NCL Cruise Guide

Everything you need to know about Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): unique features, what's included, what's not, and cruise tips

Updated on: 1 Oct 2024

Thinking about cruising with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)? This guide will break down all the details for you! From what’s included in the fare to onboard activities and what sets NCL apart, we’ve got you covered.

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What Makes NCL Different and Unique?

Here’s what sets Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) apart from the others:

Freestyle Cruising: No fixed dining times or formal dress codes, so you can eat when you want and dress how you like.
Wide Range of Dining Options: From casual to specialty restaurants, you’ve got loads of choices (some at an extra cost).
The Haven: A luxury, ship-within-a-ship area for those wanting a more private, VIP experience.
Solo Cabins: Perfect for solo travellers, with no single supplement fees in their Studio Cabins.
Innovative Ships: Cutting-edge features like go-kart tracks, virtual reality zones, and water parks on some ships.
Broadway-Style Entertainment: Full productions and live shows on board.
Flexible Itineraries: They cruise to various destinations around the world, including some unique ones like Alaska and Hawaii.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Freestyle Cruising – no set dining times or dress codes.	Specialty dining and drinks can get pricey.
Great entertainment – Broadway shows, live music, and more.	Gratuities and tips aren’t included in the base fare.
Wide range of destinations including Alaska, Hawaii, and Europe.	Crowded ships during peak seasons.
Innovative features like go-karts and virtual reality experiences on some ships.	WiFi and shore excursions come at an extra cost.
Solo cabins with no single supplement fees.	Spa and fitness classes are extra.

🛳️ Review:

Our family trip on the Norwegian Escape, booked through About2Cruise, was excellent. The kids loved the water park, and we enjoyed the adults-only pool. There was so much to do, and the food was great. The only issue was that the ship was quite crowded. Still, highly recommend. – Peter from Newcastle.

History

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) started in 1966, originally as Norwegian Caribbean Line. It was founded by Knut Kloster and Ted Arison with just one ship, the MS Sunward, sailing between Miami and the Caribbean. This marked the beginning of affordable cruises for the general public.

Through the years, NCL became known for innovation. They introduced the concept of Freestyle Cruising in 2000, allowing passengers more freedom with dining and activities. They’ve also pioneered features like private island destinations (Great Stirrup Cay) and their luxury ship-within-a-ship concept, The Haven.

Today, NCL operates a fleet of 17 ships with itineraries all around the globe, making them one of the biggest names in the cruise industry.

🛳️ 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.

All Ships in Their Fleet

Ship Name	Capacity	Length (metres)	Year Built	Highlights
Norwegian Bliss	4,004	333	2018	Features a go-kart track, laser tag, and panoramic Observation Lounge
Norwegian Encore	3,998	333	2019	Race track, Galaxy Pavilion VR, and the Tony Award-winning Kinky Boots show
Norwegian Joy	3,804	333	2017	Race track, open-air laser tag, and an extensive casino
Norwegian Getaway	3,963	326	2014	Water park with 5 multi-storey slides, an ice bar, and broadway show Million Dollar Quartet
Norwegian Breakaway	3,963	326	2013	Features The Waterfront promenade, rock-climbing wall, and Cirque Dreams dinner show
Norwegian Escape	4,266	326	2015	Boasts the largest ropes course at sea and specialty restaurants like Food Republic
Norwegian Epic	4,100	329	2010	Known for its unique studio cabins for solo travellers, water park, and Broadway shows
Norwegian Pearl	2,394	295	2006	Features a rock-climbing wall, bowling alley, and the Bliss Ultra Lounge
Norwegian Jewel	2,376	295	2005	Offers The Haven suites, a multi-slide water park, and outdoor movie screen
Norwegian Gem	2,394	294	2007	Includes a bowling alley, outdoor movie screen, and thermal spa suite
Norwegian Sun	1,936	258	2001	Offers a smaller, more intimate experience, with freestyle dining and a top-deck bar
Norwegian Star	2,348	294	2001	Features a casino, bowling alley, and the luxurious Mandara Spa
Norwegian Dawn	2,340	294	2002	Includes The Venetian dining room, casino, and a broad selection of bars and lounges
Norwegian Spirit	2,018	268	1998	Recently refurbished with updated venues, including an expanded Mandara Spa
Norwegian Sky	2,004	258	1999	Known for shorter cruises with an all-inclusive drink package and relaxed atmosphere
Norwegian Prima	3,100	294	2022	First of its class, offering infinity pools, expansive outdoor decks, and a race track
Norwegian Viva	3,099	294	2023	Sister ship to the Prima, featuring luxurious outdoor spaces, infinity pools, and a race track

