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Norwegian Cruise Line Review

Tuesday, May 7th

2024 Cruise Line Reviews

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

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

Solid option for a Caribbean cruise during spring break

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

Great choice for Alaskan cruises

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

How about a themed cruise?

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

Exciting onboard activities

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

High-caliber shows

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

No gratuity required or recommended - but not refused, either

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

Be sure to understand Freestyle vs. Free at Sea

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

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

Free at Sea Plus upgrade might be available

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

Not the most sterling safety record

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

Online experience leaves room for improvement

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

Great option for most destinations served by larger ships

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

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• Holland America

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The 15 Best Cruise Lines

Which cruise line is the best.

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

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

Cruise Line FAQ

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

Continued from above...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Katie Seemann

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Basic Information

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

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

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

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

Name: Norwegian Cruise Line

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

Number of Ships: 17

Destinations: 450+

Loyalty Program: Latitudes Rewards

Credit Card : Norwegian Cruise Line ® World Mastercard ®

Norwegian currently operates 17 cruise ships:

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

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

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

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

Private Ports/Islands

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dining and Beverages

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here are some of the highlights:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best norwegian cruise ship.

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

Where does Norwegian Cruise Line cruise to?

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

Is Norwegian Cruise Line all-inclusive?

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

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About Katie Seemann

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

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Norwegian Viva review: What to expect on Norwegian Cruise Line's 2nd Prima Class ship

Editor's Note

Norwegian Cruise Line 's Norwegian Viva takes the best of everything about NCL and wraps it up in a stylish package that offers great food, friendly service, compelling entertainment and modern, classy design. The ship, part of Norwegian's new Prima Class , is interesting in that, while some aspects of the ship experience have shrunk, others have expanded.

The vessel itself is smaller than ships in the line's previous class, and although it's family-friendly, it also houses a downsized version of the Splash Academy kids club, which lacks dedicated teen spaces. However, the ship has seen growth in the way of a larger onboard suite area with a better location and one of the fleet's largest go-kart tracks — something the Prima Class adopted from previous hardware.

Norwegian Viva is the second ship in Norwegian Cruise Line's Prima Class. There isn't much that differentiates Norwegian Viva from its slightly older sister, Norwegian Prima. Both offer a slightly smaller version of the cruise experience found on the line's Breakaway and Breakaway Plus Classes.

What sets the two ships apart are minor elements like art installations, one fewer onboard Starbucks location and added seating capacity at Indulge Food Hall . But perhaps the biggest differentiator is the entertainment, with the ship offering a version of the Broadway show "Beetlejuice."

I sailed on a nine-night voyage when the ship was at roughly two-thirds of its capacity and was disappointed to note the ship sometimes felt crowded. The pools weren't large enough, it was difficult to snag reservations for go-karts and escape rooms, and some performance venues were standing room only.

I began to wonder, as my colleague did when he sailed Norwegian Prima , has the line made its newest ships too small ?

Here's a recap of everything you'll need to know before a voyage on Norwegian Viva, from food and entertainment to the types of cabins available, as well as what stood out and what you might want to avoid.

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

Overview of Norwegian Viva

At 143,535 gross registered tons and carrying 3,099 passengers at double occupancy, Norwegian Viva is smaller than the last two classes of ships NCL rolled out, but don't make the mistake of thinking it's small.

With dozens of restaurants and bars, a theater, a comedy club, a dedicated rock 'n' roll venue, a virtual reality gaming center and a top-deck go-kart track , Norwegian has managed to pack a lot into a ship that, at times, feels equal parts spacious and crowded.

On my sailing, it was clear that the ship attracts lots of families — something that became obvious when teenagers regularly overran public areas. (The ship doesn't have a dedicated teen club, which means they hang out wherever they want. That's fine if they're well behaved; on my voyage, they weren't.)

Overall, it's a lively vessel with lots to do.

What I loved about Norwegian Viva

Indulge food hall.

Indulge Food Hall was introduced on Norwegian Prima and makes a return appearance on Viva, and it quickly became my favorite dining venue.

The waiter-served food court experience at Indulge combines some of the best restaurant offerings from around the fleet so that cruisers can try a bit of everything. There's an abridged version of Q Texas Smokehouse, serving pulled pork sandwiches a la Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss. There's also a food truck that serves small plates similar to what you can order at Bayamo on Norwegian Escape. I'm a big fan of the Indian dishes from Tamara.

Norwegian Prima features a Starbucks at Indulge, but the food hall concept proved so popular that the line removed the coffee shop on Viva to make room for more tables.

After you seat yourself, you place your order via a touchscreen, and the food arrives in a few minutes.

The best part is that the food is free. That's particularly notable for a line like Norwegian, which is notorious for its nickel-and-diming. Not only does Indulge Food Hall provide an additional complimentary food option, but some of the food available there comes with a fee at the corresponding stand-alone restaurants (Q and Bayamo, for example) on other ships.

Solo cabins and lounge

Like many of the vessels that came before it, Norwegian Viva includes studio cabins for one — something the line has worked to improve since its first iteration on Norwegian Epic in 2010. What's special about Viva's version is that they feel just as upscale as the rest of the ship's cabins.

The neutral color palette is worlds away from the stark white with green and purple hues that punctuate previous versions. And that aesthetic carries through to the Studio Lounge, a space exclusive to passengers booked in studio cabins.

The ship has 73 staterooms for solos, each coming in at 93 square feet of space. They're small but comfortable and thoughtfully furnished, offering full-size beds, desk/vanity space and open-concept closets. Bathrooms have no main doors because why would you need privacy if you're traveling alone?

Norwegian Viva's Penrose Atrium on Deck 6 is lighter, brighter and has a more open feeling than some of the atriums on ships in Norwegian's other classes. It feels like the ceilings aren't as low, and the space lacks the dark colors that can make other atriums induce a feeling of claustrophobia. It's a much more pleasant (albeit louder) space than on some of Norwegian's previous vessels.

Besides a peaceful white, tan and green color scheme, the space, which rises three decks, has comfortable seating — try the felt loungers — and tables. There's also a central banquette on Deck 6, and a glass light fixture evokes a sky filled with midcentury modern stars. Sprinkled throughout the area are the ship's whiskey bar, a stand-alone Starbucks counter, a few shops and desks for Wi-Fi assistance, guest services and shore excursions.

Escape rooms

One of the highlights of more recent NCL ships is Galaxy Pavilion, and there's one on Norwegian Viva. In addition to a slew of added-fee virtual reality games, it also has two upcharge escape rooms that accommodate up to six people who are OK with being locked in for 45 minutes while hunting for clues that allow them to escape.

A group of friends and I chose a magic-themed experience that had us trying to find a missing magician. Although the crew member managing the experience said we did everything correctly, an equipment glitch prevented us from actually succeeding, which was a shame but not completely unexpected on a brand-new vessel still working out the kinks.

