ncl cruise tips

32+ Norwegian Cruise Line Tips: What You Need to Know Before You Sail

Looking for Norwegian cruise line tips? As someone who’s sailed on several NCL cruises and with more booked, I’ve compiled a handy list packed with NCL cruise line tips to help you make the most of your cruise.

For instance, did you know there are no formal nights? Or that you can start checking in at midnight EST 21 days before your cruise? I’ll also explain how you can make dining reservations 120 days in advance and discuss a few upgrades that might bring your cruising experience to the next level. There’s plenty more to cover, so let’s dive in.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we earn a commission at no extra cost. Please refer to our  full disclosure  for details.

Table of Contents

NCL = Freestyle Cruising

Norwegian Cruise Line has led in its Freestyle Cruising concept, letting you decide what to wear, when you want to eat, and what to do on your vacation. Their laid-back approach to cruising is one of many reasons many love to cruise with NCL .

Consider Cruise Ship and Ship Classes

Norwegian has 19 cruise ships in its fleet , divided into 16 ships across six classes and three unique individual ships. While all ships maintain a consistent quality that reflects Norwegian’s brand, each class offers variations in size, amenities, and entertainment options.

For example, ships like the NCL Encore and Prima feature go-karts, whereas the NCL Breakaway has a Rope Course. Entertainment also varies; you might see the Broadway show “Beetlejuice” on the NCL Viva, but another ship might only offer “Wheel of Fortune.” The mid-sized ships in the Gem Class may not have as many family activities, while the larger Breakaway Plus Class ships provide more options for larger groups with children.

NCL Caters to Solo Cruisers

If you’re traveling alone, NCL stands out as one of the few cruise lines that caters to solo cruisers. They offer dedicated solo cabins and exclusive lounges on several of their ships. Additionally, NCL recently introduced special rates for single supplements, a benefit not regularly offered by other cruise lines, which typically charge solo travelers for double occupancy. This makes NCL an attractive option for those cruising solo.

Try to Bid and Upgrade to a Higher Category Cabin or The Haven

About 110 days before your cruise, you’ll receive an email inviting you to participate in Norwegian’s Bid Upgrade program. This offers you the chance to place a bid for a cabin in a higher category than the one you initially booked, including the luxurious Haven Suites.

On our first cruise with NCL, we bid $500 per person for a Haven Penthouse Suite on the Norwegian Getaway and were thrilled to win the bid three weeks before sailing. It turned out to be one of our most memorable cruise experiences. It’s worth giving it a shot to enhance your vacation, but remember to choose a cabin you’d be happy with from the start, as winning a bid isn’t guaranteed.

Consider Adding Priority Access to Your Reservation

Don’t have priority status? Long lines on embarkation day can be a hassle. Norwegian offers a solution with Priority Access, which you can add to your cruise reservation for an additional fee. This service lets you skip the long check-in lines and board the ship early. Other perks include priority tender services, disembarkation, and complimentary standard breakfast room delivery.

We used Priority Access on our last cruise and found it greatly reduced our frustration on embarkation day. While it’s not necessary, we appreciate the added convenience.

Take Advantage of Free-at-Sea Perks

Wondering if you should book with Norwegian’s Free-at-Sea perks? Absolutely—these perks are a huge reason many choose NCL. Even with the extra gratuity charges, most people find the value unbeatable.

Here’s what’s typically included for the first two guests based on a 7-day cruise in a balcony and above:

• Unlimited Open Bar (drinks up to $15)
• 2 Specialty Dining Meals
• 150 Mins of Free Wi-Fi
• $50 off a shore excursion (1st guest only)

We break down the details of NCL’s Free at Sea perks [here] . When selecting your perks, if the gratuities for the Open Bar exceed what you’d typically spend on drinks, you might want to focus on the 2 Specialty Dining meals and free internet instead. The high quality of the meals more than makes up for the gratuity cost, and the provided internet should suffice for checking emails while you’re at sea.

Book Specialty Dining Reservations in Advance (as early as 130 days)

One of my top tips is to book your specialty dining reservations as early as possible. Here’s how early you can book based on your room category:

• The Haven : 130 days before sailing
• Club Balcony : 125 days before sailing
• Balcony and Below : 120 days for sailings of 7 days or more and holiday sailings of 6 days or less; 90 days for non-holiday sailings of 6 days or less.

You can manage your reservations by signing into your NCL account online, using your mobile app, or calling in and speaking to a customer service rep. Remember, only some reservations are released online before embarkation day. If you don’t get a chance to book in advance, you still have the opportunity to make reservations on embarkation day.

Read More: List of all Norwegian’s Specialty Dining Restaurants and Menus

NCL Check-in Starts 21 Days Before Embarkation at 12:01 AM EST

The check-in window for your NCL cruise opens precisely at 12:01 AM EST, 21 days before your embarkation day. If you’re as eager as I am, you’ll want to be ready to check in right when it becomes available. This is one of my must-do tips: I always check in at the stroke of midnight to secure the earliest possible boarding time. Mark it on your calendar and make it a priority. Early check-in allows you to get your cruise documents prepared well in advance, and arriving early at the terminal lets you board the ship sooner, kicking off your vacation the right way.

Daily Service Charges (Gratuities)

When sailing with Norwegian Cruise Lines, gratuities are automatically added to your account. Daily service charges are $20 per passenger per day for standard staterooms, and they increase to $25 per passenger per day for Suites and The Haven staterooms. To avoid any surprises at the end of your cruise, we recommend adding these gratuities to your reservation and paying for them when you book your cruise. This way, you can enjoy your vacation without worrying about the final bill.

Alternative Dining Options on Embarkation and Sea Days

Many passengers head straight to the buffet upon boarding, but NCL offers several other dining venues open on embarkation day and sea days to help distribute the crowd. This ensures the buffet isn’t overwhelmed and provides a pleasant dining experience for everyone. Make sure to check the Freestyle Daily for a list of available dining options and their operating hours.

Dining establishments typically open include:

• O’Sheehans or The Local (almost 24/7)
• Taste or Savor
• American Diner
• Hudson’s (Prima Class Ships)
• Food Hall (Prima Class Ships)

Reservations for Some Popular Production Shows Can Be Made 21 Days in Advance

Depending on the ship, you can make reservations for some of Norwegian’s most popular production shows. You can book these shows 21 days before your cruise starts by logging into your NCL account. Not all showtimes and dates are available for advance booking, so if it’s already booked or the date doesn’t work for you, you’ll have another opportunity to book once you’re on board.

Maybe Upgrade to NCL’s Premium Plus Drink Package– It Has No Limits

Indulging in $30 glasses of Veuve Cliquot at LeBistro, included with the NCL’s Premium Plus Drink Package.

Upgrading to NCL’s Premium Plus Drink Package truly enhances your cruise experience. Based on our own experiences, having upgraded to this package on our recent cruises, we’ve found it worth it. This upgrade allows you to enjoy higher-end liquors, drinks over $15, and bottled and sparkling water. You can also indulge in unlimited Starbucks and specialty coffees.

It’s important to note that even though my husband doesn’t drink alcohol, he consumes a lot of Pelligrino and Starbucks. When I calculate the drinks , the convenience and ability to enjoy our favorite drinks without worrying about the cost makes the upgrade valuable. It’s a personal decision, but for us, it means enjoying our usual comforts without restriction.

NCL Allows You to Bring Bottles of Wine and Champagne Onboard

A lesser-known perk with NCL is that you can bring your own bottles of wine and champagne onboard. Enjoy them at dinner in a restaurant or the comfort of your cabin—there’s no set limit on how many you can bring. The usual $15 corkage fee per bottle is waived if you have a beverage package.

Tip: Don’t forget to pack a wine bottle opener if you plan to enjoy it in your stateroom.

Try Some of NCL’s Top Drinks

If you’ve chosen a drink package, maximize it by sampling some of Norwegian’s signature drinks . Explore their extensive drink menus and discover new cocktails throughout your cruise.

Pack a Reusable Water Bottle

Bottled water isn’t covered under the Free Unlimited Open Bar offer. If you’re not upgrading your beverage package, bringing your favorite reusable water bottle is smart. You can easily refill it at the water stations located in the buffet area, which provides filtered water. This helps you stay hydrated on and off the ship and saves money on purchasing bottled water throughout your trip.

NCL Ships Have a Vibe Beach Club That’s for Adults Only

If you’re seeking a peaceful retreat away from the bustling pool deck and energetic kids, the Vibe Beach Club might be your perfect spot. You can purchase a pass to this adults-only area for an additional fee. Here, you’re guaranteed a lounge chair and dedicated drink service in a quieter, more relaxed setting.

Passes to the Vibe Beach Club are limited—typically, only 80 are available, though the exact number can vary based on the ship and the size of the club. A portion of these passes is sold in advance online and can start at $229 per passenger for the week, so it’s wise to book early if you’re interested.

Stay Informed with the Freestyle Daily Delivered to Your Cabin

You’ll receive the Freestyle Daily in your cabin each day of your cruise. This helpful newsletter provides a rundown of the following day’s activities, shows, dining options, and more, ensuring you never miss out on fun. You can also access the Freestyle Daily through NCL’s mobile app for added convenience.

