After nine cruises with Norwegian Cruise Line, I’ve had the chance to experience a wide range of what the brand has to offer, from glacier-filled itineraries in Alaska to sun-soaked Caribbean sailings and port-packed trips across Europe.
Along the way, I’ve sailed on everything from some of the newest ships in the fleet to a few of the oldest, each delivering a slightly different kind of experience.
Spending nine cruises onboard with NCL, it becomes easier to notice what really stands out. Certain ships leave a stronger impression, some itineraries feel more memorable than others, and a few experiences continue to stick with me long after the cruise has ended.
Not every sailing has been perfect, but each one has helped shape how I view Norwegian Cruise Line as a cruise brand.
With that perspective, I’ve pulled together some of the ships and itineraries that stood out the most to me. Whether for their atmosphere, onboard offerings, or the destinations they visited. Some sailings completely exceeded my expectations, while others surprised me in ways I didn’t anticipate.
With a mix of ship classes and destinations under my belt, I’ve narrowed down a handful of standout favorites, not because they’re universally “the best,” but because they each shine in their own way. My goal is that this guide helps you narrow down your options and plan the best Norwegian cruise possible for your own travel style!
Best Norwegian Cruise Line ships
Picking a favorite Norwegian ship isn’t as simple as choosing the newest or the biggest. Each vessel has its own personality, layout, and strengths. These things combined might mean that even one of the older vessels can become your favorite ship!
When I think about my favorites, I consider the overall atmosphere onboard, how easy the ship is to navigate, the quality and selection of the food, entertainment options, and, of course, where the ship is sailing to. For me, the itinerary is a big factor in choosing a cruise.
Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss
Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss, both part of the Breakaway Plus Class, are among the largest ships in the NCL fleet, carrying close to 4,000 guests each. These ships lean heavily into modern cruising, with an impressive lineup of activities, dining, and entertainment onboard.
One feature I keep coming back to is The Waterfront, a wraparound outdoor promenade that blends ocean views with open-air dining and lounge space. There’s something incredibly relaxing about walking along the deck at sunset or sitting outside with a drink while the ocean rolls by; it’s one of those simple pleasures that really elevates the experience.
The Norwegian Speedway is another standout. This onboard attraction is a go-kart track at sea, and while it costs extra, it’s genuinely fun and worth trying at least once in my opinion. It’s also surprisingly accessible, with options for both solo drivers and younger passengers as well.
Entertainment is a major strength with these ships as well, with full-scale productions (we saw multiple Broadway-style shows at the time of our cruises) and a wide variety of specialty dining. If you enjoy a lively, activity-packed cruise with plenty to do onboard from morning to night, these ships are hard to beat.
Norwegian Star
Norwegian Star is one of the older ships in the fleet, and I’ll admit I boarded with tempered expectations. But it didn’t take long for this ship to win me over and quickly become one of my favorites.
We originally chose this sailing for the itinerary (a 10-night sailing around the British Isles), but the ship itself turned out to be a highlight as well. Despite its age, it offers solid complimentary dining options, including a standout Asian restaurant, and quieter spaces like the Spice H2O, which became one of our favorite places to unwind and watch some of the ocean views pass by.
What surprised me most was the entertainment. The live music and variety acts onboard this ship were consistently enjoyable, and we often found ourselves lingering in lounges or catching a show well into the evening.
Another advantage is value. Norwegian Star is often used for more budget-friendly itineraries, making it a great option if you’re looking to cruise without overspending. It’s a reminder that newer isn’t always better; sometimes, a well-maintained classic delivers just as much enjoyment, if not more.
Norwegian Jewel
If Alaska is on your list, Norwegian Jewel is an excellent choice for your next cruise.
This ship has become a staple for Norwegian Cruise Line’s Alaska itineraries, offering 7- and 9-night sailings to destinations like Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway. While the ship first launched in 2005, its 2022 refurbishment gave it a fresh, updated feel, especially in the staterooms, which now feel modern and comfortable and resemble offerings found onboard some of NCL’s newer ships.