Ultimately, it's a fun activity to do with friends or family.

For cruisers who like to stay connected on vacation, the onboard Wi-Fi situation is often a source of stress. Will the connection be solid? Will you be able to post, stream and check e-mail or attend a Zoom meeting?

On Viva, I had a Wi-Fi plan, powered by Starlink, that allowed streaming for two devices for the duration of my voyage. I'm happy to report that the connection was great. It was my first time on a ship where I wasn't constantly disconnected, and the service was solid for everything from FaceTime calls to watching Netflix.

Prices are steep, though. You can activate one device for general web browsing, checking emails and messaging for $29.99 per day. To purchase a streaming and VPN package for one device, it's $39.99 per day. A second device can be added for $15.99 per day or $25.99 per day, respectively. Four-device packages are also available, but rates are not posted. Prices are subject to change by itinerary.

What I didn't love about Norwegian Viva

Allocation of space.

I love that Norwegian has tried to outfit its ships with more outdoor spaces that don't necessarily involve pools and waterslides, but I'm beginning to wonder if the latter have suffered as a result.

The experiment began on Norwegian Breakaway in 2012 with The Waterfront, an outdoor promenade space that connects to several of the vessel's restaurants for alfresco dining. The concept carries over to Prima Class ships in the form of Oceanwalk, a promenade that fully rings Deck 8. As passengers stroll by, they'll find pools, loungers, art installations, dining alcoves and a bar overlooking the wake.

However, some of the areas — particularly those allocated for outdoor dining — seemed underutilized. Meanwhile, the ship's three small pools were almost always crowded, especially on sea days. My sailing was only two-thirds full; that doesn't bode well for times when the vessel is sold out.

Some of the more in-demand indoor areas are also insufficiently sized. Popular rock club Syd Norman's Pour House is generally standing room only. If you don't show up 30 minutes before showtime, you might not get in. The first time I tried to check out a show there, I was met by crowds spilling out of both entrances.

The ship's Observation Lounge also seems too small at times. This was particularly true on the day we sailed through the Strait of Gibraltar. There wasn't a single unoccupied table; I circled for 20 minutes to pounce on a table that someone had just vacated.

Splash Academy, Norwegian's kids club, seems like an afterthought on Norwegian Viva. Instead of dedicated spaces for each age group, the facilities lump all children, ages 6 months to 17 years, into just two rooms. Youth counselors organize age-appropriate activities for the 3- to 12-year-old set (think: dance parties, arts and crafts and scavenger hunts), but they still share the same space, which feels inappropriate.

Guppies, which normally caters to kids from 6 months to 2 years old, has no set space on board. Toys are laid out for use by children and their parents when the two existing rooms are not in use.

The ship takes a similar tack with tweens and teens. Entourage, the teen club, has no specific home on Norwegian Viva. Although activities are scheduled for ages 13 to 17, they take place all over the ship. On my sailing, teens often crowded — loudly — into public areas like Starbucks or took to hanging out in stairwells, which created a nuisance for some passengers.

I understand that any new ship takes a few days to figure out, but some of the layout on Norwegian Viva still doesn't make sense to me, even after nine days on board.

Some areas aren't symmetrical, so don't be surprised if you overshoot your destination if you're walking on the wrong side of the ship. (I'm talking about you, Le Bistro.) Entrances to the Oceanwalk outdoor promenade area are plentiful but also hard to find in certain areas.

Furthermore, the casino is like a maze. Don't feel bad if you find yourself at a dead end the first time you pass through; it happens to most of us. If you're trying to make your way to Deck 18 from the front of the ship, you'll have to head aft and then make your way up — likely by walking partway through the buffet, which is awkward (and frustrating if you're fighting crowds during peak times).

Then there are the traffic flow issues. It's difficult to maneuver your way around the seating area by Starbucks in Deck 7's atrium, and because there's no straightforward way across it, you can forget about moving from one side of the atrium to the other without walking all the way around.

Another hot mess is the corridor that runs along Deck 8 aft on the starboard side. It feels narrow, and it travels right through The Local, a 24-hour eatery that serves free pub grub and is, strangely, split into two sections. When trying to find The Local, I unwittingly walked right through without realizing it. I ended up all the way aft at Indulge Food Hall before turning around and doubling back. Several others made the same mistake, which caused congestion in the space.

If you're someone who craves quiet time to read, play cards or just relax, Norwegian Viva is not your ship. There is no onboard card room, library or otherwise serene space. (Books are available to read on your electronic devices via the Libby app, which is neat, but it's not a substitute for a library.)

Starbucks, found in the atrium, is out in the open. Even after hours, you'll run into blasting music, teens being raucous and the sounds of crew members vacuuming. I also tried the Observation Lounge on Deck 17 forward, but I found teenagers holding court, families loudly playing board games and other noises that added to a cacophony so intense I couldn't focus.

Ultimately, I resorted to staying in my cabin when I needed some quiet time, but I had a connecting room, and I could hear almost every word spoken by the family on the other side. I was also wakened by the sounds of slamming doors, the movement of balcony furniture and even coughing. Several fellow passengers who didn't have connecting rooms also said noise was an issue for them.

Even places like the spa, which should have been quiet, lacked soundproofing. When I walked into my treatment room for a massage, I heard what sounded like bubbling water. I assumed it was some sort of sound machine, but when I asked the therapist, she said it was the plumbing from the men's locker room. It was kind of soothing until people flushed the toilets, at which point my moments of calm were sidelined by loud whooshing noises.

And minus 100 points to whoever decided the fitness center's treadmills would be well placed directly over the thermal suite's heated loungers.

Missing fish

Fans of Norwegian Cruise Line will likely know all about the fish found on the carpet in cabin corridors on the line's ships. If you're lost, just look at which way the fish are swimming; they always point toward the front.

I was sad to discover the fish don't appear on Norwegian Viva. Instead, they have been replaced by more neutral carpeting with triangles that point the way. It's a minor change, but it's still disappointing because it was a whimsical way in which NCL set itself apart from other cruise lines.

Norwegian Viva cabins and suites

Norwegian Viva's cabins consist of all the standard options: inside (no windows), outside or ocean view (with a window), balcony (a sliding-glass door and outdoor balcony space) and suites.

There are other options, too, including studio cabins for solo travelers and extra-fancy rooms in The Haven, the ship's exclusive suite enclave, which affords booked passengers access to a private restaurant, bar, lounge, pool and sun deck, hot tubs and concierge services.

All basic rooms are outfitted with two twin beds that combine to form a queen (except studios, which have one static full-size bed); a vanity and desk area with a mirror, electrical outlets and a hair dryer; closet and drawer space; and an interactive TV that shows live shows, movies (many free but some for a fee), ship channels and your onboard account. A small wall-mounted touchscreen pad near the door controls the temperature and allows you to activate "do not disturb" and "make up room" options.

