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Norwegian (NCL) Cruises

41,382 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 (NCL) Cruises

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Norwegian Joy

10 Night
Repositions - Other

479 Reviews
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Norwegian Epic

12 Night
Europe - Other

4,357 Reviews
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Norwegian Spirit

18 Night
Transpacific

2,115 Reviews
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Norwegian Sun

17 Night
Repo - South America

2,156 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite

5 Night
Western Caribbean - New Orleans

3,845 Reviews
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15 Night
Repo - Panama Canal

1,380 Reviews
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7 Night
Hawaii Hnl Inter Island

2,340 Reviews
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14 Night
Repo - Transatlantic

2,395 Reviews
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11 Night
Asia - Japan

2,341 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite

5 Night
Bermuda - New York

3,221 Reviews
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7 Night
Caribbean - Other Product

4,357 Reviews
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7 Night
Caribbean - Other Product

4,357 Reviews
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14 Night
Repo - Transatlantic

2,135 Reviews
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14 Night
Caribbean - Other Product

2,135 Reviews
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12 Night
Asia - South East

2,115 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

Beautiful ship horrible everything else!

I’ve always cruised budget cruise lines such as Carnival in the past, but wanted to experience a “luxury” cruise… So, I booked a cruise on the brand new Norwegian Viva.If you want something to eat after that point you’re left with room service which offers expensive (even worse) food at expensive prices including a $12 “convenience fee”.Read More
Nick Wells

10+ Cruises

Age 37s

Never again.

Pros: Crew, all great, esp.We knew this but NCL claimed their upgrade in 2022 was great.Read More
Dusty Trails

10+ Cruises

Age 68s

Disappointed

It took someone about 25 minutes to redpond and room staff never even offered to come look and help.Room sreward just told us to call 0 to report it.Read More
Nanasmomrn-

6-10 Cruises

Age 56s

More bad than good

Beautiful new ship , great cabins, really good food, ( post covid this is not true of all cruise lines!The theatre was under used, other NCL ships had great shows every night, infact the best night was when all the musicians/singers from around the ship got together in the theatre, what a blast, more of that please.Read More
canny

10+ Cruises

Age 73s

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