No Coffee Makers in the Staterooms

Don’t expect a coffee maker in your cabin unless you’re in a suite. You can request a coffee maker from your cabin attendant, but it’s not guaranteed they’ll bring you one.

The Cabin Has a Hair Dryer, but No Iron

Using the cabin hairdryer with my universal hair diffuser for my curly hair.

NCL cabins are equipped with hair dryers, so you can leave yours at home and save some space in your luggage. However, you won’t find an iron in your cabin, and bringing one onboard is not allowed for safety reasons. You can ask your stateroom attendant if they can lend you one for a short period; this service is not guaranteed.

Limited Toiletries in Your Stateroom

In standard NCL staterooms, the provided toiletries are fairly basic, including hand soap, body soap, and a shampoo/conditioner combo. For many cruisers, this may be enough to lighten their packing load. However, if you have specific skin or hair care needs like I do, you might prefer to bring your own favorite products.

Room Service Surcharges

Room service surcharges are increasingly common on mainstream cruise lines, including Norwegian. While the food doesn’t cost extra, there is a delivery fee: $4.95 for breakfast and $9.95 for lunch and dinner. It’s a small price to pay for the convenience of dining in your cabin.

If you’re splurging on a stay in The Haven, you’ll be pleased to know that room service delivery by your butler is included, adding an extra touch of luxury to your experience.

Ways to Book Onboard

Once you’re aboard the ship, you’ll find several convenient ways to book dining, shows, and activities:

• On Embarkation Day : Crew members will be available on Deck 6 to assist you with bookings and changes.
• Norwegian App : Connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi and use the Norwegian app on your phone to book your dining reservations, shows, and more from anywhere on the ship.
• Touchscreen Kiosks : Large touchscreen displays are located near the elevators and stairs of the main public decks and near guest services. Here, you can make bookings with just a few taps.
• Booking Desk : For personalized service, visit the booking desk by guest services on Deck 6, where a crew member can assist you with all your reservation needs.
• Cabin TV : You can also make reservations for shows, tendering, and more from your stateroom television.

Register Your Kids for Splash Academy on the First Day

Make sure to register your kids for Splash Academy right on embarkation day. While you can technically sign up later, securing a spot on a busy cruise brimming with families is much harder. Splash Academy has a capacity limit when it’s open, so registering early ensures your kids won’t miss out on the fun and engaging activities planned for them throughout the voyage.

Buy Cruise Next Deposits Before Disembarkation Day

Before disembarking, consider stopping by the Cruise Next desk to purchase future cruise deposits at a discounted rate. These deposits are a smart investment if you sail with Norwegian again. Depending on the current promotions, you might even be able to use two deposits for one booking. Watch for flash sales—sometimes, Norwegian allows triple Cruise Next deposits for a limited time. The best part? These deposits no longer expire, allowing you to plan and book your next cruise when ready as long as it is booked 120 days before the sailing date.

Own 100 Shares of NCLH Stock and Get Onboard Credit

If you own 100 shares of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings stock (NCLH), you’re eligible for onboard credits ranging from $50 to $250, depending on the length of your cruise:

• $50 OBC for cruises of 6 days or less
• $100 OBC for cruises lasting 7 to 14 days
• $250 OBC for cruises of 15 days or more

To claim this perk, follow the shareholder benefits instructions and submit the required form via email or mail. Once your submission is approved, the onboard credit will be added to your account so you can enjoy it during your cruise.

Fun Fact: I’m currently on a mission to acquire 100 shares of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH). Using Stash , an app that makes investing simple, I plan to gradually invest in NCLH by contributing a small amount every two weeks. It’s a manageable and steady way to reach my 100-share goal. (Disclosure: I am not a financial adviser).

NCL Has a Military Appreciation Program

Norwegian Cruise Line offers a special thank you to US military members and veterans through its Military Appreciation Program. This program includes a 10% discount on cruises along with additional benefits. Once onboard, military members receive a special welcome package that includes a unique challenge coin. To take advantage of these offers, register and verify your military status . This is a wonderful way for NCL to show gratitude to those who have served.

Itineraries Are Subject to Change at Any Time

Remember that itineraries with Norwegian, as with any cruise line, can change at any time, both before and during your cruise. It’s important to be mentally prepared for this possibility. These changes often occur for reasons beyond our control, such as weather conditions.

No Formal Nights on NCL

One night, for dinner on Norwegian Breakaway, I kept it simple in my T-shirt dress . Comfort and ease are a priority when I travel.

What a relief—there are no formal nights on Norwegian Cruise Line! You can dress up or keep it casual throughout your cruise unless you’re dining at a specialty restaurant with a dress code like Cagney’s or LeBistro. While in the past, NCL hosted “Norwegian’s Night Out,” an optional dress-up event on the first sea day of the cruise, now the choice is entirely up to you every night.

Theme Parties on Norwegian Cruise Ships

NCL is known for its theme nights that take place after 10 pm. While they may not inform you of them in advance, you may want to pack a few things to participate, although it’s not required.

• ’70s Dance Party
• Awesome ’80s Party
• ’90s Throwback Party
• Glow Party (White Night)
• Latin Fiesta

You’ll Need to Check Out Pool Towels on NCL

One of the less convenient aspects of cruising with Norwegian is checking out pool towels. Unlike some cruise lines like Celebrity, which provide a clean set of towels in your cabin before port days, NCL requires you to pick up towels at the lido deck. This can be particularly inconvenient when you hurry to head out to port.

Although sometimes towels are available by the gangway, this isn’t always the case. On our last NCL cruise, it was missing. Luckily, I had brought my packable beach towels , which were very handy and took up less space in my beach bag.

Tip: Get clean towels from the pool deck the day before port day. This way, you won’t have to run to grab them the morning of.

No Launderettes on the NCL Ships, Instead Laundry-in-a-Bag Special

Unfortunately, Norwegian ships do not have launderettes with washing machines. However, they offer a laundry-in-the-bag special mid-week during your cruise for $34 (it used to be $29 until recently). You stuff as much laundry as you can in the bag, send it out, and have a nicely folded basket of clothes delivered within a day or two. We always take advantage of this and come home with clean clothes.

• Club Balcony Cabins : Guests in these cabins receive one complimentary laundry bag with their stateroom.
• Gold Latitude Members : Enjoy a 50% discount on one laundry bag.
• Platinum Latitude Members and Above : Benefit from one free laundry bag as part of their tier perks.

Follow the Fish

A quirky yet helpful tip for first-time cruisers on Norwegian Cruise Line ships: keep an eye on the fish patterns in the corridor carpets. These aren’t just playful designs; they serve a navigational purpose. The fish always point and swim toward the front of the ship (FWD). So, if you find yourself walking against the direction the fish are facing, you’re heading toward the back of the ship (AFT). This simple visual cue can be a fun and easy way to orient yourself while exploring the ship.

BEFORE YOU SET SAIL, HERE ARE SOME RELATED ARTICLES YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS:

• Get Ready for Your Cruise With These Tips
• Tips for a Better Cruise Cabin Experience
• Packing for a Cruise: Don’t Forget These Items

Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.

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25 Norwegian Cruise Tips You Need to Know

By: Author Carrie Ann Karstunen

Posted on Published: February 19, 2020  - Last updated: September 7, 2022

Are you planning on taking a cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line? Here are my 25 top Norwegian cruise tips to make the most of your vacation at sea.

Learning the ins and outs of NCL takes a lot of experience and research—but you don’t have to do that. I’ve done the hard work for you!

From how to earn extra on board credit to secrets to find your way around the ship, I have lots of NCL tips for your upcoming Norwegian cruise.

Disclaimer: I may receive a small commission when you make a purchase from a link on this site, at no added charge to you. For more info, please read my  Disclosure Policy .

1. Take advantage of Take Five/Free at Sea promotions

NCL often runs a Free at Sea promotion, sometimes called “Take Five”. Norwegian will offer you up to five free perks, depending on your stateroom category selection. Higher stateroom categories can choose more perks, so suite guests can usually choose all five, and inside cabin passengers can sometimes only pick one.

The most common Free at Sea offerings are:

• Beverage Package / Open bar
• Specialty dining package
• Shore excursions
• Wi-Fi package
• Kids sail free
• Free airfare
• Friends and family sail free

Some Free at Sea perks will apply to only the first two passengers booked in a stateroom, but others can be used by all of your cabin companions.

Want to learn all the ins and outs of this promotion? Norwegian’s Free at Sea: The Ultimate Guide explains everything you need to know to get the most out of NCL’s sale.

Bonus NCL tip: If the next higher stateroom category offers an extra Free at Sea pick, consider upgrading—especially if you’re thinking about paying for that perk anyway. Sometimes you can save money and cruise in an upgraded room!

2. Read the Freestyle Daily every evening

If you’re a seasoned NCL cruiser, you’ll know that the arrival of the Freestyle Daily in your stateroom each evening is a highly-anticipated event!

But if you’re new to Norwegian or new to cruising in general, you may be wondering what is the Freestyle Daily , and why is it so important?