Standard bathrooms are shower-only with doors rather than curtains. They also include a toilet, a sink, storage space for toiletry items, wall-mounted hand soap by the sink and body wash and conditioning shampoo in the shower.

Rooms are serviced only once per day, but your room steward is available by phone if you need extras like fresh towels or more hangers. They will deliver a paper copy of the daily schedule to your room each evening and leave it in the mailbox outside your door.

My cabin was the standard balcony variety. In addition to the amenities mentioned above, it offered a sofa across from the vanity, as well as a minifridge. What truly impressed me about my digs were the astronomically comfortable mattress, the number of hooks for hanging items throughout the cabin, the bright lighting (including an illuminated makeup mirror at the vanity), the number of electrical outlets and the amount of storage space, both in the closet and in the bathroom.

What irritated me were the connecting door, thanks to the lack of soundproofing and the whistling I heard any time my neighbors left their balcony door open; the wire drawers in the closet, which are too small and too open to be useful; the absence of a separate light switch for an exposed portion of the closet that was illuminated any time I turned on the main cabin lights; and the lack of a bed skirt, which meant my luggage was visible for the entire voyage because I stored it under the bed.

The ship has 44 accessible staterooms across inside, outside, balcony and The Haven categories. They offer such accommodations as additional square footage, wider doorways, and shower stools and toilet seat risers in the bathrooms.

Norwegian Viva restaurants and bars

Norwegian Viva houses more than a dozen places to eat and also more than a dozen bars, so there are plenty of choices for even the pickiest of palates.

One of the most noteworthy aspects of dining on this ship is that you don't have to shell out additional funds to have truly superb meals. The food you'll find in the two main dining rooms, the 24-hour pub and the food hall is pretty darn tasty — and it won't cost you an extra cent.

If you do want to try a few extra-fee eateries, take advantage of Norwegian's Free at Sea offerings, which allow you to choose from several perks, including complimentary dining at restaurants that usually cost extra.

Norwegian Viva restaurants

The Commodore Room and Hudson's are the ship's two complimentary main dining rooms on decks 6 and 7 aft, respectively. The menu changes daily and is the same at both venues. I only ate dinner at Hudson's once on my voyage, but I was so impressed with the pad thai that I would have asked for seconds if I hadn't been so full.

Both dining rooms are open nightly. Hudson's operates from 5 to 9 p.m., and the Commodore Room serves patrons from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Dining is open seating, meaning you can show up to eat at any time you'd like and sit with whom you'd prefer.

Indulge Food Hall, only found on Norwegian's Prima Class ships, offers a food court-style experience where you seat yourself and select free items from a touchscreen menu, similar to an iPad. Waiters will bring each dish as you order it.

The portions tend to be small, so you can try multiple dishes. It's common for passengers to order a couple of items, eat them and then order a couple more. I highly recommend the guacamole as a starter and something from the Tamara Indian menu, followed by a pulled pork sandwich from Q Texas Smokehouse if you have room left.

Indulge, found on Deck 8 aft, is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with different menus for each meal.

The Local, located just before Indulge on Deck 8, is oddly split into two sections: one with a bar and alcove seating and another with tables where you can sit and order food. Both areas have big-screen TVs where you can watch sporting events. Separating the spaces and serving as a passageway between the two is a small vestibule with a few arcade games.

What's great about The Local is that it's open nearly 24 hours. (It closes between 3:30 and 5 a.m.) The food is complimentary, and it's tasty, typical pub grub like wings, fish 'n' chips, sliders, nachos and burgers, as well as lighter fare such as Caesar salads.

Surfside Cafe and Grill is the ship's standard buffet venue, serving a variety of food from self-serve stations on Deck 17 midship. Because Norwegian Viva also has The Local and Indulge, the space dedicated to the traditional buffet is smaller than on other cruise ships. I didn't eat a single meal there because when I ventured inside it was so crowded that people could barely move. I elected for more civilized meals elsewhere.

If your stomach is rumbling a bit too much before dinner, the luxuriously appointed Observation Lounge on Deck 17 forward offers gratis between-meal snacks daily from 3 to 5 p.m.

The Haven Restaurant functions as the free main dining room for passengers booked in The Haven suite complex. It's open daily to passengers with access, and it features a set menu for the entire sailing.

Free soft-serve machines can be found in the buffet and outside on Oceanwalk, near Indulge. Chocolate, vanilla and twist are offered, and the ice cream is vegan. The machines are not available 24 hours a day like they are on some cruise lines' ships. Norwegian Viva has neither a stand-alone ice cream shop nor a bakery, which was disappointing.

Added-fee food

On Norwegian Viva, dining can be a bit chaotic at peak times, so make reservations for any specialty restaurants you're considering — and do it on the first day so you're not left with the crummiest times.

For French food, Le Bistro is your answer. This specialty restaurant on Deck 7 is as elegant as they come, featuring a bright atmosphere with light blue accents and high-end decor, including giant floor-to-ceiling crystal chandeliers that are stunning. There's no dress code to dine at Le Bistro, but you might want to embrace the experience by making an effort.

I'm generally not a fan of French cuisine, so I played it safe and went with French onion soup and Dover sole, both of which were delicious.

Cagney's Steakhouse is — you guessed it — Norwegian Viva's steakhouse on Deck 6 aft. It provides a menu of items like shrimp, tuna tartare, oysters Rockefeller, soups, salads, steaks, fish and sides.

I went with a crabcake, a beefsteak tomato with onions and balsamic vinaigrette, and a petite (5-ounce) filet mignon with a side of truffle fries. If you're someone who doesn't eat meat, fish or seafood, you might consider dining elsewhere.

Ever a fan of carbohydrates, I enjoyed Italian-influenced Onda tremendously. It was a nice night as we sailed along Italy's Amalfi Coast, so my group asked for a table outside, along Oceanwalk on Deck 8, which was absolutely delightful with the city lights as a backdrop and a warm breeze reminding us that we were moving.

We started with a couple of sharable — and absolutely to-die-for — pizzas and a veggie calzone. Then, I moved on to burrata, which was an absolute masterpiece, followed by ricotta and spinach mezzelune (similar to ravioli).

Although the meal was great, the service was a bit on the slow side. It took about three hours from start to finish, and we waited nearly 30 minutes for someone to take our order once we were seated.

Craving seafood? There's a restaurant for that, too: Palomar on Deck 17 mid. The entrance near the pool area was closed on my sailing, forcing passengers to fight through the buffet to reach the main entrance. That experience did not set the tone for the beginning of such an upscale meal.

