complaints about norwegian cruise line

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MISSED PORTS AND PROMISED REFUNDS NOT THROUGH

We were booked into the Dawn, sailing from Mauritius, but were unable to sail for the first two days as there was potential Cholera onboard. NCL did put us up in a hotel with $75 per person per night allowance, plus offered a pro rata refund. This should have been refunded within fourteen days of our claim going in. None of the crowd we met on the cruise have received the refund yet, now 2 months later. We are all appalled as this spoiled our holiday - missed Mozambique and Madagascar and no refunds. Please get this sorted out - we are a very disgruntled crowd.

Date of experience : February 24, 2024

The cruise its self was good having…

The cruise its self was good having said that be careful of using a credit card as payment on board use cash and settle up on the last day , they took two payments of the same amount leaving us in a real awkward position overseas and a empty credit card. Contacting this company is almost impossible its a never ending circle of " not our department and customer service after the cruise is email only no phone number" with a unto 30 days for a reply. Be careful how you manage your money

Date of experience : April 03, 2024

Loss of shore days on NCL Pride of America Hawaiian cruise

We had a Hawaiian cruise which was to include 2 days on Maui, 1 day at Hilo, 1 day at Kona, and 2 days at Kauai. Due to a technical issue with the ships backup generator, the boat was unable to leave from Hilo to Kona. Someone said the Coast Guard wouldn't let the ship sail. We had to stay in Hilo and didn't get to see Kona. As Hilo and Kona were on opposite sides of the same island, we decided to rent a car and drive from Hilo to Kona when we found out we wouldn't be going there. Unfortunately, the captain told us around 8 AM of day 2 on Hilo that everyone needed to be back on the ship by 1 PM to leave. Therefore, we had to cancel our plans to drive to Kona. The ship ended up leaving the next morning and sailed all day which was the first day we were supposed to be in Kauai. Thus we got cheated out of another day of seeing the islands. We had to wait in line at the excursions desk a couple of times to get the credit for the canceled excursions that we prepaid for. We also had to talk to guest services to get a bar bill corrected. To make up for the loss of 2 days island experiences, NCL gave us $200 credit and the offer of 20% off our next cruise if used by December 31, 2025. As we don't have any plans to take another cruise, this offer was meaningless to us. The entertainment that was offered on the ship wasn't that great and certainly didn't make up for the loss of excursions to the islands. We also didn't think the food was anything special. We did enjoy the suite we were in in.

Date of experience : April 13, 2024

We boarded and by 2:00pm our rooms were…

We boarded and by 2:00pm our rooms were not ready. Seriously you would think they could get that done but instead it's go eat there, go sit there etc. Etc. Instead of your room is ready. Watch what you pack on, you will be carrying it around with you.

Date of experience : April 29, 2024

BAIT and SWITCH!

BAIT and SWITCH! we have traveled Norweigen for years reaching sapphire status and can confirm that the quality has been steadily declining. After the pandemic they apparently discovered they could save money and make money by cancelling ports. this has happened on each of the last 5 cruises and the port that is cancelled is always the most popular one and the cancellation is always after they have taken your money with no chance of refund. the reason given on the last cruise was wind but this was not supported by the forecast and there were also 2 other cruises headed to that destination when they made that statement

Date of experience : April 06, 2024

NCL has become such a low-quality…

NCL has become such a low-quality cruise line in the past few years that I will not sail on NCL again. They nickel-and-dime you to death. The free-at-sea promotion is a scam, and how they advertise this is deceptive. The benefits do not equal the cost. Shore excursions are more expensive than any other cruise line, and their service is deplorable. In addition to the lower quality of service, the food in their main dining room has become so bad that it's reminiscent of a High School Cafeteria. Low-quality food at a full cruise price.

Date of experience : April 01, 2024

They just refused to compensate

I have been on many different cruise ships and NCL was the worst earlier this year. Three countries port visits were cancelled. I booked the holiday specifically to visit these countries. It’s like ordering a new car and when it arrives it’s a van. Not fit for purpose. NCL wouldn’t compensate me for that. My advice, don’t go anywhere near them!!

Date of experience : March 04, 2024

Never travel with you

Where do I start? We missed 2 malgascia,the cabin was shocking,the entertainment??? Are you havin a laugh… The same act for 45 minutes each night, For the price we paid for our first cruise was £6000, And then at finding out at the end of our unpleasant and miserable unforgettable experience that we then had another £400 for services charges i.e bedding changed which we never asked for!!! Also paying the price what we paid where was the English tea bags n also you the serve the worst coffee n when we tasted the coffee we had to pay for a proper coffee at Starbucks, all inclusive you are havin a joke,Also we are getting charged for food which we are not paying

Date of experience : March 11, 2024

Think twice before NCL Encore

I was not impressed with NCL Encore or her crew. Bar staff was rude and it took forever to get drinks. Food at the buffet was ok at best. Food was better at some of the restaurants. Nester at Guest Services was HORRIBLE. Found out that the Encore is usually an Alaska ship, WHY would you use it for a Caribbean cruise. There was ONE pool (and a kids pool) for everyone. Guest shops onboard are a joke. EVERYTHING is an added fee. I did not find the ship to be "user-friendly" in gettting around.

Date of experience : March 03, 2024

Had a cruise May of 2023

Had a cruise May of 2023. We had them setup all our travel arrangement. Our flight was delay, we contact the Cruise line and travel arrangement. We lost 1600.00 because they said we canx our cruise. We tried to explain that they made our travel arrangements. Wouldn't recommended this Cruise line to anybody. Norwegian cruise line wasn't helpful at all

Date of experience : May 06, 2023

Disappointing trip

On a recent Caribbean cruise we were genuinely shocked by the quality of the experience. First, the pros: Our cabin was spacious and had plenty of storage space. The service was great from all the staff with whom we interacted. Our cabin steward, Gilbert, was fantastic. Our room was cleaned every day and Gilbert was very responsive to any requests that we made. Since we ate in different places, we did not develop any relationships with particular staff. However, Alvin, a server in Tankards and Rachel the bartender in Sugarcanes were right on top of things. They knew us by name and by drink every time we stopped by their facility. Not so good things: The bathroom in our cabin had a bath tub/shower combination which was both unsafe and uncomfortable. In addition to the height of the side of the tub, there was a 3-4 inch addition to accomdate the shower door. All of our group was over 70 and two were over 80. Getting in and out of that tub was the low point of the day. Once in the tub, you could not stand with your feet side by side. The floor of the tub was so narrow that you had to stand with one foot in front of the other making it very hard to maintain your balance. All in all, the bathroom was unacceptable because of that tub. In addition, there was an ashtray permanently fixed to the wall by the toilet! How long has it been since anyone was allowed to smoke in their cabin? The food was barely acceptable. The salad bar in the buffet consisted of lettuce, tomatoes, corn, onions, ham and cheese. No veggies, no olives, no croutons, just this sad assortment. One night in La Bistro, two of our group ordered dover sole and found it to be inedible. Dry, grainy, and tasteless was how it was described. We did enjoy a few dishes in the other specialty restaurants. The lamb shank in the Italian restaurant was delicious as was the pasta. And Cagney's produced one of the best steaks I've ever had. Lunch and dinner in the Grand Pacific was hit or miss. Nothing really terrible but at best "meh" was all you could say. For breakfast some ordered the bagel and smoked salmon . Out came a half a small, dried bagel that some one put two glancing blows of cream cheese on, a few capers, virtually no tomato, and some sliced onion. We had to change the order for the bagel to two orders (so we could have a whole bagel) extra cream cheese, and a sliced tomato on the side. The portion of smoked salmon served was good and had a great flavor. Sides (other than french fries) were miniscule, maybe a tablespoon of slaw with the barbecue. Very sad state of affairs with the food generally. Communications were spotty if not nonexistant. In disembarking, for example, many of us headed to Deck 4 which had been where one left the boat for all excursions. Somehow, on disembarkation day, we needed to exit on Deck 7. Unfortunately there were no signs or staff directing people to the right deck and many of us spent too much time just trying to figure out how one got off the boat! Very disappointed with so much of this cruise that we don't think that we will use NCL again.

Date of experience : April 09, 2024

Beyond your expectation

I’d like to write a review for NCL EPIC cruise because it gave me & my wife a fantastic vacation that we’ve never experienced before. The followings are reasons based on my real situations. 1. I booked an inside cabin and requested a shower stool for myself after booking. NCL EPIC offered me beyond my expectation--- an accessible wheelchair cabin. 2. My wife forgot her coat after onboard buffet eating one night then, we got it back without any difficulty at customer service counter of NCL EPIC next morning. 3. CBP(US Customs & Border Protection) had been thinking we were overstay in the US because we entered New York by airplane and cruised with NCL EPIC for Europe next day. They were so wrong about it and I needed to correct this CBP record, in order to clean my name. NCL cruise line was very helpful on this issue as provided me with required documents after the voyage. I finally made CBP to acknowledge their mistake in Nov. 2023. In one word, choosing NCL and you got it all.

Date of experience : April 22, 2023

DO NOT BUY Trip insurance from…

DO NOT BUY Trip insurance from Norwegian Cruise line. We did and ended up having surgery before our planned cruise. Norweign uses ION insurance which denied our claim stating it was pre existing condition. Why I would schedule a 10 day cruise with lots of walking when I had a preexisting condition with my knee is beyond me....

Date of experience : December 15, 2023

SAFETY IS LACKING ON DESTINATION EXCURSIONS

We have been longtime advocates for Oceania Cruises but our most recent experience has soured us forever. We will never take another cruise on Oceania or its parent company's ships due to the apparent lack of conCern for SAFETY on destination shore excursions. We wereon a ship-based land tour and the guide never showed up so the bus driver attempted (poorly) to be guide but to do so he had to shift with the same hand he was using to hold the microphone on the very small island of Dominica with very very narrow, curvy, steep, hilly switch-back roads. It was INCREDIBLY SCARY. When I reported this to Destination Services, after reviewing for ten days, they denied any safety issues and refused to even refund our tour expense. THE LACK OF CONERN FOR PASSENGER SAFETY IS UNBELIEVEABLE!

Norwegian air promotion is worthless, and it causes you loss of free stateroom upgrade

The air promotion Norwegian offered is worthless. They put us on indirect flights which take many more hours than direct flights. Also, they can only book flights with 2 days before and after the cruise departure and arrival. With 200 dollars more, we can buy much better two round-trip flights with more flexibility. What made it even worse was that the air promotion eliminated us from free upgrade of stateroom. We ended up with paying 2 times more than the current cost of the cruise resulting from making reservation 6 months in advance. I would suggest that you should not book in advance and not use their air promotion. With this type of service, we are so disappointed at Norwegian.

Delay with deposit refund

In early 2023 my wife and I booked a cruise around the Greek Islands for August 2024 on the Norwegian Epic. Due to circumstances we had to cancel the cruise. I notified them in October 2023 and was informed that I was entitled to a full refund. Today 5/4/24 I finally received the refund of my deposit in full. It took 6 months and numerous unanswered emails to get the deposit back. I'm sure that if I had not pursued this matter I would not have seen my money again. I have never in my life had to deal with the incompetence and ignorance of a company as I have in this time. I was promised in writing that the refund was being processed only to find that it was not. We plan on booking a similar cruise at a later time but it will definitely not be with Norwegian Cruise Lines.

