ncl cruise ship history

Ship History: SuperStar Libra, ex-Seaward and Norwegian Sea

• June 10, 2022

As the SuperStar Libra ends its cruising career in Aliaga, Cruise Industry News looks at the history of the former Norwegian Cruise Line vessel.

1988: As Norwegian Cruise Line’s first newbuild in over 15 years, the Seaward is delivered in May. Built at the Wartsila Marine shipyard in Turku, Finland, the 1,534-passenger vessel originally cost $120 million, or $78,226 per berth.

1988: After a christening ceremony in New York City, the Seaward enters service in June. The 42,285-ton vessel is initially dedicated to seven-day cruises to the Caribbean departing from Miami.

1994: In April, the Seaward starts to offer three- and four-day cruises from a new cruise terminal facility in Miami . While the three-day itinerary features calls at Nassau and Norwegian’s private island in the Bahamas, the four-night cruise visits Key West, Cozumel and Cancun.

1995: With Norwegian Cruise Line losing money , the Seaward is repositioned once again. Representing 20 percent of the company’s capacity at the time, the vessel is repositioned in the more profitable seven-day Southern Caribbean market.

1997: As part of a company rebranding, the Seaward is renamed Norwegian Sea. The vessel also receives Norwegian’s new colors, with a dark blue funnel and a gold NCL logo.

1998: The Norwegian Sea replaces the 1973-built Norwegian Star on Caribbean cruises out of the Port of Houston, Texas.

2001: After moving around again, the vessel returns to the Miami-based short cruise market before heading to New York for a year-round deployment. The program includes seven-night cruises to Bahamas during the winter, in addition to alternating itineraries to the Canada & New England and the Bahamas during the summer.

2001: With New York’s seaport closed due to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the vessel is briefly rerouted to Boston.

2003: In a first for Norwegian Cruise Line, the Norwegian Sea offers departures from Philadelphia, with week-long cruises to Bermuda between September and October.

2003: As the new Norwegian Dawn takes over its New York program, the Sea is subjected to a refit at the Lloyd’s Werft Shipyard in Germany before returning to year-round service from Houston in November.

2004: As part of a deal with Star Cruises to acquire the SuperStar Leo, Norwegian Cruise Line announces plans to transfer the Norwegian Sea to the Asian cruise line. At the time, both brands were part of the same business conglomerate.

2005: With the Norwegian Dream taking over its Houston program, the Norwegian Sea leaves the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet in July.

2005: While being prepared to serve the Asian market, the vessel undergoes a three-week drydock in Singapore and receives a new name, SuperStar Libra.

2005: In September, the SuperStar Libra enters service for Star Cruises in India . In a unique move, the company becomes the first to base a ship in the country, offering short cruises from Mumbai aiming at the local Indian market and also the international fly-cruise market.

2006: After completing its first season in India, the SuperStar Libra marks Star Cruises’ expansion to the Mediterranean, becoming the first – and the only – vessel to sail a complete season in the region for the brand. Based in Malta, the summer program included seven- to 12-day cruises calling at Italy, Greece, Turkey, Croatia and Egypt. 

2007: With its seasons in India and Mediterranean seeing lower than average occupancy and returns, the SuperStar Libra is repositioned to the Far East. At the third quarter, the vessel offers a series of cruises from Taiwan before debuting in Hong Kong and Japan.

2008: In November, the vessel kicks off a program of Southeast Asia cruises embarking in Singapore and Malaysia .

2011: After sailing from several Asian ports, the Libra launches service from the Penang Island, in Malaysia, where it remains homeported until 2013.

2013: In January, the vessel undergoes a major upgrade, with revitalization works taking place at the Sembawang shipyard in Singapore .   

2015: The SuperStar Libra debuts in the Chinese market, with a series of cruises from the port of Xiamen .

2016: Penang welcomes the vessel back in September for a series of one- to three-night cruises to Thailand.

2017: Star Cruises launches what it calls a “triple homeport strategy,” with the Libra sailing from Kuala Lampur and Penang, Malaysia, and Phuket, Thailand.

2018: After 13 years sailing for Star Cruises, the SuperStar Libra is taken out of service June . With its cruising career over, the ship sails to Germany, where it starts a new role as a hotel ship for workers at Genting’s MV Werften shipyard . 

2022: With the MV Werften filing for bankruptcy in January , the vessel is towed to Greece in April. After a few weeks docked in a Greek shipyard, the ship departs on its final journey to the scrapyard.  

2022: Ending a 34-year career, the former Seaward is beached for scrapping at Turkey’s Aliaga Ship Breaking Yard in May.

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A History of Cruising Innovations

Our story began more than half a century ago when Norwegian Caribbean Line was founded by Norway’s oldest and most respected shipping company. In 1966, we made a groundbreaking maiden voyage with 550 passengers that changed how the world viewed holidays at sea. No longer simply a means of transportation, the ship became a destination unto itself, offering guests an exciting, affordable alternative to land-based resorts. As the cruise industry began to gain popularity, Norwegian led the way with its introduction of a fleet of sleek, new “white ships” in the late 60s and early 70s and continued to add capacity and expand itineraries throughout the next two decades. Norwegian Caribbean Line became Norwegian Cruise Line in 1987 to reflect an expanded route structure. Throughout the 90s the company continued to expand its fleet with newer and larger vessels built to replace the now retired “white ships.” 

NCL’s journey began in 1966 as Norwegian Caribbean Lines, the first cruise line to offer weekly departures to the Caribbean. The Company then began launching its fleet of sleek, white ships making regular calls to exotic island ports.  

The 70s were an era of expansion and growth for the Company. In 1977, the company purchased Great Stirrup Cay, becoming the first cruise line to offer a private “out island” experience.

In 1984 Norwegian Caribbean Lines purchased Royal Viking Line and in 1987 it changed its name to Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) to reflect an expanded route structure.

Throughout the 1990s NCL continued to expand and focus on an increasing array of destinations as it retired its classic white ships. As it ushered in a new generation of ships, two ships the Norwegian Dream and Norwegian Wind underwent extensive reconstructions with each ship stretched 130 feet with the largest “mid-body” inserts done in the industry. The 1990s also marked a series of other firsts including the first WiFi capabilities on a cruise ship and later cell phone service fleetwide even while ships were at sea.   

In February 2000, Norwegian Cruise Line was acquired by Genting Hong Kong Limited (formerly Star Cruises Ltd.) for approximately $1.8 billion. Following the acquisition, Star Cruises became the third largest cruise line in the world and launched an expansion program of new ships, onboard improvements and innovative itineraries.  

In May 2000, Norwegian Cruise Line introduced Freestyle Cruising® , a revolutionary product offering that provided guests freedom and flexibility in a cruise vacation for a more relaxed, resort-style vacation experience versus traditional cruising.

The first purpose-built Freestyle Cruising® ship was built in 2001 and due to the company’s unique capability to deliver this product offering and its tremendous success, all newbuilds since have been purpose-built for Freestyle Cruising®.

In August 2007, we sold a 50 percent ownership stake in Norwegian Cruise Line to private equity groups Apollo Management, LP and TPG Capital for a $1 billion cash equity investment. The investment closed on January 7, 2008.

In January 2013, we completed our initial public offering and listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange, trading under the ticker symbol “NCLH”. We sold 27.1 million shares for net proceeds of approximately $477.64 million. Our IPO was a huge success and priced above the range. Post-IPO, all three sponsors sold down their stakes and exited their long-term investments by year-end 2018.

In November 2014, we acquired Prestige Cruises International, Inc., the parent company of Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, in a cash and stock transaction for $3.025 billion, including the assumption of debt. This transaction diversified our portfolio to include three award-winning, global cruise brands.

We are a leading global cruise company operating world-renowned cruise brands: Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Our combined fleet of 32 ships carries millions of guests to approximately 700 destinations across the globe. Our future is bright, and we will be introducing five new ships across our three brands through 2028.

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Norwegian aqua, norwegian viva, norwegian prima, norwegian encore, norwegian bliss, norwegian joy, norwegian escape, norwegian getaway, norwegian breakaway, norwegian epic, norwegian gem, norwegian jade, norwegian pearl, norwegian jewel, pride of america, review of norwegian cruise line.

NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line (ncl.com) was founded in 1966 (under the name "Norwegian Caribbean Line") by two shipping magnates - Knut Kloster (Norwegian, 1929-2020) and Ted Arison (Israeli, 1924-1999).

Passenger shipping operations started with one vessel ( cruiseferry /combined cruise ship and car ferry) operating on short and cheap Caribbean roundtrips from the USA. When Ted Arison left NCL in 1972 (to establish CCL-Carnival Cruise Lines ), Knut Kloster acquired more ships for NCL's Caribbean operations.

Company history and changes

The 1966-founded NCLH-Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd is an American-Bermudian corporation headquartered in Miami (Florida USA) and a stock traded company (NASDAQ) listed on NYSE ( NYC ).

In 2014, NCLH's major shareholders were three corporations - Genting Group (Malaysian/25%), Apollo Global Management (American/24%), TPG Capital (American/7%), while the remaining stocks were publicly owned.

NCL's current President and CEO is David J. Herrera (since July 2023) who succeeded Harry J. Sommer (2020-2023).

NCLH's current President and CEO (since July 2023) is Harry J. Sommer, who succeeded Frank J. Del Rio (2015-2023). NCLH's Executive VP and CFO (Chief Financial Officer) is Mark Kempa.

In 2023-2025, Frank Del Rio serves NCLH as a Senior Advisor to the Board of Directors.

• David Herrera (with NCLH since 2015) previously served as NCL’s Chief Consumer Sales and Marketing Officer (as well as NCL's Senior VP of Strategy and Corporate Development). In the period 2012-2015, he was employed by Prestige Cruise Holdings as Senior Advisor to Jason Montague (Prestige's CEO and Chairman). Along with Herrera, in 2023, Adam Malone was promoted to Chief Marketing Officer, succeeding Michael Tomoleoni.
• Prior to his NCLH employment, Frank Del Rio founded Oceania Cruises in 2002 (together with (Bob Binder and Joe Watters) and in 2002-2014 was the President of Prestige Cruise International Inc (now Prestige Cruise Holdings Inc/the parent company of Oceania and regent) until its acquisition by NCL in September 2014.

NCLH's SVP, Port Development & Construction Management team is led by Juan Kuryla, who in 2014-2021 served as PortMiami's Director and CEO. NCLH's Executive VP of Vessel Operations is Patrik Dahlgren, who in June 2023 succeeded Robin Lindsay (now NCLH's Executive VP of Newbuilds and Refurbishments). NCL's CSMO (Chief Sales & Marketing Officer) is Jason Krimmel.

In 2017, NCLH had worldwide cruise market share 9,5% (passengers) and 12,8% (revenue). NCLH (shipowner) owns and manages the fleets of three subsidiary companies/sister-brands - NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania and RSSC-Regent Seven Seas . Stats for 2020-Q4 show NCLH as the world's 4th-largest cruise shipowner by combined fleet's passenger capacity (8,3%), preceded by Carnival (39%), Royal Caribbean (24%) and MSC (11,5%).

NCLH's ownership is equally shared by Star Cruises (subsidiary of Genting Hong Kong / GHK multinational corporation specializing in resorts, leisure, and gambling) and Apollo Global Management (among the world's largest alternative asset management companies).

• In 2011, NCL had around 8% global market share. As of 2018, NCL's global market share is around 20%, ranking it world's 3rd largest passenger shipping company (after Carnival and RCCL-RCG).
• In January 2013 NCL went public. In 2013, the company had revenues USD 2,57 billion (13% increase over 2012).
• On August 31, 2014, was announced that NCLH is in "advanced talks" to buy the Miami-based Prestige Cruise Holdings Inc (owner of RSSC-Regent and Oceania /combined fleet of 8 top-luxury ships with total berths ~6500) for USD 3,025 billion (including debt's assumption). Prestige's owner (Apollo Global Management) also owns 20% of NCLH. On September 2 was announced the acquisition agreement. On November 19 the acquisition of Prestige Cruises International was completed.
• In mid-August 2017, Apollo, GHK and TPG Global affiliated funds started selling 15 million NCLH shares to a group of underwriters (Barclays Capital, Citigroup Global Markets. Goldman Sachs). The negotiated fixed price per share was USD 54.57, or total value USD 0,8185 billion.
• Until 2015, GHK was NCLH's principal shareholder, when the corporation started selling down its stake in order to buy Crystal Cruises , expand Star Cruises in Asia and create (in 2016) the premium brand Dream Cruises .