New ships

Norwegian Cruise Line has some exciting new ships on the horizon!

Norwegian Aqua (2025): This will be the first ship in the Prima Plus Class, launching in March 2025. It will be 10% larger than its sister ships, Norwegian Prima and Viva, and features some innovative attractions like a hybrid roller coaster/waterslide and new upscale dining options, including the first-ever Thai restaurant at sea.
Prima Plus Class (2026–2028): Following Norwegian Aqua, three additional Prima Plus ships are planned for 2026, 2027, and 2028. These ships will be larger than Aqua, each with around 169,000 gross tons, promising even more features and guest capacity.
New Class (2030–2036): Looking further ahead, Norwegian Cruise Line has plans for a brand-new class of ships, the largest in their fleet, each around 200,000 gross tons, with ships expected to debut in 2030, 2032, 2034, and 2036.

What's Included in the Fare

Here’s what you’ll get included in your cruise fare with Norwegian Cruise Line:

Dining and Restaurants: Access to main dining rooms, buffets, and casual spots like pubs and cafes.
Drinks: Basic drinks like water, coffee, tea, and juices at mealtimes.
Entertainment: Broadway-style shows, live music, comedy clubs, and game shows.
Activities: Onboard activities like trivia, poolside games, dance classes, gym access.
Other Inclusions: Pools, hot tubs, kids’ and teens’ clubs, taxes, and port fees.

What's NOT Included

Here’s a list of things that aren’t covered by your cruise fare on Norwegian Cruise Line:

Specialty Dining: Upscale restaurants like steakhouses or sushi bars.
Drinks: Alcohol, soda, speciality coffees, and bottled water.
Spa: Treatments, massages, and access to the thermal suite.
Fitness Classes & Gym: Certain classes like yoga, pilates, and spin.
WiFi: Internet access packages are available for purchase.
Shore Excursions: Any off-ship tours or activities.
Tips & Gratuities: Daily service charges and extra tips for good service.
Babysitting: After-hours childcare services.
Laundry & Dry Cleaning: Self-service or full-service laundry.
Medical Services: Doctor visits and medications onboard.
Photographs: Photos taken by the ship’s photographers.
Onboard Shopping: Souvenirs, clothes, and duty-free items.
Casino: Gambling expenses are separate.
Transfers: Transport to and from the cruise terminal.
Travel Insurance: Optional but recommended.

Types of Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has something for everyone, and here’s a quick look at the different types of cruises they offer:

Adults Only: While NCL is family-friendly, some itineraries are more suited to adults, especially longer cruises or specific themed sailings. Plus, if you stay in The Haven, you’ll enjoy a more exclusive and quieter atmosphere.
Family Cruises: NCL is ideal for families with loads of activities for all ages. From waterslides to kids’ clubs, there’s plenty to keep the little ones (and teens) entertained, while parents can enjoy some downtime.
Singles & Solo: NCL is one of the few lines that offers solo cabins with no single supplement fee. Their Studio Lounges are also designed for solo travellers to meet and mingle, making it easier to cruise alone but not feel isolated.
Medical Facilities:
Every NCL ship has an onboard medical centre with trained staff ready to handle most common medical needs. However, note that medical services come at an extra cost, so it’s smart to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses.
Dress Code:
Thanks to NCL’s Freestyle Cruising policy, you can dress casually most of the time. There’s no need for formal wear, though some restaurants have a “smart casual” dress code. If you feel like dressing up, NCL offers an optional “Dress-Up or Not” night for those who enjoy the formal experience.
Gratuities and Tipping:
Gratuities aren’t included in your cruise fare. NCL automatically adds a daily service charge to your onboard account (usually around $20 per person per day). You can also tip crew members directly if you want to show extra appreciation.