Date of experience : April 05, 2024

Worst cruise line to be honest 0/10

I regret to say that my experience with this cruise line was deeply disappointing. The crew's attitude was consistently poor, with minimal effort to provide satisfactory service. Most facilities, including the bar and common areas, were inexplicably closed for the majority of the voyage. While the food was passable, it failed to make up for the overall lack of quality service. I would never recommend this cruise line to others. Glad I know now and will never step on this cheap cruise line again.

Date of experience : March 29, 2024

OK cruise ruined by overcharging and uselesss Guest Servuces

We enjoyed our Australia and New Zealand cruise with hard-working and happy staff. Unfortunately, I had a very minor bladder infection This would have been a 20-minute doctor consultation in the UK with an antibiotic and maybe paracetamol prescribed plus an instruction "drink plenty of fluids". Onboard I went to the Medical Centre who 'went to town' with antibiotic and omeprazole injections, intravenous paracetamol plus saline drip, blood samples for liver and kidney tests, monitored my condition for two hours and gave me a bill for $3,000. They would not deal directly with our insurance company so we paid this, along with a few hundred dollars of other expenditure, prior to disembarkment in Sydney. Then the problems started. Our credit card was declined when we tried to pay for lunch with the message 'short of funds' which we knew we were not. We checked our bank statement online to find that the final bill had been paid but also there was a ‘hold’ for the medical expenses bill which meant we had effectively paid this twice. We tried to contact NCL Guest Services which was almost impossible though they did eventually come back with a statement to the effect 'We value your comments and will try to get back to you within 30 days'. Useless. I also contacted my bank and Iglu travel agent, who responded within 24 hours and at least tried to help. When NCL Guest Services eventually replied, after we got home, they sent a standard letter stating that we had agreed when we signed up with them, to them putting 'holds' on guests' bank accounts to cover expenditures as they occurred and these funds would be released after up to 30 days. NCL implied that this was the bank’s fault but I now realise it was theirs. Had they put a hold on the original $3,000 and then marked the same $3000 as collected, the bank would have matched the two up and cancelled the hold. However because the total bill was different to the hold amount, they were unable to do so. This is difficult to explain but it would have been so easy for NCL to do this correctly and I suggest they should do so in the future to prevent the same thing happening to future guests. Comments please NCL?

Date of experience : February 21, 2024

Our cruise was delayed by 2 disappointed days in…

Our cruise was delayed by 2 days in Mauritius! Lack of communication from start to finish, we still not having communication from them after returning home! 3ports cancelled and we went into all industrial ports! If this had been our first cruise it certainly would be our last! We have cruised with them before and had a good experience but we should have known when they cancelled the Brazil cruise. So NEVER again with ncl

Date of experience : February 25, 2024

DONT BOOK WITH NORWEGIAN! …

I agree with the recent posts about them not helping at all with concerns, especially with flights. We have been looking forward to our cruise for so long and also asked to travel as a family. They originally booked us on the same flights, but then randomly rebooked my kids on a flight pattern six hours apart from ours. My son has anxiety when traveling which I have explained multiple times. They don’t seem to care and no one will help me. All I want is for them to put my kids back on their original flight. There was no reason to change them and I had already reserved seats for us to sit together. This is ruining our vacation when all they need to do to make it right is simply move them back. They were happy to take my money and seem to sadistically enjoy the fact that they have the power to ruin our experience. It’s easier to do the right thing NCL!

Date of experience : April 04, 2024

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How To File A Complaint With Norwegian Cruise Line

Published: December 20, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Aridatha Siegel

Introduction

Cruises can be a fantastic way to relax, unwind, and explore beautiful destinations. However, sometimes issues or concerns may arise during your cruise experience. Whether it’s a problem with accommodations, food quality, service, or any other aspect of your trip, it’s important to know how to file a complaint effectively.

One popular cruise line that attracts travelers from around the world is Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). With a wide variety of ships and destinations, NCL offers unforgettable experiences to its passengers. If you have encountered an issue during your NCL cruise and want to file a complaint, this article will guide you through the process step by step.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your complaint is properly addressed and increase the chances of a satisfactory resolution from the cruise line. It’s important to remember that not all complaints will have the same outcome, but being assertive and organized will help you present your case effectively.

So, let’s get started and learn how to file a complaint with Norwegian Cruise Line.

Step 1: Gather Information

The first step in filing a complaint with Norwegian Cruise Line is to gather all the necessary information related to your issue. This information will help you provide clear and concise details when you communicate your complaint to the cruise line.

Here are some key pieces of information you should gather:

• Booking details: Have your booking confirmation number, dates of travel, and any other relevant information readily available. This will help the cruise line locate your reservation and assess your complaint more efficiently.
• Date and time: Note down the date and time when the incident occurred. This will provide a reference point for the cruise line to investigate your complaint.
• Location: Specify where the issue took place on the ship or during a specific activity, such as a dining area, cabin, or excursion. Providing precise details will assist in addressing your complaint accurately.
• Description of the issue: Take time to write down a detailed account of the problem you experienced. Include specific instances, interactions, or conversations related to the issue. This will help the cruise line understand the severity and nature of the complaint.
• Supporting evidence: Collect any evidence you may have, such as photographs, videos, receipts, or witness statements, to corroborate your complaint. These pieces of evidence can strengthen your case and provide substantial proof of the problem.

It’s important to be organized and thorough when gathering information. Having all the necessary details prepared in advance will make the complaint process smoother and increase the chances of a successful resolution.

Once you have gathered all the required information, you are ready to contact Norwegian Cruise Line and communicate your complaint. In the next step, we will discuss the various methods you can use to reach out to the cruise line.

Step 2: Contact Norwegian Cruise Line

After gathering all the necessary information, the next step is to contact Norwegian Cruise Line directly to voice your complaint. NCL provides multiple avenues for communication, ensuring that you can reach out in a way that is most convenient for you.

Here are a few ways to contact Norwegian Cruise Line:

• Customer Service Phone Number: Norwegian Cruise Line offers a dedicated customer service phone line for general inquiries and complaints. You can find the phone number on their official website or in your booking confirmation.
• Email: Another option is to send an email to NCL’s customer service team. Craft a detailed email outlining your complaint and include all relevant information. Make sure to provide your contact information so that they can reach out to you for further clarification if needed.
• Online Contact Form: NCL provides an online contact form on their website. Fill out the form with accurate details and submit it to register your complaint.
• Social Media: Norwegian Cruise Line is active on various social media platforms. You can try reaching out to them through their official social media accounts by sending a direct message or publicly posting your concern.

When contacting NCL, it is essential to remain calm, polite, and professional. Clearly explain the issue you encountered and express your expectations for a resolution. Providing all the gathered information will help the cruise line better understand your complaint. Be sure to note down the name of the representative you speak with or any reference number provided for future reference.

Remember to keep a record of all your communications with Norwegian Cruise Line, including dates, times, and a summary of the conversations or correspondences. This documentation will serve as valuable evidence if you need to escalate your complaint or seek assistance from external consumer protection organizations.

In Step 3, we will discuss how to write a formal complaint letter if you prefer written communication for your complaint.

Step 3: Write a Formal Complaint Letter

If you prefer written communication or if your initial contact with Norwegian Cruise Line did not resolve your complaint, you can write a formal complaint letter. A well-crafted letter can help present your concerns in a structured manner and demonstrate your seriousness about finding a resolution. Follow these steps to write an effective complaint letter:

• Use a professional tone: Address the letter to the appropriate department or individual at Norwegian Cruise Line. Maintain a polite and respectful tone throughout the letter.
• State the facts: Begin the letter by briefly summarizing the issue and stating the relevant details, such as the date, time, and location of the incident.
• Provide a detailed account: Clearly and concisely describe the problem you encountered. Include specific examples, conversations, and any supporting evidence you have collected. Use bullet points or numbered lists to organize your points for better readability.
• Express your expectations: Clearly state what resolution or compensation you are seeking. Be reasonable and realistic in your requests.
• Set a deadline: Specify a reasonable timeline within which you expect a response or resolution. This will provide a sense of urgency and emphasize the importance of your complaint.
• Include your contact information: Provide your name, address, phone number, and email address so that Norwegian Cruise Line can easily reach out to you.
• Keep copies: Make copies of the complaint letter for your records.
• Send the letter: Send the complaint letter via registered mail or certified mail with a return receipt requested. This will ensure that you have proof of delivery.

By writing a formal complaint letter, you are providing a clear and documented account of your concerns, indicating your commitment to resolving the issue. Keep in mind that it may take some time for Norwegian Cruise Line to review and address your complaint. In the next step, we will discuss how to document your complaint to support your case further.

Step 4: Document Your Complaint

When filing a complaint with Norwegian Cruise Line, it is crucial to document your complaint thoroughly. Proper documentation provides evidence of the issue and helps support your case. Here are a few tips on how to effectively document your complaint:

• Take photographs or videos: If applicable, capture visual evidence of the problem you encountered. This could include issues with accommodations, facilities, food, or any other relevant aspect. Make sure your photographs or videos clearly show the issue and provide context.
• Save receipts and records: Keep copies of any receipts, bills, or invoices related to your complaint. These records will serve as evidence of any additional expenses or losses you incurred due to the issue.
• Keep a journal: Maintain a detailed record of all interactions and communications you have had with Norwegian Cruise Line regarding your complaint. Note down dates, times, names of representatives spoken to, and a summary of the conversation or correspondence.
• Collect witness statements: If other passengers or crew members witnessed the problem, ask them to provide written statements or testimonials regarding what they witnessed. Their statements can add credibility to your complaint.
• Obtain medical records (if applicable): In cases where your health or well-being was compromised, seek medical attention on board or after the cruise. Keep copies of any medical reports or records that document any injuries or illnesses related to the issue.
• Keep copies of all correspondence: Maintain copies of all emails, letters, or other written communication exchanged with Norwegian Cruise Line. This documentation will serve as proof of your efforts to resolve the issue.

Having thorough documentation strengthens your case and provides a clear picture of the problem you encountered. This evidence will be vital if you need to escalate your complaint or involve external consumer protection organizations.

In the next step, we will discuss how to follow up on your complaint to ensure that it receives the necessary attention from Norwegian Cruise Line.

Step 5: Follow Up on Your Complaint

After filing a complaint with Norwegian Cruise Line, it’s important to follow up to ensure that your complaint is being addressed. Sometimes, a timely and proactive follow-up can expedite the resolution process. Here are some steps to follow up effectively:

• Keep track of time: Note the date when you filed your complaint and set a reasonable timeline for a response from the cruise line. This will help you determine when to follow up.
• Follow up through the same channel: If you initially contacted Norwegian Cruise Line via phone or email, follow up using the same method. Reference your complaint and briefly explain that you are following up for an update on the status of your complaint.
• Be polite and persistent: Remain courteous and polite in your follow-ups, but also be persistent in seeking a resolution. If you don’t receive a response within the expected timeframe, you may need to escalate your complaint to a supervisor or higher-ranking representative.
• Ask for a timeline: In your follow-up communication, politely request a specific timeline for when you can expect a resolution or further updates on your complaint.
• Consider alternative methods: If you haven’t received a satisfactory response after multiple attempts at following up, try reaching out through different channels such as social media or seeking assistance from consumer protection organizations.
• Maintain records of follow-up: Keep track of all follow-up attempts, including dates, times, and a summary of the communication. These records will be valuable if you need to escalate your complaint or seek further assistance.