The Daily is a newsletter that shares tons of important information for the next day. It gives a detailed list of all the day’s activities, along with a weather report, scheduled arrival and departure times on port days, and notifications of any changes to the itinerary. It also specifies the opening and closing times for restaurants, bars, and shops.

Why is reading the Daily so important?

Reading the Freestyle Daily thoroughly is important to keep you in the know—things can change on a cruise!

On a recent Bahamas cruise, the Daily mentioned that tender tickets for our stop at Great Stirrup Cay would be available the evening before, as well as in the morning, on a first-come-first-served basis.

Many other passengers didn’t read this and weren’t able to make it into a tender boat until late in the afternoon, after Open Call. Their plan for a day-long trip to the private island was reduced to only a couple of hours, all because they didn’t read the Daily.

You’ve probably seen news articles (or YouTube videos) about passengers who get left behind in port. A common reason why this happens? Cruisers didn’t know what time all-aboard was. The Daily always lists the all-aboard time for the next day’s port.

Or, the departure time changed, and the cruisers missed the announcement in the newsletter.

Definitely set aside a few minutes each evening to read the Freestyle Daily. Any really important announcements and changes will be on the front page, so read at least that to avoid missing important information for the next day.

Bonus NCL tip: Pack a couple of highlighters to mark the activities you’re interested in on the Freestyle Daily. I highlight all of my “maybes” in yellow and then update my “definites” with a brighter color.

3. Try The Haven if you want to splurge

Norwegian isn’t known for being the fanciest cruise line around. With their low-priced cruises and plenty of free perks, a Norwegian cruise can be very budget-friendly.

So, what if you’re used to a more elevated experience, but you have your heart set on one of NCL’s itineraries? If you’re accustomed to luxury (or you just want to upgrade your experience), you can have it all in The Haven .

What is Norwegian’s The Haven?

The Haven is an exclusive section located at the top of many NCL ships. With a private dining room, private lounge, and an exclusive courtyard and sundeck for Haven passengers, this is the ultimate VIP experience on a Norwegian cruise.

In addition to priority embarkation and disembarkation, guests receive 24-hour butler service, an exclusive concierge, and priority reservations.

How do you get access to The Haven on NCL?

In order to access The Haven, you need to book one of the Haven Staterooms. These luxurious accommodations range in size from the 2378 square foot Spa Suites for two, to the enormous 6694 square foot Three-Bedroom Garden Villa that can sleep up to eight people.

4. Know what’s included in the open bar drink package

The most popular Free at Sea perk among NCL passengers is the open bar package. But it’s not completely all-inclusive! Make sure you know which drinks are and aren’t included before you accidentally run up an expensive bar tab.

Norwegian’s open bar (also known as the Premium Beverage Package ) is priced high ($99 a day plus gratuities) compared to other cruise lines. Even with this high fee, there are some drinks that you’ll be charged for when you have the package.

What’s included? Soft drinks, spirits, cocktails, wine (by the glass), and bottled or draft beer up to and including $15 are free with the package.

What’s not included in Norwegian’s Open Bar:

• Beverages with a menu price over $15
• Specialty coffee and tea drinks
• Bottled water
• Fresh-squeezed juices
• Mini-bar beverages in your stateroom
• Drinks from room service
• Bottles of wine (you’ll get a 20% discount)
• Beer buckets
• Energy drinks
• Drinks from vending machines

If you don’t think the drink package is worth it for you, you can still save money by ordering the Drink of the Day . Just check the Freestyle Daily (or ask at the bar) for each day’s discounted drink.

Bonus NCL tip : If you chose Free Open Bar as a Free at Sea perk, NCL will let you upgrade to their Premium Plus Beverage Package for an additional fee. This package lifts many of the restrictions of the Premium Beverage Package.

5. Download the Cruise Norwegian app before you board

Before you head to the ship, be sure to download the free Cruise Norwegian app. Once you’re out at sea, you’ll only be able to download it if you use expensive internet minutes. Even if you don’t have an internet package, you’ll be able to use the app on board for free.

What can you use the Cruise Norwegian app for?

• See the daily schedule of what’s happening on the ship
• Book shore excursions
• Make dining reservations
• Review your on board account
• Keep in touch with other guests on board (for $9.95 per person for the entire cruise)

Bonus NCL tip: Messaging and calling work best when the app is open and your device is unlocked. That can use up battery power fast! Pack a small portable charger to make sure your phone or tablet stays charged.

How to keep in touch with your cruise mates with the app

For a small one-time fee, you can also use the Cruise Norwegian app to message or even call your friends and family on board. You don’t need to purchase internet minutes to use this messaging service, but everyone you’d like to stay in touch with needs to buy the service to use it.

You may also like: How to Text on a Cruise Ship for Free

6. Make the most of NCL’s loyalty program

Like many cruise lines, NCL has a loyalty program, Latitude Rewards , that provides perks for returning cruisers to keep them coming back. You’ll be enrolled in the program automatically after your very first NCL cruise.

What do you get with Latitude Rewards?

Latitude Rewards has six tiers of membership, with more perks available as you progress through the program. Passengers earn points for each cruise night, with double points for a stay in a Concierge-level stateroom, full suite, or The Haven.

Bronze level (1 – 29 points)

• 10% discount in duty-free shops on board
• Free additional minutes with purchase of internet package
• Free artwork for attending art auction
• Access to the onboard Latitudes Rewards representative
• Monthly Latitudes Rewards Insider offers 
• Offers from Caesars Entertainment for casino patrons
• Latitudes Rewards online newsletter

Silver level (30-54 points)

• Invite to an exclusive cocktail party
• 15% discount in duty-free shops on board
• 10% discount on NCL shore excursions
• 20% discount on photos
• 15% discount on spa Signature Treatments on board while the ship is in port

Gold level (55-79 points)

• 25% discount on photos
• 20% discount on spa Signature Treatments on board while the ship is in port
• One free carton of water per member
• 50% off 1 bag of laundry per member
• Priority tender tickets (for tender ports)
• Priority disembarkation (for U.S. Citizens—benefit varies for international guests)

Platinum level (80-174 points)

• 30% discount on photos
• 25% discount on spa Signature Treatments on board while the ship is in port
• One free bag of laundry per member
• Priority embarkation
• Dinner for two at Cagney’s or Le Bistro with a bottle of wine (per stateroom)
• Dinner for two at Moderno or La Cucina (per stateroom)
• 30 free internet minutes (no purchase required)
• Free chocolate-covered strawberries
• Free behind-the-scenes ship tour
• Concierge service to assist with specialty restaurant, entertainment, and shore excursion reservations

Platinum Plus level (175-699 points)

• 15% discount on shore excursions
• Two free cartons of water per member
• Dinner with ship’s officers
• Priority restaurant and entertainment seating (subject to availability)

Ambassador level (700+ points)

• Complimentary seven-day cruise (one-time benefit)

7. Get free onboard credit with CruiseNext

Already dreaming of your next cruise? Make sure that you make a CruiseNext deposit while you’re on board, and get on board credit that you can use right away! You can earn up to $500 in onboard credit, and you don’t need to pick your next cruise right away.

How does NCL CruiseNext work?

CruiseNext deposits cost $250 each for inside through mini-suite stateroom categories. Deposits are $500 each for Concierge, suites, and The Haven.

You can purchase up to four deposits per passenger. That doesn’t necessarily mean you’re committing to four cruises, though! Norwegian often runs promotions that allow you to double up your cruise deposits on a single cruise.

Once you make your deposits, you’ll get onboard credit that you can use right away on your cruise. One deposit will net you $100 credit, two will get you $250, and three will get you $275. The program maxes out at $500 of OBC when you purchase four deposits.

(Passengers on Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun are eligible for the CruiseNext Lite program, with $100 deposits and smaller onboard credit amounts.)

CruiseNext deposits can be used within four years of purchase. This program is only available to passengers while aboard a Norwegian cruise. You’ll be able to find the CruiseNext team in the Atrium of the ship.

Bonus Tip: If you’re an NCL stockholder, you might be eligible for even more free OBC on every cruise! Find out more in my post How to Get Onboard Credit for Owning Norwegian Cruise Line Stock .

8. Be ready for the washy-washy crew!

Now that cruising is back, most cruise lines remind you to wash your hands or apply hand sanitizer before entering any of the dining venues.

Norwegian takes it a step further with their “washy-washy” crew! These jovial crew members stand in the entrance to each restaurant with spray bottles of hand sanitizer. They’ll remind you that you need to sanitize by singing “Washy-washy, happy happy!” at each guest, and then spraying your hands. Don’t try to ignore them, they’ll track you down!

Before my first NCL cruise (well before the pandemic), I had heard about the washy-washy people, and I frankly thought the idea sounded terrible. But they’re actually quite entertaining (especially when they follow oblivious passengers and make sure that their hands are sanitized!).

Plus, it’s reassuring to know that all of your fellow diners, especially at the buffet, have germ-free hands.

Read more: How to Avoid Getting Sick on a Cruise

9. How to find your way around a Norwegian ship

Modern cruise ships are huge, and it used to take me a week to learn my way around a new ship. On a seven-day cruise, the trip would be over before I felt confident that I knew how to get from point A to point B without getting lost!

Over the years, I’ve learned some useful ways to get to know the layout of a ship so I can spend less time getting lost and more time having fun.

