ncl cruise reviews

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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MISSED PORTS AND PROMISED REFUNDS NOT THROUGH

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

Date of experience : February 24, 2024

BAIT and SWITCH!

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

Date of experience : April 06, 2024

NCL has become such a low-quality…

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

Date of experience : April 01, 2024

They just refused to compensate

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

Date of experience : March 04, 2024

Think twice before NCL Encore

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

Date of experience : March 03, 2024

Never travel with you

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

Date of experience : March 11, 2024

Had a cruise May of 2023

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

Date of experience : May 06, 2023

Beyond your expectation

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

Date of experience : April 22, 2023

DO NOT BUY Trip insurance from…

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

Date of experience : December 15, 2023

SAFETY IS LACKING ON DESTINATION EXCURSIONS

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

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

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

OK cruise ruined by overcharging and uselesss Guest Servuces

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

Date of experience : February 21, 2024

Worst cruise line to be honest 0/10

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

Date of experience : March 29, 2024

Delay with deposit refund

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

Date of experience : April 05, 2024

DONT BOOK WITH NORWEGIAN! …

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

Date of experience : April 04, 2024

Our cruise was delayed by 2 disappointed days in…

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

Date of experience : February 25, 2024

I been on two of Norwegian ships

I been on two of Norwegian ships, the Jade & the Sun. Both ships are past their life and both need to be refurbished or junked. The crew was great. The food was predicable every other day. Most of the windows & beariers around the ship was milky and could not take a picture through them. I been on two of their ships and will not waste my money on another Norwegian cruise again. I enjoyed Carnival & Royal Caribbean cruises.

Date of experience : June 09, 2023

False advertising

False advertising for ports they have no intention of stopping in at Greenland. Booked for July 2024 cruise that was supposed to have 3 stops in Greenland (Nuuk, Paamiut, and Qaqortoq). Was hesitant to book after I read they changed itineraries and cancelled Greenland stops on 2023 cruises. Thought maybe due to fluke in weather and it was new route, surely they’d have it figured out a year later so we took our chances. First issue was seeing itinerary change for the June cruise, still kept hoping, but got email yesterday of change-now only 2 stops in Greenland,(not Nuuk). Hopefully no more changes. What is really suspect is that it seems they don’t announce these changes until right after date of final payment and no real reason given. Surely not weather this far in advance. I suspect they had no intention of making these stops and it’s a bait and switch. What’s worse is the is still advertising old itinerary. It appears they have been consistently pulling this bait and switch on a number of destinations. There should really be some way to address this as it is too often to be for legitimate, emergent reasons and is basically a way to scam customers. Greenland was the only reason I took this cruise. Trust has been broken before I’ve even stepped on the ship.

Date of experience : April 02, 2024

Exploitation of crew

We just did our first cruise this past week. The food, services, cleanliness, and attendees were wonderful. The only thing that we did not appreciate is how their employees were being exploited. I noticed fairly quickly that all the servers, attendees cooks, housekeepers were from very poor countries. The only white faces who were part of the crew was the captain, entertainment, and onboarding. I gathered rather quickly that these employees were working long hard hours. I started asking questions and researching and found that the majority of employees work 12 plus hours a day, 7 days a week, with no days off for 8 months straight! The reason the cruise line hires crew from poor countires is to avoid labor laws so they can work the crew like animals and pay them very little. This is the equivelant of a slave ship. I will no longer be supporting a franchise that exploits people.

Bait and switch

We were supposed to be on a cruise that spent two days doing scenic cruising in the Antarctic. We ended up with hours early morning, at sea cruising all day and then two hours as the sun went down. NCL did not even advise us of the change until we had boarded the ship and we were advised by a piece of paper in our cabin there was no explanation, no compensation. When we complained to NCL, we were basically told tough luck. Google Norwegian Star Antarctic and see all the news articles about our ruined cruise. NCL really doesn't care Bout customwr satisfaction....just profits

Date of experience : February 04, 2024

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Norwegian Cruise Line Review

Sunday, April 28th

2024 Cruise Line Reviews

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

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

Solid option for a Caribbean cruise during spring break

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

Great choice for Alaskan cruises

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

How about a themed cruise?

