We are a couple who decided to finally cruise without now grown children to see Alaska. Like many people it was on our "bucket list". Norwegian seemed to make it enticing by making so many things "free", but the reality is the items that are free really only pay a small amount of the total cost of the meal or excursion, which can run into hundreds more than the 50$ you are given. The "free open bar" is a very popular feature, and many people took advantage of it so sometimes it was crowded, but manageable. I have never seen bartenders work so hard! By the way there is a 278$ charge for your "free open bar", which they call, ironically a "Free At Sea" charge. That goes for nondrinkers also.

Many of us misunderstood the letter that stated a covid test wasn't needed, but in fact it IS required because the ship docks in British Columbia Canada for 4 hours at night. Well, that was a 70$ charge for what looked several hundred other people who also each had the surprise charge for essentially rapid tests that are free from the government.

As far as excursions go many seasoned cruisers have told us that booking excursions with local tour operators is much cheaper and a better experience, and they know how to get you back on time. We didn't try it but we will. Finally, our "2 for 1" air fare total was 758$ for the 2 of us but was 356$ each on Expedia and they pick your flight. We had a 12 hour wait in Seattle and couldn't leave till 10pm, so we essentially had to take a "red eye" back to the east coast. It would have better pick our own flight. Read more