Before you get on board, download one of NCL’s handy Ship Guides and save it to your phone or tablet. You’ll often get a paper map when you’re issued your cruise card, but this is easier to read, and you’ll always have it on you.

If you’re directionally challenged (like me), memorize whether your fave spots are forward or aft on the ship. Without having to look at a map, you can just peek out a window. The water will tell you if you’re going in the right direction! The ship will always be moving forward, so if you’re moving in the opposite direction as the ship, you’re heading aft.

Not quite sure where you are on the ship in relation to where you want to go? Head for an elevator bank. There’s often a map of the entire ship located on the wall near the elevators with a helpful “you are here” dot so you can orient yourself.

Bonus NCL tip: On some Norwegian ships, the carpets in the hallways feature a swimming fish pattern. Follow the fish—they’re always swimming towards the forward part of the ship!

10. Learn how to make Freestyle Dining work for you

In the early 2000s, Norwegian pioneered the idea of dining on your own schedule, with only the people you want to have dinner with. Before this innovative idea took hold, you’d have a set dinner time, with the same group of people each night. Although this can be a great way to get to know new friends, not everyone wants to eat at the same time each night (or force conversation with strangers).

Enter NCL’s Freestyle Dining . You can eat where you want, when you want. If you and your partner are cruising by yourselves, you can have an intimate dinner for two without having to worry about making small talk.

Traveling with a group of friends or family? You can choose which nights you want to eat together, and when it makes more sense to split up.

The drawback? Most people tend to want to have dinner at around the same time. The main dining rooms have a limited capacity, so there can be a wait at peak times.

How can you avoid a long wait time for dinner on Norwegian ships?

Each group of passengers is different, so I won’t give you a specific time to avoid. But in general, older people and families with young kids tend to eat earlier.

If your cruise seems to be heavily populated with these demographics, planning for a later dining time usually results in a shorter wait for a table in the main dining rooms—or no wait at all.

If you want a better idea of how much demand there is for a table in any dining room, on some ships, digital screens near the restaurants show approximate wait times along with the evening’s menu.

Can you make reservations for the main dining rooms on Norwegian?

Yes, you can absolutely make reservations for the main dining room! If you have a large party or you need a specific dining time because of a planned activity, this is a great idea.

You can make reservations on the NCL website before your cruise, but I usually just make my reservations on board when I have a better idea of which activities we’ll be doing. You can also book right at the restaurant’s host stand.

The Cruise Norwegian app also (theoretically) lets you make reservations, but this feature wasn’t available on my most recent NCL cruise.

Bonus NCL tip: if you show up to a dining room and there’s a long wait for a table, often the host will give you a pager and a drink coupon for a glass of sparkling wine while you wait!

11. Don’t try to take (most) drinks on board

Norwegian is very strict when it comes to passengers carrying on their own beverages. In fact, you can’t take any drinks on board an NCL ship, with the exception of bottles of wine and champagne.

Each bottle is subject to a $15 corkage fee for a 750 ml bottle, and $30 for a 1500 ml bottle. Norwegian will charge you this fee regardless of where you consume the wine, even in your own stateroom!

NCL doesn’t allow any bottled water or soda to be brought aboard, with the exception of sealed, purified/distilled water for baby formula or medical devices.

Make sure you take a packable, reusable water bottle if you plan on drinking tap water (it’s perfectly safe to consume). Or, you can order cartons of Just Water before your cruise. The spring water in recyclable, plant-based cartons will be delivered right to your stateroom.

Read more: What Beverages Can I Bring On My Cruise?

12. Try O’Sheehan’s for casual dining round-the-clock

On most cruise lines these days, you’re not able to get much (if any) food in the wee hours of the morning. Not so on Norwegian!

Not only is O’Sheehan’s open 24/7, but they have some seriously good pub food (the wings are to die for!)

If you’re a night owl, this complimentary dining venue is the place to go after an evening in the nightclub, casino, or after a show.

O’Sheehan’s is a table-service restaurant that feels like an Irish-themed sports bar. Seating options include high-top bar tables and limited bar seats as well as booths and tables away from the bar area.

Menu options include pub-style snacks like chicken wings and nachos, along with burgers, soup, salad, and traditional Irish favorites like Shepherd’s Pie and Bangers and Mash.

Many Norwegian ships feature O’Sheehan’s, but don’t despair if your ship doesn’t! Most NCL ships offer a late-night dining option. Blue Lagoon , The Local , Sports Bar, and Cadillac Diner are also all open late.

Norwegian often claims that these venues are open 24/7 but in my experience, that’s not always true. Check the Freestyle Daily for hours.

Bonus NCL tip: Try O’Sheehan’s in the morning if you want a quick breakfast without battling the crowds at the buffet. They have a breakfast menu with both hot and cold options.

13. How to do laundry on NCL

NCL ships don’t have self-service laundry and ironing rooms for guests, but all Norwegian ships offer laundry service for a fee.

If you choose to send your laundry to be cleaned, remember that they use industrial washers and dryers so it’s not suitable for delicate clothes that could shrink or otherwise be damaged by heat.

Save money on NCL’s laundry service

Keep an eye on your Freestyle Daily for a flyer offering discounted laundry or pressing services. On a recent Norwegian cruise, there was a flyer for 50% off pressing in the first day’s Daily, and a flyer for a bag of laundry washed, dried, and pressed for $19.95.

The discount flyers will note exactly when you need to have your laundry ready and what day it will be returned. Read this carefully, because the discount is only available for the time period it specifies.

Order an iron and ironing board

You can ask your room steward or call housekeeping to deliver an iron and board to your room. They’ll drop them off and pick them back up after about an hour.

Learn more: How to Prevent Wrinkled Clothes on a Cruise

14. Save money with a specialty dining package

If you didn’t choose a specialty dining package as part of a Free at Sea promotion, you can still purchase a discounted package. If you plan on eating at least a few dinners at specialty restaurants, it really pays off to bundle it into a package.

NCL’s specialty restaurant menu items are priced à la carte, and without a package you’ll have to pay for each item individually.

Prices vary by restaurant, but as an example, Le Bistro ‘s main courses are priced in the $20-40 range, starters are about $8-14, and desserts are $5-14. With a dining package, your entire meal is covered in the price.

You can purchase 3- to 14-day specialty dining packages online (call NCL for packages over 14 days), and your cost per meal decreases the more days you purchase.

For example, a three-day package will cost $33 per meal, but a 14-day will cost just $15.65 per meal.

Bonus NCL tip: Dining reservations open 90-120 days before sailing depending on the cruise. Book your specialty dining reservations at least a few weeks (if not earlier) before your cruise to make sure you can choose the restaurants and dining times that work for you.

15. How to make sure you get a (good) seat for shows

NCL offers a variety of evening entertainment shows, including comedy, magic, and Broadway-style productions. Most are free and offer first-come, first-served seating. If you want your pick of seats, show up 15-30 minutes prior to the show (the earlier the better). The popular shows can fill up fast!

One caveat: if you would rather your fellow passengers not be angry with you, don’t send one member of your party to reserve a block of seats. This is a huge breach of cruise etiquette! If you want seats together, your entire party needs to show up early and sit in them.

If you’d like to see a show that requires tickets, such as one of the Illusorium dinner shows, some can be booked online before your cruise, and some need to be booked on board. Check the entertainment section of your online cruise planner for specifics.

For shows that require tickets, you can often book premium seating for an additional charge.

16. Head to the rides during off-peak hours

Are you booked on one of the newer Norwegian cruise ships? From go-karts to waterslides to 3D simulation rides, NCL’s megaships have lots of activities for all ages. But the larger ships also have more passengers lining up for the best attractions!

How can you enjoy these experiences without wasting your precious vacation time standing in long lines? Plan to visit during off-peak hours, when most of the other passengers are off doing something else.

• Eat dinner late, and ride during the typical dinner hours. You’ll beat the crowds for your favorite rides and the dinner rush.
• Are you stopping in a port that you don’t care to visit? Stay on board and you’ll have the ship (and the rides) to yourself.

Bonus NCL tip: You can make reservations for some rides, like the go-karts on Norwegian Joy, Bliss , and Encore . Make sure to reserve early (via your stateroom TV), because spots can fill up quickly.

17. Take advantage of the kids club

If you’re cruising with your kids or grandkids under age 18, one of the first things you’ll want to do on embarkation day is to sign them up for the kids club.

NCL’s youth programs offer tons of supervised activities by age group, and the drop-off programs are free during the day for ages 3-17.

Guppies Program for babies and toddlers

If you have a baby or toddler from six months old through two years, Norwegian’s Guppies Program offers open play as well as hosted activities. It’s not a drop-off program on most ships (only the Norwegian Escape has a drop-off Guppies Nursery , available for an added charge) so a parent will need to stay with their child.

With the exception of Guppies Nursery, this is a free activity and you won’t need to register your baby or toddler for the program. Check the Freestyle Daily for locations and times.

Splash Academy (age 3-12) and Entourage (age 13-17)

Splash Academy offers supervised activities by age group, while Entourage has a mix of organized events and hangouts. Both programs are free during the day, but a small meal fee applies on port days if you’re not planning on picking up your child for meals.