Like Cagney's, Palomar offers a mix of seafood and meats like steak and lamb chops, but it's heavier on the seafood end. Choose from oysters, grilled jumbo prawns, grilled octopus and several salads for appetizers. Mains include sea scallops, sea bass, filet mignon, New York strip and a whole grilled lobster, with sides such as potatoes, jasmine rice and carrots. I opted for sole (again), preceded by a golden beet salad with cheese and accompanied by asparagus.

Although Palomar features vegetable-based sides and appetizers, vegetarians and vegans will not find suitable mains on the menu.

Food Republic, across from Palomar on Deck 17, is my favorite of NCL's alternative restaurants. In my opinion, it's also one of the most underrated.

When I ate there near the end of my voyage, it was nearly empty at 7:30 p.m. — a prime dining time. It seems the issue is that cruisers don't quite understand what the venue offers. People might also confuse it with Indulge Food Hall, which offers similar fare and a similar ordering system but for zero extra cost.

Food Republic is a street food restaurant that leans heavily Asian. You'll be seated when you arrive, and you order from a touchpad. Items are priced a la carte and will be made to order, with each delivered when ready, rather than all at once.

If you have a dining package, you can select any four food items, including desserts. Items are served as small plates. I didn't finish everything and still left absolutely stuffed. The pork belly bao buns and edamame are excellent.

On the flip side, my least favorite restaurant is Los Lobos, a for-fee Mexican eatery on Deck 8, near The Local. I'm a huge fan of Mexican cuisine, but when I ate at Los Lobos on fleetmate Norwegian Encore about a month prior, the service was slow, and the food was mediocre. With that in mind, I was skeptical about eating there on Viva.

I dined at Lobos twice during my voyage. The first time was a pleasant surprise, with the tableside guacamole, tortilla soup and chicken enchiladas de mole serving as highlights.

The second time, however, both the service and the food were lacking. Our servers seemed confused when my vegetarian dinner companion asked about meat-free options, and when my chicken tacos arrived, they looked gross — mushy and with brown avocado. The one saving grace was the wonderful strawberry frozen margarita I had.

For passengers in the mood for Asian cuisine, Nama sushi and Hasuki teppanyaki on Deck 7 aft are both solid options. The former offers for-fee a la carte sushi and sashimi, and the latter features a traditional experience where diners sit around a grill to watch a chef cook, perform tricks and tell cheesy jokes.

If you're feeling more like a night in, you can order room service by hitting the dedicated button on your cabin phone. From 10 a.m. to 6:30 a.m., the menu consists of choices like chicken soup, a selection of salads, fruit and cheese plates, sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, pizza, spaghetti, flank steak, roasted chicken, tilapia and a handful of desserts. For the kids, there are items like macaroni and cheese, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and chicken fingers.

Room service is no longer free on Norwegian Cruise Line ships, and a $9.95 surcharge applies to all deliveries, along with a 20% delivery charge (note this is not a tip). Order enough items to make it worth the cost. Although tipping is not expected, it's nice to offer a couple of dollars to the crew member who delivers your meal.

Breakfast — including continental options — is offered from 6:30 to 10 a.m. for $4.95, plus a 20% delivery charge.

When I placed a late-night order for an 11-inch pizza, a cheese plate and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, it cost me $11.94, and it took an hour and 13 minutes to arrive. The pizza was lukewarm with way too much garlic, and the sandwich bread was stale.

However, when I ordered room service breakfast one morning, it arrived five minutes ahead of the earliest delivery time I selected, and the French toast was tasty.

Norwegian Viva bars

Although it's not a bar where you can purchase alcohol, Starbucks was my favorite haunt on board Norwegian Viva. Found in the atrium on Deck 7, it's a nice central meeting spot that took care of my daily caffeine fix.

Unfortunately, coffee there isn't covered by the basic alcohol package that's included with most fares. (This is something I'll never understand, given that it costs less than just about any alcohol except beer. The same is true for bottled water, which also isn't included.) On the bright side, if you have a Wi-Fi package and funds preloaded onto your Starbucks app, you can pay that way and earn stars.

One deck down, directly under Starbucks, is the Whiskey Bar. There, passengers can find a selection of whiskeys. I prefer sweet drinks, so I went with peanut butter whiskey and club soda. Be sure to say hello to Craig — one of the best bartenders I've ever had on a ship — who warned me that adding simple syrup to the mix would make it too sweet. I decided to trust him, and I'm glad I did.

The Metropolitan Bar on Deck 7, which often hosts live music, hardly ever seemed crowded. That's unfortunate because the concept is unique in that it recycles leftover galley items into drink ingredients and garnishes so they don't go to waste.

The menu comprises 11 beverages created with watermelon rind cordial, spent coffee ground cordial, banana peel syrup and pineapple peel. I tested the Cucumber Cool — vodka, elderflower liqueur, lime juice and cucumber pulp cordial — and loved it. On the wall across from the bar is a cool electronic art installation that senses when people pass by.

If you find yourself meandering on Deck 8's Oceanwalk, you might consider stopping at Soleil Bar, found all the way aft overlooking the wake. It's a great space, but it lacks shade in a big way. I suppose that means its name is fitting, but it can be brutal to sit there in warm-weather destinations. On my Italy sailing, I was drenched in sweat within five minutes of arriving.

Should you decide you'd rather drink indoors and out of the sun, make your way to the nearby Luna Bar, located inside Indulge Food Hall.

The upscale Belvedere Bar is a great place to grab a pre-dinner drink if you're dining at the nearby Commodore Room, and the Penrose Bar serves as a central watering hole for anyone taking in live music or participating in activities on Deck 6 of the Penrose Atrium. There's also a bar in the casino and one by the pool (Waves Pool Bar).

Looking for a place to hang out with a drink and your thoughts? Check out the Humidor Cigar Lounge, which is outfitted with couches, chairs and a selection of cigars; the Observation Lounge, which has a bar, afternoon snacks and sweeping views; or the Studio Lounge or Haven Lounge if you're booked in a cabin that grants you access to either one.

Norwegian Viva entertainment

Norwegian Viva's onboard diversions are varied and interesting. From Broadway-caliber shows and live music to dance parties, bingo, trivia, video games, slides and games like "Deal or No Deal," there's a lot that graces the Freestyle Daily, Norwegian Viva's daily schedule of activities.

You can certainly have fun without paying more, but many of the ship's most noteworthy pastimes come with a price tag. If trying the newest and flashiest amenities is important to you, build some extra funds into your vacation budget.

Norwegian Viva activities

Free daily activities include trivia, murder mysteries, balloon twisting seminars, dance classes and pool games and competitions (such as the Mr. Sexy Legs contest). You'll also find sports equipment — cornhole boards, Ping-Pong paddles and the like — laid out on the deck for passenger use.

