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Norwegian (NCL) Cruises

40,548 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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Norwegian (NCL) Cruises

We found you 655 cruises

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Norwegian Gem

9 Night
Greek Isles & Italy

2,542 Reviews
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Norwegian Gem

9 Night
Eastern Caribbean - Miami

2,542 Reviews
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Norwegian Star

11 Night
Europe - Other

2,531 Reviews
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Ponant

Norwegian Pearl

9 Night
Eastern Caribbean - Miami

2,367 Reviews
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12 Night
Repo - Transatlantic

1,996 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite

13 Night
Repo - Transatlantic

3,153 Reviews
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11 Night
Europe - Classic Mediterranean

4,313 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite

16 Night
Transpacific

2,330 Reviews
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20 Night
Repo - Panama Canal

2,118 Reviews
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10 Night
Greek Isles & Italy

3,800 Reviews
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10 Night
Europe - Western Mediterranean - Barcelona

4,313 Reviews
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7 Night
Alaska - Northbound Whittier

2,330 Reviews
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7 Night
Bermuda - Boston

2,367 Reviews
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7 Night
Alaska - Northbound Whittier

2,330 Reviews
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10 Night
Europe - Iceland

2,531 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

poor cruise

The entertainment was relatively good depending upon which show one chose to see.One singer, guitarist was a one man show except for the wife who joined him and sang off key.Read More
TJCJ

2-5 Cruises

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Age 60s

Never Again. This ship should be sunk.

Poor attitudes, no smiles, almost like they were being held against their will.We thought this Cruise would be a good opportunity to try out NCL on a bit smaller of a ship.Read More
Greyugly

2-5 Cruises

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Age 50s

Money Racket

So you will rack up a hefty bill there as well and the package is $900 per person in each room and get this even if your spouse doesn’t drink you have to pay $900 for them as well so that’s $1800 for two.The carnival has it where it’s first come first serve which is wonderful but the way Norwegian works you will never get reservations to see show so again if it rains like our cruise was you will have nothing TO DO AT ALL!Read More
Kuta1980

2-5 Cruises

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Age 40s

A ship that has no organization

I would recommend any other cruise line but never Norwegian a very expensive trip definitely not worth the money!I have always wanted to cruise Alaska!Read More
gtrusson1

2-5 Cruises

•

Age 60s

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Norwegian Epic

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Norwegian Joy

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Norwegian Prima

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