Norwegian Cruise Line is great for:
- Those that want a chill, freestyle-cruise
- If you want to explore a lot of different and unique itineraries
- If you love the mega-resort cruise experience
- Guests that love crazy entertainment options and waterslides
Norwegian Cruise Line might not be good for:
- Those that want a peaceful or intimate moment
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is big. Seriously, many people might not know this, but we're talking about a cruise line with 19 ships that basically operates all over the world, including Europe, North America, and South America. They are often considered one of the main competitors of Royal Caribbean, and to go against Royal, you need to have some star power.
I also like to say that Norwegian is a mix of Royal Caribbean and Virgin Voyages. NCL has a lot of huge ships that operate like mega-resorts, where you can find all kinds of crazy stuff inside them, even a go-kart racing track. In this way, they're more like Royal Caribbean, but they also differ because they don't have a dress code or a rigid dining schedule. In this regard, they are more similar to Virgin Voyages.
Norwegian is also compared to Royal Caribbean when it comes to entertainment. Piano bars, big broadway shows, casinos, laser tag games, comedy clubs and they even have a Wheel of Fortune show aboard some of their ships. This is basically a mega-resort on the sea where you can find (almost) anything you can think of.
Reviews of Norwegian Cruise Line
The Good Stuff
Plenty to do: Norwegian Cruise Line, similar to Royal Caribbean, provides a mega-resort experience on their newest ships, especially the Norwegian Viva and the Norwegian Prima. Expect a wide range of amenities, including Broadway-level shows, go-kart tracks, laser tag, multiple waterslides, a Kids Club, and virtually every type of entertainment you can imagine.
For all budgets & styles: Norwegian offers a wide range of itineraries as well as several cabin options and suites. As a solo traveler, you might pay as little as $150 for your trip, but you also have the option to stay in The Haven - a luxurious, exclusive area available on almost every Norwegian ship, featuring private restaurants, pools, and more. With Norwegian, you can easily transform a casual vacation into a very luxurious and upscale experience.
Lots of itineraries: Seriously, these guys are everywhere. The Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Oceania, Alaska, South America, Africa - they basically have a cruise operating in every corner of the globe! It also helps that they have hundreds of ports of departure, so there's a good chance that a Norwegian ship is sailing from somewhere near you. This makes planning easy, and you can save a lot of money if you don't need to fly to the nearest port and can just drive there.
Alaska & Hawaii: Norwegian Cruise Line is often considered one of the best cruise lines to visit Alaska and Hawaii, two destinations that are becoming increasingly popular. It's especially good if you want to visit our friends up north with your family and children, although Princess Cruise Line usually gets the gold medal for Alaskan trips with adults only.
Very laid back: Good news if you want to relax on your cruise without worrying about packing a tuxedo! Norwegian Cruise Line is one of the most laid-back cruise lines. You can cruise for an entire month wearing just a t-shirt and shorts, without having to worry about dressing up, sticking to dining schedules, or anything like that. Norwegian is for those who want to enjoy their vacation, dress however they like, and eat whenever they want without worrying about time.
The Bad Stuff
Taxes & Additional Fees: Norwegian has some of the highest port fees and taxes among all major cruise lines, which is a bummer. For example, they add a 20% gratuity and spa service charge for all spa and salon services, as well as a 20% gratuity and beverage service charge for all beverage purchases. In comparison, Royal Caribbean has an 18% gratuity fee, while gratuity is included in the price with Virgin Voyages.
An Intimate Moment: If you're looking for a very intimate, cozy cruise experience, then Norwegian Cruise Line might not be the best option for you. This is a big, mass-market cruise line similar to Royal Caribbean that invites thousands and thousands of passengers. If you want a peaceful or romantic cruise, you might have better luck with Princess Cruises or Virgin Voyages.
Disembarkation: Some guests report that disembarkation with Norwegian Cruise Line can take a while. While many passengers do exit the ship smoothly and even before 8 a.m. with self-disembarkation, there are also reports of others experiencing long waits. Some travelers have reported being stuck in line for up to two hours before finally disembarking.
