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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. 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. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. Norwegian doesn't have any formal nights, but there is an optional Norwegian's Night Out at least once per sailing, for which passengers are encouraged to dress up. You'll rarely see a tux or gown, but suits and cocktail dresses are not unheard of.
The Norwegian Cruise Line fleet
Only Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises have significantly more bigger vessels. More than just a mode of transportation, each ship is a destination in itself, offering a host of complimentary activities, entertainment options and dining experiences. Overnight stays in Maui and the ‘garden island’ of Kaua’i allow extra time to experience dinner ashore, sunset drinks or the tropical nightlife. Other ports of call include Kona, renowned for its snorkel-friendly bays, historical sites and a lively waterfront, and Hilo, blessed with rainforests, waterfalls and Volcanoes National Park. 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.
What is the best Norwegian cruise ship?
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. If it's swanky digs you're after (and you have the money to spend), you'll find plenty of options on these ships. On the big-ship end of the spectrum, Norwegian's four relatively new Breakaway Plus-class vessels — Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Escape — are the line's premier offerings. While not quite as big as Royal Caribbean's giant, Oasis-class ships, they are firmly in the pantheon of the world's cruising giants. They are the Norwegian vessels most packed with restaurants, bars, entertainment and over-the-top attractions.
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Norwegian Prima
I love its stylish design and upscale feel, as well as its wide mix of eateries, bars and entertainment. Later, this area was turned into cabins and a two-deck movie theater, later to be used as a casino. Norwegian was responsible for many of the cruise innovations that have now become standard throughout the industry. That said, passengers who are 18 to 20 can purchase and consume beer or wine on ships in international waters with permission from parents or legal guardians.
The ship offers a range of Mediterranean and European sailings during the summer months, including Baltic cruises. In early fall, Getaway usually repositions to the US for Caribbean and North Atlantic itineraries. Getaway scores huge points for entertainment options with 20 restaurants, more than a dozen bars, Broadway-caliber theater and a large sports complex that boasts a ropes course, climbing wall and zip line.
Why Cruise Norwegian

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. 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. No, but you can pay for a Wi-Fi package, which starts at $29.99 per day per device. Of course, the fare will always vary depending on which cabin type you book. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research.
Norwegian Sun: Best for retirees
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. 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. 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. 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. For older travelers looking for a Norwegian ship that isn't filled to the gills with children, Norwegian Sun is the perfect option.
Visit our awards page for nearly two decades' worth of accomplishments. Photo books are a fantastic way to keep our special memories in a tangible, beautiful format instead of just storing pictures on ... Norwegian Cruise Line, commonly referred to as NCL, is a popular cruise line that was founded in 1966 by Knut Kloster and Ted Arison, who also co-founded Carnival Cruise Line.
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Add a wide range of superb dining options and spectacular entertainment and you’ll experience your best vacation ever. While deals on NCL cruises can vary widely depending on the destination, deals on inside cabins start at around $50 per person per night (before taxes and port fees). Fares under $90 per person per night on oceanview rooms are deals. NCL is in line with deals on other mainstream lines when it comes to balcony cabins of around $100 per person per night. But realistically, any balcony cabin priced under $150 per night is a good deal on Norwegian Cruise Line.
The line's nine newest ships are big, bustling floating megaresorts that can carry upwards of 3,000 to 4,000 passengers at double occupancy (and even more with every berth filled). At around 143,000 to nearly 170,000 tons, all eight currently rank among the 50 biggest cruise ships in the world (although their rankings will shift downward as more big ships debut). Norwegian is also a mass-market brand, not a luxury cruise operator. Still, as we'll explain below, it offers a wide range of accommodations, some of which fall squarely in the luxury segment. In some cases, its ships have an exclusive area full of high-end cabins and suites called The Haven that comes with its own private pools, lounge areas and even restaurants.
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. 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. During the height of summer, we found prices starting around $ per day on cruises from Miami on Norwegian Sky (an older ship in the fleet).

Older kids and adults pay $8 per day, while younger kids are charged $6. As well, NCL charges a 20% gratuity on things like drinks, spa treatments, and specialty restaurants. 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. The Local/O’SheehansNo 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.
Certain Norwegian ships are best for budget travelers, while others are best for luxury travelers. Around 17% smaller than Norwegian's biggest vessels, Prima and Viva are the first tow of six sister ships that the line will roll out between now and 2027 that will significantly change the composition of its fleet. While not the biggest vessels in the Norwegian fleet, these ships will be notably packed with restaurants, bars, entertainment venues and decktop attractions. They also mark a more upscale turn for the line, with more space per passenger than earlier Norwegian ships and lots of suites.
Norwegian Cruise Line is a wildly popular cruising company that emphasizes “Freestyle Cruising”—meaning light-hearted, carefree vacation fun for you and yours. 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. 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.
The ships also have a higher crew-to-passenger ratio than many Norwegian ships, leading to better service. Norwegian adds an automatic service charge of $20 to $25 per person, per day, to final bills, depending on your cabin category. Depending on the service you receive, you can adjust the amount up or down at the guest services desk before disembarking. In addition, a 20% gratuity is added to the bill at bars, extra-charge specialty restaurants and ship spas. Like the ships of the Breakaway and Breakaway-plus classes, the Prima Class ships have a lively zone that mixes casino space, bars, eateries and entertainment that sprawls across decks 6, 7 and 8. These vessels also have outdoor eating space in an area called Ocean Boulevard.
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. 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. 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.
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