On February 21, 2012, NCL Corporation Ltd (fully owned by NCLH) acquired Sixthman Ltd (2001-founded music festival company) for USD 7,5 million. Since 2012, Sixthman operates as a theme cruise charter company serving mainly NCL.

Company changes 2018-2021

In 2018, NCLH had 8 ships on order (7x for NCL, 1x for RSSC) with deliveries planned for 2019-2027. The newest class (PRIMA/fka LEONARDO) has GT tonnage 142,500 tons and passenger capacity 3300. For the PRIMA-class ships, NCL trademarked the names Aqua , Bella, Luna, Ombra, Prima , Vela, Viva , and Ultima (all with prefix Norwegian).

On July 30, 2018, following the industry's "eco-trend", NCL announced banning fleetwide single-use plastic straws. The policy also includes the private islands Great Stirrup Cay (Bahamas) and Harvest Caye (Belize). As result, annually are eliminated 50+ million plastic straws.

In June 2019, NCL announced its exclusive partnership with Scarpetta Restaurants via LDV Hospitality (USA-based boutique hospitality company specializing in unique restaurant and bar experiences). By this deal, on the newbuild Norwegian Encore (2019) was introduced fleet's first "Onda by Scarpetta" - specialty restaurant offering dining premium experiences fleetwide. The new restaurant joins Scarpetta's land-based restaurants in NYC , The Hamptons (Long Island NY), Miami FL , Philadelphia PA , Newport RI , Las Vegas NV, and London OH. "Onda by Scarpetta" restaurant's menu showcases the unique flavors of modern Italian cuisine featuring a selection of beautifully presented seafood and signature dishes, including daily handmade pasta and traditional gourmet desserts. The new Scarpetta restaurant is similarly designed as a land-based venue, with an interior featuring walnut wood and Calacatta marble.

Since January 2020, NCL customers pay USD 9,95 per room service order. The mandatory fee was introduced in 2015 (April). Currently, from this rule are excluded only Haven Suite passengers and the Continental Breakfast orders.

On January 1, 2020, NCL became the industry's first major company to eliminate single-use plastic beverage bottles fleetwide (via partnership with the 2012-founded JUST Goods Inc).

In August 2021, NCL signed with Starbucks a partnership for delivering the coffee brand fleetwide (on all liners by 2022-Q4) as well as on NCL's private island resorts in Bahamas (Great Stirrup Cay) and Belize (Harvest Caye). By this deal, Starbucks coffees are available at all restaurants (including MDRs), plus at self-serve stations at the buffet-style restaurant Garden Cafe (on select ships). Starbucks was introduced by NCL in 2018 (on Norwegian Bliss), while Norwegian Sky became the world's ever-first ship to offer Starbucks' Nitro Cold Brew (nitrogen-infused beer).

Company changes 2022

On June 6, 2022, NCLH announced an expansion of its fleetwide sustainability program "Sail & Sustain". Extending its animal welfare policy, the shipowner is now fully committed to responsible animal food sourcing practices (regarding pork, chicken, eggs, and seafood) within the global fleet's supply chain. The goal is by the year 2025, fleetwide (NCL, Oceania, Regent) to be sourced only cage-free eggs, crate-free pork, certified sustainable seafood, and chicken purchased from American and Canadian suppliers who meet GAP (Global Animal Partnership) standards.

On June 14, 2022, NCL signed a partnership deal with Flow Beverage Corporation (USA-based health & wellness-focused company) for its "Flow Alkaline Spring Water" to become NCL's official water fleetwide. Flow Beverage's water is sourced from Seawright Springs (Augusta County, Virginia), has PH 8,1, and comes in a fully recyclable carton (made of 75% renewable materials) with a plant-based cap.

On October 3, 2022, NCLH signed with MAN Energy Solutions an MoU for retrofitting all MAN 48/60 diesel engines in the global fleet to dual-fuel (running on both diesel and methanol).

Since December 2022, fleetwide (on all NCL boats) are offered soft drinks from The Coca-Cola Company. By the new NCL-Coca-Cola contract, the brand's beverages replaced the onboard soda fountains and all the old bar equipment was changed.

Company changes 2023

In January 2023, NCLH announced its newly-established brand “Experiences At Sea”. The new program is a partnership with the NCL's subsidiary "Sixthman Festivals at Sea" and NCL’s CM&I division (Charters, Meetings & Incentives). NCLH's new brand annually schedules several themed B2Bs/back-to-back cruises/consecutive itineraries for Norwegian Pearl which target corporate clients as well as incentive and affinity-focused customers from NCLH's fleet (NCL-Norwegian, Oceania, RSSC-Regent). Experiences At Sea is managed by Anthony Diaz (Sixthman's CEO and CM&I's Senior VP). Voyages are usually themed on music (Rock, Country, Pop, Blues, Broadway celebrity performances, etc), also LGTBQIA+/Atlantis Events, Comedy Influencers, Sports, and others. The itineraries are in the Caribbean (roundtrips from Miami) and all visit NCLH's private islands - The Bahamas' Great Stirrup Cay, and Belize's Harvest Caye.

In October 2023 NCL announced that starting January 2024, the company has ~1000 solo staterooms fleetwide (across 19 ships). NCL also introduced three new cabin categories (Solo Inside, Solo Oceanview, Solo Balcony) which pricing/availability depends on itinerary/destination and demand. Also were recategorized Spa Staterooms fleetwide (Jan 2024) to increase Mandara Spa's availability and allow access to the Thermal Suites for all cabin categories.

Company changes 2024

In January 2024, NCLH signed a 10-year partnership (thru 2034) with ABB Ltd (1988-founded, Swedish-Swiss technology corporation) for upgrades and new equipment for NCL-operated vessels. The deal was for 18 vessels (14 existing plus 4 newbuilds/2025-2028) and included preventive maintenance and scheduled ABB Azipod propulsion system maintenance fleetwide. Additionally, ABB will supply propulsion control system upgrades to 11 vessels and install shore-power connections on 4 vessels.

Fun facts (company & ships)

NCL's list of "cruise industry firsts" starts with the first-ever fly-cruise deals (under the name "Cloud 9 Cruises"), the first ships capable of ferrying cars, the ever first cruise company with a private island ( Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas ), the first company to develop new Caribbean seaports of call (Jamaica's Ocho Rios ). Both NCL's first vessels - Sunward (1966) and Starward (1968) - were car ferries, but later their car decks were refitted into cabin decks (housing staterooms) and a 2-deck high theatre lounge.

A new history page for NCL Norwegian was the year 1979 when was purchased the Transatlantic ocean liner SS France - thoroughly refitted and renamed SS Norway. The liner's drydock-conversion cost USD 100+ million, but it was money well spent. Bigger than any other passenger liner, SS Norway in its time offered extra space for a great variety of onboard entertainment, thus starting the new era of "ship cruise for fun" and creating the time of mega-liners.

NCL-Norwegian is a travel brand representing one of the world's top 5 major cruise shipping companies (following Carnival, Royal Caribbean, MSC). It is best known for its revolutionary "Freestyle Cruising" (trademarked) concept signifying no fixed dining times or seatings, and no formal dress code required fleetwide.

The list of NCL's destinations includes all the world's most popular ship travel regions - Alaska and Hawaii, Europe (including UK itineraries), Bahamas-Caribbean and Bermuda, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Under the brand name "Norwegian Capricorn Line" (1997-2001), NCL operated exclusively in Australia and New Zealand. A whole new era for the company started in 2002 when it purchased the first Project America vessel (under construction at the time). The future Pride of America was towed (as hull) from its initial building yard at Pascagoula (MS, USA) to be completed in Germany by Lloyd Werft.

Pride of America is the largest US- flagged passenger ship homeported in Honolulu for year-round roundtrips to the Hawaiian Islands. Due to financial considerations, the other NCL America ships in Hawaii - Pride of Aloha (now Norwegian Sky) and Pride of Hawaii (now Norwegian Jade) - were later transferred to the company's international fleet.

NCL's Caribbean itineraries always visit the company's Bahamian private island Great Stirrup Cay (purchased in 1977). A port of call exclusively for NCL ships, Great Stirrup's vacation experience starts and ends with the "Bahama Rama Mama" tender boat (capacity of 300 passengers).

On October 17, 2012, NCLH and Meyer Werft reached an agreement for the construction of two new Breakaway-Plus class vessels with scheduled delivery in 2015 and 2017. The order for the 2nd ship was placed in July 2013. In September 2013, the two new boats were named Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Bliss , through an online campaign. The "Breakaway-Plus" project's contract value was estimated to be EUR 1.4 billion (USD 1.92 billion). Two more ships were ordered on July 14, 2014, to enter service in 2018 and 2019.

For FY2017 (fiscal year) NCLH reported the following data:

• GAAP ("Generally Accepted Accounting Principle") net income was USD 760 million (USD 633,1 million FY2016).
• The adjusted GAAP was USD 907,7 million (USD 776,3 million in 2016).
• EPS ("Earnings Per Share") was USD 3,31 (USD 2,78 in 2016).
• The adjusted EPS was USD 3,96 (USD 3,41 in 2016).
• NCLH's Net Revenue was USD 4,2 billion (11,2% increase over 2016 / USD 3,8).
• The adjusted ROIC (Return On Invested Capital") for 2017 was 16,26%.
• NCLH's total revenue reached USD 5,4 billion (10,7% increase over 2016 / USD 4,9 billion).
• Gross Yield (yield on investments before deduction of taxes and expenses) increased 4,4%.
• Adjusted Net Yield increased by 5% (Constant Currency basis).
• Marine fuel expenses in 2017 were USD 361 million.

NCL ship refurbishments

Ship refurbishments were the biggest part of "The Norwegian Edge" (fleetwide upgrade program). Drydock refurbishments started in October 2015 with NCL Epic , followed NCL Gem in November 2015. Scheduled drydocks in 2016 were for Pride of America , NCL Dawn , NCL Sun . These dry docks were longer than usual for NCL ships (some up to 3 weeks).

All NCL liners (except NCL Jewel ) were refurbished by the end of 2017 (Jewel in 2018). The "Norwegian Edge" project covered 11 vessels - all older ships launched before NCL Breakaway (2013). On all these ships NCL added new venues, and did extensive restaurant makeovers (La Cucina Italian, Cagney's Steakhouse, Le Bistro French, Moderno Churrascaria Brazilia). Decors were changed in MDRs (main dining rooms) and Lido-buffets. Most public spaces (including all lounges, bars, complimentary food bars) received new furniture and flooring, some were completely re-designed.

Another major upgrade was the shipwide Wi-Fi, installing interactive digital signage boards and way finders, new teak flooring (on open decks), new carpeting (hallways and corridors), adding more shaded seating areas, private cabanas and loungers/deck chairs on sundecks.

NCL's new drydock refurbishment program (2016-2018) was budgeted over USD 400 million. Along with the fleet upgrades, it also included updates of onboard culinary and enrichment programs, private island upgrades, enhanced cruisetour/destination amenities and services. Detailed refurbishment reviews per vessel you will find at their CruiseMapper's deckplan pages .

As part of the program was enhanced Great Stirrup Cay (NCL's private island in Bahamas), This project resulted in building new facilities, newly added bars, and lounges, redesigned and renovated venues, enhanced The Haven Suite passenger experience. Details on all these changes are available at the above island link.

In November 2017, the company MAN PrimeServ (a division of the marine engines manufacturer "MAN Diesel and Turbo") confirmed order from NCLH for SOLAS insulation upgrades for all 9 liners (44 diesel engines total) from the NCL fleet. MAN provided the necessary equipment for all engines with power output 375+ kW, which included heat insulation, spray protection, resistance to flammability and fluid density. Upgrades received all NCL ships with MAN marine diesel engines models 48/60B, 48/60A and 58/64. The project was scheduled for completion in 2018.