Things to do at sea

There’s never a dull moment on an NCL cruise! Here’s what you can get up to onboard:

Spa and Wellness: Relax at the Mandara Spa, with treatments like massages, facials, and access to the thermal suite (extra cost).
Gym, Fitness & Sports Activities: Free use of the gym, plus fitness classes (yoga, spin) available for an extra fee. Some ships also have basketball courts and jogging tracks.
Live Shows: Broadway-style productions, comedy acts, magic shows, and more.
Music & Dancing: Live bands, DJs, and themed dance parties throughout the ship.
Themed Parties & Events: Fun events like Glow Party, 80s night, or White Hot Party.
Casinos: Fancy a flutter? The onboard casinos offer slots, poker, blackjack, and more.
Cinemas & Movie Nights: Some ships show movies on the big screen under the stars.
Educational & Enrichment Programs: Cooking demos, wine tastings, and destination talks.
Kids & Teens Programs: Supervised activities in age-specific clubs (Splash Academy for kids, Entourage for teens).
Shopping & Auctions: Duty-free shopping onboard, plus art auctions if that’s your thing.
Themed Cruises & Special Interest Groups: NCL offers themed cruises like music festivals, fitness, or food & wine.
Interactive & Virtual Experiences: VR games, escape rooms, and laser tag on selected ships.
Library & Game Rooms: Quiet spaces for reading or board games.

Adventure Activities

If you’re up for some thrills, Norwegian Cruise Line offers several exciting activities onboard, depending on the ship:

Go-Kart Tracks: Available on ships like Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore, race around a two-level track at sea.
Laser Tag: Battle it out in a high-tech laser tag arena on ships like the Norwegian Joy.
Virtual Reality (VR) Experiences: Immersive VR games and rides at the Galaxy Pavilion on selected ships.
Ropes Courses: Challenge yourself on outdoor rope courses, complete with zip lines on ships like Norwegian Breakaway.
Aqua Parks: Waterslides, splash zones, and multi-story slides like the Free Fall slides and Aqua Racer.
Miniature Golf Courses: Enjoy a round of mini-golf with scenic views of the ocean.
Escape Rooms: Interactive, puzzle-solving experiences (available on select ships).
Bungee Trampolines: Found on some ships, adding an extra bounce to your holiday!

🛳️ Review:

I booked my Norwegian Cruise through About2Cruise and had an amazing time! The Freestyle Cruising concept was perfect, and the dining options were fantastic. The entertainment was top-notch. The only downside was that some activities had extra charges. Overall, a great holiday. – Sarah M.

Dining Venues Included

Here’s what you can enjoy that’s already covered by your fare on Norwegian Cruise Line:

Main Dining Rooms: Choose from a few main dining rooms offering a range of dishes in a more formal setting.
Buffet (Garden Café): A casual buffet with various international options, including live cooking stations.
O’Sheehan’s: A 24-hour pub-style restaurant serving comfort food like burgers, wings, and fish & chips.
The Local Bar & Grill: Another casual spot available 24/7 with pub favourites.
Room Service: Available, but note there’s a small service charge after midnight.

🛳️ Pro Tip:

Arrive at the port early to beat the crowds and ensure a smoother embarkation process.