Norwegian Cruise Line Fleet
Norwegian is a mass market brand that has ships all over the globe. They do have a good mix of small, medium and huge ships that rank amongst the biggest in the whole world. The Norwegian Viva is the sister ship to the Norwegian Prima and the newest ship currently sailing in the fleet. The newest ships even have an area called The Haven, exclusive to the top tier cabins, where you can find private pools, lounge areas, and even restaurants. Now that's living in luxury.
Norwegian Cruise Line barely misses the top three when it comes to the largest cruise lines in the world, staying behind Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, and MSC Cruises. They have 19 ships in total, with the Norwegian Aqua expected to launch in 2025. Only eight of these ships rank among the top 50 largest in the world, meaning that Norwegian also has several small and mid-sized ships, which are great options for visiting Hawaii and Alaska.
The most recent ships, like the Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Prima, are packed with things to do and are somewhat similar to Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, even if they are still smaller. The Norwegian Viva, for example, features a Broadway-style Beetlejuice musical and a go-kart racing track. The Prima also has a go-kart racing track and The Donna Summer Musical. Of course, their ships also have waterslides, multiple pools, a Kids Club, and more.
Their most recent cruise ships are:
- Norwegian Viva, 2023
- Norwegian Prima, 2022
- Norwegian Encore, 2019
- Norwegian Bliss, 2018
- Norwegian Joy, 2017
Setting Sail with Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line Destinations
Norwegian Cruise Line has ships all over the world. While the dates for some specific destinations, like Africa, are limited, they do offer a few cruises sailing from Qatar. They also focus a lot of their ships on the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Europe, Alaska, and Hawaii.
As mentioned in our review section, NCL might be a great option if you want to visit Alaska or Hawaii with your family and children. Notably, Norwegian keeps one of their ships, the Pride of America, in Hawaii year-round.
The main cruise destinations are:
- Caribbean & Bahamas (popular)
- Alaska (popular)
- Europe (popular)
- Hawaii (popular)
- Mexico
- South America
- Asia
- Panama Canal
- Australia & New Zealand
Norwegian Cruise Line Departure Ports
Thankfully, NCL ships sail from most of the top popular ports in North America. They main ports in North America are located in:
- Baltimore
- Boston
- Galveston
- Honolulu
- Los Angeles
- Miami
- New Orleans
- New York City
- Orlando (Port Canaveral)
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- Seattle
- Seward
- Tampa
- Vancouver
In Europe, you can find ships sailing out from Amsterdam, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Istanbul, Oslo, Southampton, Le Havre, Lisbon, Rome, and Piraeus (Athens).
More at Sea
Norwegian Cruise Line often offers a promotion called "More at Sea" that is often included in your cruise at the time of booking. This promotion provides multiple perks for your cruise, such as access to free open bars (essentially a complimentary drinking package for beers, cocktails, etc.), free Wi-Fi minutes, free dining at specialty restaurants, and credit towards shore excursions.
However, there are a few hidden costs with this package. For example, the “free” open bar still requires you to pay a 20% gratuity on the full value of the package. You’ll notice a price listed next to the “open bar” option when booking a trip with Norwegian Cruise Line and selecting the More at Sea package. This perk is worthwhile if you plan to enjoy drinks at sea, but you might want to skip it if you’re not a fan of beers and cocktails.
You’re also subject to a 20% gratuity for access to the free specialty restaurant perk. Note that the specialty dining package is only valid for the first and second guest in the reservation. The package allows for one appetizer, one soup or salad, one main course, and one dessert per person. Additional orders incur extra charges.
The “Free Wi-Fi” isn’t actually free internet that you can use anywhere. You can save up to $200 on an internet package, but anything beyond that amount will require additional payment. Two logins are provided per stateroom, offering basic Wi-Fi that doesn’t support streaming or gaming.
The advantage of the More at Sea promotion is that, more often than not, you can choose what is included in the package. The “Free Wi-Fi” is typically included at no additional cost, as is the $50 credit towards shore excursions. However, the Free Specialty Dining and Free Open Bars often incur additional charges. If these perks don’t appeal to you, you can decline them and still enjoy the Free Wi-Fi and the $50 credit towards shore excursions without paying extra for it.