The Splash Academy is free for kids ages 3 to 17. As mentioned earlier, the two-room playroom on Deck 15 is smaller than it should be and does not include a teen club. Teen activities take place around the ship. Youth staff set out toys for babies and toddlers to enjoy with their parents or caregivers at select times.

Norwegian Viva has three pools that are open to everyone: a main pool on Deck 17 (with two hot tubs) and two infinity pools on either side of Deck 8's Oceanwalk area. All of them felt small for the size of the ship, particularly on sea days. All pools have accessible lifts, but none of the hot tubs do.

A kids splash area is located on Deck 18, near the entrance to The Wave waterslide. Two dry slides — The Drop and The Rush — spiral 10 decks down the side of the ship. The entrance for those is also on Deck 18. All slides are complimentary.

The Haven suite complex also has a private wake-facing pool and hot tubs on decks 16 and 17 for passengers booked in The Haven suite enclave.

NCL is notorious for charging extra for everything from dining to activities, and Norwegian Viva is no exception. Although nightly entertainment is free, many of the best daytime activities come with an additional price tag.

Many of the ship's extra-fee attractions can be found on upper decks 17 and 18. Here, you'll find the adults-only Vibe Beach Club on Deck 17. The line charges a pretty penny for access to this dedicated area with hot tubs, sun loungers and a bar. (But don't be fooled; just because it's exclusive doesn't mean it's private. Other passengers can look right into the space from Deck 18.)

Up on Deck 18 is the Tee Time miniature golf course. Norwegian became the first cruise line to charge for mini-golf — free on all other ships that have it — when it launched its Prima Class vessels. A single round at Tee Time on the course's nine holes costs $10 per person, and teams can accommodate up to six people.

When you swipe your card, a machine dispenses a physical ball (no fun colors, which is disappointing) with an electronic component tied to your name. When you place your ball in the designated starting point on each green, it recognizes who you are. (It would be super fun to have a few drinks before playing a round during which you swap balls with your friends.)

Digital screens keep score for everyone, and arbitrary points are awarded for feats my teammates and I never did figure out. The sensors are ultra-sensitive; if you move your ball, even to position it a club's head away from the wall, it could count as a stroke.

Viva's version was an interesting and sometimes infuriating way to play. Ultimately, I prefer regular mini-golf. This is a prime example of, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Another strange flex on Prima Class ships is The Bull's Eye, a suite of semi-private areas that groups of up to six people can rent to play darts for 50 minutes for $20 per person. The underwhelming game area was not crowded when I passed through on my way to Tee Time, which shares the same space.

Also on Deck 18 is the entrance to Viva Speedway, the ship's go-kart track. From there, you can sign up to drive, check in for your reservation or head up one deck to grab a drink at the Viva Speedway Bar so you have something to sip on as you watch drivers zoom past.

It's fun to experience the go-karts once, but for me, they aren't much of a thrill after the first time. (For safety reasons, Norwegian has dampened the maximum speed on them, so they're a bit on the slow side.)

The virtual reality Galaxy Pavilion on Deck 17 forward is an attraction carried over from NCL's Breakaway Plus Class ships. It's home to a selection of video games, VR experiences and two escape rooms. Games can be played a la carte, and the escape rooms, which cost $15 per person, put groups of up to six people into a locked room for 45 minutes or until they solve clues needed to allow for their escape.

Looking for something free to do on Deck 18? Check out The Stadium, a large alcove of games like table shuffleboard, Ping-Pong, Foosball and beer pong — but without the beer. You'll also find a pickleball court, as well as Subsoccer tables that allow you to play soccer against a single opponent while seated and looking down through a clear table.

The two-level Mandara Spa is also nearby, with an entrance on Deck 16. In addition to for-fee treatments (massages, manicures, pedicures), the ship offers a gorgeous and expanded thermal suite that has salt and steam rooms, a sauna, a massive split thalassotherapy pool, an ice room, heated tile loungers and more. Thermal suite passes were $339 per person for nine-day access.

The state-of-the-art fitness center features yoga equipment, free weights and TechnoGym machines like bikes, ellipticals, rowers and treadmills. Gym use is free, but some exercise classes cost extra.

You can spend or possibly win money at the Deck 6 casino or at bingo games hosted throughout the cruise.

Note that the ship does not have laser tag or a basketball court, as do other NCL ships.

Norwegian Viva shows

Two of Norwegian Viva's top shows weren't ready when I sailed on the ship's inaugural sailing. Broadway show "Beetlejuice" was in tech rehearsals at the time, and an onboard rendition of the popular game show "Press Your Luck" also hadn't debuted.

Ken Davis, who produces the entertainment for Norwegian's new-builds, told me in an exclusive interview that "Beetlejuice" brings with it the original creative team from the show's run on Broadway. That includes the associate director, as well as the original costume designers and choreographers.

They've had to adapt the show to fit on the Viva Theater's smaller stage, of course, but that has allowed the team the flexibility to tweak things they didn't like about the original version. So, when it debuts — offering two shows on each of two nights during a typical voyage for four total performances — the show promises to be even better than the original.

"Icons" is an original show featuring dancers and singers who perform tunes by iconic musical artists. It runs at least once per seven-night voyage, with two show times in the Viva Theater.

On my cruise, the ship offered a couple of unpolished performances, and what I saw was incredibly lackluster. The show features six talented singers in sparkly outfits belting out songs from vocal superstars like Bruno Mars, Celine Dion, Elton John and Lady Gaga. The result was stale and outdated, lacking the modern flair and polish of most new-ship shows.

In a one-on-one interview, Julie Valeriote, Norwegian's director of entertainment operations, divulged that the show will eventually involve a different stage layout with a thrust to connect the performers more closely with their audience, who will be seated at tables throughout the space.

What's interesting about the Viva Theater & Club is that the venue can transform from an auditorium-style setup to one where the seats are partially condensed or fully tucked away like bleachers, converting the venue into a club with a dance floor. Part of the reason "Press Your Luck" and "Icons" weren't fully ready is because the stage and seating layouts couldn't be changed while "Beetlejuice" was in tech.

Syd Norman's Pour House, which debuted on Norwegian Breakaway in 2018 and offers tribute performances by a fantastic band, also returns on Norwegian Viva. Syd Norman, a fictional character whose face appears on the lounge's logo, draws from the personas of club owners who found success during rock 'n' roll's heyday.

Inside, you'll find a small stage, a bar, walls adorned with rock memorabilia and a few tables with intentionally mismatched chairs and stools. In fact, seating is in such short supply that if you don't get to the club at least 30 minutes prior to showtime, you'll be standing. The place is so popular that if you don't arrive at least 15 to 20 minutes ahead of time, you won't even be able to get through the doors.