Late Night Fun Zone

For a small added charge, the Late Night Fun Zone crew will supervise your kids aged 3-12 in the evening. Perfect if you’re planning to hit the casino or nightclub, or just relax in a lounge! It’s open from 10:30 PM until 1:30 AM, but make sure to register the kids early—staff tends to shut down early if no kids are registered.

Bonus NCL tip: If your teen would never want to participate in a kids club, encourage them to at least show up on the first day. It’s the best way to meet other kids their age to hang out with early in the cruise, even if they never plan on doing any of the organized activities.

You may also like: Cruising with Kids: 19 Essential Tips

18. Book your spa treatments on the right days to save money

Spa treatments on cruise ships can be pricey, but there’s a way to get a discount on NCL’s spa services. The spa staff wants to fill all of their open time slots, but most people book massages and facials on sea days.

The spa will usually offer a discount to encourage passengers to book during off-peak hours, usually embarkation day and days when the ship is in port. Watch the Freestyle Daily for discounts and free add-on services when you book.

Some services can also be booked at a discount when you purchase a package or series of treatments.

Bonus NCL tip: Visit the spa on embarkation day for tours, extra discounts, and to enter the raffle for a chance to win free services.

19. Limit your kids’ spending

If you’re worried that your kids will decide to go on a shopping spree or go nuts at the arcade, you can set a spending limit on their cruise cards. The best way to do this is by setting up a cash account for them at Guest Services.

With a cash limit on their cruise cards, your kids can still have the freedom of buying occasional treats and souvenirs without racking up a huge bill. Plus, it can help them learn how to budget their spending money over the entire cruise.

20. Bring a white outfit for the theme party

Most NCL cruises have a theme party one night where most guests wear a white outfit. The party goes by various names; I’ve seen it called the White Hot Party , Glow (you’re encouraged to add neon accents), or Caliente , but they’re all essentially the same event.

Usually, there’s a family party for all ages so the kids can be involved as well, but it often starts pretty late. On a recent NCL sailing, the Family Glow Party began at 9 PM. The main party started later on the pool deck and then moved to the nightclub.

Bonus NCL tip: If you show up to the Glow Party early, the crew usually hands out glow sticks and accessories—but they go fast! Or, just pack your own to add to the fun.

21. Be careful when bidding on cabin upgrades

After you make your final payment for your cruise, you might get an email asking if you want to bid on a stateroom upgrade. NCL’s Upgrade Advantage Program will allow you to switch to a higher-category stateroom if you’re the winning bidder.

Sometimes you can get a bargain on a better room, but other times it may not be worth it. If you win, you’ll be switched to a guarantee stateroom , so you won’t be able to choose your room location. Your perfectly-located inside stateroom might be exchanged for an obstructed oceanview right near the nightclub!

If you bid too high, you could end up paying even more than if you had just booked the higher-category room in the first place. You also won’t receive any additional Free at Sea perks that you’d normally receive with the new cabin category.

My tip? Only bid an amount you’re comfortably willing to spend for any stateroom in the upgrade category. If you wouldn’t be happy with the worst room in the category, don’t bid at all.

22. How to get cash during your NCL cruise without paying high fees

If you need a small amount of cash during your Norwegian cruise, there are always ATMs available on the ship, as well as in port. But those ATMs charge high fees, and most banks will hit you with another fee for using another bank’s machine. It can get pricey fast, especially if you just need a small amount of cash for tips, food, or souvenirs in port.

What do you do if you forgot to take enough cash on the cruise? Hit the casino! You can transfer money on any slot machine from your linked credit card to your casino account. Cash out your balance to a paper ticket, then cash the ticket at the casino cashier’s desk.

As of 2022, NCL charges 3% on money that you transfer from your cruise card. Depending on your bank, this trick could cut your ATM fees in half if you just need to take out a small amount.

23. Don’t wait until the day of your cruise to print your cruise documents

Even if you check in online for your cruise super early with NCL, you won’t be able to print your cruise documents until about five days before your cruise. At that time, you’ll need to print several documents for your cruising party, as well as a paper bag tag for each piece of luggage that you plan to check at the port.

If you’re traveling before your cruise, you might not have easy access to a printer during those last few days. If you’re able to find a spot to print them out, it will make your check-in process at the port faster and easier.

Be aware that Norwegian is required to close out the ship’s manifest before the cruise, so you won’t be able to access online check-in (or your documents!) at any time on embarkation day.

What if you aren’t able to print your documents before your NCL cruise?

If you can’t print your documents before your cruise, make sure you know your stateroom number. You won’t be able to find it on NCL’s website on the day of sailing, so make a note of it as soon as your room number is available.

Security at the port will be able to look up your reservation on their manifest with your ID, and the porters will have spare bag tags where you can write your cabin number and last name.

24. Pick a cruise that stops at Great Stirrup Cay

If you’re looking for the ultimate beach day, book a cruise that includes a stop at Great Stirrup Cay . Norwegian’s 268-acre private island is located in the Berry Islands of the Bahamas.

What is there to do at Great Stirrup Cay?

In addition to its white sandy beach, Great Stirrup Cay has tons of watersports and activities for cruisers to enjoy (at an additional cost). You can rent a wave runner, try stand-up paddleboarding, parasail across the sky, or rent a float to just relax on the waves.

Shore excursions are available, including snorkeling at coral reefs or an underwater sculpture garden. You can also take a boat ride to nearby Treasure Island to visit their own group of swimming pigs.

If you want to stay out of the sun, cabanas and villas are available to rent, as well as beach clamshells.

Bonus NCL tip: Pick up your tender tickets the day before you visit Great Stirrup Cay to make sure you can get an early tender time. All of the restaurants and bars close in the early afternoon, and you won’t want to miss out.

Food and drinks at Great Stirrup Cay

There are several restaurants and bars available to passengers on the island, and yes, your drink package is accepted at Great Stirrup Cay !

Most dining venues on the island are complimentary, including the newly updated beach buffet, Jumbey Beach Grill , and Abaco Taco . There are three bars, including a Bacardi bar and a Patrón bar.

Read more: Ultimate Guide to Great Stirrup Cay

25. Avoid sitting near the buffet

To be honest, the buffets on NCL aren’t known for having amazing food. I try to avoid their buffet as much as possible, and I love buffets! There’s always at least one main dining room open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner—and the food is significantly better.

But if you’re in a hurry and need food fast, or just want a quick snack, the buffet can be an option in a pinch. Beware though, it will be very crowded! Whatever you do, don’t try to find a table near the buffet itself. The area in front of the buffet station is where most people choose to sit, and finding a table can be incredibly frustrating.

Instead, head to one of the far ends of the buffet seating area, and you’ll often find plenty of free tables. As a bonus, it’s usually a bit quieter as well. Or take your plates to another area of the ship, even back to your room! There are no rules about where you need to sit to eat your meal.

Have you cruised on NCL? What are your favorite Norwegian cruise tips? I’d love to hear from you in the comments!

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Saturday 4th of June 2022

Be careful using the onboard internet. You will have a wifi CONNECTION all the time, but you must log on to start using it and LOG OUT as soon as you have finished. If you fail to do this your internet minutes will be slipping away. They log you out after 35mins of inactivity - but that can be a lot of your package.

Monday 6th of June 2022

Hi Denis, this is an excellent tip for most cruise lines when you buy a limited WiFi package, so thanks for sharing! I had a similar situation occur recently on a Princess cruise. I have free WiFi minutes because of my loyalty status, and I forgot to log out, so my precious credits were eaten up in no time! I went to the internet cafe to plead my case and was granted a credit for my stupidity. I'd hope that NCL would do the same, but I've never personally encountered that situation on a Norwegian ship. I'd love to know if you also asked about it and what the staff said.

The ultimate guide to Norwegian Cruise Line ships and itineraries

Looking for a cruise where you can do what you want, whenever you want, without a lot of structure and rules? Norwegian Cruise Line could be your brand.

The Miami-based cruise line pioneered the idea of "freestyle cruising" — cruising without rigid dining schedules, dress codes and formal nights — and it's still the go-to line for vacationers who want a floating resort experience with a casual, laissez-faire vibe.

Instead of a few big main restaurants with fixed seating times, Norwegian ships offer a wide range of eateries and no assigned seating times — just make a reservation. When it's time for dinner, if you want to dress up, fine. There's no rule saying you must, though.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Norwegian vessels also offer lots of options for daytime fun but are particularly well known for evening entertainment. You'll find everything from music halls with Beatles cover bands and dueling piano bars to theaters with some of the most elaborate shows at sea — including some big-name Broadway productions.

Norwegian ships are also loaded with bars, lounges and nightclubs, including always-busy casinos. Put it all together, and you have vessels with a very lively atmosphere — particularly at night. If you had to compare Norwegian ships to something on land, you'd probably say they were like floating versions of the casino resorts you find in Las Vegas.

Just to be clear, Norwegian is a big-ship line . Its largest vessels are among the biggest cruise ships at sea (they must be, to accommodate everything mentioned above). If you want an intimate cruise experience, Norwegian probably isn't a good choice.

