Norwegian (NCL) Cruises

41,860 Reviews
Norwegian Encore (Photo: Norwegian Cruise Line)

About Norwegian (NCL) Cruises

Known for its "freestyle" cruising, the laid-back Norwegian experience is all about choice, offering one of the largest selections of dining and entertainment venues per ship. Plus, with Norwegian's Free At Sea offer, every cruise fare includes a choice of things like free Wi-Fi, specialty dining, drinks or excursions.

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We found you 598 cruises

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Norwegian Spirit
Norwegian Spirit (Photo: Adam Coulter)

18 Night
Transpacific

2,123 Reviews
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Norwegian Spirit
Norwegian Spirit (Photo: Adam Coulter)

16 Night
Alaska - Other

2,123 Reviews
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Norwegian Jewel
Norwegian Jewel

9 Night
Alaska - Seattle

2,355 Reviews
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Norwegian Pearl
Norwegian Pearl

11 Night
Greek Isles & Italy

2,401 Reviews
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14 Night
Repo - Transatlantic

2,401 Reviews
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3 Night
Caribbean - Other Product

2,156 Reviews
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7 Night
Alaska Cruise

2,355 Reviews
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12 Night
Asia - South East

2,123 Reviews
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7 Night
Bermuda - Boston

2,589 Reviews
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7 Night
Bermuda - Boston

2,589 Reviews
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7 Night
Hawaii Cruise

2,363 Reviews
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7 Night
Hawaii Hnl Inter Island

2,363 Reviews
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25 Night
Repo - Panama Canal

2,043 Reviews
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14 Night
Repo - Transatlantic

3,266 Reviews
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7 Night
Canada & New England - Other

495 Reviews
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Norwegian (NCL) Cruises Tips, Activities, and Overview

Who goes on Norwegian (NCL) cruise ships?

Norwegian cruise ships draw a diverse crowd, though the majority of passengers on ships sailing to the Caribbean and in Alaska and Hawaii hail from North America. You'll find a decent number of people from other English-speaking countries, and smaller numbers from South America and Europe. On European cruises, North Americans still dominate but you'll find more people from the United Kingdom and other European countries. One ship, Norwegian Joy, was designed specifically for the Asian market, and the vast majority of passengers on this ship will be from China.

You'll find plenty of young families onboard Norwegian ships, especially during holidays and school breaks. However, the line's newest ship, Norwegian Bliss, is less family-friendly than the line's other ships, with all the kids clubs on the lowest levels of the ship and onboard entertainment that is decidedly adult.

Generally speaking, Norwegian Cruise Line attracts mostly middle-aged and older couples, as well as groups of friends of all ages.

Do I have to dress up on a Norwegian (NCL) cruise?

Norwegian Cruise Line maintains a casual atmosphere onboard; during the day, casual wear is the norm.

There's no formal dress code at night either, though most people do change into something slightly less casual for dinner. Additionally, some of the specialty extra-fee restaurants do require long pants, collared shirts and closed-toe shoes. Most evenings you'll see men in dark jeans or khakis and collared shirts, and women in blouses with slacks or skirts, or sundresses. Don't be surprised if you see people in shorts in the main dining rooms.

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.

Norwegian ships also typically hold several themed nights (glow party, '70s or '80s, etc.) during a typical sailing. You might want to bring a few appropriate items, such as white clothing for the glow and white parties or bell bottoms for '70s night.

Is everything free on Norwegian (NCL) cruises?

No. Unless you have an all-inclusive dining or beverage package (which you can buy), you'll have to pay extra for most gratuities, specialty dining, room service, all drinks (alcoholic and non, except water, select juices at breakfast, and coffee and tea), shore excursions, visits to the spa and any retail purchases, including photos.

On the newest ships, you'll also have to pay for some of the entertainment options and even some of the top-deck fun: On Norwegian Bliss, for example, the laser tag and go-karts cost extra.

What are Norwegian (NCL)’s most popular activities?

On warm-weather cruises, the main pool is the line's most popular spot onboard. On ships with water slides, ropes courses, go-kart tracks and laser tag, these are also popular and often require a wait of up to 30 minutes or more.

Inside, you'll find activities that range from trivia, bingo and Deal or No Deal during the day to song-and-dance revues or Broadway shows in the theater and live music or cabaret shows in the evening. Norwegian ships also have a lively bar nightlife. There's also an always-busy casino, which opens when the ship is out to sea.

Why go with Norwegian (NCL)?

  • Extensive choice of restaurants, bars and activities -- especially on the newest ships
  • Newest ships have excellent Broadway and West End theater shows
  • Be Aware: Many dining and entertainment options incur surcharges

Best for: Active families, picky eaters, and couples/groups who love to bar hop

Not for: People who can't stand crowds, or those seeking a relaxed onboard environment

Norwegian Cruise Line Cruiser Reviews

Mid

The food on Norwegian is pretty bad unless you go to a restaurant (that you pay extra at), the boat is insanely crowded, the excursions always leave late because the masses don’t show up on time, and the customer service is subpar.Be ready to pay more on top of what you already did, have fun with the crowd that doesn’t let you get in line for the mid breakfast, and get excited to enjoy their rude customer service.Read More
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Caroline9721

few6-10 Cruises

Age 27s

Extreme passenger count + 1500 spring break kids = chaos, get me off the boat

We also want to excuse the spring break chaos (although I'm not clear why they brought so many people on).The "Cruise Ship Karens" will be out with their towel clips and take up chairs before you eat breakfast.Read More
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Jasonusf44

many10+ Cruises

Age 47s

Family Cruise in Haven 2bd Suite

I spent time going through all those details with the Haven concierge months before getting on the cruise and not one of those requests were fulfilled.Our favorite feature was the layout of the two bedroom suite so that was one thing that was hard to give up as well as Butler who is very helpful.Read More
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Amy H 1980

couple2-5 Cruises

Age 44s

Poor Entertainment and “Mini-suites” Not Suites at All

Worst cruise we’ve been on by far for the following reasons: - Booked a “club mini-suite” which was smaller than a standard room for some reason and had a metal wall on the balcony so we couldn’t see the water when seated.The ship is designed to spread out guests across many small spaces thus making it feel smaller and more like a hotel.Read More
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Travelling_Scott

couple2-5 Cruises

Age 45s

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