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43,152 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

12 Night
South Pacific

2,131 Reviews
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Norwegian Sun

17 Night
Transpacific

2,194 Reviews
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Norwegian Sun

12 Night
Hawaii - Other

2,194 Reviews
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Norwegian Jewel

7 Night
Bermuda - Boston

2,395 Reviews
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Regent Seven Seas Cruises

21 Night
Repo - Panama Canal

560 Reviews
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14 Night
Repo - Transatlantic

4,487 Reviews
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14 Night
South Pacific

2,194 Reviews
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10 Night
Southern Caribbean - Tampa

3,081 Reviews
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7 Night
Mexican Riviera - San Diego

2,096 Reviews
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18 Night
Repo - Panama Canal

481 Reviews
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8 Night
Repo - Pacific Coastal

2,096 Reviews
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13 Night
South Pacific

2,194 Reviews
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11 Night
Repo - Transatlantic

423 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite

7 Night
Hawaii Cruise

2,384 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite

7 Night
Hawaii Hnl Inter Island

2,384 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

GIVE NCL JAPAN SPRING CRUISE A MISS

Secondly NCL cruise goes North first, not South, so we were delayed by bad weather in north - we missed 3 ports so far.Rubbish itinerary planning on NCLs part and no contingency plan we were made aware of - go south first!Read More
123cruise890

2-5 Cruises

Age 59s

Norwegian has gone down hill

Very Disappointed I have been on norwegian 4 times and this time I would say the more at sea program actually means less at sea I couldn't perchease a pp plus drink package that let's us get bottle water the food at meal times was hit are miss the breakfast potato's were raw burnt on the outside the ship is falling apart rust and paint falling off the banisters where held together by zip ties we had a problem with a shore excursion I wad called a lier by the assistant cruise director the drinks where ok but watered down the toilet is hard to use in the cabin had to sit sideways to do my business the cabin attendant was really good the room was cleaned goodRead More
Carl e poorbaugh

2-5 Cruises

Age 44s

AVOID Norwegian AT ALL COSTS if you have kids!

So… if there’s no water fun, no childcare, and the food is terrible… why are we even on a cruise?” So: no childcare, no pool, and no water play of any kind for toddlers.Read More
Lovecruisinggg

2-5 Cruises

Age 35s

Norwegian has really gone downhill.

Trash isn’t emptied, a dirty, cleaning rag was left in the shower, old food was left in the cabin and never taken away and so on.Also, the cabin stewards are really stressed out and keep forgetting things.Read More
DrjoeSC

10+ Cruises

Age 59s

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