That said, the line does offer some smaller ships that aren't quite as big and bustling as its giants.

Norwegian is also a mass-market brand, not a luxury cruise operator. Still, as we'll explain below, it offers a wide range of accommodations, some of which fall squarely in the luxury segment. In some cases, its ships have an exclusive area full of high-end cabins and suites called The Haven that comes with its own private pools, lounge areas and even restaurants.

In short, if you want to turn a Norwegian cruise into a luxury experience , you can do that, too. Norwegian really is the line where you make the trip what you want it to be.

Related: Which cruise brand is right for you?

3 things TPG loves about Norwegian Cruise Line

• The do-what-you-want freestyle vibe
• The wide range of restaurants, bars and nightspots
• The stellar entertainment

What we could do without

• The sky-high extra charges

The Norwegian Cruise Line fleet

Norwegian is the world's fourth-largest cruise line by passenger capacity, with 19 ships that together offer 56,780 berths.

Smaller only than Royal Caribbean , Carnival Cruise Line and MSC Cruises , the brand has become increasingly known for having some of the biggest, most amenity-filled vessels at sea. The line doesn't just operate giant ships, though. More than half of its fleet is comprised of vessels that, by today's standards, are considered almost midsize.

Indeed, Norwegian is essentially two cruise lines in one. The line's nine newest ships are big, bustling floating megaresorts that can carry upwards of 3,000 to 4,000 passengers at double occupancy (and even more with every berth filled). At around 143,000 to nearly 170,000 tons, all eight currently rank among the 50 biggest cruise ships in the world (although their rankings will shift downward as more big ships debut).

Related: How to book a cruise with points and miles

However, Norwegian's 10 older ships are much more modest in size, measuring around 75,000 to 94,000 tons and carrying closer to 2,000 passengers at double occupancy.

Norwegian thus appeals both to cruisers who like a giant resort vibe and those who prefer something more modest. The key, depending on your tastes, is getting on the right ship in the fleet.

On the big-ship end of the spectrum, Norwegian's four relatively new Breakaway Plus-class vessels — Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Escape — are the line's premier offerings. While not quite as big as Royal Caribbean's giant, Oasis-class ships , they are firmly in the pantheon of the world's cruising giants. They are the Norwegian vessels most packed with restaurants, bars, entertainment and over-the-top attractions.

Unveiled in 2019, Norwegian Encore is, notably, the 23rd biggest cruise ship in the world as of this story's publishing (it will drop in the rankings over the coming years as additional megaships debut). At 169,116 tons, it's bigger than all but three Carnival ships. Only Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises have significantly more bigger vessels.

One step down in size from the Breakaway Plus ships are the still-quite-large Breakaway-class ships — Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway — as well as the one-of-a-kind Norwegian Epic and the recently unveiled Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva .

Around 17% smaller than Norwegian's biggest vessels, Prima and Viva are the first tow of six sister ships that the line will roll out between now and 2027 that will significantly change the composition of its fleet. While not the biggest vessels in the Norwegian fleet, these ships will be notably packed with restaurants, bars, entertainment venues and decktop attractions. They also mark a more upscale turn for the line, with more space per passenger than earlier Norwegian ships and lots of suites.

Related: I've been on nearly every Norwegian ship. Here are my first impressions of Norwegian Prima

Norwegian's 10 smaller vessels break down among five classes, but many are roughly the same size and offer similar amenities.

One notable outlier among the smaller ships is the 2,186-passenger Pride of America. Sporting a patriotic U.S. theme (you'll find venues named after Thomas Jefferson and John Adams), and a distinct array of lounges and entertainment, it's the only big cruise vessel based year-round in Hawaii.

Pride of America notably operates with a mostly U.S. crew, in keeping with regulations governing cruise itineraries that only include U.S. ports.

Related: Our take on the new Norwegian Encore

Destinations and itineraries

Norwegian sails almost everywhere in the world, but its heaviest presence is in the Caribbean, Europe and Alaska.

In a typical summer, the line will deploy nearly half its ships to Europe while sending several more to the West Coast to sail to Alaska from Seattle; Vancouver, British Columbia; and Seward, Alaska. It'll also operate trips to Bermuda from New York City and Boston, usually with two ships, and trips to the Bahamas and the Caribbean out of Miami.

During the winter, the line will move many of its vessels to North America to operate sailings to the Caribbean and Bahamas. It also sends a few ships to Asia, Australia and South America, and it'll typically keep a single vessel in Europe, too.

As mentioned above, the line also operates one ship (Pride of America) in Hawaii year-round. It's the only cruise line to offer year-round voyages in Hawaii.

In North America, Norwegian ships sail out of Baltimore; Boston; Galveston, Texas; New York City; Miami; Tampa; San Juan, Puerto Rico; New Orleans; San Diego; Los Angeles; San Francisco; Seattle; Honolulu; Vancouver, British Columbia; Quebec City; and Seward, Alaska.

In Europe, Norwegian ships sail out of Amsterdam; Stockholm; Copenhagen; Oslo and Tromso, Norway; Southampton and Portsmouth, England; Le Havre, France; Reykjavik; Lisbon, Portugal; Barcelona; Civitavecchia (the port for Rome) and Trieste, Italy (near Venice); Piraeus, Greece (the port for Athens); and Istanbul.

Related: The best Caribbean cruise for every type of traveler

Who sails Norwegian Cruise Line?

Norwegian appeals to vacationers who want a big-resort experience at sea with lots of options for dining and entertainment. In that, it's similar to Royal Caribbean — perhaps its closest competitor.

However, unlike Royal Caribbean, Norwegian hasn't retained any of the trappings of old-style cruising. There are no formal nights, as you'll still find on Royal Caribbean ships, or dress codes. Norwegian has also thoroughly done away with the concept of big main restaurants with fixed seating.

Because of that, Norwegian is popular with people who are seeking flexibility — freedom to eat when they want, with whom they want and to dress however they want, for sure, but also more freedom in general to just set their own schedule day and night.

Norwegian cruises are very unstructured vacations, and that's by design.

Like Royal Caribbean ships, Norwegian vessels have an inordinate amount of teen- and tween-friendly attractions — everything from some of the largest waterslides at sea to the only go-kart tracks on the ocean . That makes them particularly appealing to families, including multigenerational groups. Families are a big part of Norwegian's business.

It's not just families that flock to Norwegian, though. The line's ships are designed to offer a little something for everyone, and thus they appeal to a wide demographic, including couples of all ages and even solo travelers (the line has been a leader in adding solo cabins to ships in recent years). They also draw customers with a wide range of incomes.

At their core, Norwegian ships are mass-market ships, with entry-level cabins that are affordable to middle-class travelers. However, overlaid across most vessels are high-end suites and services that are at a luxury level, and the line draws a good number of luxury-seeking travelers.

The exclusive, keycard-accessed suite complex called The Haven (found on 13 of Norwegian's 19 ships) comes with private lounges, pools and other tony features. It's essentially a small, luxury vessel that has been planted atop otherwise middle-class, mass-market megaships. These complexes appeal to well-heeled travelers who want a luxury cruising experience while also getting all the fun attractions, entertainment and dining venues only a mass-market megaship can offer.

Cabins and suites

Norwegian is known for offering a wide range of accommodations on its ships. You'll find everything from relatively low-cost, windowless inside cabins that measure as little as 135 square feet (perfect for the budget traveler) to massive, multi-room suites that are more than 50 times that size.

At the high end, the accommodations are aimed at affluent travelers who, for whatever reason, prefer the megaship experience to that of a luxury ship, and they truly are among the most spectacular accommodations at sea.

Some, such as the giant Garden Villas found on six Norwegian ships — Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Star — sprawl over thousands of square feet and have as many as three bedrooms plus separate living rooms and dining rooms.

The Garden Villas also have private outdoor sun decks and courtyards with hot tubs. Additionally, the Garden Villas on Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Star include private outdoor dining areas and steam rooms.

Depending on the ship, top suites can come with perks such as private butlers and concierges who attend to your every need, access to a private restaurant, a private suite lounge and sun deck, reserved seating in entertainment venues and priority boarding and disembarkation.

On more than half of Norwegian's ships, many of the top suites are part of The Haven. Billed as an upscale "ship within a ship" and aimed at luxury travelers, The Haven is located at the very top of vessels and often comes with private lounges, pools, sunning areas and even restaurants.

Norwegian is also heralded for kicking off the trend of more solo cabins on cruise ships . In 2010, it debuted an entire zone of small studio cabins for one — 128 in all — on its then-new, 4,070-passenger Norwegian Epic, and it has since added them to seven more new ships.

The studio cabins are tiny at just 100 square feet. However, they're superbly designed to maximize storage space. On the ships that have them, they are clustered around an exclusive Studio Lounge where solo travelers can mingle at daily happy hour gatherings.

Related: What it takes to get concierge lounge access on a cruise ship

Restaurants and dining

Norwegian was an early pioneer of the idea of giving cruisers lots of choices when it comes to restaurants on ships, and even its smallest vessels offer a wide range of options.

On Norwegian's recently built Breakaway Plus-class ships, there are up to 20 places to grab a bite, ranging from high-end French restaurants and steakhouses to casual pubs.

