I’ve sailed all over the world with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), and over time, I’ve figured out what makes NCL a great fit for some cruisers. However, it might not be the best fit for everyone.
What really sets Norwegian apart is its freestyle cruising approach. There are no set dining times, no formal nights, and no pressure to dress up or stick to a schedule. This can be very appealing for some cruisers, as your schedule has freedom and flexibility each day. That kind of flexibility is a huge plus, especially if you like to keep things relaxed on vacation.
Is Norwegian a good cruise line? Yes, I think Norwegian Cruise Line has a lot to offer as a mainstream cruise line. But, you should also understand some of the drawbacks. Here’s an overview of my honest opinion about NCL.
Quick pros and cons of NCL
Here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide if Norwegian Cruise Line is the right fit for your next cruise.
Pros of Norwegian Cruise Line:
- Flexible, casual “freestyle” cruising with no set dining times
- Unique itineraries and off-the-beaten-path ports
- Stylish and updated staterooms
- Solid main dining room experience
- Perks like drinks and Wi-Fi are often bundled in
Cons of Norwegian Cruise Line:
- Itinerary changes and dropped ports happen
- Newer ships can feel crowded
- Lots of extras cost more (activities, specialty dining)
- Entertainment isn’t as strong as it once was
NCL fleet and ships
Norwegian has a large fleet with a wide range of ships, from classic midsize vessels to newer megaships.
Interestingly, their newest Prima-class ships, including NCL Aqua, NCL Viva, and NCL Prima, are actually smaller than some of their Breakaway and Breakaway Plus predecessors. These newer ships focus more on upscale design, boutique-style spaces, and refined dining. Because of the smaller size, crowding and long lines can be an issue.
Overall, NCL sits in the same category as Royal Caribbean and Carnival. It’s a mainstream cruise line, but it tends to feel a bit more laid-back and less party-focused than Carnival. I’d say it’s closer in vibe to Royal Caribbean, especially for families and couples looking for a mix of relaxation and fun.
Norwegian Cruise Line staterooms
NCL has long been a trendsetter when it comes to cabin design. I’ve always found their staterooms to be thoughtfully laid out and nicely decorated. Even on their older ships, the cabins feel fresh thanks to consistent updates.
From studio rooms for solo travelers to luxurious Haven suites, NCL offers something for every type of cruiser.
In particular, Norwegian Cruise Line is the ideal choice for solo cruisers. The cruise line has dedicated staterooms for solo travelers, along with a solo-traveler lounge and organized events. You should highly consider NCL solo cabins if you’re traveling alone.
Dining on Norwegian Cruise Line
Dining is a major part of the NCL experience. The main dining rooms are consistently solid, with rotating menus that offer enough variety during the week. With the “More at Sea” (formerly “Free at Sea”) promotions, you’ll often get specialty dining credits included in your fare, which makes it easier to try a few of the upcharge venues.
Some specialty restaurants are worth the splurge. In my opinion, Cagney’s Steakhouse is a must-try, and the Brazilian Moderno Churrascaria is another favorite. On the other hand, I didn’t love the Italian restaurant when I tried it, and some of the upcharge venues come with a set menu that can feel limiting.
One thing I really like is the 24/7 pub-style venue, whether it’s O’Sheehan’s or The Local. You can grab comfort food like pretzel bites and Reuben sandwiches anytime.
The buffet is smaller than you’ll find on some other cruise lines, but it’s usually varied and well stocked. Some ships even have outdoor buffet seating with a few snack options, which is a great touch. There’s also a poolside grill with burgers and fries for casual bites.
NCL bars and lounges
If you like a good cocktail, NCL delivers with its themed bars.
Their Sugarcane Mojito Bar is a personal favorite, and many ships have venues like Syd Norman’s Pour House (rock bar), Whiskey Bar, Skyy Vodka Ice Bar, and Spice H2O for adults-only outdoor lounging. The bar scene onboard is casual but fun, and each venue has its own vibe.
If you book the “More at Sea” package, many of your drinks will be included with unlimited premium spirits, cocktails, wines, and draft beer.
NCL entertainment
Norwegian once set the bar for cruise ship entertainment, especially with licensed Broadway shows like Jersey Boys and Six.
Lately, though, you’ll see more in-house productions and variety acts due to obvious cost-cutting in their entertainment. This is a big disappointment for longtime Norwegian Cruise Line fans.
Game shows, comedy clubs, and musical performances still round out the lineup, but the entertainment isn’t quite as polished as it once was and lacks the WOW-factor you can find on other cruise lines.
Norwegian Cruise Line itineraries
Where NCL really shines is in its itineraries. The cruise line offers some of the most unique sailings in the mainstream category, with port-heavy cruises and off-the-beaten-path destinations. You’ll find one-way voyages that start and end in different cities, Africa itineraries (which are rare for mainstream lines), and more shoulder-season sailings in Europe or Asia.
Their port variety is a huge plus, especially for seasoned cruisers looking for something new. However, the cruise line doesn’t always deliver on the advertised itinerary.
You can expect some itinerary adjustments after you make your final payment, with dropped ports and shortened time ashore. This is one of my biggest issues with NCL, as I am drawn to their unique itineraries, but I’ve had multiple cruises with dropped ports of call.
Because Norwegian sails to more unique places and during shoulder seasons when other cruise lines don’t, I’ve found they can be more prone to missed or canceled ports.
