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Norwegian (NCL) Cruises

41,342 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 544 cruises

Find Norwegian (NCL) Cruises

Norwegian (NCL) Cruises

We found you 544 cruises

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Norwegian Joy

10 Night
Repositions - Other

477 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite
Norwegian Spirit

18 Night
Transpacific

2,113 Reviews
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Pride of America

7 Night
Hawaii Hnl Inter Island

2,338 Reviews
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Sponsored

Limited-Time Cyber Monday Sale

  • Drinks & Wi-Fi Included
  • Up to $500 Onboard Credit
  • Kids Sail Free
  • Sail to Over 250 Destinations Around the Globe

MSC Cruises

Cruise Critic Favorite
Norwegian Dawn

12 Night
Africa-south Africa

2,995 Reviews
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14 Night
Caribbean - Other Product

2,133 Reviews
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12 Night
Europe - Other

4,355 Reviews
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10 Night
Eastern Caribbean - Miami

398 Reviews
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15 Night
Repo - Panama Canal

1,379 Reviews
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11 Night
Southern Caribbean - Tampa

2,018 Reviews
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5 Night
Bermuda - New York

3,219 Reviews
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7 Night
Caribbean - Other Product

4,355 Reviews
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17 Night
Repo - South America

2,155 Reviews
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12 Night
Caribbean - Other Product

2,155 Reviews
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7 Night
Caribbean - Other Product

4,355 Reviews
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12 Night
Caribbean - Other Product

2,133 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

NCL PRIMA NOV 20 Transatlantic

Our cabin has a comfy two seater sofa and the nearest nightstand has two drawers whilst the far side nightstand has open shelves but access to a spacious windowsill.My big surprise is the excellent grainy, nutty gluten free bread which is readily available on request.Read More
MaisonRose

many10+ Cruises

Age 84s

I enjoyed my first solo traveler experience.

I enjoyed the Spice H20 area during the day as a solo traveler with it being over 18 until 6PM.My overall solo experience was good and I look forward to doing another solo trip in the future.Read More
MHoff770

couple2-5 Cruises

Age 53s

Extra FEES, Long Lines, Horrible Service

00 to play one game) go-karts, and any other fun entertainment they offer that you may want to do!They charge extra for there arcades( outrageous game prices, average of $2.Read More
Justsimplyserena

few6-10 Cruises

Age 37s

Disappointing (Seems to be the new NCL theme)

Travelmate spoke to Internet cafe attendant about upgrading her Wi-Fi to the streaming video level and was told not to bother, that it wouldn’t make a difference.I don’t know who at NCL thought cutting service and food quality was a winning business plan, but for my money and vacation time I will be choosing a different line in the future.Read More
NGL No More

many10+ Cruises

Age 43s

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