Every vessel has two or three main restaurants and a casual buffet where meals are included in the fare — the latter is usually called the Garden Cafe.

Other included-in-the-fare venues found on some ships include O'Sheehan's Neighborhood Bar and Grill, a casual pub; an outdoor bar and grill called Topsiders; and casual Asian restaurants that go by many names including Shanghai's Noodle Bar, Ginza and Bamboo.

Also, every ship has a least four and often many more extra-charge eateries. Two found across the entire fleet are Cagney's, the line's signature steakhouse, and Le Bistro, a fine French restaurant. Every ship also has an Italian restaurant, called Onda by Scarpetta or La Cucina. There also are churrascaria restaurants called Moderno on most Norwegian vessels.

On some ships, you'll also find Ocean Blue, a seafood restaurant; The District Brew House, a gastropub serving craft beers; and a Mexican spot called either Los Lobos or Los Lobos Cantina. Every vessel has some sort of sushi restaurant, often called Sushi or Wasabi, and there are hibachi-style teppanyaki restaurants on nearly every Norwegian vessel.

You might even find Starbucks stores on some ships (the one-year-old Norwegian Prima has two!) and there are Starbucks products on every Norwegian vessel. Also, some ships have private restaurants just for passengers staying in The Haven.

Some of the extra-charge restaurants come with a flat fee (the teppanyaki outlets are $59 per person, not including the cost of drinks). However, most are a la carte, with sometimes hefty pricing. One thing you need to know upfront about going on a Norwegian cruise is that there are a lot of extra charges — and sometimes quite high extra charges — on the line's ships, particularly for things like restaurants.

A surf-and-turf dish at Ocean Blue that combines an 8-ounce filet mignon with a lobster tail costs $55, for example. If you just order a whole lobster, you'll be out $49. The least expensive entree on the menu, a roasted cauliflower steak, is $22.

If you know you want to eat at several extra-charge restaurants during a single voyage, you can buy one of several dining packages that offer meals at a discount.

Related: The 7 best meals you can have at sea

Entertainment and activities

Few lines offer as broad a range of entertainment and activities on their ships as Norwegian. The line's biggest vessels offer multiple entertainment venues, from theaters to comedy clubs; a wide range of deck-top attractions; large casinos; full-service spas; and even virtual reality attractions. You'll also find a seemingly endless array of bars, lounges and nightspots.

Theaters and shows

Entertainment is one of the core areas where Norwegian excels, and if you're the kind of person who loves nights out with live music and lively performances on your vacations, you're going to love the line.

Many of Norwegian's biggest ships have state-of-the-art theaters as big as those you'd find on Broadway, with big-name productions to match. Norwegian Bliss, for instance, has the Tony Award-winning "Jersey Boys."

In some cases, the Broadway shows are cut down slightly from the original versions, and the casts aren't quite as seasoned as what you'll find on Broadway. However, these are quality productions. The best part is they are entirely free. Compare that with the hundreds of dollars you'd spend to take your family to a show in New York City.

Norwegian ships also are jam-packed with music venues. Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Epic, for instance, have the Cavern Club, a reproduction of the British club that gave rise to the Beatles. It comes complete with a cover band that plays the group's greatest hits.

There are also Howl at the Moon dueling piano bars on some Norwegian ships, and there's the lively Q Texas Smokehouse found on Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Joy (a music-and-food concept that pairs live music with barbecue).

In addition, several Norwegian ships offer dinner theater venues with circus-type productions, and one vessel, Norwegian Getaway, features a magic-infused dinner theater show in a steampunk-inspired space called The Illusionarium.

Several ships also offer comedy club entertainment.

Other interior attractions and activities

In addition to entertainment spaces, the interiors of Norwegian ships are loaded with other venues where passengers can kick back and let loose day and night.

All but one Norwegian ship (Pride of America) has a casino, and on the line's bigger vessels, they are huge operations. The casino on Norwegian Encore has more than 300 slot machines and 26 table games (including blackjack, roulette, poker and craps), plus its own bar.

On the line's big Breakaway-class and Breakaway Plus-class ships, the casino — along with a large proportion of all onboard restaurants, bars and clubs — sprawls across three central decks connected by an atrium-like space known as 678 Ocean Place (the name derives from the location of the decks, which on each ship are decks 6, 7 and 8). At night, these three-deck complexes become bustling places.

The Breakaway- and Breakaway Plus-class ships have innovative outdoor promenades called The Waterfront lined with seating for many restaurants and bars. The Waterfront is located on Deck 8 of each of the ships, which is one of the main decks for restaurants on them all.

Like the ships of the Breakaway and Breakaway-plus classes, the Prima Class ships have a lively zone that mixes casino space, bars, eateries and entertainment that sprawls across decks 6, 7 and 8. These vessels also have outdoor eating space in an area called Ocean Boulevard.

In addition, Norwegian two new Prima Class ships (Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva), as well as another relatively new Norwegian vessels — Norwegian Encore — have innovative gaming and virtual reality zones called Galaxy Pavilion (a fourth Galaxy Pavilion area on Norwegian Joy is being removed during an overhaul in dry dock scheduled for early 2024).

There's nothing quite like Galaxy Pavilion in the cruise world. The venue has an amazing array of high-tech virtual reality experiences, including incredibly realistic race car simulators (on Norwegian Encore, there are eight in a row along one wall), hang gliding simulators, virtual mazes and a virtual reality "Jurassic Park" ride.

The Galaxy Pavilion on Norwegian Encore is the biggest of them all. Among added features, it includes a 45-minute escape room experience laced with special effects. Themed around a Spanish galleon, it's designed to be played by up to six people at a time.

Just be warned that you'll pay a hefty fee to play in the Galaxy Pavilion. A weeklong pass to the venue will set you back $199 per person. There also are hourlong passes available for $29 per person, or you can sample a single ride for $8 (except for the escape room, which is priced separately at $15 per person).

There's also a bowling alley on Norwegian Epic and duck pin bowling lanes on Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Breakaway.

Norwegian ships also all have Mandara Spas, which can be quite big on the bigger vessels, and there are fitness centers on every ship.

Deck-top attractions

What you'll find on the top decks of Norwegian ships will vary quite a bit depending on the vessel. The line's smaller ships will have at least one or two pools, sunning areas and usually a sports court area — but not all that much else.

The big ships are a different story.

On the line's Breakaway-, Breakaway Plus- and Epic-class ships, you'll find giant waterslides and kiddie splash zones and, in some cases, even more over-the-top attractions such as go-kart tracks and laser tag arenas.

The go-kart tracks (now on Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Joy) are quickly becoming Norwegian's signature can-you-believe-this-is-on-a-ship attraction, and they truly are impressive. The biggest two of them, on Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Prima, are nearly 1,400 feet long and sprawl over three decks.

Note that this is some serious go-karting. The cars that Norwegian uses can hit speeds up to 32 miles per hour. Three of the speedways, on Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Encore, also feature middle-of-the-track observation areas where your family and friends can cheer you on to victory — and even shoot you with "lasers" that'll give you a boost of power.

The open-air laser tag arenas also are significant venues that are unlike anything you'll find atop the ships of other lines. The one on Norwegian Encore, which is the largest laser tag arena ever put on a ship, is themed around the lost city of Atlantis and spans the back of the vessel.

As is the case with the Galaxy Pavilion attractions mentioned above, the go-kart and laser tag experiences on Norwegian ships don't come cheap. You'll pay $15 per person for an eight-lap romp on the go-karts. Joining a five-minute laser shootout costs $10 per person. In both cases, you can buy a weeklong pass for $199.

The top decks of a few Norwegian ships — mostly the bigger ones — also have a ropes course, a climbing wall or both. Some vessels also have miniature golf courses.

You'll find an exclusive, extra-charge, adults-only VIP sunning area on seven Norwegian ships called Vibe Beach Club. The biggest of these areas is on Norwegian Encore, where Vibe Beach Club is an expansive private lounge with a full-service bar, cabanas and two hot tubs designed to hold up to 270 people — far more than on other ships.

For those with money to burn (pricing on Norwegian Encore recently was $99 per person for a day pass), the Vibe Beach Clubs are lovely, secluded deck-top hideaways. However, there's a downside for everyone else on board the ships that have them, which is that they take away from the deck-top lounge space available to everybody else.

Related: The 12 cruise ships with the most spectacular attractions at sea

Children's programs

As is typical for big-ship cruise lines, Norwegian has an extensive children's program, with programs and activities for children as young as 6 months through the age of 17.

The heart of the program, called Splash Academy, brings free, supervised activities daily for children ages 3 to 12. The line splits children here up into three age groups: Turtles (ages 3 to 5), Seals (ages 6 to 9) and Dolphins (ages 10 to 12), and they each have their own age-appropriate activities ranging from treasure hunts to video game competitions. On many ships, there are extensive dedicated spaces for the different groups.

While the free programming ends at 10:30 p.m., you can pay extra to leave your kids at Splash Academy past 10:30 p.m. until 1:30 a.m., when it's billed as the Late Night Fun Zone.

Norwegian also has rooms on its ships for babies and toddlers ages 6 months to 3 years. Called Guppies, the program offers parents a place to play with their youngest children, with occasional youth staff-led activities and games.