NCL cruise ship dining packages

On each of its ships, NCL offers up to 28 dining options. In 2016 on all ships were introduced upgraded main dining room menus (complimentary) with added new (a la carte priced) menu items. The upgraded complimentary food menus offer more variety of appetizers, soups, and salads, signature entrees, desserts. New are the seafood offerings (fresh grouper, shrimp ceviche, seared scallops).

• Since January 31, 2016, NCL expanded brand's specialty dining menus on Norwegian Escape and introduced them fleetwide. These new menus are for at-fee restaurants - Cagney's Steakhouse, Le Bistro (French cuisine), La Cucina (Italian cuisine), Moderno Churrascaria (Brazilian Steakhouse) and Teppanyaki (sushi). Among the new menu choices are Bouillabaisse, pan-seared scallops, and sea bass filet, veal medallions, antipasti, risotto, Osso Buco Alla Milanese.
• NCL has partnered with the ACF (American Culinary Federation) for training and certification of fleet's dining and culinary teams.
• Since August 2015, NCL offers specialty dining packages available fleetwide. The new packages prices start at USD 59 per person (3-day package purchased prior departure). These deals help save on the cover charges of all onboard specialty restaurants (including Teppanyaki, Cagney's Steakhouse, Moderno Churrascaria, La Cucina, Le Bistro).
• Specialty dining packages allow NCL passengers to dine at a la carte priced and cover charge restaurants at an additional cost raging USD 7-15. Follows the list of restaurants and the cover charge / fixed fee in USD (shown in brackets): sushi bar ($7), Raw Bar ($7), Pincho Tapas Bar ($7), Bayamo ($10), Illusionarium ($10 general- and $15 premium seating), Cirque Dreams ($10 general-, $15 premium- and $35 VIP seating), Ocean Blue ($15), Dear John Hughes ($15).
• Packages can be purchased at discounted pricing online (prior to departure) or onboard (but only during the itinerary's first 2 days). On 3-day itineraries, NCL dining packages are available for purchasing only on the 1st / embarkation day. Specialty dining reservations can be made online (within 90 days prior departure) or onboard.

NCL is noted for its high-quality shipboard foods, restaurants, unique dining concepts, well-trained certified chefs-waiters-sommeliers.

• Almost all the shipboard food (98%) is made on the ship and from scratch - including all sauces, bread, pastries, and desserts.
• All ships have full-service butcheries.
• All fish is bought whole and cut and trimmed on the ship.
• Itinerary-based regional dishes and local beers and wines are always available,
• On NCL Bliss were introduced the restaurants Q (Texas BBQ smokehouse serving smoked meats, brisket, beef-pork ribs, pulled pork, various sides) and Los Lobos (Mexican, also serving tequilas and mezcals).

Private cruise island enhancements

NCL Norwegian expanded the company's plans for its Bahamian privately-owned island Great Stirrup Cay and the exclusive luxury resort destination Harvest Caye (Belize) . Harvest Caye Port has a large-sized swimming pool, private beach, shallow lagoon (watersport activities), private cabanas available for rent, as well as a huge flora and fauna diversity.

Great Stirrup Cay was last enhanced in 2014 and by 2017 spring and now provides several new offerings and amenities (for details see the island's review above).

NCL's all-inclusive cruise package

Since 2017, NCL offers all-inclusive itineraries in some markets. The company's new program was named "Premium All Inclusive" and is included in NCL's fares. The new program is only available to travelers living in select countries and as destinations - on cruises to Alaska, Hawaii, Asia, Bermuda, Caribbean, Europe, Panama Canal , South America.

• The list of "select countries" includes Scandinavia and Russia, Belgium, Holland, Liechtenstein, Portugal, Poland, Romania, Croatia, Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, Hungary, Slovenia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Greece, Malta, Cyprus, Turkey, Morocco, Libya, Tunisia, Angola, Algeria.
• Passengers 21+ yo enjoy drinks-inclusive sailings with included unlimited spirits, bottled and draft beers, wines (by the glass), cocktails (priced up to USD 15), light beers, soft drinks, juices. Even the NCL's 18% gratuity is included. A 20% discount is given on onboard purchased bottles of wine, champagne, sparkling wines.
• Passengers aged 20-20-yo enjoy unlimited soft drinks, water and juices (excluding freshly squeezed) in all onboard bars, lounges, and restaurants during the entire cruise. Here also the 18% gratuity is included.
• The new NCL package also includes bottled water (1 L) per person per day (in the stateroom) and specialty coffees (in all restaurants at mealtimes).
• All gratuities and service charge related to the new all-inclusive onboard services are ticket price-inclusive.
• Passengers in "The Haven" staterooms and those in Suites receive 250 minutes of free WiFi, USD 100 in OBC (onboard credit) and complimentary specialty restaurants reservations (3 dinners on itineraries 3-9 nights, and 4 dinners on 10+ nights itineraries).

NCL's "Premium All Inclusive" deals were introduced on April 3, 2017, and include all cabin categories. Since September 2017, NCL offers "Premium All-Inclusive Plus" package. The new offer includes 5 additional benefits for passengers booking a selection of port-intensive longer voyages (9 nights or longer) in all worldwide destinations. The additional perks are 250-min internet package, 120-min phone package, US$50 shore excursion credit (per call port), up to GBP 75 hotel credit (in select call ports) and up to GBP 150 flight credit.

In 2015, on NCL Sun and NCL Sky ships was introduced fare-inclusive open bars for all passengers 21 years and older. However, this program was terminated in 2019 (effective for itineraries on or after September 7, 2019).

Through NCL's "Free at Sea" program on both vessels, passengers continue to enjoy an unlimited open bar, complimentary specialty dining, free WiFi, excursion credits, and family members sail for free, reduced or free airfare.

NCL's Priority Access

In 2019, NCL started to test a program (Priority Access) that allows new customers to buy the perks generally associated with NCL's loyalty program (Latitudes). "Priority Access" is currently being tested on 2 liners ( Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Breakaway ) with pricing between USD 69 and 199 per stateroom.

NCL Priority Access passengers receive:

• Priority check-in, security, boarding, tendering, debarkation (homeport)
• Access to daily, complimentary Room Service Breakfast Menu
• Spa Credit (USD 50) on port days only
• Canapes (delivered on the 2nd day of the voyage)

NCL Priority Access prices (per stateroom) are:

• US$69 - for itineraries 3-5 days
• US$99 - for itineraries 6-9 days
• US$149 for itineraries 10-15 days
• US$199 for itineraries 16/16+ days

During this test period in 2019, Priority Access is limited to 25 cabins per voyage.

NCL cruise ship weddings

Since 2016, NCL offers weddings at sea, including same-gender ceremonies. The weddings are performed by the ship's Captain.

• For now, these offers are only for the company's newest (largest) vessels of the Breakaway- and Breakaway-plus classes.
• Formerly, couples were not allowed to marry at sea, but only ashore (in ports along the itinerary). They also had to produce a marriage certificate before participating in an onboard ceremony. By the NCL's new policy, cruise ship captains can perform the wedding ceremonies on the ship, with a Bahamas-issued marriage license.
• NCL also offers absolutely legal same-gender ceremonies. However, these offers are only available in port destinations where such marriages are recognized by local law. The list of such destinations in the USA includes Hawaii, Boston MA, NYC New York, Los Angeles CA, Seattle WA, Florida (Miami, Port Canaveral, Tampa), also Vancouver BC (Canada).
• NCL's new package "Wedding at Sea" includes a bridal bouquet, 1 matching boutonniere, 1 wedding cake for 2, champagne toast. The company also provides an experienced wedding coordinator.
• In addition to the "Wedding at Sea" program, NCL also offers harborside ceremonies (when the ship is docked in ports of call along the itinerary), also destination weddings (beach and resort) and vow renewals.

NCL cruise ship lifeguards

In April 2017, NCL announced it will employ certified lifeguards on some of its vessels (in summer 2017) and fleetwide (by the year 2018). The news made NCL the 3rd major cruise company with shipboard lifeguards - following Disney and Royal Caribbean .

• The onboard lifeguards are stationed only at the family pools during scheduled swimming pool hours. This staff will be "American Red Cross" trained and certified.
• NCL also offers complimentary swim vests for both adults and kids. Parents can obtain safety vests at Lido Deck's towel station during daytime hours.
• The first NCL ships with lifeguards will be Norwegian Epic (homeported in Port Canaveral), Norwegian Escape (Miami), Norwegian Getaway (Miami) and Norwegian Breakaway (NYC New York).
• NCL started testing monitoring through CCTV cameras at family pools (on fleet's largest ships only) since 2015. So adding full-time lifeguards was a decision for more safety on pool decks. However, it should be known that lifeguards don't replace parental supervision and that parents (legal guardians) remain the best form for preventing onboard accidents.
• DCL-Disney employs certified lifeguards since 2013. RCI-Royal Caribbean employs shipboard lifeguards since February 2017 (by the line's "water safety program"). RCI's onboard lifeguards are dressed in special uniforms (bright red and white) and stationed at every onboard swimming pool, including the Solarium (adults-only retreat) during the complex' opening hours.

NCL stateroom upgrades

In February 2017, NCL started a new (industry's first) cabin upgrade program that allows already booked passengers to bid for upgrades to higher-category staterooms.

• The new "Norwegian Upgrade Advantage" program was tested and approved by a group of top travel agencies. The entire system is automated and doesn't require travel agent intervention and pays commissions on the enhanced fare.
• NCL's senior sales VP Camille Olivere commented: "After final payment guests can bid on an upgrade and there's a little dial that will show them in red, yellow or green the likelihood their bid is going to be accepted. When NCL offers the cabin upgrade to the guest we email the travel agency of record, so they see the guest has been offered the ability to upgrade, and if the bid is accepted we notify the agency. The agency has to do absolutely nothing".
• Once the passengers' bids are accepted, they are assigned to an available higher-level stateroom - interior to oceanview, oceanview to balcony, balcony to Suite or The Haven staterooms. However, they can't choose the exact stateroom (number) to which they are assigned.

(NEW) NCL cruise gratuities (2022)

IMPORTANT : Since January 1, 2023, NCL's fleetwide daily tips are US$ 25 (The Haven staterooms) and US$20 (Club Balcony and below cabin categories).

Daily gratuities are per person (pp) and were effective between April 1st and December 6, 2022.

• USD 16 pp (interior, oceanview, balcony staterooms, both adults and kids) - increased from USD 13,99 pp (effective since April 1, 2018) and 14,50 (2021).
• USD 18 pp (Club Balcony Suites receiving concierge/butler services) - increased from USD 16,99 pp (effective since April 1, 2018) and 17,50 (2021).
• USD 20 pp (The Haven Suites)

Gratuities increases apply to all NCL vessels, except Norwegian Sky (which is drinks-inclusive). On NCL Sky ship, standard cabin and mini-suite passengers pay per person USD 19 per day, while suite passengers pay USD 22 per day.

Daily gratuity is an automatic service charge added to the passenger's onboard account each day.

Passengers can prepay gratuities.

The amount of gratuities is split between the ship's staff (dining, housekeeping, cabin stewards, butlers, concierges, support).

Onboard specialty restaurants (a la carte priced or cover charge venues) add an 18% gratuity service charge.

NCL Cruise Cancellation Policy

Since January 2016, NCL adjusted the company's final payment and cancellation policies. Under the new cruise cancellation policy, booked NCL customers will incur penalties further from departure date when canceling.

Before 2016, NCL itineraries 6 days or longer, canceled 56 to 75 days prior to embarkation date guaranteed full deposits back. Under the new cancellation policy, final payment for itineraries 6 or more days is due 90 days prior to departure date (vs the old policy's 75 days). Cancellation penalties start 89 days prior to departure date.

NCL's cruise deposit schedule also shifted. Previously, for itineraries 6 to 9 nights long, booked customers had to put down a USD 250 pp (per person) deposit. After January 2016, that was changed to USD 250 pp for itineraries 7 to 9 days, and USD 100 pp for itineraries 2 to 6 nights long.