Pricing and value
Norwegian Cruise Line often comes out as one of the better values thanks to their bundled pricing. With the “More at Sea” promotion, you typically get a drink package, internet credit, some free specialty dining, and a shore excursion discount. Compared to booking à la carte on other lines, this can be a great deal.
Norwegian’s Air-to-Sea program bundles your cruise with round-trip airfare, often including a free flight for the second guest on select 7+ night sailings. NCL handles the booking and offers service from over 200 North American airports, with flexible options to travel before or after your cruise. You can also request custom flights for an added fee.
However, it’s important to read the fine print. Gratuities on the drink package are added on top, and there are a lot of extras that can sneak up on you, especially on newer ships where many onboard activities come with a fee. Also, the Air-to-Sea can have less desirable flight itineraries and potential issues that are often difficult to address.
Downsides of cruising with NCL
As much as I’ve enjoyed cruising with NCL, it’s not without its drawbacks. Here are a few things to be aware of:
- Itinerary changes: Norwegian is known to change itineraries or drop ports, even after final payment. This can be especially frustrating for destination-driven cruisers.
- Weather impacts: Off-season sailings can be more prone to cancellations and missed ports.
- Crowding: Newer ships can feel crowded, especially during sea days. The buffet can be extremely crowded as well.
- Upcharges: There’s a lot of nickel-and-diming, from some activities to dining and even entertainment.
- Inconsistent specialty dining: While some restaurants are worth the added fee, others feel overpriced for what you get.
So, is Norwegian Cruise Line good?
Yes, Norwegian Cruise Line is a good option, especially if you value flexible dining, laid-back vibes, and unique itineraries. The fleet is diverse, the staterooms are well-designed, and the pricing can be very competitive with the right promotion.
But like any cruise line, it’s not perfect. If you’re sensitive to itinerary changes or you don’t like onboard upselling, this is definitely something to think about. However, for many travelers, myself included, Norwegian delivers a solid cruising experience with enough variety to keep things interesting.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Norwegian Cruise Line
What is the best Norwegian cruise ship?
That depends on what you’re looking for. NCL Aqua and NCL Viva are the newest ships in the fleet, offering upscale design, modern features, and a more boutique feel.
For those who enjoy big ships with more dining and entertainment, NCL Encore and NCL Bliss are great picks. If you’re after a smaller, more classic cruise experience, ships like NCL Jade or NCL Gem offer a more traditional feel with fewer crowds.
Where does Norwegian Cruise Line go?
NCL sails all over the world. You’ll find cruises in the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, the Mediterranean, Asia, South America, and even Africa. They’re known for unique and port-intensive itineraries, including one-way sailings and off-season departures.
How much is a Norwegian cruise?
Pricing varies by itinerary, ship, season, and cabin type. A basic 7-night cruise can start around $500–$700 per person for an inside cabin, but keep in mind taxes, gratuities, and extras like drink packages or shore excursions. The “More at Sea” promotion can add value by bundling in perks like drinks, Wi-Fi, and specialty dining.
If you’re thinking about booking a Norwegian cruise, reach out to our writer and travel advisor, Hayley Phillips with Fora Travel, to get the best available rates!
What airline does Norwegian Cruise Line use?
Norwegian partners with multiple airlines through their “Air + Sea” program. This allows guests to book flights through NCL, often at competitive rates with added flexibility. The airline used depends on your departure city, destination, and availability—it’s not tied to a single carrier.
Is Norwegian Cruise Line adults only?
No, Norwegian Cruise Line is not adults only. It’s family-friendly, with plenty of options for kids, teens, and multigenerational travel. That said, there are adults-only areas onboard, like Spice H2O (on select ships) and quiet pool zones, along with adult entertainment venues like Syd Norman’s and the casino.
What is NCL’s “More at Sea”?
“More at Sea” refers to Norwegian’s promotional offers, which used to be known as “Free at Sea” before a recent rebrand. These packages often include perks like a drink package, free specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and shore excursion credits. This can be a great way to bundle extras into your cruise fare and save money.
Is Norwegian Cruise Line good for families?
Yes, NCL is a solid choice for families. Most ships have family-friendly amenities like kids’ clubs, water parks, teen lounges, and family-sized staterooms. While it’s not quite as theme-park-like as some Royal Caribbean or Carnival ships, Norwegian offers a nice balance of relaxation and fun that works well for multigenerational groups.
Is the food good on Norwegian Cruise Line?
Overall, the food on NCL is consistently good. The main dining rooms offer rotating menus with quality dishes, and venues like The Local or O’Sheehan’s serve 24/7 comfort food. Specialty dining is hit or miss, depending on the restaurant. Cagney’s and the Brazilian steakhouse are favorites, while others, like the Italian restaurant, can be underwhelming. The buffet is smaller than on some other lines, but usually offers plenty of variety.
Which Norwegian cruise ships have go karts?
NCL ships that have go-karts include Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Prima, and Norwegian Viva. These ships feature electric race tracks on the top decks, with Prima and Viva offering the largest multi-level tracks at sea. There is an added cost for the go-karts.
How much are port fees on Norwegian Cruise Line?
Port fees on Norwegian Cruise Line typically range from $150 to $350 per person, depending on the itinerary and number of ports visited. Alaska and Panama Canal cruises tend to have the highest port fees, while Mediterranean ports are notoriously cheap. These fees are included in your total fare and cover costs like docking, security, and local taxes.