Norwegian also offers dedicated teen zones and programming on ships for children ages 13 to 17. Called Entourage, the teen zone is a place for teens to hang out, dance and play games, and it's supervised by counselors who plan activities and challenges.

What to know before you go

Required documents.

A passport is required for all cruises leaving from a non-U.S. port and all Panama Canal sailings (regardless of departure port). If you're a U.S. citizen, you don't need a passport for most sailings from U.S. ports (including sailings to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, the Mexican Riviera and Alaska).

Instead, you can travel with a state-certified birth certificate or other proof of citizenship and a driver's license or other government-issued photo identification. That said, Norwegian strongly recommends that all travelers bring a passport.

Passports must be valid for at least six months after your trip, and the name on your reservation must be exactly as it's printed on your passport or other official proof of nationality.

Norwegian adds an automatic service charge of $20 to $25 per person, per day, to final bills, depending on your cabin category. Depending on the service you receive, you can adjust the amount up or down at the guest services desk before disembarking. In addition, a 20% gratuity is added to the bill at bars, extra-charge specialty restaurants and ship spas.

Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on a cruise ship

Norwegian has been rolling out faster Wi-Fi systems across its fleet in recent years, so you can now stream video on ships.

Pricing changes over time, but the fastest "premium" service on Norwegian vessels recently was priced at $39.99 per person per day, if you bought it in advance. Norwegian also offers a less expensive plan that doesn't allow video streaming for $29.99 per person per day if purchased in advance.

This pricing is quite a bit higher than what some other lines, such as Carnival or Princess, charge for Wi-Fi. Princess recently was charging just $14.99 per person per day for a WiFi package.

Related: Wi-Fi on ships really is getting better

Carry-on drinks policy

Norwegian allows you to bring bottles of your own wine or Champagne on board, but it will charge you a hefty corkage fee of $15 per bottle for the privilege — even if you plan to drink the bottle in your room. This is a more draconian policy than you'll find at most lines. Most lines allow passengers to bring at least a bottle or two of their own wine on board at no charge.

Smoking policy

On all ships, smoking (including e-cigarette smoking) is only allowed in designated outdoor areas, cigar lounges (for cigar smoking only) and casinos. It's forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies. Passengers caught smoking in their cabins will be fined $250 per occurrence.

Unlike many cruise vessels, Norwegian ships do not have self-serve launderettes on cabin decks for passenger use. Instead, the line offers extra-charge laundry and dry cleaning services.

Related: Everything you need to know about cruise ship laundry services

Electrical outlets

All cabins on Norwegian vessels have standard North American-style, 110-volt outlets and European-style, 220-volt outlets. Some cabins also have USB ports.

The currency used on all Norwegian itineraries is U.S. dollars. All vessels operate on a cashless system with any onboard purchases you make posting automatically to your onboard account. You'll receive a cruise card you can use to make charges. This same card also lets you into your cabin.

Drinking age

The official drinking age on Norwegian ships is 21. That said, passengers who are 18 to 20 can purchase and consume beer or wine on ships in international waters with permission from parents or legal guardians. The parent or legal guardian must be on board and sign a waiver at guest services. The lower drinking age in international waters does not apply during sailings in Alaska and Hawaii.

Norwegian Cruise Line may be the most laid-back line out there when it comes to dress codes. You can basically wear whatever you want, whenever you want.

The line specifically says that casual wear (think: khakis, jeans, shorts and casual shirts for men; casual dresses, skirts, shorts, jeans and tops for women) is just fine anytime during the day, at the buffet and in most specialty restaurants.

The line just recommends a step up to "smart casual" outfits in its more formal dining rooms and upscale specialty restaurants. In keeping with Norwegian's laid-backness, this might still mean nothing more than a crisper pair of jeans, or maybe slacks with a collared shirt, for men. Definitely no need for a jacket. For women, slacks, jeans, dresses, skirts and tops will do fine.

Related: What to pack for your first cruise

Norwegian Cruise Line loyalty program

Norwegian has a point-based frequent cruiser program, Latitudes Rewards, that has seven tiers, ranging from Bronze (requiring 1 point) to Ambassador (700 points).

Members earn points for every night they sail on one of the line's ships. They get an additional point for every night they stay in a concierge room, a suite (not including stays in minisuites, or stays in suites resulting from an upgrade) or a room in The Haven. They also get an additional point for every night booked through a Latitudes Rewards Insider Offer.

Hitting the first tier, Bronze, takes one cruise. Reaching the second tier, Silver (20 points), would take at the most three cruises if you're doing seven-night trips.

Related: Everything you need to know about the Norwegian loyalty program

Lower tiers don't bring all that much in terms of truly valuable benefits. You'll get things like priority check-in and discounted spa treatments performed while ships are in port. However, higher levels of the program start to be enticing.

Platinum (75 points) brings free dinners at two extra-charge restaurants, a discount on an internet package, behind-the-scenes ship tours and concierge service.

The top Ambassador level brings a truly wonderful perk: a one-time complimentary seven-night cruise in a balcony cabin. You can pick almost any sailing except trips around Christmas and the new year.

In contrast to airline frequent-flyer programs, cruise line loyalty programs do not require you to requalify for status every year. So, yes, the perks with lower tiers aren't great. But it's not as difficult as it might at first seem to hit the more rewarding higher tiers in just a few years if you're cruising a lot.

A passenger staying in suites and booking through Latitudes Rewards Insider Offers could get to the Platinum level with just four seven-night cruises.

Related: The TPG guide to cruise line loyalty programs

How much does a Norwegian cruise cost?

Norwegian designs its ships to appeal to a broad mix of people, in part by offering a wide range of cabin types at varying price points. On a typical sailing, you might find an entry-level cabin for around $100 a night while a high-end suite is five to 15 times that amount.

At the time of this story's posting, A The Haven two-bedroom family villa on Norwegian Jewel for a seven-night Alaska cruise in August 2024, for example, was going for $13,978 per person, based on double occupancy. That's more than 13 times the cost of the least expensive inside cabin (which was starting at $1,058 per person, based on double occupancy). Oceanview cabins on the same sailing started at $1,698 per person, based on double occupancy.

Note the "based on double occupancy" caveat in the above paragraph. As is typical for cruise lines, Norwegian charges on a per-person basis, not per room, and it prices most cabins based on two people occupying a room. It does offer some cabins for solo travelers on some ships that are priced based on single occupancy.

In general, Norwegian's newer ships including Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Prima and the Breakaway-class and Breakaway Plus-class vessels will be more expensive than the line's older, smaller ships. However, there are many factors that go into pricing for any given cruise, including the popularity of the specific itinerary, the time of year when the cruise is taking place and changing demand trends.

As you might expect, pricing for all ships will generally be lower during offseason periods such as September and October.

The timing of when you book can also matter. Cruises book up much further in advance than airplanes or hotels, and many cruisers will tell you the best pricing for any given sailing often is available when cruises first go on sale (which can be a good two years before a departure). Booking far in advance will also give you the best chance of getting your preferred cabin type and location on a ship.

Once on board a Norwegian ship, you'll pay extra for most drinks, extra-charge restaurants, spa services, shore excursions, internet service and a few other things — unless you've bought a package for some of these items in advance. Some onboard activities such as go-karting also come with an extra charge. What's included in the fare is your lodging, meals (in non-extra-charge restaurants) and most entertainment.

Related: 15 ways that first-time cruisers waste money on a cruise

How to book

If you're sure you know what sort of cabin you want, on which ship, on which itinerary — and about a dozen other things — you can head over to ncl.com to make a booking directly.

That said, given the complexity of booking a cruise (there are a lot of decisions to make during the booking process — trust us) we recommend you use a seasoned travel agent who specializes in cruises.

A good travel agent will quiz you about your particular interests, travel style and preferences, and steer you to the perfect cruise line, ship, itinerary and cabin for you. They can also help you if something goes wrong just before, during or after your voyage.

If you're sure Norwegian is your line, look for a travel agent who specializes in trips with the brand. You want someone who understands all the little quirks that are unique to Norwegian's cabin categories and, preferably, has done ship inspections to see the cabins firsthand.

Whether you use a travel agent or not, make sure to maximize your purchase when paying for the cruise by using a card that offers extra points for travel purchases . This could be the Chase Sapphire Reserve , which offers 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on travel and dining (excluding the annual $300 travel credit), or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card , which brings 2 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on travel and 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on dining.

Bottom line

For big-ship lovers, Norwegian pretty much has it all. There's tons of great entertainment on Norwegian's vessels, plenty of venues for eating and drinking, and all sorts of deck-top diversions — at least on the line's newest ships. Throw in the brand's low starting prices, and it's an even more compelling package.

If we have a gripe with the line, it's about the "extra-charge creep" we've been seeing for attractions on Norwegian ships such as go-karts and laser tag in recent years, and the higher a la carte prices spreading across the line's onboard restaurants.

Then again, you get what you pay for, as the saying goes. If you're on a tight budget, there are plenty of included-in-the-fare choices for dining and entertainment. If money is no object, you can follow a different "journey" through the ship, as Norwegian executives like to say, to a far more high-end vacation.

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• 15 ways cruisers waste money
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