Final payments for holiday sailings (Christmas and New Year) are now due 120 days prior to departure dates, only excluding Norwegian Sky .

(Coronavirus crisis) passenger shipping pause 2020-2021

Due to the COVID pandemic, NCLH's entire fleet (all vessels of the brands NCL-Norwegian, RSSC-Regent, Oceania) is with an expanded cancellation policy. All bookings on pre-scheduled itineraries (departures March 14, 2020, through April 30, 2021) were given the option to cancel (up to 48 hours prior departure) without penalties.

Eventually, NCLH canceled all NCL voyages leaving between March 14, 2020, and July 2021.

Next are listed all NCL ships and their scheduled first departure dates/homeports - BLISS (Oct 24, 2021/Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles), BREAKAWAY (Sept 26, 2021/Bermuda from NYC), DAWN (Dec 8, 2021/Tampa), ENCORE (Aug 7, 2021/Alaska from Seattle), EPIC (Sept 5, 2021/Mediterranean-Barcelona), ESCAPE (Nov 13, 2021/Port Canaveral), GEM (Aug 15, 2021/Caribbean from La Romana Dominicana), GETAWAY (Sept 13, 2021/Mediterranean-Rome), JADE (July 25, 2021/Mediterranean-Athens), JEWEL (March 29, 2022/Miami), JOY (Nov 20, 2021/Miami), PEARL (Dec 23, 2021/Miami), SKY (March 2, 2022/Miami), SPIRIT (May 7, 2022/Alaska from Seattle), STAR (April 3, 2022/Mediterranean from Barcelona), SUN (May 5, 2022/Alaska from Seattle), PRIMA (Sept 3, 2022/ Maiden Voyage /Europe-Baltic from Amsterdam), VIVA ( June 15, 2023 / Maiden Voyage /Mediterranean), PRIDE OF AMERICA (April 9, 2022/Hawaii from Honolulu).

• In late-March 2021, NCL canceled through October-November all voyages scheduled for the ships ENCORE (Alaska from Seattle), JEWEL (Alaska from Vancouver-Seward), Sun (Alaska from Seattle), BLISS (Alaska from Seattle), JADE (Europe-Baltic-Mediterranean), JOY (Bermuda from New York), GEM (Bermuda from Boston, Canada New England from Boston-Quebec).
• In early-April 2021, NCL announced new schedules for the ships JADE (7-day Mediterranean-Greek Islands from Athens/starting July 25), JOY (7-day Caribbean from Montego Bay Jamaica/starting August 15) and GEM (7-day Caribbean from La Romana-Punta Cana Dominicana/starting August 15). Previously the boats were planned to restart as follows - JOY (October 19, 2021/Caribbean from Miami), GEM (Oct 29, 2021/Bermuda from NYC), JADE (January 2, 2022/South Africa from Cape Town). JOY's ex-Greece program was canceled in May. GEM's ex-Dominicana program was canceled in June.
• In late-May 2021 were canceled JOY's Caribbean roundtrips from Montego Bay Jamaica (Aug 7 thru Oct 9) and BLISS' Alaskan program from Seattle (Aug-Oct).
• In late-June were delayed the restarts of 5 ships (Pride of America, DAWN, JOY, SKY, STAR thru 2022 March).

Itinerary of Norwegian Cruise Line

All NCL cruise ships are either new or recently refurbished. As you can see from their list below, the oldest one (NCL Sky) is just 14 years old. NCL's fleet is one of the world's biggest and most innovative ones. NCL ships are big (to really large), well-equipped, offering feature amenities and onboard activities, and sailing worldwide.

In 2023, NCL had its ever-biggest Europe-Meditarranean itinerary program by deploying in the region 10 ships (Breakaway, Dawn, Epic, Gem, Getaway, Jade, Prima, Sun, Star, Viva).

In 2008 (June-July-August) NCL started homeporting in Baltimore MD/at Maryland Cruise Terminal offering 10-day roundtrips to Bermuda (St George's) with the ship Norwegian Majesty/now Crown Iris (1992-built as Royal Majesty for Majesty Cruise Line, in service with NCL 1997-2009). In fall 2023, NCL restarted its ex-Baltimore operations and homeported 2 ships - Norwegian Sky (September-October) and Norwegian Sun (November-December).

NCL's 2024-2025 schedule includes 4 new/maiden call ports - Mina Salman-Manama Bahrain (visited by Norwegian Sky), Sokhna-Cairo Egypt (Norwegian Sun), Avarua/Rarotonga Island, Cook Islands NZ (Norwegian Sun) and Akita City Japan (Norwegian Spirit).

(NEW) NCL cruises from Jacksonville Florida

In January 2024, JAXPORT's Board of Directors approved a 3-year agreement with NCL for seasonal homeporting in  Jacksonville FL  (November to April every year through 2028).

Starting November 2025,  Norwegian Gem ship  offers roundtrip voyages visiting The Bahamas and Eastern Caribbean island destinations. Bookings opened on February 15th (2024).

Norwegian Gem's ex-Jacksonville schedule (during the inaugural season 2025-2026) included mainly 4-5-day itineraries to The Bahamas (Great Stirrup Cay, Freeport, Nassau) as well as 3x 12-day and 2x 11-day Eastern Caribbean itineraries (visiting Great Stirrup Cay, Puerto Plata Dominicana, St Thomas USVI, St John’s Antigua, Basseterre St Kitts, San Juan Puerto Rico).

NCL ships' itineraries overview

In 2021-2022, NCL has planned a collection of new European voyages with 7 liners deployed in the region and port-intensive itineraries that are often with late departure times. NCL's 2021-2022 Mediterranean program is based on homeporting in (departures from) Piraeus-Athens , Barcelona , Civitavecchia-Rome , Venice and Dubai UAE . NCL's Northern Europe cruises depart from Southampton , Amsterdam , Copenhagen , Stockholm and Reykjavik Iceland .

Ship deployments, homeports and itineraries 2023-2024-2025

In September 2020, NCL announced its winter 2022-2023 worldwide program for 13 (of its 18) liners.

EXTRAORDINARY JOURNEYS

The new sailings offer a selection of Extraordinary Journeys - longer, one-of-a-kind port-rich cruises.

• Beginning November 12, 2022, Norwegian Jewel offers a selection of Panama Canal cruises featuring 12-day experiences from Los Angeles , San Diego , and Colon Panama , allowing passengers to plan additional vacation days pre-/post-cruise. The itineraries call at Cabo San Lucas , Puerto Vallarta , Acapulco , Huatulco , Puerto Quetzal , San Juan del Sur , Puntarenas , and Acajutla .
• Norwegian Getaway embarks on a 13-day European trip from Southampton UK to Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy on November 14, 2022. The vessel is scheduled to debut in Oporto and Villefranche-sur-Mer and call at Cadiz-Seville ( Cadiz ), Malaga , Cartagena , Palma de Mallorca , Barcelona , Lisbon , Paris (Le Havre) , Florence/Pisa (Livorno) , and Naples .

PANAMA CANAL

From October 2022 through March 2023, Norwegian Cruise Line offers a variety of itineraries ranging from 8 to 21-day sailings traversing the Panama Canal onboard 6x NCL boats (Encore, Jewel, Pearl, Bliss, Gem, Joy).

Norwegian Encore begins a 21-day Panama Canal cruise on October 23, 2022, sailing from Seattle WA, repositioning to Miami FL. During the sailing, 8 out of 11 port-of-calls include a minimum of 9 to 11 hours of port time.

Norwegian Joy debuts in Port Canaveral FL as she departs on a 14-day trip from Orlando to Los Angeles CA on December 4. During the voyage, she also calls at San Juan Del Sur for the first time and visits Cartagena, Puerto Caldera (Puntarenas), Puerto Quetzal, Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo San Lucas.

Kicking off the New Year, NCL Norwegian Gem offers 11- and 12-day voyages to and from NYC and Panama City in January-February 2023. During her 12-day cruise from New York City on January 2, she debuts in Puerto Limon and the Pacific Cruise Terminal in Panama City during an 11-day trip on January 14.

Norwegian Encore transits the Panama Canal during the 21-day Extraordinary Journey (relocation voyage starting October 13, 2024/from Seattle WA to Miami FL) that visits San Francisco, Los Angeles, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco, Puerto Quetzal, Panama City, Cartagena, George Town, and PortMiami.

Beginning January 28, 2022, through May 17, 2023, NCL offers a range of 5- to 14-day sailings across the Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean. NCL's itineraries include visits to Harvest Caye (resort destination in Belize), as well as calls at its private island resort in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay. Ships sailing the Caribbean include NCL Bliss, Breakaway, Dawn, Encore, Epic, Escape, Gem, Getaway, Pearl, and Sky.

• Norwegian Encore sails an 11-day Southern Caribbean roundtrip from Miami on December 23, 2022, making her debut in Castries, St. Lucia, and Saint John's, and visiting Oranjestad Aruba , Willemstad Curacao , Kralendijk Bonaire , St. Thomas, and Puerto Plata.
• Norwegian Breakaway, which is currently the newest and largest ship sailing from New Orleans (Port NOLA) , offers a mix of 5-, 7-, and 9-day roundtrip sailings to the Western Caribbean starting November 20, 2022.
• As of December 17, 2022, Norwegian Bliss calls Miami Florida home as she embarks on a season of 7-day Western Caribbean roundtrip sailings through April 1, 2023, with calls at Roatan Island , Harvest Caye , Costa Maya , and Cozumel .
• On January 8 and February 26, 2023, passengers can embark on NCL Norwegian Getaway for a 12-day roundtrip sailing in the Southern Caribbean from New York City. The liner debuts in St. John's, Antigua , and calls at San Juan , Basseterre , Castries , Bridgetown , Puerto Plata , and St Thomas USVI

Sailing roundtrip from New York , Norwegian Prima offers 10-to-12-day Caribbean cruises beginning November 2024 through to March 2025 visiting Puerto Plata, San Juan, Basseterre, St. Thomas, Tortola, and Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda.

For the 2nd year, Norwegian Viva homeports in San Juan Puerto Rico from December 2024 through to April 2025 offering 7-day roundtrip Southern Caribbean voyages with zero sea days. The itineraries include calls to Castries and Bridgetown on the east, while select itineraries call to the ABC Islands: Oranjestad, Aruba; Kralendijk, Bonaire; Willemstad, Curacao; and more on the west side of the Caribbean.

Norwegian Escape offers 7- and 14-day Caribbean voyages from December 2024 through to March 2025 from Galveston, Texas. The vessel's 7-day Western Caribbean itineraries visit Costa Maya, and Cozumel in Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; and Harvest Caye Belize. For guests searching for an extended vacation, the 14-day Eastern Caribbean voyages include visits to Cozumel, Mexico; St. Thomas, USVI; Castries, St. Lucia; George Town, Grand Cayman; Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas, and more.

MEXICAN RIVIERA

Sailing from the West Coast between Los Angeles CA and San Diego CA, passengers can take in the Mexican Riviera beauty with a mix of 5-, 7-, and 8-day roundtrip sailings between Norwegian Bliss, Joy, and Jewel beginning October 30, 2022, through April 16, 2023.

Norwegian Joy kicks off her sailings on December 18, 2022, with an 8-day roundtrip sailing where she visits San Diego CA for the first time.

From December 23, 2022, through April 8, 2023, NCL Norwegian Getaway sails select 8-day voyages to the Bahamas and Florida from New York City which include calls at Port Canaveral, Nassau, and Great Stirrup Cay. Beginning January 20, 2023, through May 29, 2023, NCL Norwegian Sky sails 3- and 4-day roundtrip voyages from Miami FL, calling at Nassau, Freeport, and Great Stirrup Cay.

In November 2022, NCL Norwegian Joy offers passengers a Bahamian winter escape on 5- and 7-day roundtrip sailings from New York City featuring overnights at the Royal Naval Dockyard. NCL Getaway also offers 5-night voyages (December 2022 and February-March 2023).

NCL's winter 2024-2025 and summer 2025 voyages sail to bucket-list destinations in Europe, Alaska, and the Caribbean. Sailing to ~400 destinations worldwide, guests can choose from a range of tropical itineraries to the Caribbean and voyages from the Extraordinary Journeys collection that sail to once-in-a-lifetime destinations, such as aspirational regions around the globe like the grand pyramids in Egypt, and more.

