casual is the fanciest it gets
- No formal nights – though they do optional “dress up if you want” evenings
- Specialty restaurants: Smart casual, nothing too demanding
Pack clothes you’d actually want to wear on holiday, not clothes for a job interview.
Environmental Efforts: Trying to Do Better
NCL has made genuine efforts to reduce their environmental impact:
- Eliminated single-use plastic straws and bottles
- Advanced waste processing systems
- Exhaust gas cleaning systems on many ships
- Working toward better fuel efficiency
It’s not perfect, but they’re making more effort than some.
Gratuities: The Awkward Conversation
NCL automatically adds about £15-18 per person per day in service charges to your account. You can adjust this up or down at Guest Services if needed. It covers your room steward, dining staff, and other service crew.
Booking Tips: Save Money, Avoid Disappointment
- Book early for better cabin selection and pricing
- Watch for free extras – NCL often includes free drinks packages or Wi-Fi in promotions
- Consider repositioning cruises for great value
- Book specialty dining early – popular restaurants fill up fast
- Download the NCL app before cruising for easier planning
Norwegian Cruise Line Weddings
Getting married on an NCL cruise is basically like having your wedding, honeymoon, and holiday all rolled into one slightly chaotic but brilliant package. Plus, if Uncle Gerald gets too drunk at the reception, you can just leave him at the next port (kidding… mostly).
Where You Can Get Married:
- Onboard the ship while sailing (because nothing says romance like saying “I do” while the ship rocks gently)
- Docked in port (for those who prefer their vows with solid ground beneath them)
- At stunning destinations during port stops (beach weddings with a cruise ship backdrop)
Wedding Package Options:
- Symbolic at Sea – Captain-led ceremony while cruising (legally symbolic, romantically perfect)
- Harbourside Ceremony – Ship-based wedding while docked (best of both worlds)
- Destination Weddings – Beach or port ceremonies at gorgeous locations
- Vow Renewals – For couples who got it right the first time and want to celebrate again
The Practical Bit: Most cruise weddings are symbolic ceremonies rather than legally binding, so you’ll need to handle the legal paperwork separately. But honestly, the photos are going to be incredible, and you’ll have built-in entertainment for your guests.
Planning Help: Check out our complete Getting Married on a Cruise Ship Guide for everything you need to know about planning your floating wedding – from packages and pricing to what happens if seasickness strikes during the vows.
Swimming Pools and Water Features
NCL figured out that people on holiday want to spend time in the water, so they’ve gone a bit mad with pools and slides. Here’s what you’ll find:
Main Pool Areas: The heart of daytime action on most ships – big pools surrounded by sun loungers (that you’ll need to claim early), hot tubs for soaking and people-watching, and poolside bars for those who think water activities require liquid encouragement.
Kids’ Pools: Smaller, shallower pools designed for little ones who haven’t yet learned that cannonballs near strangers aren’t always appreciated. You’ll find these near family areas on ships like Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Getaway.
Aqua Parks: Some ships have gone completely overboard (pun intended) with full water parks. Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore feature proper aqua parks with splash zones where kids can exhaust themselves while parents recover nearby.
The Waterslides (For the Brave and Foolish):
- Free Fall Slide – Exactly what it sounds like. Fast, terrifying, and oddly addictive
- Aqua Racer – Multi-level tandem slide perfect for settling friendship disputes through competitive sliding
- The Whip – Twisting slide that’ll either thrill you or make you question your life choices
- Kids’ Slides – Smaller, gentler slides for children who aren’t ready for potential therapy
Worth Bragging About: Norwegian Epic made it to number 4 on our list of 17 top cruise ships with waterslides thanks to the Epic Plunge – a bowl slide that’s basically like being flushed down a very expensive toilet. In the best possible way.
Fair Warning: Queues for popular slides can be longer than the actual slide experience, especially when school’s out.
Frequently Asked Questions About Norwegian Cruise Line
Can I bring my own alcohol onboard? You can bring one bottle of wine or champagne per person in your carry-on luggage. Hard liquor and beer aren’t allowed, and if you try to sneak them aboard, security will confiscate them (and probably judge you silently).
How does the cashless system work onboard? Everything goes on your room key card – no cash needed. You link a credit card to your account, and all purchases get charged automatically. You can set spending limits and check your account balance anytime at Guest Services or on the NCL app.
What’s the minimum age for kids to use the clubs unsupervised? Kids can join Splash Academy from age 3, but they need to be potty-trained. For younger children, there’s group babysitting available for an extra fee (usually around $8-10 per hour).
Do the cabins have refrigerators? Most cabins have small fridges, but they’re usually stocked with expensive minibar items. You can ask your steward to empty it for your own use, though some ships charge a fee for this service.
How early should I arrive at the port? Embarkation typically starts around 11am-noon, but arriving early (10:30-11am) means shorter queues and more time to explore the ship. Plus, you can grab lunch while others are still checking in.
What happens if I get seasick? Every ship has a medical center with seasickness remedies, but you’ll pay for treatment. Pack some motion sickness tablets just in case – the ship’s pharmacy charges cruise ship prices for everything.
Can I do laundry onboard? Most ships have self-service launderettes (around $3-4 per load), or you can use the ship’s laundry service (expensive but convenient). Some suites include complimentary laundry service.
Is there cell phone service at sea? Your phone will work through the ship’s satellite network, but roaming charges are eye-watering. Buy a ship Wi-Fi package instead, or embrace being disconnected for a few days.
How do gratuities work? NCL automatically adds around $15-18 per person per day to your account for service staff. You can adjust this amount up or down at Guest Services if needed.
What if I have dietary restrictions? NCL handles most dietary needs well, but let them know when booking. Gluten-free, vegetarian, and kosher options are available, though you might get tired of the same options by day seven.
Can I smoke onboard? Smoking is only allowed in designated outdoor areas and the casino. E-cigarettes follow the same rules. Get caught smoking in your cabin and you’ll face hefty cleaning fees.
What’s the deal with formal nights? NCL doesn’t have formal nights – that’s the whole point of Freestyle Cruising. Some evenings are designated as “dress up if you want” but shorts and flip-flops are perfectly fine if that’s your style.
Who Should Choose NCL
Perfect for:
- First-time cruisers who want flexibility
- Solo travelers (thanks to Studio cabins)
- Families who want options without rigid schedules
- People who hate being told what to do
- Anyone who values freedom over formality
Maybe reconsider if:
- You prefer traditional cruise elegance
- You’re on a tight budget (extras add up quickly)
- You want ultra-luxury without paying Haven prices
- You enjoy formal nights and assigned dining
Bottom Line
NCL figured out that cruising should feel like a vacation, not summer camp for adults. The Freestyle concept genuinely works – you get all the benefits of cruise amenities with the freedom to enjoy them on your terms.
Yes, the extras cost money, and yes, it can get crowded, but the trade-off is worth it for most people. You’re buying freedom, flexibility, and the right to eat pizza for breakfast without judgment.
NCL isn’t trying to be the fanciest cruise line or the cheapest – they’re trying to be the most fun. And most of the time, they succeed brilliantly.
Ready to throw cruise traditions overboard? NCL might just be your perfect match.
Written and researched by Jo, who’s spent enough time on NCL ships to know that yes, you can wear shorts to dinner, and yes, it’s as liberating as it sounds.