Remember to remain patient but persistent throughout the follow-up process. It may take some time for Norwegian Cruise Line to fully investigate your complaint and provide a resolution. If, despite your best efforts, your complaint does not receive a satisfactory response, you may need to seek assistance from external consumer protection organizations, which we will discuss in the next step.

Now that you understand the importance of following up on your complaint, let’s move on to Step 6, where we explore seeking assistance from consumer protection organizations if needed.

Step 6: Seek Assistance from Consumer Protection Organizations

If your complaint with Norwegian Cruise Line has not been resolved to your satisfaction, or if you are facing challenges in reaching a resolution, you may consider seeking assistance from consumer protection organizations. These organizations can provide guidance and support in resolving disputes with businesses, including cruise lines. Here are some steps to seek assistance:

• Research relevant consumer protection organizations: Look for consumer protection organizations that specialize in the travel and cruise industry. They may have specific resources and services to assist you with your complaint.
• Contact the organization: Reach out to the consumer protection organization either through their website, telephone, or email. Explain your situation and provide all the relevant details of your complaint.
• Cooperate and provide documentation: Cooperate with the organization and be prepared to provide any documentation or evidence related to your complaint. This may include correspondence, receipts, photographs, or witness statements.
• Follow the organization’s process: Each consumer protection organization may have its process for handling complaints. Follow their instructions and provide any additional information they may request to support your case.
• Be patient: Resolving complaints through consumer protection organizations may take time, as they will need to investigate and mediate between you and the cruise line. Stay patient and maintain open communication with the organization.
• Consider legal assistance: In severe cases where your complaint remains unresolved, you may want to consult with a lawyer who specializes in travel or consumer law. They can provide legal advice and guidance on your options moving forward.

Consumer protection organizations can act as intermediaries between you and the cruise line, advocating for your rights as a consumer. Their involvement may increase the chances of reaching a satisfactory resolution.

Remember that seeking assistance from consumer protection organizations should be a last resort when all other avenues have been exhausted. Most cruise lines, including Norwegian Cruise Line, prioritize customer satisfaction and will attempt to address your concerns before involving external parties.

After seeking assistance from consumer protection organizations, continue to follow up with both the organization and Norwegian Cruise Line to ensure that your complaint continues to receive attention. Remember to stay proactive and persistent throughout the process.

With these steps, you are well-equipped to file a complaint with Norwegian Cruise Line effectively. We hope that your complaint gets resolved to your satisfaction, allowing you to enjoy smooth and memorable cruise experiences in the future.

Safe travels!

Filing a complaint with Norwegian Cruise Line can be a complex process, but by following these steps, you can increase the likelihood of a successful resolution. Remember, the key to a successful complaint is to be organized, clear, and persistent throughout the process.

Start by gathering all the necessary information related to your issue. This will help you present a clear and comprehensive account of the problem you encountered. Contact Norwegian Cruise Line directly, either through their customer service phone line, email, online contact form, or social media channels. Maintain a professional and polite tone in your communications, clearly expressing your concerns and expectations.

If necessary, write a formal complaint letter, providing a structured account of the issue and clearly stating your expectations for a resolution. Keep thorough documentation of your complaint, including photographs, receipts, journal entries, witness statements, and copies of all correspondence for evidence.

Follow up on your complaint regularly, politely seeking updates and a timeline for resolution. If your complaint remains unresolved or you are facing challenges in reaching a resolution, consider seeking assistance from consumer protection organizations specialized in the travel industry. These organizations can provide guidance and support throughout the process.

Remember, patience and persistence are key when filing a complaint. It may take time to address and resolve your concerns. Stay proactive, continue to follow up, and consider seeking legal assistance if needed.

We hope that these steps help you navigate the process of filing a complaint with Norwegian Cruise Line smoothly. Ultimately, our goal is for you to have the best possible cruise experience and for your concerns to be resolved in a satisfactory manner. Happy cruising!

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Norwegian Cruise Line Review

Tuesday, April 30th

2024 Cruise Line Reviews

• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Best for large-ship sailing, especially in Alaska
• 18 ships in the fleet
• Ships accommodate anywhere from 1,900 to 4,000+ passengers
• Private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay
• Exciting amenities on board, like go-kart tracks and climbing walls
• No required or recommended gratuities
• Freestyle cruising plus "Free at Sea" promos can make your cruise flexible and affordable

Norwegian Cruise Line, commonly referred to as NCL, is a popular cruise line that was founded in 1966 by Knut Kloster and Ted Arison, who also co-founded Carnival Cruise Line. Norwegian Cruise Line is headquartered in Miami, Florida, and is currently part of the Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., which also includes Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Solid option for a Caribbean cruise during spring break

Norwegian had several available itineraries in our apples-to-apples comparison, looking for a trip in March within the Caribbean and booking about a year in advance. Prices were about average, starting at $599 per person for a 5-day sailing out of Miami to Great Stirrup Cay (NCL's private island) and Cozumel, and going up to $1,319 for a 7-day sailing from Puerto Rico to Barbados, Antigua, and St. Lucia. Interestingly, a 12-day cruise out of Punta Cana and visiting Barbados, Curacao and Aruba was less expensive, with a starting fare of $1,079 per person. At the time of our review, NCL had a promotion in place offering free airfare for the second guest on the booking, which could be a pretty significant savings depending on your departure port.

Great choice for Alaskan cruises

For what it's worth, we've also heard really good things about NCL for anyone looking to sail to Alaska: among the big ships, travel agents and travelers alike say that the experience is top notch when you use Norwegian.

How about a themed cruise?

In addition to its regular cruise itineraries, Norwegian Cruise Line offers several themed cruises throughout the year. For example, the "Sail Across the Sun" cruise is a music-themed cruise that features live performances by popular bands and musicians, while the "Wine, Dine, and Music Cruise" offers guests the opportunity to sample world-class wines and gourmet cuisine while enjoying live music performances. Themed cruises on NCL aren't just for the more, ahem , seasoned travelers either: check out EDSea "as the magical world of EDC meets paradise" with immersive art, performers, themed stages, non-stop music and more - but at least when we checked, EDSea sells out quickly so you'll have to book well in advance (or join the waitlist).

Exciting onboard activities

One of the standout ships in Norwegian Cruise Line's fleet is the Norwegian Joy, which was launched in 2017 as part of the Breakaway Plus class (along with the Escape, Encore, and Bliss). The ship features a number of unique amenities, including a two-level go-kart track, an open-air laser tag arena, and a virtual reality arcade. NCL's most exciting amenities are found in the ThrillPlex activity zones, available on both Breakaway Plus and Breakaway class ships. Just be aware that some experiences come with an extra cost: $15 per session for go-karts (or pay a one-time fee for unlimited use, typically $199 for a 7-day sailing), $9.95 per session of laser tag, and so on.

High-caliber shows

Another feature that sets Norwegian Cruise Line apart from other cruise lines is its onboard entertainment. The cruise line offers a variety of shows, ranging from Broadway-style productions to comedy acts and live music. One of the most popular shows on Norwegian Cruise Line is "Burn the Floor" , which is a dance show that features world-class dancers performing to a range of music genres, including ballroom, Latin, and contemporary.

No gratuity required or recommended - but not refused, either

Unlike the majority of big-ship cruise lines, Norwegian doesn't require tipping or even recommend an amount for it, beyond the 20% automatically added for spa and salon services plus beverage purchases. But, they do point out that they encourage their staff to "go the extra mile" and that their employees are allowed to accept cash gratuities for outstanding service. So, it's up to you, but know that your stateroom attendant, the counselors in the kids' club, and your dining room servers would probably not turn down a tip.

Be sure to understand Freestyle vs. Free at Sea

Not having to pay gratuities is part of what Norwegian likes to call "Freestyle Cruising" . That also includes having no assigned dining times: you're free to choose where and when you want to eat, dress it up or stay casual, it's up to you. But, don't confuse "freestyle cruising" with NCL's "Free at Sea" promotions. Depending on when you book, you might be offered the latter as a perk, with five options you can choose for customizing your cruise experience:

• Free Unlimited Open Bar: This option offers guests the opportunity to enjoy unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages throughout their cruise.
• Free Specialty Dining: This option provides passengers with free access to Norwegian's specialty restaurants, where they can enjoy a variety of cuisines and dining experiences. (Two meals, valued at approximately $180 per traveler)
• Shore Excursion Credit: This option provides guests with credit towards booking shore excursions, allowing them to explore the ports of call and participate in various activities (typically a $50 credit per guest).
• Free Wi-Fi: This option provides passengers with free access to the ship's Wi-Fi, allowing them to stay connected and share their experiences on social media. (Usually about 150 total minutes across a 7-day sailing)
• Extra Guests Sail Free: This option provides families and groups with a great opportunity to save on their cruise vacation, with the third and fourth guests in the stateroom sailing for free.

Free at Sea Plus upgrade might be available

But wait, there's more! You may also have the option of upgrading to "Free at Sea Plus" , which would give you extra specialty dining, extra credit towards excursions, unlimited Wi-Fi, and a premium beverage package. As you'd expect, the cost for that upgrade will depend on what promotions are in place, your itinerary, and the length of your cruise, but it's safe to anticipate paying anywhere from $99 to $899 per person (the lower amount being for a three-day cruise and the higher amount being for sailings longer than seven nights).

Not the most sterling safety record

But, we give Norwegian somewhat of a downgrade for its safety record. The cruise line has had several incidents in recent years, including a fire on one of its ships in 2019 and a mechanical issue on another ship in 2018. The company has faced criticism for its handling of these incidents. While no cruise line is completely immune from problems, there are several that have never experienced a major incident and that invest heavily in safety training and technology. We wouldn't say Norwegian is unsafe, per se, but it's one area where some of its rivals outpace its track record.

Online experience leaves room for improvement

We also weren't overly impressed with the online booking experience and the NCL website overall. When we went to get more information on the Freestyle vs. Free at Sea vs. Free at Sea Plus differences, every result link we got when we searched gave us a 404 Not Found error. And, when we went to reach out for help via live chat, it took a long time to connect with an agent - and even when we did, the chat was super-slow and we waited over 10 minutes to get an answer to our one question.

Great option for most destinations served by larger ships

Still, there's a lot to love about Norwegian, especially with all of the "free" aspects of their sailings (even if it can be a chore to work out what exactly they mean by it). This cruise line absolutely offers fun for guests of all ages and adventure levels, and if there's a destination you've been dying to visit, chances are good that NCL can take you there. Don't hesitate to put Norwegian Cruise Line on your list of options if large-ship cruising - with all of the associated amenities - is what you're after.

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The 15 Best Cruise Lines

Which cruise line is the best.

Cruising is a popular way of traveling for many people, offering a unique experience that combines the convenience of a floating hotel with the excitement of visiting multiple destinations in one trip. In an average year, over fifteen million people say "all aboard" and set sail on an amazing vacation.

There are many different cruise lines to choose from, and each one offers a different type of experience. Some are geared towards families, while others are more focused on luxury or adventure. What would you like to see and do while you're onboard? Is a casino a must-have or a rather-avoid? Would a Broadway-caliber show tip the scales for you? Do you need a wide range of activities to keep the kiddos happy while the adults live it up or relax? The onboard activities and amenities can really make or break your vacation, so be sure you know what you're getting.