Highlights from the 2024-2025 deployment include:

GREEK ISLES and HOLY LAND (Israel and Egypt)

Norwegian Viva, the 2nd ship from the Prima Class set to debut in August next year, offers select roundtrip 7-day Greek Isles cruises from Athens (Piraeus), as well as 9-to-11-day voyages between Haifa (Tel Aviv-Nazareth, Israel), Athens (Piraeus), and Istanbul (Turkey) from May through November 2025. The sailings call at Iraklion, Santorini, Mykonos, and Rhodes in Greece, offer 15-hour long port stays in Ashdod (Jerusalem, Israel), and visit Alexandria and Port Said (Cairo), Egypt, allowing plenty of time for passengers to visit Giza's pyramids.

NORTHERN EUROPE

From May through to September 2025, Norwegian Prima sails a series of 10-and-11-day voyages from London (Southampton), England UK and Reykjavik (Iceland) offering itineraries calling to Geiranger, Norway, home to Geirangerfjord. The itineraries also call to Alesund, Flam, Bergen, Brussels/Bruges (Zeebrugge), Akureyri, Isafjordur, and Amsterdam.

SOUTHERN EUROPE-MEDITERRANEAN

Starting April 2025 through to October 2025, Norwegian Breakaway offers a series of 9- and 10-day roundtrip Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona with an overnight in Livorno (to Florence and Pisa) providing 2 days to explore the destination. The two itineraries call to bucket-list destinations like Ibiza, Cagliari, Naples, Rome (Civitavecchia), Cannes, and more.

During the Alaska cruise season from late April through to October 2025, Norwegian Joy returns to The Last Frontier and offers 9- and 10-day roundtrip sailings from Seattle WA to allow for a longer experience for guests. Her voyages include scenic sailings to Glacier Bay NP ; and Hubbard Glacier . Select cruises also visit Ketchikan and Icy Strait Point .

NCL cruises to Cuba

In December 2016, NCLH (shipowner) received permission to operate cruises to Cuba, beginning March 2017. The first-ever NCL ship visiting Cuba was Norwegian Sky.

• NCL Sky's itinerary program offered 4-night roundtrips from Miami that included Havana overnights. The itinerary also visited Great Stirrup Cay (Bahamas) .
• In 2018, NCL expanded its Cuban program to a total of 63 itineraries, most of which offer Havana overnight.
• Norwegian Sun completed her first Cuban season (from Port Canaveral ) with the last roundtrip on September 3, 2018, then moved to Miami for select itineraries before the South American (fall/winter) season. Being the first Port Canaveral-homeported vessel to Cuba, NCL Sun served 30,000+ tourists on 15 roundtrips (4-day Cuba itinerary) during summer 2018 season, visiting Key West Florida and Havana (overnight). Following the successful first season, NCL Sun returned to Port Canaveral in April 2019 with Cuban itineraries.

IMPORTANT: On June 4, 2019, the US Government announced new regulations (economic sanctions) that ended group travel to Cuba, including via US-homeported cruise liners, effective immediately. The ban relates to "private and corporate aircraft, cruise ships, sailboats, fishing boats, and other similar aircraft and vessels". The US travel restrictions impacted hundreds of pre-scheduled itineraries, which were adjusted to no longer stop in Cuban seaports.

NCL's Cuban program was based on two Florida-homeported liners - Norwegian Sky (from Miami) and Norwegian Sun (from Port Canaveral). Following the US Gov's June 2019-issued ban on group travel to Cuba from the USA, NCL revised all its scheduled itineraries visiting Cuban seaports. All planned departures beyond September 2 (2019) were auto-canceled. Cuba-visiting itineraries prior to September 2nd were modified to exclude Havana and visit other Caribbean ports - including in Bahamas ( Great Stirrup Cay Island , Freeport , Nassau ) and Florida ( Key West )

According to the current Cuban law, US citizens of Cuban origin (born in Cuba) are not allowed to visit the island country (including on cruise vessels). Regardless of their US citizenship status, Cuba-born Americans were denied booking on itineraries visiting ports in Cuba. However, the situation changed in April 2016, after Carnival Corporation negotiated with the Cuban government for allowing ships with Cuban-born passengers, as such US citizens are allowed to visit the country on USA-Cuba charter flights. The Carnival-fathom line started Miami to Cuba voyages in May 2016.

Alaska Airlines offers regular nonstop flights to Havana from Los Angeles (California USA). An 80-min ling JetBlue flight from Fort Lauderdale (Florida) to Havana costs less than USD 100. Previously, air travel from the USA to Cuba was thought charter flights only.

Norwegian Cruise Line related cruise news

NCLH-Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings orders 8 new ships from Fincantieri

NCLH-Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has announced the commissioning of 8 vessels across its 3 brands, slated for delivery between 2026 and 2036. The...

Port Seattle starts 2024 Alaskan cruise season with Norwegian Bliss ship

The 2024 Alaskan season commenced on Saturday with the arrival of NCL's cruise ship Norwegian Bliss at Pier 66, marking the beginning of anticipated...

NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line announces cancellation of multiple 2025 sailings (7 ships)

NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line announced the cancellation of several voyages scheduled for 2025 across its fleet, citing necessary drydock maintenance...

8 NCL's Norwegian Dawn cruise passengers stranded on African island amid allegations of ship...

8 cruise tourists from the Norwegian Dawn ship found themselves stranded on Sao Tome Island (Sao Tome and Príncipe, central-west Africa...

Norwegian Cruise Line introduces 'NCL Connect' to empower travel agents

NCL/Norwegian Cruise Line has introduced 'NCL Connect', a co-branding and marketing solution aimed at enhancing the sales and marketing efforts of...

Search underway for 3 missing Colombians from Norwegian Sky cruise ship

The Department of Immigration and the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force are soliciting assistance from the public in locating three Colombian...

Norwegian Joy's refurbishment details/changes unveiled (SPA, Suites, Beach Club)

NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line has unveiled a series of enhancements aboard the Norwegian Joy following a 3-week drydock refurbishment project. Among the...

Cholera fears prompt Mauritius to refuse entry to NCL cruise ship Norwegian Dawn

Mauritius has declined permission for an NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line ship to dock at Port Louis, citing concerns about a potential illness outbreak (of...

Venice removed from NCL-Norwegian's 2024-2025 cruise itineraries due to regulatory measures

A leading cruise line has adjusted its itineraries for 2024 and 2025, omitting Venice City amidst the ongoing measures to regulate tourism. NCL...

NCL's ship Norwegian Joy completes a drydock refurbishment in Rotterdam

The NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line ship Norwegian Joy has concluded a 3-week dry dock at Damen Shiprepair Rotterdam/Holland, unveiling new...

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Norwegian Cruise orders eight new ships, biggest order in its history

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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)

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

on Bank of America's website

1.5x-2x Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

Winter is here! Check out the winter wonderlands at these 5 amazing winter destinations in Montana

• Plan Your Trip

What Is Norwegian Cruise Line Known For

Published: December 17, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Celka Kurth

• Family Travel
• Travel Essentials & Accessories

Introduction

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is one of the most popular cruise lines in the world, known for its exceptional service, innovative ships, and diverse range of itineraries. With a history dating back to 1966, NCL has grown to become a leader in the cruising industry, offering unforgettable experiences to travelers of all ages and interests.

If you’re looking for a cruise vacation that combines luxury, entertainment, and flexibility, NCL should be at the top of your list. From thrilling onboard activities to exciting land excursions, there’s something for everyone on a Norwegian Cruise Line voyage.

NCL is renowned for its Freestyle Cruising concept, which allows passengers to customize their experience to suit their preferences. Whether you want a gourmet dining experience, a relaxing day at the spa, or an action-packed adventure, NCL offers a wide range of options to cater to your desires.

With a fleet of modern ships, each designed to offer the utmost comfort and amenities, NCL ensures that passengers have an unforgettable journey from start to finish. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, Norwegian Cruise Line will leave you craving for more.

History of Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line has a rich history that began in 1966 when Knut Kloster and Ted Arison founded the company as Norwegian Caribbean Line. The first ship in the fleet, the M/S Sunward, set sail from Miami to the Caribbean, marking the beginning of a new era in cruising. This revolutionary concept of combining a vacation at sea with tropical destinations quickly gained popularity.

Over the years, Norwegian Cruise Line has grown and evolved, introducing innovative concepts and expanding its fleet. In the early 1990s, the company launched its “Freestyle Cruising” concept, which broke away from traditional dining schedules and offered passengers the freedom to dine whenever and wherever they wanted. This concept revolutionized the cruise industry and set NCL apart from its competitors.

In 2000, Norwegian Cruise Line began a new chapter when it merged with Orient Lines, expanding its reach to the Mediterranean and other exotic destinations. This acquisition allowed NCL to offer a wider range of itineraries and cater to the diverse interests of its passengers.

In recent years, Norwegian Cruise Line has continued to innovate and push boundaries. The launch of the Breakaway and Breakaway Plus class ships introduced exciting features like the largest ropes course at sea and thrilling water parks. These state-of-the-art vessels also feature a wide range of dining options, from upscale specialty restaurants to casual eateries, making sure there’s something for every palate.

Fleet and Ship Features

Norwegian Cruise Line boasts a modern and impressive fleet of ships, each providing a unique and luxurious experience for passengers. With a commitment to innovation and state-of-the-art amenities, NCL continuously raises the bar for cruise ship design and features.

One of the standout features of Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet is the sheer variety of ship sizes and styles, allowing passengers to choose the vessel that best suits their preferences and travel needs. From intimate and luxurious ships like the Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore to larger and family-friendly options like the Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Escape, there’s a ship for everyone.

A highlight of NCL’s ships is the extensive selection of accommodations. Passengers can choose from a range of staterooms, from comfortable interiors to spacious suites with private balconies and luxurious amenities. The Haven by Norwegian, available on select ships, offers a secluded and ultra-luxurious experience with exclusive access to a private sundeck, pool, and 24-hour butler service.

When it comes to dining options, Norwegian Cruise Line truly excels. The fleet offers a wide variety of restaurants, from casual buffet-style eateries to specialty dining venues showcasing international cuisine. Passengers can indulge in dishes prepared by world-class chefs, with options like teppanyaki, French cuisine, and traditional steakhouse fare. The flexible Freestyle Dining concept allows guests to dine whenever and wherever they choose, offering ultimate convenience and freedom.

Entertainment on NCL ships is second to none, with an array of options to keep passengers entertained throughout their voyage. From Broadway-style productions and live music performances to comedy shows and thrilling aerial acrobatics, there’s never a dull moment on board. The fleet also features lively bars and nightclubs, where guests can dance the night away or relax with a refreshing drink and enjoy live entertainment.

In terms of onboard activities, Norwegian Cruise Line offers something for everyone. From exhilarating waterslides and water parks to sports courts, fitness centers, and spa facilities, there’s no shortage of ways to stay active and pampered during your trip. The fleet also includes exciting features like go-kart tracks, laser tag arenas, and virtual reality experiences, ensuring that passengers of all ages have a memorable and enjoyable time on board.

Overall, Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet and ship features are designed to provide passengers with the ultimate cruise experience. With a wide range of accommodations, dining options, entertainment, and onboard activities, NCL ensures that travelers can tailor their cruise vacation to their unique tastes and preferences.

Accommodations

Norwegian Cruise Line takes great pride in providing comfortable and stylish accommodations for its passengers. From cozy interiors to luxurious suites, there are options to suit every budget and preference.

The fleet offers a range of stateroom categories, including Interior, Oceanview, Balcony, Mini-Suite, and Suite. Interior staterooms provide a cozy retreat and are ideal for those looking for a budget-friendly option. Oceanview staterooms feature a window or porthole, allowing guests to enjoy views of the sea from the comfort of their room.

For those who desire a private outdoor space, Balcony staterooms are a popular choice. With a private balcony, guests can relax and take in the breathtaking ocean views. Mini-Suites offer a spacious layout with a sitting area and larger balcony, while Suites provide the utmost luxury with separate living areas, oversized balconies, and exclusive amenities.

