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Norwegian (NCL) Cruises

40,528 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 657 cruises

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Norwegian Jewel
Norwegian Jewel

7 Night
Alaska - Northbound Whittier

2,330 Reviews
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Norwegian Jewel
Norwegian Jewel

16 Night
Transpacific

2,330 Reviews
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Norwegian Jewel
Norwegian Jewel

7 Night
Alaska - Northbound Whittier

2,330 Reviews
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Norwegian Epic
Norwegian Epic

10 Night
Europe - Western Mediterranean - Barcelona

4,311 Reviews
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20 Night
Repo - Panama Canal

2,116 Reviews
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7 Night
Canada & New England - Boston

2,366 Reviews
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13 Night
Repo - Transatlantic

3,153 Reviews
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7 Night
Bermuda - Boston

2,366 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite

12 Night
Asia - South East

2,330 Reviews
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12 Night
Hawaii - Other

2,094 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite

10 Night
Canada & New England - Other

2,093 Reviews
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7 Night
Hawaii Hnl Inter Island

2,303 Reviews
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9 Night
Europe - Greek Isles & Eastern Med

3,153 Reviews
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9 Night
Europe - Other

2,946 Reviews
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10 Night
Alaska - Seattle

2,116 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

Cruise lack so much!

-Crew members are not pleasant like many other cruise lines.Crew members seem like just trying to get paid and move along.Read More
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Avellan000

6-10 Cruises

•

Age 30s

On a Scale From Meh to Blah

Everything shuts down at midnight (except, of course, the so-called 24 hour restaurant), so if you are not an old fart who gets up at 5am, there isn't much fun in store for you.Restaurant maitre'd and serving staff did not know the menus.Read More
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JayCaesar

10+ Cruises

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Age 50s

Unhappy

The Atrium area, where a lot of game shows and the band would play was very, very crowded and no seating.They had all stairs blocked and staff forcing people to use elevators which were trying to handle all those trying to get off the ship.Read More
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Jb511Dl411

2-5 Cruises

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Age 60s

Us and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Cruise

One night in the Manhattan Room, the worst server we had the whole trip handed my husband a comment card and then stood there and watched him fill it out, and then took it from him and read it and walked away.The one time I interacted with the manager at the internet cafe, I went to ask where I could find the strongest wifi signal on the ship and he took my card and after swiping it told me, "Whatever you're trying to do you need to upgrade your wifi.Read More
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tkagold

10+ Cruises

•

Age 40s

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