The performances are out of this world, headlined by a cast of four phenomenal singers who gave me goosebumps. The show you truly won't want to miss is "Rumours," where the quartet jams out to every track from Fleetwood Mac's "Rumours" album, complete with interludes highlighting some of the band's real-life struggles. Even if you're not a huge Fleetwood Mac fan, you should still check out the show or any of the quartet's other performances.

Other nighttime events include club dance parties in both the main theater and Syd Norman's, comedy in the main theater and dedicated comedy venue Improv at Sea, and rotating acts that stay on board for a few sailings. On my voyage, I saw violinist Christopher Watkins, who plays well-known songs on a violin adorned with more than 1,000 Swarovski crystals.

Every evening, you'll also find plenty of live music throughout the ship. Check the Freestyle Daily or the NCL app for details.

Norwegian Viva itineraries and pricing

Norwegian Viva will split its time between Lisbon, Portugal, and San Juan, Puerto Rico, both of which will serve as seasonal home ports for the ship.

The vessel will spend the winter months (roughly mid-November through mid-April) offering seven-night Caribbean voyages from San Juan. The rest of the year, it will be based in Lisbon, from which it will conduct Mediterranean and Greek Isles itineraries that range from nine to 11 nights. It will also sail a handful of voyages from Rome and Athens, Greece.

Prices for seven-night Caribbean voyages in early 2024 start at $139 per person, per night for an inside cabin. Fares for the Mediterranean cruises in autumn 2024 start from $155 per person, per night for an inside cabin.

Note: Prices were accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice.

What to know before you go

Required documents.

If you're a U.S. citizen departing on a Norwegian Viva cruise in Europe, you must have a passport for travel. For round-trip sailings from San Juan, you can use your original birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license. However, we recommend passports in all situations. If you're using a passport, it must have a least six months' validity from the day your voyage ends.

Norwegian Viva adds automatic surcharges of $20 to $25 per person , per day to final bills, depending on your cabin category. Passengers can tweak the amount up or down at the guest services desk before the final morning of the sailing, but they will be required to fill out a form. A 20% gratuity is also tacked onto bar, spa and specialty restaurant purchases.

Most Norwegian bookings include basic ship Wi-Fi in the price of the fares. Cruisers who don't have it included or passengers who want to upgrade to a streaming package will have to pay. The cost varies by ship and itinerary, but it's generally costly, ranging from roughly $30 to $35 per person, per day, depending on your needs. You could save a few dollars by booking a Wi-Fi package before you embark.

Carry-on drinks policy

Passengers are allowed to bring their own bottles of wine on Norwegian Viva, but they'll be charged a corkage fee of $15 per bottle. Passengers are not allowed to bring nonalcoholic beverages on board.

Smoking policy

Norwegian Viva provides special areas for smokers to light up cigarettes, cigars and e-cigarettes. They include the casino, the Humidor Cigar Lounge (cigars only) and a covered spot on Deck 18.

Norwegian Viva doesn't offer self-service laundry facilities . Cruisers can, instead, pay an extra fee for send-out laundry or dry-cleaning services. Housekeeping will return your clothes in a day or so unless you pay extra for expedited services.

Sometimes, the ship offers laundry deals, allowing passengers to fill a bag with as many clothes as they can fit for a set price. Members of certain tiers of the line's Latitudes loyalty program receive free or discounted laundry services.

Electrical outlets

Cabins on Norwegian Viva are equipped with both North American-style 110-volt outlets and European-style 220-volt outlets, as well as USB ports. In my room, there was one USB port on each of the two bedside reading lamps. Near the vanity, there were also three North American outlets, one European-style outlet, one USB outlet and one USB-C outlet.

Norwegian Viva's onboard currency is the U.S. dollar. Passengers can withdraw cash from onboard ATMs but will pay a hefty surcharge.

The ship is cashless, so you'll use your room keycard like a charge card to make purchases, which are then charged to your onboard account.

Drinking age

The drinking age on Norwegian Viva is 21. If their parents are sailing, passengers 18 to 20 years old can drink beer and wine in international waters with a signed waiver.

Norwegian Cruise Line has no formal nights . "Freestyle" cruising, a term the line coined, means you can wear just about anything wherever and whenever you'd like.

Daytime attire generally consists of T-shirts and jeans or shorts. At dinnertime, cruisers might choose to put on khakis with collared shirts or sundresses; it's usually casual, though. Playing dress-up is purely optional.

Bottom line

Although passengers will pay extra for many things on Norwegian Viva, and some of the ship's public spaces aren't large enough to accommodate demand, the vessel is still a wonderful second iteration of the line's Prima Class.

The artwork is fun, the food is largely delicious and with "Beetlejuice" and Syd Norman's "Rumours" headlining the entertainment, passengers will never be bored day or night.

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Norwegian Cruise Line

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line |

Find a Cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line

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

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

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

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

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

Pros & Cons

No fixed dress codes

Wide variety of onboard restaurants, entertainment and activities

Some ships offer stateroom options designed for solo travelers

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

Some onboard activities are not included in cruise rates

Meals at specialty restaurants cost extra

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

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

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

Explore Photos

Norwegian Cruise Line Ships

Norwegian Joy

Norwegian Jewel

Norwegian Bliss

Norwegian Prima

Norwegian Encore

Norwegian Breakaway

Norwegian Escape

Norwegian Pearl

Norwegian Dawn

Norwegian Sky

Norwegian Jade

Norwegian Getaway

Norwegian Sun

Norwegian Spirit

Norwegian Viva

Pride of America

Norwegian Gem

Norwegian Star

Norwegian Epic

Before You Book

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

Before You Board

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

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

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By far the worst of seven cruises we’ve been on…

We’ve been on seven cruises and this was by far the worst in quality. Itinery changed three times from booking and finally due to weather. Should have been Bermuda but switched for St Martin . Ship was massively over booked (4700 guests when should have been 3600) and therefore on excursion days it was almost impossible to get off the ship. 1.5 hours to get off and ship was I hour late arriving at Dominican Republic. Complete chaos, staff clueless/ rude. Excursion Trip rushed and was a disappointment. Customer service desk poor afterwards, staff rude. To be fair food was very good, but spoke to two couples who experienced food poisoning from fish eaten. One hospitalised for 3 days. Entertainment on some nights was outstanding - Millionaire Quartet , broadway but on others it was lame (comedian had only one act but on three times??), tone deaf pianist !! WiFi was ridiculously expensive, but drinks package was well worth it. Certain staff - room/ bar were really nice so we gave those staff cash tip. $20 PPPD tip was removed so rude staff didn’t benefit. Probably wouldn’t go on another NCL cruise. They are profit driven and we have been on better cruises with far better CS and quality. It’s telling that a cruise line like NCL has such a low rating from over 600 reviews.

Date of experience : January 12, 2024

Price drop and they do nothing!! Unfair company!!!