The Haven
Norwegian offers a luxury, exclusive area called The Haven on most of their ships. Available to guests booking certain suite types, The Haven provides 24-hour concierge service, a personal butler, priority embarkation and disembarkation, priority seating for shows and dining, and much more. Guests also have access to an exclusive restaurant, a lounge, and a sun deck. The Haven suites are a step above traditional suites and rank among the best in the industry.
The main downside to The Haven is the cost. While a regular balcony room might cost $1,500 to $2,000 per person, The Haven can increase that to around $5,000. That’s the price for living in a mansion on the high seas.
Is Norwegian Cruise Line for you?
Norwegian Cruise Line might be good for everybody, honestly. Some cruise lines are essentially jack-of-all-trades, like Royal Caribbean and NCL. This means that kids will have a good time, adults will have a great time, and older guests will also have a lot of fun. However, being a jack-of-all-trades usually means that there isn’t anything specifically tailored to you, which can also be said about Norwegian. They do everything well, but nothing exceptionally so, if that makes sense.
Norwegian is also a great choice for those who want to avoid the stress of planning their next cruise. They offer a wide range of destinations and departure ports, so there's a good chance you won't need to fly to reach the nearest port. They also differ significantly from Royal Caribbean in terms of dress codes, as they embrace the freestyle-cruise experience. This means you can dress however you wish at any time of day, and you can even dine in flip-flops and a casual t-shirt at a specialty restaurant if you choose.
Norwegian also eliminates fixed dining times. You can have dinner whenever and wherever you like, which is similar to Virgin Voyages. While Norwegian adopts the concept of a mega-resort at sea, like Royal Caribbean, they do so in a very casual manner. You can dress however you want and don’t need to worry about strict schedules.
NCL is also great for solo travelers, offering special prices and cabins designated specifically for guests traveling alone.
Norwegian Cruise Line also attracts many luxury-loving guests. Most of their ships feature the exclusive area called The Haven, which includes restaurants, pools, and other amenities reserved solely for guests staying in suites and top-tier staterooms.
Since we are talking about a huge, mass-market cruise company, their ships can get crowded and chaotic from time to time. If you are traveling to enjoy a peaceful moment or be intimate with the love of your life, then you might be better with another cruise line like Virgin Voyages or Princess Cruises.
Norwegian Cruise Line Info & Packing List
The key requirement is your ID. Don’t forget to bring it! For U.S. citizens embarking on a cruise that departs and returns to a U.S. port, you must have a valid passport or an official copy of your birth certificate along with a driver's license or another government-issued photo ID.
Passports should have at least six months of validity remaining. For cruises departing from international ports, a passport is mandatory. It's essential that the name on your reservation matches exactly with what appears on your passport or other official proof of nationality. My recommendation is to always bring your passport to avoid any kind of headaches, and it doesn’t matter the destination.
Gratuities
Norwegian adds a daily service charge ranging from $20 to $25 per person, per day to your final bill, depending on your cabin level. This is in addition to a 20% gratuity added to bars, specialty restaurants, and the spa. These fees and additional charges are certainly one of the biggest drawbacks when it comes to Norwegian Cruise Line, as you will be paying significantly more taxes compared to the competition.
Wi-Fi
Norwegian Cruise Line has two different Wi-Fi packages. The first one is the “Unlimited Wi-Fi Package” that costs $29.99 per day for one device. You can add a second device for an additional $15.99 per day. Packages also available for 4 Devices. Doesn’t allow streaming.
There is also an “Unlimited Premium Wi-Fi Package” that costs $39.99 per day for one device. You can add a second device for an additional $25.99 per day. Packages also available for 4 Devices. This one supports video streaming.
Carry-on Drinks Policy
You can bring bottles of wine or champagne in your carry-on baggage. Norwegian doesn’t specify a limit on the number of bottles you can bring. Norwegian charges a $15 corkage fee for 750 mL bottles and $30 for a 1500 mL bottle. This charge applies even if you decide to drink inside your own stateroom.
Drink Packages
Norwegian Cruise Line offers several different drink packages, which we will explore further in our next guide. The main package costs $109.99 per day, per passenger and includes unlimited beer, cocktails, and wine (priced below $15), a 20% discount on all wine and champagne bottles, and unlimited soda and fresh-pressed juice.