Cruise Line FAQ

Which cruise line is the best, what is included in the cost of a cruise, what is the minimum age to cruise, what are the dining options on a cruise ship, are cruise ships crowded, do i have to dress up, are activities included at destination ports, can i bring my own alcohol onboard.

Continued from above...

Another factor that can influence which cruise line you choose is the itinerary. Cruise ships travel all over the world, but some cruise lines may not have destinations available where you're hoping to go. You should also consider the size of the ship: larger ships offer more amenities, but smaller ships can access ports that bigger ships can't.

Speaking of amenities, make sure you understand what you'll get as part of your fare and which extras will come with an additional cost. For example, most cruises offer drink packages for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, but a few have drink stations where you can get complimentary lemonade, coffee and tea. Other amenities that might be important to you are Wi-Fi, spa services, babysitting, fitness classes, and upgraded dining experiences. You can usually get a decent discount if you sign up for an amenities package before you sail, so keep an eye out for promotions in the months leading up to your sailing.

When you take a cruise, it's almost always expected that you'll tip the crew members who have attended to your needs while onboard: your cabin steward ( who probably leaves your towels folded into fun shapes every night ), your servers at your nightly meals, and the head waiter. Cruise lines have a recommended gratuity to cover all three of those staff members, usually $15-$20 per traveler, per day; the total gratuity amount may be charged automatically to your account, or you may be given envelopes to make cash payments.

While it usually isn't mandatory to pay those gratuities - you can ask to have them removed if they're applied automatically, especially if you've received poor service - it's typically considered in poor taste not to tip at the suggested levels (because crew members' salaries, much like servers at your local restaurant, are based on the expectation of tips paid by guests). And, if you receive service that goes above and beyond, adding to the recommended gratuity is always appreciated. Be aware that tips for bartenders, poolside servers, and professional services provided in the spa or elsewhere are not included in the daily suggested gratuity and may be charged automatically at the time of service.

Now that you have a good overview of the cruising experience, which cruise line should you choose? Beyond the points we already covered, here are a few additional criteria that might make it easier to pick:

• Embarkation port. You could get a great deal on a cruise, but what will it cost you to get to the port? That could involve airfare, an overnight stay or two in a nearby hotel (so that you're less likely to be affected by travel delays), and transportation from the airport or hotel to the port. This is especially true if you're taking a cruise that departs from an international destination.
• Perks for repeat cruisers. Like frequent flyer programs on airlines, most cruise lines offer benefits the more you sail. If you find yourself absolutely loving cruise vacations, it can be advantageous to put all of your eggs in one basket, so to speak. Rewards programs can include casino benefits, complimentary meals at the upgraded dining experiences, exclusive sail-away parties with free cocktails and tchotchkes, early-access booking on future cruises, and much more.
• Reputation. It's a really smart idea to see what other travelers have said about their overall experience with a cruise line before booking your trip. The ads on TV may make that private island look amazing, but someone who's been there might point out that you'll pay extra to get on that waterslide. Or, previous cruisers could tell you that despite having several formal nights on the schedule, a particular cruise line has no problem with people showing up to dinner in flip-flops and swimsuit coverups. Find out if the cruise line you're considering lines up in reality with what they advertise.

Here at Top Consumer Reviews, cruising is one of our favorite ways to travel and experience new things. And with so many different cruise lines to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. But, don't worry: take a look at our in-depth analysis of today's most popular options, find the one that's the best match for your vacation ideas and your travel party, and book that trip you've been dreaming of. Bon voyage!

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Norwegian Cruise Line

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line |

Find a Cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line

with a cruise advisor

Norwegian Cruise Line is known for its fun, laid-back ambiance and inventive "freestyle cruising" concept, which features no enforced dress codes, no fixed dining times, and a plethora of onboard entertainment and family-friendly activities. Norwegian's 19-ship fleet sails all over the world, with itineraries lasting anywhere from three to 21 days. The cruise line is also planning to add longer sailings, fewer sea days and more days in port in the winter 2024 and 2025 seasons and in the summer of 2025. Norwegian’s destinations include Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, South America, Africa and more.

During your voyage, you can catch live shows like "The Choir of Man," the award-winning musical “Six”  and “Beetlejuice: The Musical” on the line’s newest ship, Norwegian Viva.  Meanwhile, youngsters and teens can spend time at onboard aqua parks, race tracks, and kids clubs, and play virtual reality games at Galaxy Pavilion.

When it comes to dining, Norwegian's options are varied. The cruise line's Freestyle Dining program allows you to nosh in globally inspired eateries, such as a French-style bistro, a Brazilian Steakhouse and a Japanese teppanyaki restaurant. You can also choose to have your meals at a traditional cruise buffet or dine in a formal dining room. Notably, the main dining rooms don't feature fixed dining times or assigned seating. Guests on board the new Prima class ships, Norwegian Prima and Viva, will also find Indulge Food Hall. The complimentary internationally inspired venue features dishes from India, Italy and Latin America along with comfort food like hearty Texas barbeque.

Norwegian Cruise Line's ships are large mass-market ships, carrying between 1,936 and 4,266 passengers, but they also offer an element of luxury, especially in The Haven, the line’s ship-within-a-ship concept. While Norwegian's vessels can feel crowded in certain venues, such as the main pool deck and at the buffet restaurant, they maintain a ratio of approximately one staff member per every two or three passengers – even when ships are filled at double occupancy.

U.S. News Insider Tip: For time away from the kids and the crowds, look for adults-only or mostly adult venues (these vary by ship) like Vibe Beach Club, Spice H2O, Infinity Beach (Prima class ships) and Mandara Spa. If you book accommodations in The Haven (the line’s ship-within-a-ship concept), the Haven Sundeck is reserved for guests 16 and older. – Gwen Pratesi, Contributor

Pros & Cons

No fixed dress codes

Wide variety of onboard restaurants, entertainment and activities

Some ships offer stateroom options designed for solo travelers

Long lines may occur at dining venues and venues for evening entertainment

Some onboard activities are not included in cruise rates

Meals at specialty restaurants cost extra

• Expert Rating » 3.9
• Traveler Rating » 3.8
• Health Rating » 4.6

Norwegian Cruise Line has been ranked based on an expert evaluation of the line's level of luxury, as well as an assessment of user reviews and health ratings.

• # 4 in Best Cruise Lines for Families
• # 8 in Best Cruise Lines for the Money
• # 8 in Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean
• # 9 in Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean

Explore Photos

Norwegian Cruise Line Ships

Norwegian Joy

Norwegian Jewel

Norwegian Bliss

Norwegian Prima

Norwegian Encore

Norwegian Breakaway

Norwegian Escape

Norwegian Pearl

Norwegian Dawn

Norwegian Sky

Norwegian Jade

Norwegian Getaway

Norwegian Sun

Norwegian Spirit

Norwegian Viva

Pride of America

Norwegian Gem

Norwegian Star

Norwegian Epic

Before You Book

• Deposits for Norwegian cruises vary by cruise length and cabin category. Final payments for all cruises must be made 120 days prior to sailing.
• Cancellation policies vary greatly by room type, cruise length and timing. All requests for refunds must be made in writing to Norwegian Cruise Line. For more information about cancellation policies, visit  ncl.com . 
• Passengers with medical issues or special needs should notify Norwegian between 90 days (for those who need an interpreter) and 45 days prior to departure. Those with service dogs must notify the cruise line at least two weeks in advance. You can call 1-866-584-9756 or email [email protected] for more information.

Before You Board

• You must provide all necessary travel documents depending on the itinerary, including a passport valid for six months after the completion of your cruise or a government-issued photo ID coupled with a birth certificate, an original certificate of naturalization or an original U.S. citizenship certificate if you are visiting non-U.S. ports of call. If your port of call requires a visa, it is your responsibility to secure it beforehand. It’s important to know that even on a close-looped cruise (a cruise sailing roundtrip from a U.S. port) if you had to depart unexpectedly from a foreign port, you would need to have a passport. Refer to NCL’s website to make sure you have the proper documentation before booking your cruise.
• You must complete your online check-in at least three days prior to sailing to view and print your eDocs. The documents will no longer be available within 72 hours of your sailing. Vaccinations may be required for travel to certain international destinations. For updated information on required immunizations, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  and  World Health Organization . 
• You should arrive no earlier than one hour before your scheduled embarkation time and should board the ship at least two hours prior to your scheduled departure time (both times will be noted in your eDocs). You can complete your online check-in and reserve your port arrival time as early as 21 days prior to your sail date. Keep in mind that check-in must be completed prior to arriving at the terminal.
• Norwegian allows cruisers to bring up to two pieces of luggage on board. Suitcases may not exceed 50 pounds each. Be sure to have luggage tags attached that are clearly marked with your name, address and contact information.
• You can pre-request shore excursions up to six months in advance of your scheduled sail date on Norwegian Cruise Line's website or by calling 1-866-625-1167.
• You can make reservations at specialty restaurants on Norwegian's website starting 90 days before you board.

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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• Norwegian Cruise Line

Really bad reviews on Getaway

By The Med , October 16, 2023 in Norwegian Cruise Line

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We were looking at a cruise on The Getaway from New York leaving in January.

We only cruised NCL once before, on the Epic about 4 years ago so I thought that I’d read some reviews to get a feel of what’s what.

Oh, my goodness, the reviews are dreadful, I haven’t come across a good one yet.

The comments range from overcrowding everywhere, 45 minute queues to get on and off tenders, nowhere to sit in the buffet, all speciality restaurants booked up once you get onboard, all excursions booked if you happen to be a late booking, 45 minute queues to get into main restaurant with no queue separating those who have booked and those that haven’t.Also no quiet areas to sit and read, a screen on constantly in main atrium.Disorganised staff, people coughing all over the buffet, no sanitiser offered on entering restaurants.

Can anyone either confirm this or offer a more positive experience?

To be honest, it’s completely put us off booking.

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Share on other sites.

First of all , keep in mind that unhappy people will post their experiences more often than someone who had a wonderful cruise.

However, many of the things you mention are just the way it is many places, not just on a popular cruise. There will be lines for tenders - no way to get a few thousand people off instantly. Book an NCL excursion and you will have priority for the time of your excursion. Yes, some excursions sell out just like tickets to anything, FCFS.  Buffet will be crowded at popular times, restaurants will be at capacity, again just like anywhere else.

Haven't been on the Getaway recently but as far as I know, every ship has a library if you can't find a quiet place to sit and read.  And every ship has washy-washy people and/or sanitizer at the restaurants in my experience.  People coughing?  That's everywhere.

cruiseny4life

I cruised Getaway three times between April, 2022 and January, 2023. My information is dated, but you may find my reviews/lives helpful. There were certainly some hiccups, but I would book Getaway again in a NYC minute!! 