I bought cruise 3 months before to guarantee best price, but before the cruise there was 220€ price drop and they refuse to offer redund or even onboard credit! Its unfair for their customers!!! They just offered me discount on next cruise! The worst customer Service!

Date of experience : July 19, 2023

I booked a cruise in December 2022

I booked a cruise in December 2022. Since then our cruise itinerary has been changed twice. We are travelling to Malaysia and Thailand and the original itinerary sounded wonderful with 8 ports of call disregarding embarkation and disembarkation. We now have 2days in 2 ports and an additional 2 days at sea (they do not class one of the days as being at sea even though we will have been sailing for 24 hours and arrive in Singapore at 6pm). If this itinerary had been shown at the time of booking we would not have booked. The itinerary changes come from a do not reply e mail address and I have been trying as many ways as possible to find a reply address. On phoning customer services the adviser hung up. Talking on web chat just got me back to a useless page on their website. Maybe this review might elicit contact from NCL?

Date of experience : August 17, 2023

Just back from an Alaskan cruise

Just back from an Alaskan cruise, very poor, I would advise you to find a better cruise company, hidden charges and all they want is to squeeze even more ££$$ out of you. The staff are all so nice, but can only smile and welcome you, you can't ask any questions as their English isn't good enough. Missed ports, food was poor, rushed in some ports, one we arrived at 8 pm till 11 pm, so rushed and dark with most of the town closed. We used Virgin last year and that was a 10 out of 10 this company gets a 0 out of 10 from me.

Date of experience : October 28, 2023

Do not use the NCL "air" department

Do not use the NCL "air" department. They messed up our flights and transfers. The customer service department did not help us. No one cared about the mistakes that were made and rather than helping us we were told at the airport that, "You are on your own".

Date of experience : November 05, 2023

The worst cruise line possible

The worst cruise line possible. Booked my ncl cruise from over a year ago based on a amazing itinerary. And a week before 2 ports were cancelled. Entire itinerary changes. Lost an iceland stop and Belgium. 4 sea days. Who travels from the US to Iceland for four sea days. Nothing we signed up for. I hear ncl does this often. I would never ever recommend this cruise ship. Horrible cruise ship.

Date of experience : July 27, 2023

Try a diifferent cruise

I would recommend anyone looking to take a cruise looking at other companies than Norwegian. My parents just got back from one with them where they left from NYC. The trip was a dream vacation turned into a nightmare for them. They got sick and my mom who has COPD was charged $5000 for an ekg and breathing treatment for her copd. They missed their excursion because they were quarantined. They had a wifi package but my mom not being overly techy so she needed help getting it working and the girl helping her got frustrated it wouldn't work and she told my mom to forget about it and gave her a refund. She wanted and bought the wifi package to be able to talk to me and let me know how things were going. The Food was horrible, water was Expensive, one of the excursions they booked got canceled because of a storm but all the other ones were filled up so they couldn't book a different one. The reservations for restaurants were all full so they couldn't get into the ones they had wanted to, not even the upgraded ones that were a part of their package deal. The list of reasons not to use Norwegian goes on just from this one cruise. I guess the only good thing is they saved me money as I don't need to bring my family on one next year after hearing about this trip.

Date of experience : February 07, 2024

Tried the online chat with a guy named…

Tried the online chat with a guy named Bill, now we have never cruised need help, it went like this, Bill, how can I help you today, me, we are looking for a med cruise next June ( i have one in front of me on my laptop screen ) Bill, where from, Me , well we live in the NW of England, Bill not many round trips available in June, Me, no we're looking for a Med cruise. ( he should have said Southampton next June it was in front of me ) Me, not looking for a round trip looking for a med cruise , Bill yeah have you used the web page ?, Me, yes but i need advice, Bill best if you look at web page, me Bye Bill, we will not be bothering with this cruise line for sure.

Date of experience : September 01, 2023

Norwegian Dawn

Norwegian Dawn - Mauritius to Cape Town.. Total shambles from start to finish. This is one of many many complaints witnessed regarding embarkations & disembarkations, lack of Officer Leadership & Guidance, Port Organisation and subsequent selection, Quality & Choice of Food, Entertainment, (based on average age of passengers), ridiculous pricing policy ($5 for a small water when disembarking)…and the damn cheek to add $480 Gratuities to my account for my convenience. You couldn’t make it up. STEER CLEAR

Date of experience : January 20, 2024

Great Customer Service

Cruised with NCl but had an issue with some banging from the gym upstairs into our bedroom. We gave some feedback to NCL who immediately offered us some credit on a future cruise. It was only feedback and not a complaint so thank you to NCL. Other cruise lines like MSC could learn from you.

Date of experience : April 06, 2023

The Prima—A poorly designed ship

The Prima is what went wrong. Delayed embarkation due to computer problems; suite had a slide emanating from the upper decks right across my bedroom window so you could not see out; no chairs in the “living room” or bedroom—Stewart had to go to dining area to borrow one so we could watch TV once the sofa bed was open but that still left one room without a chair; food mediocre; terrible return flight connections arranged by cruise line. Iceland excursion in Reykjavik cancelled because they didn’t have enough busses and it was the last excursion before airport transfer so they said they couldn’t wait any longer. Since we only had one day in the capital city, we missed all that should have been seen on this excursion. An Iceland port was bypassed for some reason—Isafjordur I think We have been on multiple NCL cruises but doubt will continue and certainly not on the newly “designed “ Prima line. The staff was pleasantly helpful. Confirmation #52358592.

Date of experience : June 04, 2023

I love NCL cruises but the customer…

I love NCL cruises but the customer care after booking is diabolical. We are still waiting a call back from a Manager from 3 days ago. It has really dismayed me as I am always recommending NCL to friends and family.

Date of experience : September 11, 2023

I feel cheated

I feel cheated. I booked a 10 day cruise in October 2022. The sail date was May 2023. I had been in contact with 2 different "cruise consultants " several times. Never once did they make it clear that I needed a passport book. This was to be my FIRST cruise. My first real vacation! I made this known to both cruise consultants. On the day I was to fly out to meet the ship in Italy, I was denied boarding because I only had a passport card. Norwegian has refused to give me a refund or credit towards a different cruise. They are an awful company, greedy and predatory.

Date of experience : May 26, 2023

The Cruise it’s self was enjoyable but…

The Cruise it’s self was enjoyable but the customer service is diabolical, I have a pending transaction on my account for £550 which has already been paid but no one I speak to can help & I've had no response to emails I have sent. Absolutely disgusting.