Dress Code
Well, let’s just say that there isn’t a dress code. Wait, this doesn’t mean you don’t have to wear anything ,friend, just that you don’t need to stress about dressing sharp, even at night or inside the most expensive, fancy restaurants. Norwegian Cruise Line lets you dress how you want, whenever you want. However, most people tend to dress up a bit at night, so it's always a good idea to bring a nice dress or that beautiful shirt you like to wear on special occasions.
Norwegian Cruise Line Loyalty Program
Norwegian Cruise Line's loyalty program is called “Latitudes Rewards” and features seven different tiers. You earn points based on the number of nights you cruise, allowing you to move from tier to tier and unlock new perks. You also earn an extra point if you stay in one of the better staterooms.
The seven tiers are:
- Bronze (1 point)
- Silver (20 points)
- Gold (45 points): 50% discount on one bag of laundry.
- Platinum (75 points): Provides priority embarkation and disembarkation, one free specialty restaurant dining experience, one free bag of laundry and more.
- Sapphire (150 points): priority seating for some restaurants and shows.
- Diamond (350 points): free cabin upgrade in some cases.
- Ambassador (700 points): one free 7-Day cruise.
As is often the case with cruise lines, the initial perks aren't particularly exciting. Things start improving at the Platinum tier, with priority embarkation and disembarkation. If you reach the Ambassador level, you receive one free 7-day cruise, which is pretty nice. I wish Norwegian offered additional perks, such as Premium Wi-Fi access, but unfortunately, they do not.
Packing list for Norwegian Cruise Line
Packing for a cruise isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. While you’ll need several swimsuits, don’t forget to pack at least a few nice outfits for romantic evenings, formal events, or special dinners that require you to dress sharp in the evening.
Also, bring essentials like sunscreen from home, as these items are usually much more expensive once you're on board. It’s always wise to come prepared and pack all the essentials instead of buying them at the last minute. Your wallet will thank you later.
Let’s see some of the things that you should bring to your cruise vacation:
Passport: You will need some form of ID to enter the ship. Most companies ask for a birth certificate and any form of ID (like a driver’s license) OR your Passport. It’s easier to just bring your passport, to be honest.
At least 3-4 swimsuits: Since you're going to a cruise (and probably to a private island), swimsuits are essential. Think of it like going to Alaska without a warm coat. For a week-long trip, bring at least three swimsuits so you can change styles daily and have an extra in case one gets lost. They also will not dry hung up overnight, so make sure to bring more than two.
3-4 swim cover-ups: For the ladies, swim cover-ups are incredibly useful inside a cruise ship. They are great for transitioning from the pool to a nearby restaurant and provide warmth against the chilly wind after a swim.
Rash guard: It protects from the sun. It doesn’t let you burn. You do the simple math and quickly realize it’s a very good item to bring to a sunny vacation.
Shorts & t-shirts/skirts & casual dresses: Especially for the guys, shorts and t-shirts are essential. You'll wear them frequently, even pairing khaki shorts with a cozy shirt for lunch. This combo ensures comfort and relaxation during your beach stay.
Flip flops/comfortable sandals: you want to dress casual, especially when near the swimming pools on the top decks.
Nice outfits and jeans: Guys should pack jeans and polo shirts, and girls should bring dresses for the evening. Some restaurants will not allow entry if you're dressed as if you're heading to the beach. Additionally, bring at least two to three elegant outfits, such as trousers paired with a dress shirt and dress shoes, or an elegant dress. This will also give you a great reason to dress up and enjoy the night parties.
Sun hat: you know those big hats that almost make you look like a Samurai? Yeah, you are probably going to need one of those. They look stylish and they really protect from the sun. Remember, at a beach resort, the sun will be like a new member of your party for the duration of your vacation.
Beach bag: remember to pack a beach bag for the swimming pools. They're simple, lightweight, and perfect for carrying everything you need without any hassle. Just pack your essentials inside, and you're good to go!
Sunglasses: they protect your eyes from the sun. You only have two eyes, and you should love them, so keep them safe since you will be under the sun for a long time.