Specialty Restaurants (Extra Cost)

If you’re craving something extra fancy, NCL has several specialty restaurants for an added fee. Dining packages are available if you plan to visit multiple specialty restaurants, which can save you some money.

Cagney’s Steakhouse: Classic American steakhouse.
Le Bistro: French cuisine in an elegant setting.
Teppanyaki: Japanese hibachi, where the chef cooks right at your table.
La Cucina: Italian restaurant serving fresh pastas and pizzas.
Ocean Blue: Seafood lovers will enjoy this fine dining spot.
Moderno Churrascaria: Brazilian steakhouse with endless skewers of meat.
Los Lobos: Upscale Mexican dishes with a modern twist.

Drinks Packages

Here’s a breakdown of Norwegian Cruise Line’s drink packages:

Unlimited Open Bar Package: Covers most alcoholic drinks (cocktails, beer, spirits, and wine by the glass) up to $15 USD (around £90 per day) plus soft drinks and juice. Costs about $109 USD per day (around £90 per day), plus a 20% gratuity.
Premium Plus Beverage Package: Includes premium alcohol, bottled water, speciality coffee, and energy drinks. Priced at about $138 USD per day (around £114 per day) with gratuities added.
Corks and Caps Package: For beer and wine lovers, offering unlimited draft beer and wines by the glass. Costs about $65 USD per day (around £54 per day) plus gratuities.
Soda Package: Unlimited soft drinks for about $8 USD per day (around £6.50 per day) for adults and $6 USD per day (around £5 per day) for kids, plus gratuity.
Water Package: Bottled water packages start at $16 USD (around £13) for six 1-litre bottles.

Let us wade through the 1000’s of cruises for you!

Jo, our cruise travel agent will personally search for the right cruise for you.

Cabin Choices

Norwegian Cruise Line offers a variety of cabin types to suit different travellers. Here’s a quick overview:

Cabins for Families:
Family cabins can be found in most categories (inside, oceanview, balcony, and suites). They include extra space, sleeping arrangements for up to 5 people, and convenient locations near kids’ areas or pools.
Cabins for Couples:
If you’re travelling as a couple, the balcony cabins or mini-suites are ideal for a bit more privacy and great views. If you’re after luxury, The Haven suites offer exclusive amenities, including private access areas and butler service.
Cabins for Singles:
NCL is one of the few lines offering studio cabins specifically designed for solo travellers. These cosy rooms come with access to a shared lounge, and there’s no single supplement fee – a great way to cruise solo without paying extra.

🛳️ 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.

Guest Services

Norwegian Cruise Line provides a range of guest services to make your experience smoother and more enjoyable:

Customer Service (Pre-Cruise & Onboard):
NCL’s customer service team is available before your cruise to help with bookings, special requests, and answering any questions. Onboard, the Guest Services Desk is your go-to spot for anything from resolving issues to getting port information.
Accessibility Services:
NCL is committed to ensuring that all passengers, including those with mobility issues or other disabilities, have a comfortable cruise. The ships are equipped with accessible cabins, ramps, and accessible dining and entertainment options. You can also request special assistance when boarding or during shore excursions.
Health & Safety Protocols:
NCL has ramped up its health and safety measures, especially after recent global events. You’ll find enhanced sanitation, medical screenings, and updated air filtration systems onboard. There’s also a medical centre staffed with healthcare professionals for any health concerns during the cruise.

Norwegian Cruise Wedding

Getting married on a Norwegian Cruise is a fun, stress-free way to celebrate your special day while enjoying a great holiday and even a honeymoon at the same time!

Where You Can Get Married: Onboard the ship, at sea, or in one of the stunning ports.
Wedding Packages:
- Symbolic at Sea: A symbolic ceremony led by the captain while sailing.
- Harbourside Ceremony: Get married on the ship while it’s docked.
- Destination Weddings: Say your vows at one of the beautiful destinations your cruise stops at.
Vow Renewals: Special packages for renewing your vows during your cruise.
Cruise Wedding Guide: For all the details on planning your perfect Norwegian Cruise wedding, check out our excellent Getting Married on a Cruise Ship Guide.

