Activities Onboard Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is known for:

• Some crazy entertainment options like go-kart racing
• Great musicals, like one based on The Beatles
• Impressive Casinos
• Great waterslides

As a major cruise line similar to Royal Caribbean, it’s no surprise that Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) offers a wide range of entertainment options and activities. Recently, many cruise ships have featured some wild attractions, like skydiving simulators and ice rink shows. It seems Norwegian looked at these and thought, “How can we top that?”

Well, recent Norwegian ships have plenty of exciting features for you to try. They offer laser tag games, go-kart racing, and some ships even feature a walking plank that lets you walk high above the ocean, 8 feet off the side of the ship. Add to that their impressive waterparks with multiple waterslides, swimming pools, rock climbing walls, and rope courses, and you’ve got an incredible mega-resort sailing the high seas.

Here are some of the things you can find onboard Norwegian Cruise Line:

• Go Karts
• Laser Tag
• The Plank
• Waterparks
• Family Games (Deal or no Deal and The Wheel of Fortune)
• Rope Course
• Shows
• Spa
• Fitness Center
• Comedy Clubs
• Kids Club

Go-Kart Onboard Norwegian Cruise Line

Available on: Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Bliss.

One of the most exciting features aboard some Norwegian Cruise Line ships is the go-kart track. It’s one of the most thrilling attractions you’ll find at sea! The Norwegian Prima boasts the longest and arguably the best racing track, but driving a kart on any of their ships is a blast.

I love go-karts, so the idea of driving one in the middle of the ocean is fantastic. The karts can reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour, though there isn’t an actual race taking place. Unlike traditional go-kart tracks on land, which have warm-ups, qualifying laps, and races, here you’re not competing with others. Up to 10 karts can share the track at a time, and most ships offer 10 laps per session. A single session costs $15 (prices may vary per ship), or you can opt for an unlimited package for $199, valid for the duration of your cruise.

Laser Tag

Available on: Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Joy.

I love laser tag. As someone who’s played a lot of Halo and Call of Duty, I enjoy grabbing a plastic weapon, striking a tough pose, and then... losing every round imaginable. But, hey, laser tag is still a lot of fun!

Laser tag is just that: you grab a plastic weapon with an LED visor and try to hit your opponents. A single 10-minute session costs $9.95, but you can also purchase an unlimited laser tag pass for $199, valid for the entire one-week sailing.

One downside is that players in Norwegian's laser tag arenas don’t wear vests, which might be a con for some. There are no headshots for those aiming for precision. Instead, you have to target the player’s gun, which can feel a bit odd. On the bright side, there are some fun features, like power-ups on your gun. One button allows you to shield yourself for four seconds, while another powers up your shot so you can take out a player with a single hit. You don’t actually get “eliminated”, since you just have to rush back to your home base so you can “respawn”.

Shows aboard Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line has increasingly invested in grand shows and Broadway-style musicals recently. These performances are typically rich in dance and music and are aimed at a more adult audience. All onboard shows are free for every passenger, with guests staying in Suites enjoying preferred seating to experience the spectacles.

Be sure to book in advance for some of your favorite entertainment venues! Here are some of the most popular shows onboard Norwegian Cruise Line:

• The Choir of Man (available on Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Escape): A spectacular production where performers dance and sing a wide range of music, from rock classics to modern blockbusters.
• Burn the Floor (available on Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Epic): A stunning and energetic spectacle that celebrates Latin music. Enjoy sensual dances, fantastic music, and much more. Now I feel like learning salsa.
• The Cavern Club (available on Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Encore, and Norwegian Joy): Named after the iconic venue where The Beatles first gained worldwide fame, this show celebrates the Fab Four with performances that honor their legendary music. Yes, they do sing Hey Jude.
• Summer: The Donna Summer Musical (available on Norwegian Prima): this is the Broadway show on a smaller scale. Listen to the greatest hits of Donna Summer while you journey through the incredible life of Donna Summer.
• Legends in Concert (available on Norwegian Pearl): enjoy some of the greatest songs of all time with performers singing mega hits from Tina Turner, Michael Jackson, and more.
• Levity Entertainment Group (available on Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway, and Norwegian Escape): A large comedy club that is part of one of the biggest comedy networks in the United States, featuring performances by over 300 artists.