Sunscreen: Don't forget to pack your sunscreen! Bring your favorite one, and consider bringing more than one since you'll be using it a lot. While sunscreen is available inside every cruise, it's much more expensive than what you're used to.
Lip balm: sunscreen and lip balm are a perfect pair. Unfortunately you can’t slather sunscreen on your mouth (or maybe you can, I don't know) so it’s a good idea to pack a Lip balm to protect against cracked lips. They’re not expensive, they are very small and won’t occupy a lot of space, so let’s put them into the essential list.
After-sun lotion: Since you'll be spending days under the sun, it's important to take care of your skin. These lotions are perfect for moisturizing your skin after sun exposure and soothing any redness or inflammation.
Some cash: Remember, you might need some cash now and then. Cash is particularly useful for exploring land activities and excursions, and it's also necessary for tipping staff members at the ports.
Portable charger: this one is optional, but we all know that some of us will spend 25 hours a day on our cellphones, snapping Instagram-worthy pictures in front of the world's most beautiful vistas. Packing a portable charger might be a good idea if you plan to use your cellphone extensively while walking around the ship or during land excursions.
Embarkation & Debarkation Process
Embarkation with Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian strongly recommends completing your online check-in through your ‘My NCL’ account before arriving at the pier. You can check in online starting 21 days before your cruise and must complete it no later than 3 days prior to your sail date. During online check-in, you'll select a check-in time that best fits your schedule and can print luggage tags in advance to streamline your check-in process.
On the day of your cruise, aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before your chosen check-in time. If you're flying to the port, it's a good idea to arrive a day early and stay in a nearby hotel to avoid issues with delayed flights or other potential problems that could affect your vacation.
When you arrive, you'll be directed to the baggage unloading zone where porters will assist with your checked bags. Be sure to have some cash on hand for tipping; guests typically give around $5 per checked bag.
Before check-in, you’ll go through security. Have your confirmation printout, personal identification, and travel documents ready to show. Norwegian will then provide you with your stateroom keycard and help you establish a payment method for your onboard account.
That’s it! You are now ready to embark and enjoy your trip!
Disembarkation with Norwegian Cruise Line
You have two options for handling your luggage on debarkation day:
Self-assist
You carry all your baggage with you during disembarkation and will be among the first to leave the ship.
Self-disembark usually happens around 7:15-7:30am. For the other, standard method, guests usually disembark no later than 10am.
Self-disembarkation with Norwegian Cruise Line can be somewhat unpredictable. Some travelers report successfully disembarking early, around 7:30am, while others have experienced long waits, getting stuck in a huge line for up to two hours and only managing to disembark around 10am.
If you're traveling with a large group or with children, it might be wise to opt for the standard method and exit as late as possible to avoid long waits in line.
Feel Free Disembarkation
This is the standard method for most cruise lines. The night before disembarkation, until 11pm, place your luggage outside your door. Norwegian Cruise Line employees will collect it and transport it to the holding areas for pickup the following morning. Be sure to attach the luggage tags provided by Norwegian, which have assigned zone numbers, so you can easily locate your luggage the next day.
You can obtain your luggage tags at guest services. These tags are based on disembarkation times. For example, an orange tag corresponds to a disembarkation time of 8:15am, while a green tag corresponds to 9:30am.
Afterwards, wait for your color code to be called while you enjoy a quick bite. Head to the disembarkation deck, present your stateroom card, and you’re all set!
Book your dream vacation with Norwegian Cruise Line!
Now that you know a lot about Norwegian Cruise Line… why not learn even more!? Yeah, our guides do not end here. We have guides about almost anything you can think of. How about the room options at Norwegian Cruise Line? Or the list of restaurants you can find there? We have those too. You want to know more about the activities offered? We got you covered. Wait, now you want to know about the specific pH levels of the swimming pools during June on a rainy night? We don't have that guide yet, but don't tempt us!
Feel free to message us anytime for the best deals, additional information about room options, activities, or anything else you need. Norwegian Cruise Line is all about allowing you to enjoy your cruise the way you want, and Famvia is committed to providing a customized, premium experience to meet all your needs.
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