You should follow this review as @CruisnHallelujahs  will be embarking on 10/22 and posting a live review:

Here are links to my review and lives of Getaway:

1. Getaway Easter Sailing - April, 2022 (first cruise on NCL) - review

2. Getaway September Sailing - September, 2022 - live

3. Getaway New Year's Sailing - 2022/2023 - live

I'm not one to sugarcoat problems on a ship, but having sailed on the Getaway three times, the most recent earlier this year, I can tell you my experience.  Yes, there are lines sometimes, which is not uncommon on any megaship on any cruise line.  The line to disembark at the end of the cruise is always long, but it moves very quickly.  I doubt we've waited more than 15 minutes.  We have never had to wait in a line to eat dinner in the MDR, but I have seen some lines when we leave around 7:00 or so.  If you know to go to Headliners when you board the ship, you can usually score your preferred times for specialty restaurants.  We always go there first, because the excursions desk usually opens a bit later.  Regardless, we're first in line for excursions when it opens.  Some excursions are completely booked up, but often some have opened up that were showing full online.  You can also get on a wait list in case something opens up later (it does happen).  Catching a tender in a popular port can be tough if you're trying to get off early, but sometimes the very first tender of the day goes off half empty because people who booked don't get moving that early.  I've heard announcements telling passengers that spaces are available without reservations.  Speaking of reservations, since you have no latitudes status, you'll have to get a tender ticket the day before if you want to get off early.  If time is no issue, don't bother with a ticket because usually by 10 or 11, everything opens up and you no longer need tickets.  Of course, if you're on a ship excursion, you don't need a ticket.

The buffet, like on every ship, can get crowded at peak times.  We've never not been able to find seats, but sometimes you have to wander a bit and be ready to grab a spot that opens up.  As far as a quiet place to read, if the weather is nice, the waterfront is awesome.  If you want to sit indoors, check out the bars during the morning and early afternoons.  They are virtually empty with comfortable seats.  HTH

20 minutes ago, FredZiffle said: I'm not one to sugarcoat problems on a ship, but having sailed on the Getaway three times, the most recent earlier this year, I can tell you my experience.  Yes, there are lines sometimes, which is not uncommon on any megaship on any cruise line.  The line to disembark at the end of the cruise is always long, but it moves very quickly.  I doubt we've waited more than 15 minutes.  We have never had to wait in a line to eat dinner in the MDR, but I have seen some lines when we leave around 7:00 or so.  If you know to go to Headliners when you board the ship, you can usually score your preferred times for specialty restaurants.  We always go there first, because the excursions desk usually opens a bit later.  Regardless, we're first in line for excursions when it opens.  Some excursions are completely booked up, but often some have opened up that were showing full online.  You can also get on a wait list in case something opens up later (it does happen).  Catching a tender in a popular port can be tough if you're trying to get off early, but sometimes the very first tender of the day goes off half empty because people who booked don't get moving that early.  I've heard announcements telling passengers that spaces are available without reservations.  Speaking of reservations, since you have no latitudes status, you'll have to get a tender ticket the day before if you want to get off early.  If time is no issue, don't bother with a ticket because usually by 10 or 11, everything opens up and you no longer need tickets.  Of course, if you're on a ship excursion, you don't need a ticket.   The buffet, like on every ship, can get crowded at peak times.  We've never not been able to find seats, but sometimes you have to wander a bit and be ready to grab a spot that opens up.  As far as a quiet place to read, if the weather is nice, the waterfront is awesome.  If you want to sit indoors, check out the bars during the morning and early afternoons.  They are virtually empty with comfortable seats.  HTH

I just got off the Getaway last week and I concur with basically all of this.  There were no major problems and besides the usual Shanghai lines, there was only one night out of 11 that we waited at all to get into a dining room, and that was maybe 5-10 minutes at most. We had NO problem finding quiet places to sit both inside and outside to read, relax, have a drink etc. It was a great cruise and I am not a Pollyanna in the least.  The screen in the Atrium was on all of the time, I suppose, but I'm not sure why that would be a negative?  There was almost always an activity going on that the screen related to!

If you've sailed 4 years ago, please adjust your expectations downward. The cruise experience in the overall industry has severely degraded on multiple fronts - entertainment, staffing, training, etc. The cruise lines are generally charging more because they can while delivering less. This doesn't mean you should not book the cruise, though.

We used to cruise 4+ times per year, but since Corona, we have sailed only twice and only when we find a last minute cruise with space available. We don't find overall value in the cruise space these days. While we don't mind paying more if we get more, we outright reject the idea of paying more for less, so we spend our vacation dollars very intentionally elsewhere.

I concur with all of the previous commenters. 

In a nutshell, given the size of the ship and number of passengers, yes, expects waits and crowds at the pinch points you mentioned (i.e., buffet at peak times, disembarking, tendering, etc.).  That's a fact of life on a mainstream cruise line.

Also, if you leave NYC in January around school holidays (MLK weekend), expect kids and families. So, pick your dates carefully.

That said, I sailed on the Getaway earlier this year, Joy last month, and Escape next month....all out of NYC.  I had a great time on the prior ships and expect no less on the Escape.

Don't fret: come on over to the states and take the cruise!

Remember you’re sailing with 4000 other ppl, not 400.   

p&lcruisers

We're were on the Getaway in March and we had a great time. Peak hours can get crowded.  When school is off it can get crazy. Getaway was my favorite ship.  Go and have fun ! 

fastpitchdad

We have sailed the Getaway twice and loved it each time. 

My wife and I sailed the GA in January 2023 on a 12 day out of NYC in the Haven. We went with friends who were Non Haven. We had dinner in the main dining room the first night. The service was terrible, specialty restaurants were fine. Honestly didn't really notice if it was overcrowded or not, sea days we spent between the Haven Courtyard, Sundeck and the Spa. 

If you can swing it, book a Haven Cabin.....At least get a Spa Pass

Thank you for all the quick replies.

Although we’ve not sailed NCL for 4 years we have sailed with other cruise lines over the last few years, mostly Celebrity which up until recently we thought was a fairly good fit for us.

The last two cruises were on Celebrity Beyond, although that wasn’t sailing full, and then in February we went on the Celebrity Edge and it was this last cruise that we thought we’d give Celebrity a break for a while. We definitely noticed a difference in terms of food, service and entertainment.

We now realise though that it’s not just Celebrity that are cutting corners but apparently several cruise lines seem to be on a race to the bottom.

The cruise sails on January 2nd for 10 nights so I presume there will be lots of children on board?   

Anyway we have lots to think about, whether to go ahead and book or not.

butterfly4108

We sailed on her last year at the same time you're considering and there were probably more children than adults!  At least it seemed like it with the screaming at the elevators (playing games on the floor in front of them), some running down the halls kicking doors at 2 a.m. and later, and I could go on but won't.... 😄   The ship itself is "so-so" as the layout makes it feel crowded most of the time but not enough to dissuade us from taking another trip if that's the only ship with the itinerary we want BUT during a time when school is out.  That was the worst trip we've ever taken out of over 20 cruises!  HOWEVER, we love NCL, they have the best itineraries and other than that particular time of year have had no problems with dinner seating, service or otherwise....

cruiser2015

10 minutes ago, The Med said: Thank you for all the quick replies.   Although we’ve not sailed NCL for 4 years we have sailed with other cruise lines over the last few years, mostly Celebrity which up until recently we thought was a fairly good fit for us.   The last two cruises were on Celebrity Beyond, although that wasn’t sailing full, and then in February we went on the Celebrity Edge and it was this last cruise that we thought we’d give Celebrity a break for a while. We definitely noticed a difference in terms of food, service and entertainment. We now realise though that it’s not just Celebrity that are cutting corners but apparently several cruise lines seem to be on a race to the bottom.   The cruise sails on January 2nd for 10 nights so I presume there will be lots of children on board?    Anyway we have lots to think about, whether to go ahead and book or not.

Quite the contrary regarding the kiddies.

Most schools reopen just after the New Year.

Thanks for that Butterfly4108

Well that’s made us think!  We have been away previously on other cruises during school holidays (we had to when our son was at school) but we didn’t find it too much of a problem because we found that most children went to the kids club.

However, we’re older now and less “kid tolerant” especially naughty ones!  

For various reasons we wanted to be away from home over New Year so thought that a couple of nights in The Big Apple followed by a cruise might have done the trick.

Oh decisions decisions.

1 minute ago, cruiser2015 said: Quite the contrary regarding the kiddies. Most schools reopen just after the New Year.

That's what we thought as well but were informed that children in Canada were still out of school which was why there were so many on our particular trip...

3 minutes ago, cruiser2015 said: Quite the contrary regarding the kiddies. Most schools reopen just after the New Year.

Does it vary depending where in America you are?  

I see Butterfly said that Canada is different.

I would have thought that as the cruise leaves on 2nd for 10 nights that most children would have to be back during this period.

In the UK parents get fined for taking their children out during term time, not sure what the USA rules are.

www3traveler

19 minutes ago, The Med said: Thank you for all the quick replies.   Although we’ve not sailed NCL for 4 years we have sailed with other cruise lines over the last few years, mostly Celebrity which up until recently we thought was a fairly good fit for us.   The last two cruises were on Celebrity Beyond, although that wasn’t sailing full, and then in February we went on the Celebrity Edge and it was this last cruise that we thought we’d give Celebrity a break for a while. We definitely noticed a difference in terms of food, service and entertainment. We now realise though that it’s not just Celebrity that are cutting corners but apparently several cruise lines seem to be on a race to the bottom.   The cruise sails on January 2nd for 10 nights so I presume there will be lots of children on board?    Anyway we have lots to think about, whether to go ahead and book or not.

People might be willing to take the kids out of school for a 7 day cruise (especially during a holiday period) but probably less so for a 10 day cruise.  However a lot of kids are homeschooled now or can keep up with their school work via the internet.

I'm not sure of the dates for Canada as I'm in the US so with our own children being back in school that week I thought they all were lol!!  I only found out the Canadian children were still out when I asked the staff why there were so many children running all over the place.  I had no idea.... I guess you could probably check the dates online for the holiday period this year though so you'd know ahead of time whether they'll be out this year or not...

In the US children can do distance learning with permission and quite a few are also home schooled which allows a lot more freedom for travel as long as they put in their "school time" on their laptops depending on their district and state of course.

3 hours ago, The Med said: We were looking at a cruise on The Getaway from New York leaving in January. We only cruised NCL once before, on the Epic about 4 years ago so I thought that I’d read some reviews to get a feel of what’s what.   Oh, my goodness, the reviews are dreadful, I haven’t come across a good one yet.   The comments range from overcrowding everywhere, 45 minute queues to get on and off tenders, nowhere to sit in the buffet, all speciality restaurants booked up once you get onboard, all excursions booked if you happen to be a late booking, 45 minute queues to get into main restaurant with no queue separating those who have booked and those that haven’t.Also no quiet areas to sit and read, a screen on constantly in main atrium.Disorganised staff, people coughing all over the buffet, no sanitiser offered on entering restaurants.   Can anyone either confirm this or offer a more positive experience?   To be honest, it’s completely put us off booking.    

Rule # 1, don't trust bad reviews. I never do.

1 hour ago, The Med said: Does it vary depending where in America you are?   I see Butterfly said that Canada is different.   I would have thought that as the cruise leaves on 2nd for 10 nights that most children would have to be back during this period.   In the UK parents get fined for taking their children out during term time, not sure what the USA rules are.  

You did not mention when in January you were traveling.

Anyway, I didn't think about Canada. I would expect the largest portion of passengers to be Americans. In the New York area, back to school is Jan. 2 for most.

A little quick research on open dates: south Florida Jan 5 or 8; Virginia around the 6th; Pennsylvania  3rd.

That is a sampling.

Definitely some parents will hold kids back for a vacation that they can get for less when not the holiday break.

I would not expect many, especially if you're mid month or later.

15 minutes ago, DCGuy64 said: Rule # 1, don't trust bad reviews. I never do.

Amen. If I cruised only on ships that didn't have bad reviews, I wouldn't cruise at all. 