What I appreciate most about Norwegian Jewel is its balance. It retains some of Norwegian’s classic features, like the Great Outdoors seating area, while incorporating enough updates to feel current and keep the ship modern.
The ship’s smaller size also creates a more relaxed, less crowded atmosphere, which pairs perfectly with Alaska’s scenic, nature-focused experience and itinerary.
Norwegian Viva
As one of Norwegian’s newest ships, Norwegian Viva feels like a step in a new direction for the NCL brand.
Part of the Prima Class, it emphasizes open space, clean design, and a more modern aesthetic onboard. The Indulge Food Hall is a true highlight, offering a variety of cuisines in a casual, flexible setting where meals are ordered digitally and delivered to your table. It’s one of the most convenient and enjoyable dining concepts I’ve experienced at sea so far.
The Ocean Boulevard is another standout, a reimagined outdoor space with multiple pools, bars, and seating areas that make it easy to enjoy the ocean from nearly every angle of the ship.
The Norwegian Viva really leans into indoor-outdoor living, which gives it a more open and airy feel compared to older designs.
That said, the main pool area is smaller than what you’ll find on some larger and older Norwegian Cruise Line ships, which may not appeal to everyone. Still, with so many alternative spaces to relax and additional smaller pools on other decks, a smaller main pool area may not be such a bad thing.
Best Norwegian Cruise Line itineraries
While the ship you choose plays a big role in your overall experience, the itinerary is often what defines your cruise trip.
One of the best parts of cruising is waking up somewhere new each day without the hassle of packing and unpacking, and Norwegian offers an impressive range of routes that cater to just about every type of traveler.
Over the years, I’ve sailed to the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Bahamas, Alaska, the British Isles, the Pacific Coast, and even completed a transatlantic crossing with Norwegian Cruise Line. Each itinerary offered something completely different, which is part of what makes cruising so appealing in the first place.
When choosing an itinerary, I always recommend thinking about what kind of experience you want. Are you looking for relaxation, adventure, cultural immersion, or a mix of everything? The answer to that question can help narrow down your options quickly.
Families and multi-generational travel
For families, the Caribbean and Alaska are two of the easiest and most rewarding options.
Caribbean itineraries are especially popular for a reason. Between the warm weather, beautiful beaches, and easygoing port days, it’s a low-stress vacation that appeals to all ages. Ports like Cozumel and St. Thomas offer a wide variety of excursions, from snorkeling and beach breaks to cultural tours, so it’s easy to tailor each day to your family’s interests, or take things as slow as you need.
Alaska, on the other hand, offers a more immersive and educational experience. This is the kind of trip where kids (and adults) can learn something new every day, whether it’s spotting whales, visiting glaciers, or learning about local history and culture.
It’s a great balance of adventure and structure, and ships like Norwegian Jewel make the experience feel more connected to the destination. Alaska also makes for a great multi-generational cruise experience!
Couples looking for a romantic escape
For couples, I always come back to the Mediterranean for a cruise itinerary.
There’s just something about this region of the world that feels effortlessly romantic. Whether you’re wandering through historic cities, enjoying long meals with local wine, or simply taking in the coastal scenery, it naturally lends itself to slower, more meaningful travel.
One thing I particularly love about Mediterranean itineraries is the variety. In a single trip, you might explore ancient ruins in Rome, stroll along the waterfront in Barcelona, and visit smaller coastal towns in France or Greece that feel completely different from one another.
I also highly recommend considering a shoulder-season sailing, for example, sailing in the fall or winter. Not only are prices often lower for these itineraries at those times, but the experience feels more relaxed with fewer crowds and milder temperatures, ideal for couples who want to enjoy both the destinations and the ship at a slower pace.