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

Exciting onboard activities

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

High-caliber shows

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

No gratuity required or recommended - but not refused, either

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

Be sure to understand Freestyle vs. Free at Sea

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

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

Free at Sea Plus upgrade might be available

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

Not the most sterling safety record

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

Online experience leaves room for improvement

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

Great option for most destinations served by larger ships

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

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The 15 Best Cruise Lines

Which cruise line is the best.

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

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

Cruise Line FAQ

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

Continued from above...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Norwegian Cruise Line 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 Encore Deck Plans & Reviews

Norwegian Encore

Activities & entertainment

• Arts and Crafts Classes
• Barber Shop *
• Beauty Salon *
• Behind the Scenes Tour *
• Dance Classes
• Deck Parties
• Fitness Center
• Fitness Classes *
• The Observation Lounge
• Gaming Lessons *
• Horizon Lounge
• Whirlpools (9)
• Hydrotherapy Pool *
• The Humidor Cigar Lounge
• Laser Tag *
• Late Night Dancing
• Library and Card Room
• Mandara Spa *
• Ocean Loops
• Poolside Games
• Vibe Beach Club
• Video Arcade *
• Waterslides (5)
• Wine Tasting *
• Kids Aqua Park
• Splash Academy
• The Haven Lounge _ Suite Guests
• Encore Theater
• Onboard Movie Screenings
• Social Comedy and Night Club
• The Cavern Club
• Live Nightly Music
• Sports Games Televised
• Savor Restaurant - Main
• Taste Restaurant - Main
• The Manhattan Room - Main
• Food Republic - Tapas *
• Atrium Bar - Atrium Bar *
• The District Brew House - Brewpub *
• Garden Cafe - Buffet
• Mixx Bar - Cocktail Bar *
• A_List Bar - Cocktail Bar *
• Sugarcane Mojito Bar - Mojito Bar *
• Starbucks - Coffee Bar *
• Le Bistro French Restaurant - French *
• Dolce Gelato - Gelato *
• La Cucina Italian Restaurant - Italian *
• Teppanyaki - Japanese *
• American Diner - Diner *
• Los Lobos - Mexican *
• The Bake Shop - Pastries *
• Waves Bar - Pool Bar *
• The Local Bar and Grill - Pub
• Ocean Blue - Seafood *
• Q Texas Smokehouse - Barbecue *
• Cagneys Steakhouse - Steakhouse *
• The Haven Outdoor Restaurant - Suite Guests
• Cocos - Sweets *
• Skyline Bar - Trendy Bar *
• The Cellars Wine Bar - Wine Bar *
• Maltings Whiskey Bar - Whiskey Bar *
• Room Service *
• Excellent 56
• Very Good 30
• Terrible 32
• All languages ( 188 )
• English ( 177 )
• Spanish ( 7 )
• French ( 1 )

Upcoming itineraries

The best Norwegian Cruise Line ship for every type of traveler

What's the best Norwegian Cruise Line ship? Over the years, I've sailed on all but three of Norwegian's 19 vessels, and my personal favorite is Norwegian Prima. I love its stylish design and upscale feel, as well as its wide mix of eateries, bars and entertainment.

Still, Norwegian Prima isn't necessarily the best Norwegian Cruise Line ship for you. Whether you'll have a better time on one of the other 18 vessels in the Norwegian fleet will depend a lot on the type of traveler you are.

Norwegian has some vessels, such as Norwegian Encore, that are loaded with family-friendly attractions such as waterparks and go-kart tracks that are perfect for families with teens and tweens. To me, Norwegian Encore is an even better choice than Norwegian Prima for families with school-age kids.

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

Other Norwegian cruise ships, such as Norwegian Epic and Norwegian Sun, have specific features that might make them better options for solo travelers or retirees. Certain Norwegian ships are best for budget travelers, while others are best for luxury travelers.

In short, the best Norwegian cruise ship for you will depend on a bunch of factors, and which ship is best for a trip with your family might not be your top pick for a couple's cruise or girlfriends' getaway.

Here we list our top picks for the best Norwegian cruise ships for five different types of travelers.