14 minutes ago, cruiser2015 said: You did not mention when in January you were traveling. Anyway, I didn't think about Canada. I would expect the largest portion of passengers to be Americans. In the New York area, back to school is Jan. 2 for most. A little quick research on open dates: south Florida Jan 5 or 8; Virginia around the 6th; Pennsylvania  3rd. That is a sampling. Definitely some parents will hold kids back for a vacation that they can get for less when not the holiday break. I would not expect many, especially if you're mid month or later.

Our 12 day on the GA left January 8th 2023. Frankly I was surprised at the amount of kids, teens on the ship. In the Haven their were at least two dozen. Talking to one of their parents they just bring work along. Personally we would have never done that

7 minutes ago, IAcruising said:   Amen. If I cruised only on ships that didn't have bad reviews, I wouldn't cruise at all.   

Exactly, same here.

1 hour ago, IAcruising said:   Amen. If I cruised only on ships that didn't have bad reviews, I wouldn't cruise at all.   

  Well I do understand that almost everything has some bad reviews mixed with some good reviews, it was just that I couldn’t actually find any good reviews at all which was somewhat alarming (until the replies on this post).

However, we’re now thinking that this cruise probably isn’t for us.

The ship is too big.

I’ve just been reading on another post about someone asking about Cunard.  We haven’t done Cunard for a few years but we’re now considering the crossing to Southampton.

I do adore dressing to the nines, so that would be nice.

Its just that we won’t get the sunshine.

Oh, decisions, decisions. 

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Table of Contents

About Norwegian Cruise Line sailings

Norwegian cruise line destinations, norwegian cruise line cruise prices, what is the best norwegian cruise line ship, what’s included on ncl cruises, ncl firsts in the industry: what is norwegian known for, ncl loyalty program: latitude rewards, norwegian cruise line credit card, what is ncl known for.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is one of the top players in large-ship cruising, and its fleet is seeing one of its biggest refits in decades with its new Prima fleet of ships. Norwegian Cruise Line ships are also known for their colorful hull art that makes them stand out in ports around the world.

The company dates back to 1966 when it got its start as a Norwegian shipping company. Today, it has become one of the more popular mainstream cruise brands and is part of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, which also includes the Regent Seven Seas and Oceania brands.

If you’re scrolling through endless Norwegian Cruise Line reviews, let this complete guide to the cruise company give you the larger overview of what sets this brand apart from the rest. There are some interesting innovations from Norwegian that other cruise lines have since adopted, but they started here.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

NCL sails around the world with numerous routes from the U.S. to Caribbean destinations as well as around the Mediterranean and Baltic Seas.

Its loyalty program, onboard amenities and variety of cabin types offer something for every type of traveler.

Cabin types: You can expect a range of different cabin sizes and layouts ranging from solo-traveler interior studios and inside cabins for as many as four people to ocean view and balcony cabins. A wide range of suites are also available. The Prima class of ships feature the largest suites, some of which have private whirlpools on the balcony and as many as three bedrooms. 

Main U.S. routes: NCL has plenty of North America sailings from U.S. ports to Alaska, Bermuda, Canada and New England. There are also sailings to the Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico and the Panama Canal, among others. 

Loyalty program: NCL's Latitudes Rewards loyalty program, which issues one point for every night sailed as well as bonus points for booking suites or participating in certain promotions. At each elite tier, members earn onboard benefits like discounts, laundry service and special event access. The more you travel with NCL, the more benefits you can earn. 

NCL spans the globe with sailings to every continent (even Antarctica) on a wide range of ships. They leave from both U.S. coasts as well as from Hawaii — where NCL has operated inter-island Hawaiian sailing for almost two decades.

Antarctica.

New Zealand.

Pacific Islands.

Panama Canal.

South America.

Depending on how long you want to sail and where you're going, you can find cruises as brief as two nights and as long as 21 days or more.

» Learn more: The pros and cons of cruises

You'll find lots of good deals on Norwegian, but cruise fares will fluctuate based on the destination, time of year and other variables. You’ll want to keep these factors in mind when booking a cruise, as they'll affect the price of the trip:

Time of year.

Trip duration.

Destination.

Ship class.

Cabin type.

You can find cruise bargains for as low as $350 on four-night cruises, but if you want to splurge and do a longer cruise, expect to pay as much as $4,600 or more (especially if you book a suite or a Haven category room).

Of course, the fare will always vary depending on which cabin type you book.

» Learn more: The best ways to book a cruise

(Image courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)

When it comes to which NCL ship is best, that depends on what you're looking for in a cruise. If you're traveling with a family, for example, water slides, amusement park-style games and multi-bedroom suites may be important. This means you may prefer one of the line’s newest Prima Class ships: Norwegian Prima or Norwegian Viva.

If you're looking for a romantic vacation, perhaps you'll want a smaller ship or a cabin in The Haven, which is a hotel-within-a-hotel concept with more personalized service. The Haven is only available on select Norwegian ships, including Encore, Viva and Prima.

What is the newest NCL ship?

Norwegian Viva launched in the summer of 2023, making it the newest ship for NCL. It has special features like a three-tier race track, the fastest slides at sea, a food hall with 11 complimentary eateries and a sustainable cocktail bar.

» Learn more: Do you need a passport for a Caribbean cruise?

On any NCL cruise, these benefits are always included:

Accommodations in the category you select at booking.

All meals in snack and buffet restaurants, main dining rooms and, when available, the food hall. 

Free non-bottled water, juice, hot chocolate, and some coffees and teas.

Fitness center access.

Shows and entertainment.

Pools and kids pool play area.

Onboard activities.

Government fees and port taxes.

If you want to partake in specialty dining reservations, Wi-Fi, Norwegian cruise excursions or upgraded beverage packages, you'll have to pay fees (sometimes bundled for greater savings).

» Learn more: Are cruises all-inclusive?

Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered many features aboard its ships, some of which other cruise lines have imitated. These are some of the special features you'll find aboard some or all of the ships in NCL’s fleet.

Freestyle dining: open-seating in restaurants with extended hours and no reservations. 

Private island: Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas is a private island for cruise passengers. NCL was the first cruise company to offer access to a private island, and it spurred a growing trend in the industry.

Full Broadway theater productions.

Onboard internet cafe.

Bowling alley at sea.

Ice bar at sea.

Studio accommodations for solo travelers, with a private lounge.

Sustainability-focused onboard bar with zero waste.

Collection of NFTs from a cruise company, available for sale.

Race track at sea.

Latitude Rewards awards members with points based on each night they sail, and they can earn bonus nights when booking certain categories of suites.

Occasional promotions also offer double-night credit. You will only earn cruise points on eligible sailings where you are paying a traditional fare; promotional sailings with a heavy discount might not be eligible, although you would still receive the benefits at your tier. Also, sailings on sister lines do not qualify for Latitude Rewards cruise points.

As you accrue nights, you earn elite status that delivers onboard benefits that grow with each status tier.

Latitude Rewards levels

The loyalty program has seven levels, from Bronze to Ambassador. The full roster of onboard amenities can be found on the Norwegian Cruise Line website . There are some extra perks that come with certain tiers.

How to earn Latitudes Rewards points

Earn one point for every night you spend on a sailing and double points in suites or The Haven category accommodations.

How to redeem points

This program does not offer any points to redeem. Instead, you would earn benefits on future cruises related to your particular elite tier. Ambassador members (700+ points) earn a free 7-night cruise.

Spending on the Norwegian Cruise Line® World Mastercard® won’t earn you Latitude Rewards points (the only way to do that is by sailing with NCL), but it will earn you WorldPoints. This currency can be redeemed for onboard credits on future sailings, Norwegian Cruise Line shore excursions and other travel experiences. The card has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for world travelers.

With the Norwegian Cruise Line® World Mastercard, you earn WorldPoints as follows:

3x points on NCL sailings.

2x points on eligible airfare and hotel purchases.

1x point on everything else.

Earn 20,000 WorldPoints, which is good for a $200 onboard credit or discount toward a future cruise, if you spend $1,000 or more in the first 90 days the account is open.

How to redeem WorldPoints

Each WorldPoints point is equivalent to one cent, which you can then redeem for things such as:

Stateroom upgrades.

Travel discounts.

Last-minute cruises.

Onboard credits.

Car rentals.

Hotel stays.

Gift cards.

» Learn more: The best cruise lines

No, but you can pay for a Wi-Fi package, which starts at $29.99 per day per device.

No, but all sailings do include accommodations, activities, food and beverages, and entertainment. There is the ability to purchase extra benefits on each ship.

There are several drink package options on NCL sailings:

Non-alcoholic

The Unlimited Soda package includes all fountain soda drinks for $9.95 per person per day.

The Unlimited Starbucks package includes all Starbucks drinks for $12.95 per person per day.

An adult over the age of 21 could opt for a non-alcoholic drink package, but that means everyone else on their reservation must also get non-alcoholic drink packages.

Premium offers most drinks that cost $15 and under. You can pay the difference if you choose a more expensive drink. This unlimited package costs $109 per person per day.

Premium Plus offers even more drink options, mostly premium and top-shelf category labels, bottled water, Starbucks drinks and energy drinks for a flat price of $138 per person per day.

Keep in mind that alcoholic drink packages must be purchased for all people above the age of 21 in the same reservation, and those under 21 must pay for the soda package. The policy is intended to prevent people over the age of 21 from getting alcoholic drinks for other members of their party that did not pay for the alcoholic drink package.

Norwegian Cruise Line offers sailings at different price points to a global range of destinations. It is also known for its beautiful hull art, pioneering Freestyle Dining and adding buzzworthy amenities like ice bars and race tracks to its ships. NCL cruises are fun for all types of travelers, and its loyalty program can provide added perks along the way.

(Top photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)

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Norwegian Cruise Line Review – Ships, Destinations, Dining, and More

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Basic Information

Departure ports, featured shore excursion, onboard activities, complimentary dining, specialty dining, bars and beverages, accommodations, latitudes rewards, final thoughts.

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Norwegian Cruise Line has been around since 1966. Since that time, it’s grown to be one of the largest cruise lines in the world. It has been an innovator in the cruise industry by being the first cruise line to eliminate set dining times with their Freestyle Cruising program.

A Norwegian ship is easy to spot since each one’s hull is adorned with bright artwork, some of which have been done by world-famous artists like Peter Max, Guy Harvey, and David “Lebo” Le Batard.

With 17 ships sailing to over 450 destinations across the world, there’s a Norwegian cruise to suit every traveler’s dreams!

Name: Norwegian Cruise Line

Parent Company: Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (which also owns Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises)

Number of Ships: 17

Destinations: 450+

Loyalty Program: Latitudes Rewards

Credit Card : Norwegian Cruise Line ® World Mastercard ®

Norwegian currently operates 17 cruise ships:

• Norwegian Bliss
• Norwegian Breakaway
• Norwegian Dawn
• Norwegian Encore
• Norwegian Epic
• Norwegian Escape
• Norwegian Gem
• Norwegian Getaway
• Norwegian Jade
• Norwegian Jewel
• Norwegian Joy
• Norwegian Pearl
• Norwegian Sky
• Norwegian Spirit
• Norwegian Star
• Norwegian Sun
• Pride of America

Norwegian Encore, built in 2019, is the newest ship in the NCL fleet. In 2022, the new Leonardo class of ships will be introduced.