My husband and I went on a Viking Cruise for our honeymoon to the Mediterranean during December, and it was such a beautiful experience getting to see some of the most popular cities with far fewer crowds!
Adventurous travelers
If you’re looking for something that feels a bit more off the beaten path, the British Isles are an incredible option.
This itinerary stands out for its dramatic scenery and rich history. From rugged coastlines to rolling green hills and centuries-old castles, every port feels distinct. It’s a refreshing change from more traditional cruise destinations like the Caribbean.
What I loved most about this itinerary was the sense of discovery. Some of the smaller ports and towns felt like hidden gems, and even unplanned moments, like wandering through a quiet seaside village in Ireland, ended up being highlights of the trip.
It’s also worth noting that these itineraries can be a bit more unpredictable when it comes to weather, especially in the fall.
For example, two of our port days were changed due to weather, but we also got to experience some things we wouldn’t have if those changes had not been made. In my experience, that unpredictability is part of the adventure and often leads to unexpected, memorable experiences.
Rest and relaxation
For pure relaxation, a transatlantic cruise is hard to beat.
This is a completely different style of cruising, with multiple sea days in a row and a much slower pace overall. Instead of rushing from port to port, you have time to fully settle into the rhythm of the ship.
I found this type of itinerary to be incredibly refreshing. There’s something calming about having nowhere to be and nothing on the schedule unless you choose it. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy onboard activities, try new dining venues, or simply relax with a book and watch the ocean onboard.
By the time you arrive at your destination, you feel genuinely recharged, which isn’t always the case with more port-intensive itineraries.
These itineraries can also be found at excellent prices as well. Usually, transatlantic sailings are conducted because the cruise line is moving the ship to a new region for the season, and since they are moving the ship anyway, these itineraries can be found at a good deal.
Something unique
If you’ve already cruised some of the more popular regions and are looking for something new, Atlantic Canada is a fantastic choice.
This itinerary has a quieter, more laid-back feel, with charming coastal towns, scenic landscapes, and a strong sense of local culture. Ports like Halifax, Sydney, and Charlottetown each offer something a little different, from historic sites to natural beauty.
I especially loved this Norwegian Cruise Line itinerary in the fall, when the changing leaves added an extra layer of color and atmosphere. It felt less crowded and more relaxed than many other cruises I’ve taken, which made the experience even more enjoyable.
It’s also a great option if you don’t want to travel too far to embark, particularly for those based in the United States. Our sailing, for example, departed from Boston, Massachusetts.
No matter which itinerary you choose, I’ve found that the best cruises are the ones that match your travel style. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, Norwegian’s variety of routes makes it easy to find something that fits.
Tips for choosing the right Norwegian cruise for you
With so many options with Norwegian Cruise Line, narrowing things down can feel overwhelming. A few key considerations can make the decision much easier.
Ship size plays a big role. Smaller ships tend to feel more relaxed and less crowded, while larger ships offer more activities and amenities.
The itinerary is equally important. Think about whether you want a beach-focused trip, a cultural experience, or something more nature-driven.
It also helps to consider your personal travel style. Whether you prefer structured excursions or exploring on your own, and to plan shore excursions carefully, as they can significantly shape your cruise experience.
My final thoughts on NCL
Looking back on my time sailing with Norwegian Cruise Line, what stands out most isn’t just the ships or the destinations, it’s the variety. No two sailings have felt exactly the same, and that’s part of what keeps me coming back to cruising in general.
Some trips have been packed with activity and exploration, while others have been slow and restorative. I’ve had moments of excitement, quiet relaxation, and everything in between, all within the same cruise line.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the “best” cruise really depends on what you’re looking for. The good news is that Norwegian Cruise Line offers enough variety that it’s not hard to find something that fits nearly every travel style.
Whether you’re planning your first sailing or adding another to a growing list, there’s always a new route to try or a different ship to experience. And that sense of possibility is what makes cruising with Norwegian feel fresh every time.