Norwegian Encore: Best for families

The best Norwegian Cruise Line ships for families, hands down, are the four giant, activity-packed ships of its Breakaway-Plus class: Norwegian Encore , Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Escape. Of these, Norwegian Encore — the biggest of them all — is our top pick.

At 169,116 tons and carrying 3,958 passengers, Norwegian Encore is the largest ship in the Norwegian fleet. That means it has the most space for the many over-the-top family fun zones that are at the core of the four Breakaway-Plus vessels — a series of ships that was specifically designed with families in mind.

For starters, Norwegian Encore is home to some of the most thrilling waterslides at sea, as well as a kiddie splash zone that will have your little ones squealing with delight. But those are just the appetizers when it comes to family fun on the top deck of the ship.

Norwegian Encore is also the setting for one of the biggest go-kart racing tracks at sea . (Yes, this is a thing — Norwegian debuted the concept on its Breakaway-Plus-class ships and now has a go-kart track on five vessels.) Two decks high and nearly 1,150 feet long, the Norwegian Encore Speedway includes four sections that extend up to 13 feet over the sides of the vessel. The racecourse also features a middle-of-the-track observation area where your family and friends can cheer you on to victory — and even shoot you with "lasers" that'll give you a boost of power.

Related: The 5 best cruise lines for families

In addition, Norwegian Encore has a large laser tag area on its top deck (one that I can tell you from personal experience is a blast) and a massive indoor gaming and virtual reality zone called the Galaxy Pavilion. Both are tween and teen favorites.

That's all on top of dedicated children's play areas, pools and family-friendly entertainment that will keep your family busy from morning to night.

In short, there are so many family-friendly things to do on Norwegian Encore that you and your kids likely won't be able to do it all in a single, weeklong cruise.

Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva: Best for luxury lovers

Luxury lovers have two new top choices in the Norwegian fleet: Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva .

Unveiled in 2022 and 2023, respectively, the 3,195-passenger vessels are the first entrants in a new class of Norwegian ships that the line has designed to be more upscale than its earlier vessels. An "elevation" of the brand is how executives describe it.

The upscale turn included loading Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva with the largest variety of suites and high-end cabins (13 categories in all) of any ships in the NCL fleet, including the largest three-bedroom suites of any new cruise vessel. If it's swanky digs you're after (and you have the money to spend), you'll find plenty of options on these ships.

Extra suite categories are just the start of what makes Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva the best Norwegian cruise ships for luxury lovers.

Notably, the entire back of each of these ships is dedicated to an upscale luxury zone for the fancy set called The Haven. Rising eight decks high, it's home to 107 of the aforementioned suites, a sprawling private indoor lounge area, private outdoor lounge and pool areas, and a private restaurant — all exclusively for the use of the deep-pocketed biggies who pay up for one of its suites.

Related: The 8 best cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

We've seen these private The Haven suite areas on Norwegian ships before but never on this scale. If it's living large on a Norwegian ship that's your goal, you're not going to find anything better than this.

Outside of The Haven, other areas on these ships have a more elegant feel of the sort you find in the fleets of Norwegian's higher-end sister brands, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises — albeit on a bigger scale.

The entryway to each of these ships, for instance, deposits you at the three-story-high Penrose Atrium, which may be the most beautiful atrium of any big ship at sea. It has a curvy, sculptural feel as if the entire space were an art piece.

It's a look that carries over to a bevy of high-end eateries, including Nama, a new-for-Norwegian sushi restaurant with a design that is as sophisticated as the sushi it serves. Also striking is the look of a version of Le Bistro, Norwegian's signature French eatery, that can be found on both of these vessels. Both of the spaces are built around three massive crystal chandeliers costing nearly $100,000 that hang down to the floor — a showstopper of a design element. Gold-leaf wallpaper lines its booth seating.

Notably, the public areas that include these restaurants feel more spacious than many of the other ships in the Norwegian fleet. Indeed, they are. Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva were built with a higher ratio of space to passengers than earlier Norwegian vessels, which itself is an upscale touch. The ships also have a higher crew-to-passenger ratio than many Norwegian ships, leading to better service.

In short, these are the Norwegian ships to book when you want to take things up a notch.