Hot Tip: Think you can’t use miles and points to book a cruise? Think again. Check out our ultimate guide to booking a cruise using miles and points.

Norwegian sails to over 450 destinations from 17 departure ports across Europe and North America.

Private Ports/Islands

Norwegian Cruise Line has 1 private island in the Bahamas called Great Stirrup Cay. Activities offered on the island include snorkeling, kayaking, zip-lining, paddle boarding, and more!

If luxury is what you’re after, you can rent a private villa at Silver Cove. Each villa comes with a private bathroom, a TV with on-demand movies, air conditioning, a retractable glass wall, and access to the upscale Silver Cove buffet.

You won’t go hungry during your day at Great Stirrup Cay. You can make your own tacos at Abaco Taco, grab a quick bite at the food truck, Tropic Like It’s Hot, or enjoy lunch at the Jumbey Beach Grill. You’ll also find 3 bars on the island — Bacardi Bar, Bertram’s Bar, and Patron Bar.

If you’d prefer to explore beyond Great Stirrup Cay, you can book the exclusive shore excursion at this port to visit the famous swimming pigs! Your excursion includes round-trip transportation to Treasure Island to interact with these playful piggies.

Hot Tip: Want to make sure you’re getting the best price on your cruise? Check out our list of the  best websites to book your cruise  at the lowest price to get started.

There is so much to do on a Norwegian cruise! In addition to cruise ship staples like pools, a casino, art auctions, Broadway-style shows, and a spa, Norwegian also offers lots of unique and thrilling activities including:

• Kids’ Aqua Park
• Ropes course
• Virtual reality
• The Waterfront oceanfront promenade
• Waterslides: Ocean Loops, Free Fall, The Epic Plunge, The Whip

Note that some of these activities may come with additional fees, and not every activity is available on every ship.

Hot Tip: When booking your cruise, make sure you’re using the right credit card to maximize your benefits. See our guide to the  best credit cards to book cruises  for some guidance.

Dining and Beverages

Norwegian Cruise Line was a pioneer with its Freestyle Dining program. There are no set dining times or assigned seats, as is customary with “traditional” dining on many cruise lines. You can dine whenever and where ever you wish. Plus, there is never a formal night requirement.

• Main dining rooms (up to 3 per ship)
• O’Sheehan’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill
• Asian Fusion
• 24-hour room service

Norwegian offers a selection of specialty dining restaurants that come with an additional cost (some offer à la carte pricing while others come with a flat per person charge). Not all of these locations are available on every ship.

• Bayamo by Ocean Blue
• Cagney’s Steakhouse
• Food Republic
• Margaritaville
• Moderno Churrascaria
• Pincho Tapas Bar

Hot Tip: You can purchase specialty dining packages ahead of time so you can enjoy these restaurants without having to worry about payment. Packages start at 3 specialty meals for $99.

A Norwegian ship can feature up to 22 different bars and lounges including:

• 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar
• Bliss Ultra Lounge
• Great Outdoors
• The Humidor Cigar Lounge
• Magnum’s Champagne and Wine Bar
• Maltings Beer and Whisky Bar
• O’Sheehan’s Bar and Grill
• Shaker’s Martini Bar
• Skyy Vodka Ice Bar
• Sugarcane Mojito Bar
• Vibe Beach Club
• Waves Pool Bar

As typical with many cruise lines, some beverages aren’t included in the cost. If you would prefer to pay for your drinks upfront, you can purchase a beverage package:

• The Corks and Caps Wine and Beer Package includes soft drinks plus beers and wines by the glass. The cost is $65 per person per day.
• The Premium Beverage Package includes soft drinks, select spirits, cocktails, wines by the glass, and bottled or draft beer up to and including $15 each. The cost is $99 per person per day. 
• The Premium Plus Beverage Package includes soft drinks, beers, spirits, cocktails, wines by the glass and select bottles of wine with dinner, plus sparkling water, energy drinks, and specialty coffees. The cost is $128 per person per day.

For the 3 packages above, you must be 21 years old or older to purchase. If 1 person purchases a package, everyone (over 21 years old) residing in the same stateroom or additional staterooms that were under the same form of payment is required to purchase it. Anyone under 21 years of age on the same reservation will be required to purchase the Soda Program.

• The Soda Program provides endless fountain soda throughout your cruise. The cost is $5.95 per person per day for ages 12 and under. For anyone over the age of 12, the cost is $7.95 per person per day.

Bottom Line: Beverage packages must be purchased for the entire length of the cruise . A 20% gratuity and beverage service charge will be added to all beverage package purchases.

Norwegian offers many different types of staterooms to accommodate all kinds of travelers. Whether you’re traveling solo or with the whole family, on a budget or looking to splurge, you’ll find a stateroom that will suit your needs.

Here are some of the highlights:

If you’re traveling by yourself, check out the Studios on Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss, and Pride of America. These 1 person accommodations are designed for the solo traveler — and priced accordingly.

At approximately 100 sq. ft., these mini rooms have just the essentials, but you’ll also get access to the Studio Complex and Lounge, a shared space where you can relax, order room service, watch TV, and meet your neighbors.

A Family Balcony Stateroom comes with a location that’s near the kid-friendly action, including the youth program and pool deck, and it sleeps up to 4 passengers.

If a spa experience is what you’re after, consider booking a Spa Suite, Mini-Suite, or Balcony Stateroom . These relaxing rooms are located close to the Mandara Spa and include access to the Thermal Spa Suites, sauna, hydrotherapy pools, steam room, and heated loungers.

For the ultimate in luxury at sea, try out The Haven by Norwegian . The Haven collection features the most luxurious staterooms located at the top of the ship. You’ll have access to a concierge and 24-hour butler, plus the private sundeck (complete with pool and hot tub) reserved just for Haven guests. Select ships also offer a private Haven bar and restaurant.

Hot Tip: Make sure you don’t forget anything — check out our  printable cruise vacation packing list!

Latitudes Rewards is Norwegian Cruise Line’s loyalty program. Each tier is determined by the number of points you have earned.

• You’ll earn 1 point for each cruise night (for example, you would earn 7 points for a 7-night cruise)
• Earn an additional 1 point per night when you book a Concierge, Suite, or Haven stateroom
• Earn an additional 1 point per night if you book a Latitude Rewards Insider Offer

Latitudes Rewards perks vary by tier — here are some of the highlights (each level of status includes all benefits offered by lower tiers):

• Bronze: Priority check-in at the pier, a bottle of sparkling wine in your stateroom, free artwork for attending the art auctions
• Silver: Exclusive onboard cocktail party, discounts on shore excursions, photos, and spa treatments while in port
• Gold: Priority tender tickets, discounted laundry service, priority disembarkation
• Platinum: Priority embarkation, dinner for 2 and a bottle of wine at Cagney’s or Le Bistro, free internet minutes
• Platinum Plus: Dinner with ship officers, priority restaurant and entertainment seating.
• Ambassador: Complimentary 7-day cruise

Norwegian Cruise Line has been a cruise industry leader since the 1960s. Whether you want to sail the Caribbean, explore Europe, or journey through exotic destinations in Asia, Norwegian has you covered.

It was the first cruise line to eliminate the traditional set dining times when it introduced Freestyle Dining, allowing guests to eat at any time at up to 28 different locations on each ship.

Plus, if you sail with Norwegian multiple times, you’ll be able to take advantage of their loyalty program, Latitude Rewards, which offers benefits like priority check-in, discounts on shore excursions, priority tender tickets, and even a free cruise!

Whether you’re looking for a quiet, relaxing room for 1, or are living it up with a big group, you’ll find lots of different staterooms to choose from on a Norwegian ship.

Norwegian is among the world’s largest cruise lines and offers everything from simple, budget-friendly vacations to all-out luxury sailing. The choice is yours!

Interested in other cruise lines? Check out of fact sheets of Carnival , and Princess Cruise Lines to see what other options are awaiting you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best norwegian cruise ship.

The idea of the “best” ship is subjective, but the biggest and newest ship is Norwegian Encore, which debuted in 2019. Norwegian will be introducing the new Leonardo class of ships in 2022.

Where does Norwegian Cruise Line cruise to?

Norwegian Cruise line sails to over 450 destinations across the world in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.

Is Norwegian Cruise Line all-inclusive?

Norwegian Cruise Line isn’t totally all-inclusive, but it’s close. Each ship will have numerous restaurants to eat at that are included in your fare. However, many beverages require an additional charge, and there are always restaurants available that come with either à la carte pricing or incur a per person charge. A majority of the activities on board are included, so you are definitely able to have a great vacation without paying anything extra on board.

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About Katie Seemann

Katie has been in the points and miles game since 2015 and started her own blog in 2016. She’s been freelance writing since then and her work has been featured in publications like Travel + Leisure, Forbes Advisor, and Fortune Recommends.

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Norwegian Cruise Line has a rating of 1.31 stars from 245 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Reviewers complaining about Norwegian Cruise Line most frequently mention customer service, cruise line, and next day problems. Norwegian Cruise Line ranks 44th among Cruises sites.

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• In conclusion, my experience with Norwegian Cruise Lines has been nothing short of disappointing and frustrating.
• Customer service is terrible after you book your cruise!

“No insurance for cruise that was leaving in 3days”

Our NCL trip was leaving 3 days after we made the final payment. Therefore we did not purchase insurance we were going to get on the cruise no matter what. We did use a travel agency which I will not name just yet, unfortunately the airline contacted us by email 3 hours prior to departure to let us know they canceled our flights. They had almost 20 something hours to still get us to our destination, but we're unable to do this. This meant we had no way to get to the ship. Now I know Airlines delay or change flight Etc but I did not know they could completely cancel 3 hours prior and not get you on another flight. Therefore over $6,000 just on the cruise is completely gone Norwegian will not credit or help us with another Cruise, my agent claims they have spoken to them I also have tried myself but with no luck. The money was saved by family which took a lot of hard work and saving and now the kid and grandkids will not be able to have that experience. Unfortunately without Norwegian Cruise Line offering some type of credit or a similar Cruise the children will not get this opportunity and unfortunately financially it would be many many years from now if that chance becomes available again. Therefore I am just saying please do not go with Norwegian Cruise Lines this has been a devastating blow to the family and it would be horrendous for this to happen to someone else. I am only hoping that my review can help someone avoid this. I will include photos unfortunately Norwegian will not send me the current email with the price of the cruise just the fact that I had a cruise set and I will send this along with this review. Thank you Lisa H

“Wants at least credit for another trip”

I think it's crazy that due to weather the airlines cancelled our flights, there was no other way to make the ship. Close to $5000 dollars worth, and we can't even get a credit. I would love it if management would do something about this, cause time is to hard to lose all that money. Left a bad taste in my mouth, We're looking forward for this trip Res#53157951

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Never ever give your credit card info to these fraudulent company! They will lie to you that you gonna be charged extra if pay everything by cash - DONT BELIEVE! THEY ARE JUST TRYING TI GET YOUR CARD DETAILS TO LATER CHARGE YOU EXTRA NONRELATED CHARGES! BE AWARE! EVEN THOUGH YOU FILL YHE SERVICE CHARGE ADJUSTMENT PAPER THEY WILL LIE YOU THAT THEY DONT HAVE THE DOC IN THEIR RECORDS! STAY AWAY!