Date of experience : August 19, 2023

Epic Mediterranean Cruise - Make the most of life

My trip was on the NCL Epic travelling 2 October leaving Marseille. I was going to give a 3 star review at one point as we were charged VAT and gratuities on drinks after we had pre purchased the drinks package. It was blamed on French VAT, but even so, charging the VAT on full price drinks didn't seem right. However, Captain Idar Hoyal reversed this policy a few days into the drink and it was all automatically refunded. We stopped at a few ports and I visited Pompeii, which was massive. I spend 3 hours before giving up exploring the ancient city, and we made our own way there and paid at the gate and consequently saved a lot of money. We also did the Gasse, France tour of the perfume factory which was really interesting. The food was great, especially the steaks! (I rarely eat steak, but in the Taste and Manhatton restaurants it was Angus certified and so tender. Novemar and Jehan work in O Sheagan restaurant and bar and gave great service, as did Brogan who cleaned our rooms. All the staff worked so hard and were so friendly in making us feel welcome. We live in a world of critical times (and critical people), but I really enjoyed my holiday.

Date of experience : October 02, 2023

Customer Service is a joke on Norwegian

Customer Service is a joke on Norwegian. The group booking person made numerous errors. When we got on the boat we had our room switched because of maintenance. We got moved from mid ship to the very back of the boat. The state attendant never introduced them selves. On 2 different days when they made up the room they did not provide towels. One day they did not make the bed and just left a sheet on the bed folded. The bars horribly understaffed. It was challenging to get a drink. Dinner service was painfully slow and it took upwards of 3 hours for a sit down dinner. Oh did I mention that this was my wedding cruise? returned back and cannot get a call from customer service. I got a generic letter saying sorry you had a bad experience here is a $100 cruise credit. I responded that was insulting and I would like a call from a supervisor. They emailed back saying basically there is no way to appease you so we are not going to even try. The issues are from the top down.

Date of experience : November 11, 2023

Norwegian Star Falklands Disappointment

This was our 10th sea cruise on various cruise lines but the first on NCL. The itinerary and visit to Antarctica was amazing but was spoilt by an early decision, allegedly due to weather unsuitable for tendering, not to visit the Falklands. This would have been acceptable had Princess and Azamara not been able to dock and tender that day in perfect conditions? This caused a great deal of unrest amongst passengers, especially when the Wi-Fi went down for 3 whole days following this. Apart from this major issue, the food in the main restaurants was way below standards of other cruise lines we have been on with meals often being cold, no vegetables served with main courses at dinner or cheese and crackers being an option for dessert. The service in the restaurants was also very slow, particularly at breakfast, with very little supervision appearing to be given to the staff. The speciality restaurants that we visited were all very good. We had a balcony cabin which was adequate, clean and serviced very well but seemed smaller than equivalent cabins on other cruise lines. The Star was a lovely ship but in our opinion lacked sufficient quiet places to relax and sit or have a drink. We will definitely think again before booking NCL and would suggest that if anyone hopes to visit the Falklands they choose a different cruise line.

Date of experience : January 21, 2024

We went on the NCL Escape for our 30th…

We went on the NCL Escape for our 30th Anniversary and From the time we checked in everything went down hill. First of all we never received a group # to board the Ship p. Finally we were assisted with boarding. Secondly when we were able to go in our room after the announcement there weren’t any towels or washcloths. (We had to request them) We found paper with scorecards from previous guest, a brown garment bag in the corner by the balcony window and the previous guest’s orange sip cup rolled out from underneath the bed. When my husband requested changing of the sheets he was told “usually the beds are made, but the sheets aren’t changed during the cruise”. My husband had to actually stand there and watch him. All the bread for hot dogs was brick hard. The hamburgers were cold. I watched the staff use her gloved HAND to handle bacon from on tray to the next. The staff wasn’t friendly and required re training. Literally NCL couldn’t offer me a free trip. I would definitely decline it. My 30th Anniversary trip was a Great Big Disappointment

Date of experience : November 10, 2023

Have taken more than 25 cruises…

Have taken more than 25 cruises .Including NCL. We booked a Southeast Asian Cruise for our 50 yr. Anniversary. NCL has totally screwed up our CELEBRATION, before ever leaving my home.??? I would NOT hire them to take out my TRASH!!🐀😡👿Just wasted at least 10G’s.I hope the C.E.O. Rots in Hell

Date of experience : February 03, 2024

BEWARE….terrible company!!!!

Planned a 10 day cruise to Europe for our 20th anniversary! They didn’t honor their contract of going to 10 ports! Their excuse is a computer glitch! AVOID them! Save yourself &, time, & headaches! Never will cruise with them again! Terrible service & wont take care of the customers!!

Date of experience : July 02, 2023

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Table of Contents

About Norwegian Cruise Line sailings

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

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

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

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

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

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

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

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

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

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

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

Antarctica.

New Zealand.

Pacific Islands.

Panama Canal.

South America.

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

» Learn more: The pros and cons of cruises

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

Time of year.

Trip duration.

Destination.

Ship class.

Cabin type.

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

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

» Learn more: The best ways to book a cruise

(Image courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)

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

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

What is the newest NCL ship?

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

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

On any NCL cruise, these benefits are always included:

Accommodations in the category you select at booking.

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

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

Fitness center access.

Shows and entertainment.

Pools and kids pool play area.

Onboard activities.

Government fees and port taxes.

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

» Learn more: Are cruises all-inclusive?

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

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

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

Full Broadway theater productions.

Onboard internet cafe.

Bowling alley at sea.

Ice bar at sea.

Studio accommodations for solo travelers, with a private lounge.

Sustainability-focused onboard bar with zero waste.

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

Race track at sea.

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

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

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

Latitude Rewards levels

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

How to earn Latitudes Rewards points

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

How to redeem points

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

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

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

3x points on NCL sailings.

2x points on eligible airfare and hotel purchases.

1x point on everything else.

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

How to redeem WorldPoints

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

Stateroom upgrades.

Travel discounts.

Last-minute cruises.

Onboard credits.

Car rentals.

Hotel stays.

Gift cards.

» Learn more: The best cruise lines

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

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

There are several drink package options on NCL sailings:

Non-alcoholic

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Top photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)

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• Norwegian Cruise Line

Really bad reviews on Getaway

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

cruiseny4life

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

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

Here are links to my review and lives of Getaway:

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

2. Getaway September Sailing - September, 2022 - live

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I concur with all of the previous commenters. 

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

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

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

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

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

p&lcruisers

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

fastpitchdad

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

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

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

Thank you for all the quick replies.

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

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

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

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

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

butterfly4108

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

cruiser2015

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

Quite the contrary regarding the kiddies.

Most schools reopen just after the New Year.

Thanks for that Butterfly4108

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

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

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

Oh decisions decisions.

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

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

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

Does it vary depending where in America you are?  

I see Butterfly said that Canada is different.

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

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

www3traveler

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You did not mention when in January you were traveling.

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

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

That is a sampling.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Exactly, same here.

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

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

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

The ship is too big.

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

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

Its just that we won’t get the sunshine.

Oh, decisions, decisions. 

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