Swimming Pools

Norwegian Cruise Line offers plenty of water fun for all ages with pools and slides across many ships:

Main Pools: Most ships have a large central pool with sun loungers, hot tubs, and poolside bars.
Kids’ Pools: Smaller, kid-friendly pools located near the family areas on ships like the Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Getaway.
Aqua Parks: Ships like Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore feature full-scale aqua parks with splash zones and waterslides.
Waterslides:
- Free Fall Slide: One of the fastest waterslides at sea, available on several ships.
- Aqua Racer: A multi-level tandem waterslide for racing your friends.
- The Whip: A twisting, fast-paced waterslide for thrill-seekers.
- Kids’ Water Slides: Smaller slides designed for younger children in the aqua zones.
- Norwegian Epic is ranked number 4 in our list of 17 top cruise ships with waterslides, thanks to its exciting features like the Epic Plunge, a thrilling bowl slide that’s a must-try!

No-Fly UK Ports

If you want to avoid flying and sail straight from the UK, Norwegian Cruise Line offers departures from these convenient ports:

Southampton: One of the main ports for NCL’s cruises, offering itineraries to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and the Canary Islands.
Liverpool: Occasionally used for select Northern European or repositioning cruises.
Newcastle: Offers a handful of sailings, often to Northern Europe and Scandinavia.

Destinations

Norwegian Cruise Line sails all over the world, offering a wide range of destinations to suit every traveller. Here’s a look at some of the popular regions:

Caribbean: Tropical islands like the Bahamas, Jamaica, and NCL’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay.
Mediterranean: Explore Italy, Greece, Spain, and the French Riviera.
Northern Europe: Sail to Norway, the Baltics, and Iceland for stunning fjords and rich history.
Alaska: Glaciers, wildlife, and breathtaking scenery – a must for nature lovers.
Hawaii: Exclusive inter-island cruises exploring the best of Hawaii.
Asia: Visit countries like Japan, China, Vietnam, and Thailand.
Australia & New Zealand: Explore the Great Barrier Reef and beautiful cities like Sydney and Auckland.
South America: See the wonders of Brazil, Argentina, and even Antarctica.
Transatlantic: Sail from Europe to the US or vice versa on repositioning cruises.

Environmental Programs

Norwegian Cruise Line has made significant efforts to reduce its environmental impact and promote sustainability at sea. Here’s what they’re doing:

Sail & Sustain Program: This is NCL’s broad initiative to protect the environment by reducing emissions, conserving energy, and minimising waste.
Scrubbers for Emissions: NCL has installed exhaust gas cleaning systems (scrubbers) on many ships to reduce harmful sulphur emissions.
Single-Use Plastics Reduction: NCL has eliminated single-use plastic straws and water bottles across its fleet, opting for more eco-friendly alternatives.
Waste Management: Advanced waste processing systems are used onboard to reduce landfill impact, and food waste is processed to be reused as energy.
Fuel Efficiency: NCL is working on improving fuel efficiency by using more energy-efficient ship designs and new technology.

Pro Tips for Cruising with NCL

Here are three helpful tips to make your NCL cruise even better:

Book Dining and Entertainment Early: Specialty restaurants and popular shows can fill up fast, especially on larger ships. Use the NCL app or onboard kiosks to reserve your spots early in the cruise.
Look for Free Wi-Fi Offers: Sometimes NCL offers free Wi-Fi as part of a booking promotion. If you plan on using the internet a lot, check for these offers, as Wi-Fi packages can be pricey otherwise.
Bring a Reusable Water Bottle: NCL has cut down on single-use plastics, so it’s a good idea to bring your own bottle. You can fill it up at various stations throughout the ship to stay hydrated without having to buy bottled water.