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Horrible experience with Norwegian Prima. It was supposed to be a Christmas gift for my kids. Instead, we hated the service, the food, the experience in general. We couldn't wIt to get off of that miserable ship. You couldn't pay me to go back on that stupid ship!

Tip for consumers: Book with anyone other than Norwegian Prima

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Worst customer service I have EVER seen. We had issues with a flight and our personal cruise consultant never returned emails or phone calls. Asked for a supervisor to call me and that never happened either. We are a group of 22,14 have never cruised before and do not want to cruise norwegian in the future. We will definately choosing a different cruise line for our next trip.

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This Norwegian Cruise sailing takes you on a bucket list adventure: What it's like aboard

F or Kylie Herd, an Australian passenger on Norwegian Dawn’s Feb. 25 southern Africa itinerary, cruising has been the best way to check places off her bucket list.

“I just go with whatever cruise line has the itinerary that I want to do at the time that I’m available. It tends to be Norwegian, and when I saw that Norwegian had all these African cruises, I just thought, ‘I’m going to spend summer in Africa,’ because it’s an amazing itinerary,” she told USA TODAY.

When it comes to cruising, most Americans probably think of bopping around the Caribbean or checking out the wilds of Alaska if they’re feeling especially adventurous, but that’s really just scratching the surface. Cruise lines are increasingly offering diverse itineraries including expedition cruises to remote parts of the globe and introductory sailings to help travelers explore countries and regions they might never visit otherwise.

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Madagascar was the real draw for months of consecutive cruises on the Dawn for Herd.

“I’ve been trying to go to Madagascar for years. I always wanted to go there way before the movies ever came out. It’s one of those places that’s really difficult to get to,” she said. “When I saw Madagascar on a cruise itinerary I was like, ‘I have to do it.’ ”

Although the Feb. 25 sailing had to skip Madagascar for logistical reasons after a delay departing Mauritius, Herd said that she was able to visit the country earlier on her trip and that it was a real highlight.

Norwegian’s Africa itineraries had various changes and missed ports throughout the season. Passenger contracts give cruise lines some leeway to alter itineraries on short notice for reasons including weather or conditions on the ground that prevent ships from reaching or being accommodated safely in a scheduled port. Such changes can be especially common in regions prone to political unrest or that lack sophisticated port facilities.

Even so, Herd said she understood why passengers who missed out would be frustrated, but she encouraged her fellow travelers to keep an eye on the positive. “I understand the disappointment. I was disappointed, too, but we’re still having a great time.”

The Feb. 25 cruise still stopped at Reunion, a French island in the Indian Ocean, which has an active volcano, as well as ports in South Africa where travelers could spot local wildlife.

Safari from a cruise

Norwegian Dawn stopped at four ports in South Africa, three of which offered safari experiences as shore excursions.

▶ From Richard’s Bay, passengers could visit the iSimangasilo Wetland Park , home to elephants, rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses, zebras and other classic African big game. The park is about an hour and a half drive from the port, and Norwegian’s shore excursion included two game drives, snorkeling and a traditional South African braai, or barbecue.

Just as cruise itineraries can sometimes be subject to last-minute changes, safaris are at the whim of wild animals. Sightings are not guaranteed, but patience and vigilance are often rewarded.

▶ In Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), Norwegian Dawn’s passengers could visit Addo Elephant National Park, also about an hour and a half drive from the port.

As the name suggests, Addo is home to a huge and docile population of more than 600 elephants. These animals often congregate around watering holes accessible from well-worn safari tracks.

Even after a strong rainfall the night before the excursion, which allowed elephants to retreat into the bush and temporarily lessen their reliance on overtaxed wells, dozens of the creatures greeted visitors coming from the ship for two-hour game drives.

▶ In Mossel Bay, passengers could also access private game reserves, which often have a higher concentration of wildlife roaming free but can include animals that are not directly indigenous to the area.

Cape Town and the winelands

There’s more to Africa than safaris, and Cape Town is an especially good place to experience metropolitan life and other kinds of outdoor activities on the continent.

South Africa’s legislative capital offers excellent hiking, a great foodie culture, beautiful (if slightly chilly) Atlantic beaches, penguins and more.

For travelers willing to explore beyond the city, South Africa’s wine country is close at hand in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, and many vineyards offer tastings and meal experiences. One Norwegian excursion took passengers to the Blaauwklippen wine estate in Stellenbosch, which is best known for its Zinfandel.

Is an Africa cruise worth it?

From a financial standpoint, a cruise around Africa can be an excellent way to explore. For American travelers, however, flights to and from the ship are often more expensive than the cruise itself.

For example, a 13-day Norwegian itinerary that begins in Cape Town on Dec. 7 and ends in Mauritius on Dec. 20 has prices that start at $899 per person for an inside stateroom, but flights can be well over $1,000 round trip. The current cheapest itinerary from Detroit, for example, is a 42-hour slog on multiple airlines via Montreal and Dubai to Cape Town. The return trip is a bit shorter, at 31 hours, also via Dubai and Montreal. That routing would cost $1,694 per person in economy as of March 18, according to Google Flights.

Logistically speaking, though, it can be much easier to book a cruise and rely on the line’s shore excursions to expand one's horizons than to coordinate one's own safari.

“With multiple diverse ports of call within one coastal continental area, our Africa voyages provide our guests the opportunity to explore lush rainforests or volcanoes, experience captivating wildlife tours, learn about the rich culture on the South African coastline, indulge in Cape Town’s incredible wine regions, and so much more,” Brian Gilroy, vice president of revenue management and itinerary planning for Norwegian Cruise Line, said in a statement to USA TODAY.

The one thing to keep in mind is that the African cruise market is less mature than the Caribbean – at many ports, there just aren’t comparable facilities to handle big ships. That doesn’t mean the cruises can’t or don’t happen, just that sometimes the operation is a little less fluid than the well-oiled Miami machine.

“Our 11- and 12-day cruises start and end in either Cape Town, South Africa, or Port Louis, Mauritius, and include an overnight stay in one of those magnificent cities, giving our guests the chance to fully explore what these regions offer. The variety of adventures our guests can experience in these destinations are endless, which makes for a truly unforgettable cruise experience," Gilroy said.

Travelers may be more likely to encounter a hiccup on their Africa cruise, but that’s all part of traveling to a new and exciting place. A missed port or an extra sea day can be a great time time to take stock, focus on the highlights, enjoy the experience of unlocking a new destination, and maybe take another sip of the wine your onboard sommelier recommended.

Just take a page out of Herd the Australian’s book. Despite some schedule changes, she said, “I’ve loved every single thing.”

The reporter on this story received access to this sailing from Norwegian. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.  

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected]

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: This Norwegian Cruise sailing takes you on a bucket list adventure: What it's like aboard

More From Forbes

How to see the best of northern europe on a scandinavian cruise.

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Cruise ship passengers enjoy the view of Sweden’s Stockholm archipelago from the Royal Caribbean ... [+] ship ‘Serenade of the Seas.’

If you’ve ever wanted to dive into the culture of the Vikings or explore what makes people in the Nordic region the so-called happiest on earth, you could do a lot worse than book a Scandinavian cruise.

Scandinavia—and Norway in particular—is an expensive place to travel around, so a cruise can make financial sense for those seeking an introduction to the region. For one price, you get your travel, accommodation, meals, and entertainment covered.

Such a trip offers the opportunity to sample various Scandinavian travel highlights , whether you prefer the Scandinavian capitals, the stunning Norwegian fjords, or soaking up the atmosphere of beautiful islands and historic ports in the Baltic Sea.

Popular Scandinavian Cruise Itineraries

Many different types of itinerary can be advertised as Scandinavian cruises. Typically, they focus on the Nordic capital cities. Some may also include the highlights of the Baltic Sea region, including the Baltic countries and ports in the north of Germany and Poland.

With popular Norwegian fjords cruises together with midnight sun and northern lights tours to the north of Norway also available, there is a lot of diversity in Scandinavian cruises.

Scandinavian Capitals : Cruise itineraries starting in the U.K. or Germany and calling in at two or even all three of Oslo, Stockholm, and Copenhagen have long been popular.

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The Nyhavn district of Copenhagen, Denmark, is a popular destination for cruise ship passengers ... [+] visiting Scandinavia.

Helsinki is often included on such itineraries. If you want to explore modern Scandinavia while gaining access to some of the region’s best museums, such an itinerary is a perfect choice.

Such itineraries tend to be shorter, and are a great introduction to both cruising and Scandinavia, with limited sea days and plenty to see and do while in port.

Baltic Sea : Longer Scandinavian itineraries often include stops at Baltic Sea islands and ports. The beautiful Estonian capital city, Tallinn, or the Latvian capital, Riga, are particular highlights, as are ports on the northern coastline of Germany and Poland.

For those interested in Viking history, look out for smaller ship itineraries featuring Visby on the wonderful island of Gotland .

One such trip is this 12-night itinerary from Celebrity Cruises, which includes a visit to both Visby and Tallinn. Other highlights include a visit to Stockholm and Copenhagen, including an overnight stop in the latter.

The old city walls of Visby on Gotland island, a popular cruise port.

Norwegian Fjords : By far the most variety can be found in the Norwegian fjords region , with almost all major cruise lines operating at least some itineraries here. Although port calls in Flåm and Geiranger will soon be severely limited, many alternative ports will still be able to welcome some of the world’s largest cruise ships.

Whether you prefer the action-packed ships of Royal Caribbean or MSC, or the smaller ships that can sail along narrower fjords, there will be a Norwegian fjords itinerary for you.

Following the recent rise in popularity of the region as a cruising destination, the fjords season has extended, with trips available as early as April and as late as September.

British line P&O Cruises operates its relatively new megaship Iona in the fjords region for much of that period, with regular departures from Southampton on a popular 7-day itinerary.

Midnight Sun : Although all summer cruises in the region will experience long summer days, specific midnight sun itineraries set sail for the far north of Norway to let guests experience the thrill of being outside with the sun in the sky at midnight. Many of these trips visit Honningsvåg, which allows guests to travel by bus to the North Cape.

Northern Lights : In recent years, Scandinavia—or more specifically Norway—has become a year-round cruising destination thanks to the growth in popularity of northern lights cruises .

Aurora borealis in the sky seen from a cruise ship in Arctic Norway.

These itineraries can be found heading north of the Arctic Circle between October and early April.

Planning Tips For Scandinavian Cruises

Cruising in Northern Europe offers a fantastic variety of excursions and experiences, from historical city tours to adrenaline-filled outdoor adventures.

The region’s love of the outdoors lifestyle means active experiences are easy to find, both through cruise line excursions and independent operators.

The high levels of English comprehension across the region means booking your own activities and exploring ports independently is much easier than in many other parts of the world. Even so, look for independent tours that take place earlier in the day to reduce any time-related risk.

No matter when you visit Scandinavia, pack for all weathers. The height of summer can be marred by heavy rainfall, while it’s possible to get sunburnt in the snow-covered conditions of February and March.

Pack a versatile wardrobe. Layered clothing accommodates the region's variable weather, while specialized gear might be necessary for specific excursions.

Cruising And Sustainability

Prospective travelers should be aware of environmental concerns associated with cruising in this pristine region. The industry is moving towards sustainability, with initiatives to introduce zero-emission vessels in sensitive areas, particularly the UNESCO-listed Norwegian fjords .

Some local initiatives protesting against cruise travel have also gathered momentum, so cruisers should be aware of these issues before setting foot ashore.

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