Norwegian (NCL) Cruises

41,905 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.

  • More about Norwegian Cruise Line

  • Who goes on Norwegian (NCL) cruise ships?

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

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Norwegian Spirit
Norwegian Spirit (Photo: Adam Coulter)

18 Night
Transpacific

2,124 Reviews
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Norwegian Jade
Norwegian Jade

7 Night
Mexican Riviera - San Diego

2,044 Reviews
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Norwegian Jewel
Norwegian Jewel

7 Night
Alaska Cruise

2,357 Reviews
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Norwegian Jewel
Norwegian Jewel

7 Night
Alaska Cruise

2,357 Reviews
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10 Night
Asia - Japan

2,124 Reviews
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7 Night
Alaska - Northbound Whittier

2,357 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite

9 Night
Europe - Other

2,402 Reviews
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7 Night
Hawaii Cruise

2,365 Reviews
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7 Night
Hawaii Hnl Inter Island

2,365 Reviews
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11 Night
Europe - Baltic

3,026 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite

10 Night
Asia - South East

2,156 Reviews
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7 Night
Alaska Cruise

2,357 Reviews
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7 Night
Alaska Cruise

2,357 Reviews
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7 Night
Alaska Cruise

2,357 Reviews
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7 Night
Alaska Cruise

2,357 Reviews
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No prices currently available for this sailing.
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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

Low Quality Cruise Brand

If you like to relax with TV, you have 24 channels; but the 4 you might are nothing entertaining.As I talk about the sound, it’s too easy to hear the neighbors through the walls, their TV, and here is the worst - doors constantly slamming.Read More
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Frank PapaGeorgio

few6-10 Cruises

Age 43s

Mostly good, but the bad was really bad.

It strongly suggested we book transfers to the Miami airport through Norwegian (bus), as taxis at the Miami cruise port are few and far between.The cruise line charges $79pp to utilize the beach at Resort World (skip it IMO) While the resort itself will sell you the same day pass for about 33 dollars pp.Read More
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Fancynancy13

oneFirst Time Cruiser

Age 63s

Ship is very tired

We were quite surprised and disappointed when we unfortunately found the hostess at the Summer Palace to be quite condescending to us when we asked to join a “share table” since we were traveling alone and enjoyed meeting new people.She then told our waiter to remove all the place settings for other guests after she seated one other couple with us even though the table was set for more diners.Read More
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triage15

many10+ Cruises

Age 75s

Not Recommended

teen area- my 2 girls 13 & 15 felt awkward no one encouraged them to join with any others-personnel just sat there.smoking area, filthy-tables sticky as no one cleaned, picked up used cups or no drink service offered.Read More
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Not Recommended

oneFirst Time Cruiser

Age 77s

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