Family Games onboard Norwegian Cruise Line

Did you know that Norwegian Cruise Line also features some classic family shows onboard? You might have heard of them!

• Deal or No Deal: I’m embarrassed to admit I’ve never watched Deal or No Deal and had to look it up. From what I understand, it involves suitcases filled with money and someone offering you a cash amount, right? I love that already, so I’ll definitely give it a try next time I’m onboard.
• Wheel of Fortune: Now that one I’m familiar with, I’ve even played a few video games based on it. You spin the wheel, guess the secret words, and you could win real prizes, including the chance for a free cruise!

Kids Club onboard Norwegian Cruise Line

Yes, Norwegian Cruise Line offers a Kids Club at no additional charge, known as the Splash Academy. The only Norwegian ship without a Kids Club is the Norwegian Spirit.

Splash Academy activities are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and require onboard registration. We recommend boarding as early as possible and registering with the Youth Programs Staff either at the Splash Academy or Entourage facilities.

This program is available for children as young as 6 months old up to 17 years old. As is typical with Kids Clubs, passengers are divided into different age groups: Turtles (ages 3 to 5), Seals (ages 6 to 9), and Dolphins (ages 10 to 12). Each group has its own set of activities, including video game competitions, dance parties, and crafting. Norwegian also offers a primary program for infants aged 6 months to 3 years old, called Guppies, which requires parental supervision.

Operating hours

The Splash Academy operates as follows:

• Sea Days: 9am to 12pm, 2pm to 5pm, and 7pm to 10:30pm.
• Port Days: From port arrival time to 10:30pm.
• Embarkation Day: 8pm. to 10:30pm.

The standard Kids Club program ends at 10:30 p.m., but you can pay extra for the “Late Night Fun Zone,” which extends activities for your kids until 1:30 a.m. The “Late Night Fun Zone” costs $6.00 per hour per child, or $4.00 per hour per additional child from the same family.

Casinos onboard Norwegian Cruise Line

Casinos are a major feature of NCL’s ships. On some vessels, they occupy a large area of the main decks, often connected by a space known as 678 Ocean Place. Some casinos on Norwegian ships feature over 300 slot machines and nearly 30 table games. Norwegian also offers tournaments for skilled players, while newcomers have the opportunity to learn how to play and receive extra tips from professionals on hand to teach.

Casinos at Sea

Sure, Norwegian Cruise Line has big, bustling casinos, but similar venues can also be found on Virgin Voyages and Royal Caribbean. What sets them apart, though? They offer a loyalty program known as the “Casinos at Sea Rewards Program”! You can earn points, receive rewards, and enjoy a variety of cool perks for your vacation.

• Reel & Video Slots: Earn 1 point for every $5 coin-in.
• Video Poker: Earn 1 point for every $10 coin-in.
• Table Games: Points are based on average bet, session play, or hands played, depending on the game type.

There are four tiers in the Casinos at Sea program:

• Pearl (4,000 points): Includes some free onboard credit and more.
• Sapphire (15,000 points): Offers a discount on internet packages and more.
• Ruby (35,000 points): Provides unlimited open bar access and more.
• Elite (100,000 points): Includes a free premium drink package and more.

For a full list of rewards, make sure to visit this link.

Nightlife Onboard Norwegian Cruise Line

Of course that a huge company like Norwegian would feature several bars, lounges and parties for you, right? Let’s take a look at some of them.

• Bliss Ultra Lounge: party until dawn where the glow of the walls and bar amplifies the energy.
• Fat Cats Jazz & Blues Club: whether you're dancing inside or enjoying a drink, this is the perfect spot to enjoy some of the best live jazz and blues at sea on our Breakaway-class ships.
• Spice H2O: Feel the night breeze while dancing under the stars on the Norwegian Getaway. Or join everyone else on the main deck for an '80s-themed party at this exclusive adults-only venue on the Norwegian Breakaway.
• Spinnaker Lounge: located on our Jewel-class ships, the grand dance floor of Spinnaker Lounge is the perfect place to show off your unique dance moves.