For a truly exclusive experience, Norwegian Cruise Line offers The Haven by Norwegian. This luxurious and secluded area is available on select ships and provides a private enclave with its own pool, sundeck, and dedicated 24-hour butler service. The Haven offers a range of accommodations, including spacious suites and penthouses, ensuring an elevated level of comfort and personalized service.

Regardless of the stateroom category, all accommodations on NCL ships are designed with passenger comfort and convenience in mind. Each room features modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, minibars, ample storage space, and comfortable beds with luxurious linens. Additionally, most staterooms include a private bathroom with a shower, and suites often feature a bathtub for added relaxation.

Norwegian Cruise Line also offers accessible staterooms designed to meet the specific needs of guests with disabilities. These accommodations provide wider doorways, grab bars in the bathrooms, and other accessibility features to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all passengers.

No matter which accommodation you choose, Norwegian Cruise Line strives to provide a comfortable home away from home during your voyage. The well-appointed cabins, combined with exceptional service, ensure that you can relax and unwind in your own personal oasis at sea.

Dining Options

One of the highlights of cruising with Norwegian Cruise Line is the exceptional dining options available onboard. From casual eateries to upscale specialty restaurants, there is a wide range of culinary experiences to satisfy every palate.

One of the standout features of Norwegian Cruise Line’s dining concept is Freestyle Dining. This innovative approach allows passengers to dine whenever and wherever they choose, providing a flexible and relaxed dining experience. Whether you prefer an intimate dinner for two or a casual family meal, NCL ensures that you have the freedom to tailor your dining experience to your preferences.

The fleet features a variety of complimentary dining options, including main dining rooms that offer a rotating menu of delicious and diverse cuisine. These venues provide a range of menu choices, from classic dishes to innovative creations, ensuring that there is something to please even the most discerning tastes.

Norwegian Cruise Line also offers an array of specialty restaurants for those looking for a more refined dining experience. From steak and seafood to Italian, French, and Asian-inspired cuisines, these specialty venues present an opportunity to indulge in gourmet meals prepared by world-class chefs. Each restaurant boasts its own unique atmosphere and ambiance, ensuring a memorable dining experience.

For casual dining and quick bites, NCL offers a variety of options, including buffets, grill stations, and cafes. Passengers can enjoy a wide selection of international dishes, comfort foods, and delicious desserts. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast, a light lunch, or a late-night snack, there are plenty of options to satisfy your cravings.

In addition to the diverse range of dining venues, Norwegian Cruise Line offers various dining packages to enhance your dining experience. These packages provide the opportunity to sample multiple specialty restaurants at a discounted rate, allowing you to indulge in a variety of culinary delights throughout your cruise.

Special dietary needs and preferences are also catered to onboard NCL ships. The cruise line offers a range of options for guests with allergies, vegetarian or vegan diets, and other specific dietary requirements. If you have any dietary restrictions, be sure to inform the cruise line in advance, and they will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

Overall, Norwegian Cruise Line sets the bar high when it comes to dining options. With a wide range of complimentary and specialty restaurants, as well as a flexible approach to dining times, NCL ensures that every meal is a delicious experience that satisfies all tastes and preferences.

Onboard Activities and Entertainment

Norwegian Cruise Line offers a plethora of onboard activities and entertainment options, ensuring that passengers have a fun-filled and memorable experience throughout their voyage. From thrilling water parks and exciting sports activities to world-class shows and live performances, there’s never a dull moment onboard an NCL ship.

For those seeking adventure and adrenaline, NCL’s ships feature exhilarating water parks, complete with winding water slides, splash zones, and even racing slides. The Aqua Park is a favorite among both kids and adults, offering hours of fun and excitement. The fleet also includes multi-level ropes courses, where guests can test their agility and bravery high above the deck.

Sports enthusiasts can take advantage of various activities on board, including basketball courts, rock climbing walls, and mini-golf courses. There are also fitness centers equipped with state-of-the-art equipment for those looking to stay active during their vacation. For a more leisurely activity, passengers can enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool or relax in one of the hot tubs.

When it comes to entertainment, Norwegian Cruise Line raises the bar with its world-class shows and live performances. Broadway-level productions, featuring talented singers, dancers, and performers, are a must-see on NCL ships. From musicals to acrobatics and comedy shows, these performances are designed to captivate and entertain audiences of all ages.

Live music is a staple onboard NCL ships, with a variety of venues showcasing talented musicians performing different genres of music. From jazz to rock, there’s something to suit every musical taste. Guests can also enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of onboard bars and lounges, where they can socialize, dance, and enjoy live music or DJ performances.

For those seeking a more immersive experience, NCL offers interactive game shows, trivia contests, and themed parties. Passengers can test their knowledge, participate in friendly competitions, or simply enjoy the energetic ambiance of these events. The ships also feature casinos for those who want to try their luck with slots, blackjack, or poker.

If relaxation and pampering are on your agenda, Norwegian Cruise Line has you covered. The fleet’s spas offer a range of treatments, from rejuvenating massages to facials and beauty services. Guests can relax in the saunas, steam rooms, or whirlpools, and indulge in ultimate relaxation with ocean views as a backdrop.

Children and teens are also well-catered to onboard NCL ships. Dedicated kids clubs offer age-appropriate activities and entertainment, keeping young travelers engaged and entertained. From arts and crafts to video games and movie nights, there’s no shortage of fun for the youngest passengers. Teens can enjoy their own exclusive spaces, complete with lounges, DJ booths, and even a dedicated teen-only sundeck.

Overall, Norwegian Cruise Line ensures that passengers of all ages and interests are entertained and engaged throughout their voyage. With a wide range of onboard activities, entertainment options, and dedicated spaces for relaxation or adventure, NCL creates a vibrant and enjoyable atmosphere that will make your cruise experience truly unforgettable.

Itineraries and Destinations

Norwegian Cruise Line offers an extensive range of itineraries, allowing passengers to explore some of the most beautiful and intriguing destinations around the world. Whether you’re dreaming of turquoise waters in the Caribbean, stunning fjords in Alaska, or historical sites in Europe, NCL has an itinerary to suit your wanderlust.

Caribbean cruises are among the most popular offerings from Norwegian Cruise Line. With itineraries that cover the Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean, passengers can soak up the sun on pristine beaches, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and explore vibrant local culture and cuisine. From the Bahamas to the Virgin Islands, each island visited offers a unique and memorable experience.

Alaska cruises with NCL provide an opportunity to witness breathtaking scenery and wildlife in one of the world’s most majestic regions. Passengers can cruise through stunning fjords, marvel at towering glaciers, and spot majestic whales and other wildlife. Shore excursions offer the chance to embark on thrilling adventures, such as dog sledding or helicopter tours, ensuring an unforgettable Alaskan experience.

For those looking to explore Europe, Norwegian Cruise Line offers a variety of itineraries that take passengers to iconic cities and breathtaking coastal regions. From the picturesque Norwegian fjords to the historic ruins of Rome and the stunning landscapes of the Greek Isles, these cruises provide a rich cultural experience combined with breathtaking scenery.

The fleet also ventures to other exciting destinations, including the Mexican Riviera, Hawaii, Canada and New England, and the Panama Canal. Each itinerary offers a unique blend of cultural immersion, natural wonders, and historical sites, ensuring that there is always something new to discover.

Norwegian Cruise Line also prides itself on offering a range of shore excursions in each destination visited. Whether you’re seeking adventure, cultural exploration, or relaxation, these excursions allow you to delve deeper into the local culture, history, and natural beauty of each port of call. From guided city tours to outdoor adventures like hiking or snorkeling, there’s an excursion to suit every interest and activity level.

It’s important to note that itineraries and destinations may vary depending on the season and the specific ship you choose. NCL releases its itineraries well in advance, allowing passengers to plan their dream cruise and explore new and exciting destinations.

No matter which itinerary you choose, Norwegian Cruise Line ensures that your voyage is filled with exciting destinations, enriching experiences, and the opportunity to create lifelong memories.

Freestyle Cruising

One of the standout features of Norwegian Cruise Line is its innovative concept of Freestyle Cruising. This unique approach to cruising provides passengers with unparalleled flexibility and freedom to create their ideal vacation experience.

Traditional cruise lines often adhere to rigid dining schedules and dress codes, but NCL breaks away from this traditional model to offer a more relaxed and customizable approach. With Freestyle Cruising, guests have the freedom to dine whenever and wherever they choose, without being restricted by set meal times or assigned seating. This flexibility allows passengers to plan their activities and dining experiences at their own pace, making for a truly personalized vacation.

When it comes to dining, Freestyle Cruising offers an extensive range of options to suit every taste and preference. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual buffet, a specialty restaurant, or a quick bite at a café, you’re free to choose from a variety of dining venues on board NCL ships. No formal attire is required, giving passengers the freedom to dress comfortably and enjoy their meals in a relaxed atmosphere.

In addition to dining, Freestyle Cruising extends to onboard activities and entertainment. Passengers can tailor their experiences to their interests and preferences, choosing from a wide range of activities and entertainment options. Whether you want to relax by the pool, participate in sports and fitness activities, or attend Broadway-style shows and live performances, it’s all up to you. The ships offer a multitude of options, ensuring that there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Another benefit of Freestyle Cruising is the ability to explore a variety of destinations without the constraints of a fixed itinerary. Norwegian Cruise Line offers a diverse selection of itineraries that allow passengers to visit multiple ports of call and experience different cultures, sights, and attractions. Whether you want to immerse yourself in the vibrant Caribbean, witness the beauty of Alaska, or explore the historical treasures of Europe, the choice is yours.

Freestyle Cruising also caters to families, with a wide range of activities and facilities designed to keep children entertained. From dedicated kids clubs and teen areas to water parks and age-appropriate entertainment, NCL ensures that every member of the family can enjoy their vacation to the fullest.

Overall, Freestyle Cruising provides a unique and enjoyable experience that sets Norwegian Cruise Line apart from other cruise lines. The freedom and flexibility to customize your dining, activities, and entertainment make for a truly stress-free and memorable vacation.

Awards and Recognition

Norwegian Cruise Line has received numerous awards and accolades, solidifying its position as one of the top cruise lines in the industry. These honors recognize the company’s commitment to excellence in service, innovation, and overall cruise experience.

One of the most prestigious awards that Norwegian Cruise Line has received is the “Best Large Ship Cruise Line” award from Travel Weekly’s Readers’ Choice Awards. This recognition is given based on votes from travel industry professionals and signifies NCL’s stellar reputation among industry experts.

NCL has also been recognized for its outstanding dining options. It has received the title of “Best Specialty Restaurants” from Porthole Cruise Magazine’s Editor-In-Chief Awards multiple times, highlighting the range and quality of culinary experiences available onboard.

In addition to its dining offerings, Norwegian Cruise Line has been lauded for its entertainment options. The company has received the “Best Entertainment” award from both Travel Weekly’s Readers’ Choice Awards and Porthole Cruise Magazine’s Editor-In-Chief Awards, emphasizing the high caliber of performances and shows provided on its ships.

NCL’s commitment to environmental sustainability has been recognized as well. The company has received the “Green Ship Technology of the Year” award from Seatrade Maritime Awards for its commitment to implementing eco-friendly practices and technologies on its state-of-the-art ships.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s commitment to providing a memorable family vacation has also been recognized. The company has received the “Best Family Cruise Line” award from Travel Weekly’s Readers’ Choice Awards, recognizing its dedication to offering exceptional activities and amenities for passengers of all ages.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s ships have been recognized as some of the best in the industry. Its Norwegian Joy ship was named “Ship of the Year” by Ocean & Cruise News, highlighting the vessel’s exceptional design, amenities, and overall guest experience.

These are just a few examples of the many awards and recognitions that Norwegian Cruise Line has received over the years. These accolades reflect the company’s ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional service, innovative experiences, and unforgettable voyages for its passengers.

Norwegian Cruise Line is a renowned and highly respected cruise line that offers an exceptional vacation experience for travelers around the world. With its rich history, innovative ships, and wide range of itineraries, NCL caters to a diverse range of interests and preferences.