Pools & Waterslides aboard Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line typically features three or more main pools on their latest ships, along with several slides for both kids and adults. While the swimming pools are functional, they’re not particularly impressive. However, the slides are the real highlights. Norwegian boasts some of the best and fastest waterslides at sea, and you should definitely muster the courage to try them all.

• Free Fall & The Whip: These two exciting water slides are available on the Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Escape, and Norwegian Joy. Free Fall is a high-speed, intense waterslide that takes you through an enclosed tube. The Whip consists of two twisting slides located side by side, allowing you to race against your friends.
• Epic Plunge: Located on the Norwegian Epic, this massive waterslide culminates in a large bowl-shaped slide where you’ll spin around before plunging into the swimming pool.
• The Drop: This is actually a dry slide found on the Norwegian Prima. It’s a thrilling 10-story plunge that takes passengers racing down the side of the ship, offering “the highest G-force of any comparable experience in the cruise industry.”
• Spice H2O: this is an adults-only retreat. During the day, you can relax in hot tubs or enjoy cold cocktails on a lounge chair. At night, the atmosphere transforms completely, and you can party with other guests and enjoy live music.

Norwegian Cruise Line Shore Excursions

As is the case with the largest cruise lines, there are hundreds (or even thousands) of shore excursions available through Norwegian Cruise Line, depending on your destination and port of visit. An updated listing of shore excursions is typically available approximately 6 months prior to the first sailing of each cruise destination season. Please note that the complete list may not be available until 120 days before sailing.

You can use the official app to book your land excursions, or talk to us so we can research them with you and help you select the best options for you and your family!

Land Excursion Example: Rio de Janeiro

With so many excursions available, it can be challenging to determine which ones are worthwhile. Some tours may be amazing and reasonably priced, while others might be expensive and disappointing. Finding the best options can be difficult. However, as someone who lives in Rio de Janeiro, I have looked into the Norwegian excursions offered here and decided to see if Norwegian offers excursions that are really worth it.

Let's check some of them!

Highlights of Rio

This 4-hour tour takes you to the Floresta da Tijuca (Tijuca Forest) and Corcovado (Christ the Redeemer). Corcovado is an iconic landmark in Rio de Janeiro, so this excursion definitely gets a thumbs up. However, I wish the tour also included Pão de Açúcar (Sugar Loaf Mountain), which is one of my favorite spots in the city, offering amazing views. Prices start at $150 for adults. This one gets a four out of five stars from me, you could do way worse.

Sugarloaf & Copacabana

This 4-hour tour takes you to Copacabana, one of the most famous beaches in the world, and includes a trip up Sugarloaf Mountain. While Corcovado is more iconic, I believe Sugarloaf offers the most stunning views. Prices start at $175 for adults. This tour also receives four out of five stars from me. It would be even better if there were time to actually enjoy the beach, but this tour mainly focuses on the sights.

Copacabana Beach Transfer

This 4.5-hour tour is all about enjoying Copacabana Beach and costs around $80 for adults. You’ll have approximately four hours to do whatever you like - whether you want to get a tan, play beach soccer, or simply take in the sights. You can also stroll along the iconic boardwalk, visit kiosks, and enjoy a beer by the beach. While Norwegian doesn’t mention it, as a true carioca, I recommend avoiding using your cellphone while walking the pathway. Additionally, I suggest visiting the “Forte de Copacabana” (Fort Copacabana), which offers stunning views, and stopping by “Confeitaria Colombo” for a fantastic breakfast and snacks.

There are more excursions available beyond those in Rio, but I selected a few to evaluate their quality. I have to say, I was impressed. The excursions to Corcovado, Pão de Açúcar, and Copacabana are great options, as these are iconic landmarks in Rio de Janeiro. This suggests that Norwegian offers some fun and exciting excursions for your vacation. I do wish that there was a longer excursion mixing the Surgarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer, but you are going to enjoy some great views even if you just visit one of them.

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