From the moment you step onboard an NCL ship, you are welcomed into a world of luxury, comfort, and freedom. The fleet’s modern and stylish accommodations provide a home away from home, while the multitude of dining options cater to every palate. Whether you’re seeking a casual buffet, an upscale specialty restaurant, or a quick bite on the go, NCL ensures that your dining experience is a highlight of your vacation.

Freestyle Cruising sets Norwegian Cruise Line apart from other cruise lines, offering flexibility and customization at every turn. The ability to dine whenever and wherever you choose, combined with a wide range of onboard activities and entertainment options, allows you to create a personalized vacation experience that suits your interests and preferences.

NCL’s commitment to excellence is evident in the numerous awards and recognition it has received. From being celebrated as the best large ship cruise line to receiving accolades for its dining options and entertainment offerings, NCL continues to set the bar high in the industry.

Whether you’re dreaming of exploring the stunning fjords of Alaska, basking in the sun on the beaches of the Caribbean, or immersing yourself in the rich history of Europe, Norwegian Cruise Line offers itineraries that will take you there. With a dedication to providing unforgettable experiences, NCL goes above and beyond to ensure that your cruise vacation is truly extraordinary.

In conclusion, Norwegian Cruise Line offers an exceptional cruising experience that combines luxury, innovation, and flexibility. With its outstanding fleet, diverse itineraries, and commitment to customer satisfaction, NCL continues to be a top choice for travelers seeking a memorable and enjoyable cruise vacation.

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Billy's Favorite Ships - The Story of The SS Norway a.k.a. The SS France

I’m frequently asked about my favorite ship.  This is a tough question.  I don’t have children, but I imagine it’s only slightly more difficult for me to pick my favorite ship than for parents to pick their favorite child.  Come on parents, you know you have a favorite.

While I still can’t tell you what my favorite ship is, there are certainly some that stand out more than others.  Maybe one is the prettiest, another has the most amenities, and some I might just love out of nostalgia.  For this reason, I’m sharing with you the first in what will be a series of articles offering a brief summary of one of my favorite ships .

The SS Norway has many superlatives, but I’ll admit, having sailed her a number of times, always as a child, nostalgia, as well as my love of ocean liner history , plays a big a big part in making her stand out.

Service as The France

The SS France was put into service in February of 1962 by Compagnie Générale Transatlantique, a French ocean liner company.  She was a sleek vessel with classic lines, reminiscent of grand ocean liners of her era, but coming in at 1,037 feet (316 meters), she was the longest passenger ship in the world.  To offer some perspective, where these days we see one vessel after another getting longer, taller, and wider, the SS France held the title of the longest passenger vessel until construction of the Queen Mary 2 over 40 years later.  In fact, all these years later, the 227,000 gross ton Harmony of the Seas is only 81 feet longer than the 66,300 gross ton SS France.

She was designed to replace the line’s aging fleet as they struggled to compete in a world where air travel was present, but ships continued to hold on to their presence in the business of taking passengers across the Atlantic. 

Trivia: The SS France and the Harmony of the Seas were both built at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique ship yard in Saint-Nazaire, France

Times changed as they do and jet travel became more economical, fuel prices surged, and the government subsidies that once helped prop up The France’s service were no longer enough.  In 1979, after several years of sitting dormant, she was purchased by Knut Kloster, president and co-founder of NCL.

Service as The Norway…and a little emotion

In 1981 NCL, who’d been operating smaller purpose built cruise ships and former cruise ferries in the Caribbean for over a decade, completed an $80 million overhaul of the ship formerly known as The France, and in Oslo, christened her the Norway.  This was the first, and really the only time a purpose built ocean liner was turned into cruise ship.  This meant that pools were built on open decks (the upper deck pool was previously covered), public spaces rearranged to facilitate a single class arrangement, and the vessel modernized from stem to stern.  This was the Norway I knew. 

During her service with NCL she went through changes, including the addition of two penthouse decks at the very top, but she always remained a ship with a very different feel than the rest of the fleet.  Her elegant lines on the outside paired perfectly with dark wood throughout many of the public spaces, larger, grander venues, and options that other cruise ships at the time simply didn’t have the space for.  One that sticks out was Sven’s Ice-Cream Parlor all the way aft on the International Deck.  Most kids love ice-cream, and I was no different – but ice-cream on a cruise?  On the Norway?  That was something special then, as the memories are now.  One trip with my parents and grandparents I recall my grandmother and I getting a bit lost on the ship, separated from the family.  We waited on a bench near Sven’s until my parents found us, a high seas adventure, that to this day, my 82-year-old grandmother recalls as the time my parents got lost without us on the Norway.

Trivia: The main pool on the Norway had windows allowing guests to see the legs of swimmers.

Another thing that sticks out in my memory is actually how passengers got into various ports.  The Norway, being built for Transatlantic service, had a deep cut to the hull, giving her a much deeper draught than cruise ships.  This meant that while other ships in the NCL fleet, such as the MS Starward, could easily dock in many ports, the Norway often had trouble fitting, and needed to use tender service.  NCL wasn’t blind to this issue however, and fitted the prow of the Norway with two large, double-deck tenders, with articulating cranes to lower them into the water.  They were named the, Little Norway I and Little Norway II.  Last I know, at least one of these boats is still used to shuttle NCL passengers between current NCL vessels and Great Stirrup Cay, their private out-island in the Bahamas.  As a child, I remember talking about the ship that was, “so big she carries her own tenders!”  My classmates weren’t impressed, but I was, even more so when my father’s friends would occasionally hold me up to the helm of one of the tenders, allowing me to feel like I was steering as we headed into port.

The Norway continued making these memories for myself and thousands of others until May 25, 2003, when a boiler exploded in the engine room, killing eight crew members.  There is debate as to how feasible repair was, but ultimately it was decided that she be retired for the last time as NCL built up a newer fleet of purpose built cruise ships, including the Pride of America, for which the Norway served as quarters for those training to be the Pride’s crew.

Obviously, I still love cruising, and by most measures, ships have drastically improved.  Much like someone’s first Christmas morning, or first time seeing snow fall, I’m not sure I’ll be able to recapture some of the emotions that the memories of the Norway, and he unique past, bring to mind.

If you want to see what the Norway was really like, take a look at this great video shot only a week before her days at sea.  Thanks to Harold Smiley Davis, the camera and jib operator for this video, and his site,  The Television and Motion Picture Network . 

View the discussion thread.

• Norwegian Cruise Line

Past cruise history...where on ncl.com?

By WINEMANVISALIA , August 3, 2011 in Norwegian Cruise Line

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WINEMANVISALIA

we would like to see our past cruises with ncl...is there a place on ncl.com where they are listed...we have looked and looked but no can find:>((

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Unfortunately they don't post that information on the website. It would be nice if they did!

You would have to call the Latitude Desk to find out which cruises they have listed for you.

if you dont have a record yourself this is the best way to get a list of your cruises.

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

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Historic Database of All Past Cruise Ship Itineraries

Do you need a past cruise ship itinerary but can’t find any track on the net? Our extensive database includes cruising logs of all the major cruise lines dating back from 2013 to this day. If you like to keep track of your past cruises and go down the memory lane or need an itinerary in timetable format for the entire year, we got you covered. We can provide data of past cruise voyages in an excel file with complete information organized in the following format: cruise ship, date, ports, and arrival-departure times.

Please note there is a service charge fee for the past cruise itineraries. These fees are different depending on the service and requested data volume.

For inquiries please contact us HERE

Sample data of past cruise itineraries

Cruise Dig database includes historical data of the following cruise lines and ships:

Available past cruise ship itineraries:

Travel | 8 new ships coming to Norwegian Cruise Line,…

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Breaking News

Travel | bob graham, former florida governor and us senator, dead at 87, things to do, subscriber only, travel | 8 new ships coming to norwegian cruise line, sister brands plus dock at great stirrup cay.

The parent company to Norwegian Cruise Line announced Monday a major order for eight new ships among its three brands as well as the construction of a pier to allow its cruise ships to dock instead of tender to its private Bahamas island for the first time.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings said it was planning to bring on four new ships for NCL, two new ships for upper premium brand Oceania Cruises and two ships for luxury brand Regent Seven Seas, all to be built at Fincantieri shipyard in Italy and debut during a 10-year run from 2026-2036.

The NCL ships would be the largest ever built for the line at around 200,000 gross tons and capacity of about 5,000 guests. They won’t arrive until after the final delivery of its Prima-Plus class ships expected between 2025-2028, the larger sister ships to the Norwegian Prima and Viva that debuted in the last couple of years. The four ships from the unnamed class of vessel would arrive in 2030, 2032, 2034 and 2036.

The new class for Oceania Cruises, which in 2023 debuted its first new ship in more than a decade — the Oceania Allura — will also be the largest ever built for the line at 86,000 gross tons and a capacity of 1,450 guests. They’re expected in 2027 and 2029.

And the Regent Seven Seas fleet’s new vessels will also be larger coming in at 77,000 gross tons with a capacity of 850 guests. They’re expected in 2026 and 2029. Regent just debuted the third of its Explorer class ships in December 2023.

“This strategic new-ship order across all three of our award-winning brands provides for the steady introduction of cutting-edge vessels into our fleet and solidifies our long-term growth,” said NCLH president and CEO Harry Sommer in a press release. “It also allows us to significantly leverage our operating scale, strengthen our commitment to innovation and enhance our ability to offer our guests new products and experiences, all while providing opportunities to enhance the efficiency of our fleet.”

No other details about the ships were released. Financing is already in place to fund 80% of the cost for the four ships among the Oceania and Regent orders, but financing for the four NCL ships is not finalized.

The eight ships expects to add 25,000 more to the three cruise lines’ passenger capacity.

In addition, the line is set to construct a multi-ship pier at Great Stirrup Cay, the popular Bahamas private destination visited by all three brands. The move follows the introduction of a dock that can support two Oasis-class vessels at neighboring Perfect Day at Coco Cay for Royal Caribbean while other private Bahamas destinations including Disney’s Castaway Cay and its new Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point feature tenderless docks for easy access.

“We are likewise excited with the addition of a new pier at Great Stirrup Cay to support our increased capacity in the Caribbean and multiple ships to call on the island, enhancing our guest experience and bringing seamless and reliable access to our private island year-round,” Sommer said.

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• News for Norwegian Cruise Line

Charting New Waters: Norwegian Cruise Line Unveils Ambitious Plans For Eight Ships

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd  (NYSE:NCLH) has unveiled a total of eight vessels, representing nearly 25,000 additional berths to be built across three brands.

The company also launched the construction of a multi-ship pier at Great Stirrup Cay, the company’s private island destination in the Bahamas and its Caribbean port of call. 

The strategy is expected to boost Norwegian Cruise’s product offering, guest experiences, and operational infrastructure.

The new ship orders across all three brands are scheduled for delivery over a ten-year period, between 2026 and 2036.

After the delivery of four Prima-Plus class ships from 2025 through 2028, the cruise operator is expected to take delivery of four approximately 200,000-gross-ton ships, each with a capacity of nearly 5,000 guests, in 2030, 2032, 2034, and 2036.

Oceania Cruises is scheduled to take delivery of two 86,000-gross-ton ships, each with a capacity of 1,450 guests in 2027 and 2029. 

Finally, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is scheduled to take delivery of two 77,000-gross-ton ships, each with a capacity of 850 guests, in 2026 and 2029.

“This strategic new-ship order across all three of our award-winning brands provides for the steady introduction of cutting-edge vessels into our fleet and solidifies our long-term growth,” said President and CEO Harry Sommer.

The company has obtained export credit financing with favorable terms to fund 80% of the contract price of each of the two Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises ships.

The new pier development in the Bahamas is set to begin in summer 2024 and be completed by late 2025 with an investment of about $150 million.

Stifel  analyst Steven Wieczynski reiterated a Buy rating on the shares with a price target of $25.

NCLH now has 13 ships on order over the next 12 years for a combined 41,000 berths, representing about 65% capacity growth, noted the analyst.

With a historically smaller fleet, the company has been building new ships more aggressively versus peers in order to enter/serve certain markets.

Over the next decade this will not only give NCLH the biggest growth story within the cruise industry but will also allow them to continue entering new markets with minimal cannibalization to their fleet, the analyst noted.

Owning cruise stocks when supply growth has been low for an extended period of time, as per the analyst. While the headline of eight ships might make investors panic, the analyst urged them to look at the fine print.

Overall, according to the analyst, the positives surely outweigh the negatives.

Price Action : NCLH shares are trading lower by 2.35% at $18.93 on the last check Tuesday.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

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Norwegian Cruise orders eight new ships, biggest order in its history

By Doyinsola Oladipo

NEW YORK (Reuters) -Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has placed the largest ship order in its history to meet the growing demand for cruise travel, the cruise operator said on Monday.

The company will order eight new ships across the company's three brands, scheduled for delivery between 2026 and 2036, executives told Reuters, without giving a price for the ships.

Norwegian Cruise Line made its announcement after stock trading closed. Its shares closed at $19.39, up 2.65%.

The cruise industry represents 1.5% to 2% of the overall vacation market so there is room for growth, Norwegian CEO Harry Sommer told Reuters.

"This is the most comprehensive look to the future that the company has ever done," Sommer said. "It demonstrates our optimism about the future of this industry."

Sommer said the new ship orders will not materially increase capital expenditure requirements or the company's net leverage.

The cruise operator said the new vessels are slightly more expensive than previous ones given inflation. The company took approximately $1.5 billion in euro-denominated term loans to partially finance its purchase of four of the new vessels, according to an SEC filing.

Norwegian said the new ships will enable the company to grow passenger capacity by 6% a year through 2028 and 4% annually through 2036.

"We can grow and deliver these outsized returns on dividend free cash flow while at the same time not impacting at all our leverage for the foreseeable future," Sommer said.

The company had total net debt of $13.7 billion at the end of 2023.

Italian ship-maker Fincantieri said it will build four of the ships and has signed a letter of intent to build the remaining four.

Norwegian also plans to develop a new pier on its private island in the Bahamas, set to be completed by late 2025, with an investment of $150 million.

The company said the pier will allow it to carry 50% more guests to the region annually.

(Reporting by Doyinsola Oladipo in New York and additional reporting by Granth Vanaik in Bengaluru; Editing by David Gregorio and Deepa Babington)

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NCL Makes History With First Seasonal Sailing From Galveston, Texas

Norwegian Cruise Line made history yesterday with one of its newest ships — Norwegian Prima — making its first ever seasonal debut sailing from Galveston, Texas . The ship will sail 7-day cruises through April 2024 to the western Caribbean.

Constructed in 2022, Prima is noteworthy as it is the first ship in cruise line’s Prima class of vessels. This group of ships marks a very different direction than others in the fleet and something entirely new for the Texas market.

Coming in at 965 feet and 142,500 gross tons, the ship has a capacity for 3,100 passengers. That’s actually smaller than previous vessels like Norwegian Encore, which was the last ship built before Prima. Instead of continually going bigger, Norwegian Prima is focused more on the passenger experience and luxury — especially compared to Texas-based rivals Carnival and Royal Caribbean.

The ship features Ocean Boulevard, a wraparound deck with 44,000 square feet of space opening up to the sea. There are also infinity pools (located at Infinity Beach) close to the water level to further connect passengers to the ocean. Other high-end features include The Concourse (an outdoor sculpture garden) and an open-air food hall.

There are still plenty of opportunities for family fun as the ship also has the cruise line’s signature race track (covering three levels) and The Drop, a freefall slide that takes you down 10 stories.

Still, Prima is definitely focused on a higher-end experience than most large cruise ships. That makes it ideal for those looking for a more refined vacation than what might be found on rival cruise lines. ( See our full review of Prima here .)

Having toured the ship, we think it’s not a stretch to say that instead of designing a cruise ship, NCL instead designed a high-end hotel. That definitely makes it stand apart from other cruise options in Galveston.

NCL’s Major Push Into Galveston Cruises

This sailing of Prima also marks the first time that Norwegian has homeported a ship in Galveston. Prima did visit Galveston back in October 2022 for a special one-time sailing, and the cruise line did previously sail a ship from the former Bayport Cruise Terminal years ago.

Until now, however, Galveston couldn’t claim NCL as one of the many cruise lines that called the Texas port home. That’s changing quickly.

“We’re extremely excited to have Norwegian Prima officially sail out of Galveston, Texas this season as we are committed to listening to our guests’ feedback and providing them with more opportunities to cruise from popular, easily accessible ports,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line.

In fact, NCL has already started to add those other opportunities. Just days ago the cruise line announced that its current newest ship in the fleet — Norwegian Viva — will now sail from the island starting in December 2025.

Meanwhile, a search of the NCL website also shows a handful of sailings aboard Norwegian Escape from Galveston in December 2024.

With the arrival of Prima and plans for Viva, it’s clear that NCL has set its sights on expanding into the Galveston market. And with tentative plans for the port to open a fourth cruise terminal in the coming years, could it only be a matter of time before a Norwegian ship sails year-round from the island?

Popular: 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of)

Read next: park & cruise hotels for every port in america, popular: 107 best cruise tips, secrets, tricks, and freebies, related articles more from author, galveston cruise parking (where to park): prices, profiles, & map, ‘be on time’: cruisers show little sympathy for ncl passengers who missed ship, msc cruises sailing from texas starting 2025, galveston cruise parking discounts, coupons, and promo codes, carnival jubilee arrives in galveston; first new cruise ship to call texas home, ncl unveils its next ship — norwegian aqua — and it’s a must-see, leave a reply cancel reply.

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10 major differences between royal caribbean and norwegian cruise line (ncl), hotels with cruise shuttles for every major port in america, 107 best cruise tips, tricks, secrets, and freebies, 39 useful things to pack for your cruise (including 17 you’d never think of).

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Norwegian Cruise Line Cancels Over a Dozen Voyages in 2025 — What to Know

Guests impacted by the cancellations will receive a full refund and a 10% discount in the form of a Future Cruise Credit towards any sailing through Dec. 31, 2025.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is canceling over a dozen cruises 2025.  The cruise line is nixing multiple voyages throughout next year, Norwegian confirmed to Travel + Leisure on Friday. "The recent 2025 itinerary cancelations are a result of varied events including the ongoing situation in the Red Sea and Israel, modified dry dock schedules for ship enhancements, a full ship charter, and lastly, to accommodate the demand for shorter close-to-home voyages to the Bahamas," a spokesperson for the cruise line told T+L.

The affected itineraries are as follows:

• Norwegian Epic - , Feb. 20, 2025, Nov. 1, 2025, Nov. 11, 2025
• Norwegian Jade - Mar. 4, 2025, Mar. 13, 2025, Mar. 24, 2025
• Norwegian Pearl - Apr. 19, 2025, May 5, 2025, May 16, 2025, Oct. 15, 2025
• Norwegian Sky - May 27, 2025, Jun. 5, 2025
• Norwegian Spirit - Jan. 1, 2025, May 17, 2025
• Norwegian Star - May 18, 2025, May 29, 2025, Jun. 9, 2025,
• Norwegian Viva - May 27, 2025, Sep. 20, 2025, Sep. 29, 2025

The spokesperson also shared with T+L that guests impacted by the cancellations will receive a full refund and a 10% percent discount in the form of a Future Cruise Credit towards any sailing through Dec. 31, 2025. "In addition, we understand the inconvenience and frustration this disruption may cause affected guests, so we have shared alternative sailings similar to their original booking," the spokesperson added, encouraging impacted guests to head to contact the company at 1-800-327-7030 for more information.  

In February 2024, NCL also announced it would no longer dock in Venice, Italy, due to restrictions of the waterways.  “While we have made every effort possible to maintain these calls to Venice, the tender operation and overall experience this provides our guests has fallen short of the standard we aim to deliver,” a spokesperson from NCL told T+L at the time.  Despite the cancellations, the cruise industry continues to rebound since COVID-19 closures. The industry is expected to grow to 130 million global passengers in 2026, which is up from 73 million global passengers in 2022, according to a 2023 report from the Cruise Lines International Association. 

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Explore Canada & New England: 2024 Cruises from Boston

Boston, Massachusetts, with a history stretching back to the 1600s, is one of the oldest cities in the United States, offering plenty to see and do . It's also a tremendous port of call from which Norwegian Cruise Line provides numerous opportunities to embark. So, if you're looking into cruises in 2024, let us guide you through all the itineraries and ports you could incorporate into your family vacation when departing from Boston .

Ready to start planning? Explore all Boston cruises .

2024 Bermuda Cruises from Boston

Around 770 miles south of Boston and 900 miles north of The Caribbean, Bermuda is home to a wealth of beautiful pink-sand beaches, green spaces, and opportunities for golfing, diving, caving, and historical sightseeing.

Check out these exciting cruise vacations that Norwegian has to offer in 2024:

Explore Bermuda & Maine on Norwegian Gem

Norwegian Gem will take you from Boston to Bermuda before looping around to Maine and back to Boston during a seven-day cruise . Embark on a late Friday afternoon and cruise the stunning Atlantic Ocean on Saturday. On Sunday, around noon, disembark at the Royal Naval Dockyard on the West End, the marine hub of the island.

This marks the start of three days and two nights on this breathtaking island. You can start your exploration by sticking around the West End and taking advantage of the azure waters with many water sports around the harbor. Or, simply enjoy the crystalline environment as a backdrop while checking out the market and shops.

RELATED CRUISES: 7-Day Bermuda Cruise from Boston 7-Day Canada & New England Cruise: Boston to Quebec City 7-Day Canada & New England Cruise: Nova Scotia & Saint John

On day two, you have plenty of time to explore the pleasures of Bermuda, and Norwegian's shore excursions can ensure the experience is hassle-free. Feeling adventuresome? Check out the island's caves and explore a shipwreck. More the easygoing type? Enjoy a traditional English tea service, hear fascinating stories about Bermuda's history, and visit the many museums with centuries of tales to tell. With a free morning and early afternoon on the third day, you can easily fill in any gaps in your itinerary.

After another day at sea, you'll land in Bar Harbor, Maine, a coastal Northeast wonder. With its charming, tranquil scenery and fresh seafood, this port is the perfect setting to wind down from the thrills of the previous six days. Then Norwegian Gem will return to Boston that evening, capping a luxurious week in the North Atlantic.

Visit Bermuda on Norwegian Gem

If you want more time in Bermuda, Norwegian offers a seven-day, two-port-of-call cruise from Boston to the Royal Naval Dockyard and back again. Leaving on Friday, you'll reach Bermuda on Sunday morning to enjoy the first of four days and three nights on the island. With a relaxed itinerary, you'll have ample time to take in the sun, water, and luxurious surroundings at your own pace.

2024 Canada & New England Cruises

In the heat of summer and the dragging humidity of early fall, many people choose to escape the heat for cooler climates. If you're one of them, a Norwegian cruise vacation to Canada and New England could be your perfect family getaway.

Explore Canada & New England on Norwegian Gem

Seven ports in seven days — are you up for it? After leaving Boston, spend a pleasant day among the natural opulence of Bar Harbor, Maine, before heading into Canadian waters, where the first stop is Halifax, Nova Scotia, remarkable for its thunderous rugged coastline as well as an affluence of wine, cider, and fresh seafood. From there, it's Sydney on the Nova Scotian island of Cape Breton and then Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island, both spectacular destinations for scenic tours.

After a day at sea, you enter Québec, beginning in Saguenay and culminating in Québec City. From there, you'll board a coach for the grand city of Montreal, where you can traverse the historic metropolis at your leisure.

Discover Halifax & Portland on Norwegian Jade

On this seven-day cruise , Norwegian Jade embarks from Boston and disembarks at Portland, Maine, providing a morning and early afternoon to explore the city's stellar waterfront, arts districts, museums, and shops. This journey includes three days in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, followed by a visit to the rugged beauty of Newfoundland. You'll find a wealth of historic sites, museums, and charming villages here, as well as opportunities to spot whales and icebergs.

As you can see, Boston is the perfect port to embark on an exciting adventure. Which cruise vacation will it be for you?

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