Norwegian Sky: Best for budget travelers

Norwegian Sky is the Norwegian ship to pick when you're looking for a low-cost, easy-to-do getaway — at least in the summer months.

Based in Miami for part of the year, the 24-year-old vessel operates a mix of short three- to five-night voyages to the Bahamas out of the cruise hub as well as longer trips to the Caribbean from spring to fall that have one thing in common: They're unusually affordable on a per-night basis.

In many cases, Norwegian Sky sailings out of Miami will start under $100 a day per person, though it depends on the week and pricing for sailings can vary significantly. We sometimes see the ship's shorter sailings starting as low as $249 per person for the entire cruise.

Indeed, the ship often is at the top of the list when you sort cruises by lowest price on Norwegian's website.

For would-be Norwegian cruisers, Norwegian Sky's shorter sailings out of Miami serve as a sort of "test the line" opportunity. Their short time frame and low pricing mean you're not out a lot in time or money if you don't love it as much as you hoped. These shorter sailings cater heavily to first-time cruisers and Florida locals who can book on short notice and drive into the port for a quick escape.

One of two ships in the line's Sun class that date to the turn of the millennium, Norwegian Sky is far from the snazziest ship in the Norwegian fleet. This is both because of its age but also its size. At 77,104 tons and carrying 1,944 passengers, it's just half the size of Norwegian's biggest ships and has far fewer venues, from bars and restaurants to entertainment spaces. There is no giant water park on its top deck or a go-kart track to keep the kids busy all day, so it's not the best Norwegian Cruise Line ship for families.

Related: The 8 classes of Norwegian Cruise Line ships, explained

That said, Norwegian Sky has its allures, one of which is that it has a much more intimate feel than the line's bigger vessels. It's a great choice for adults on a budget who are satisfied with the basics.

Norwegian Epic: Best for solo travelers

When it comes to the best Norwegian cruise ship for solo travelers, one ship stands out above all the others: Norwegian Epic.

Unveiled in 2010, Norwegian Epic caters to solo travelers like no other large cruise ship at sea — from any line, not just Norwegian — with an unusually large private zone for solo travelers that has its own two-story lounge for solo mixers as well as special solo cabins.

Tucked away in the middle of the ship, this "studio" zone is essentially a private escape for solos, with more solo cabins — 128 — than you'll find on any other ship at sea.

The cabins measure just 100 square feet but are superbly designed to maximize storage space. They're also clustered around the exclusive Studio Lounge, which has its own private bar and a television area where solo travelers can mingle at daily hosted happy hour gatherings.

Only solos staying in the solo cabins (via keycards) can access the Studio Lounge, meaning that you and your new solo friends will have the place to yourselves.

Related: The best cruise lines for solo travelers

Norwegian Epic was the first Norwegian ship with an exclusive solos zone, and it was such a hit the line later added them to eight more vessels. But none of the latter zones are as big as the one on Norwegian Epic.

The bigger Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Bliss all have an 82-cabin solo complex, while two older ships — Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway — have solo areas with 59 cabins. The line's two newest vessels, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian VIva, have 72-cabin solo complexes spread over two decks.

Norwegian also offers four solo cabins on its Hawaii-based Pride of America.

Having sailed in one of Norwegian Epic's cabins for one, I can confidently declare them among the coolest solo digs at sea. I particularly love the "Jetsons" futuristic-style design and the multicolored mood lighting.

One big caveat: They're all inside cabins without an ocean view, although most have a window that looks out onto a corridor.

Related: Why a windowless inside cabin isn't so bad

A bigger caveat, perhaps, is that these solo cabins have become so popular they often sell out far in advance and at prices that aren't much better than booking a cabin for two.

Norwegian Sun: Best for retirees

For older travelers looking for a Norwegian ship that isn't filled to the gills with children, Norwegian Sun is the perfect option.

Dating to 2001, Norwegian Sun is one of Norwegian's oldest and smallest vessels, and it lacks many of the family-focused onboard attractions that are typical for the line's newer and bigger vessels. You won't find big waterparks, go-kart racing tracks or laser tag zones on this ship.

Norwegian Sun's top deck mostly comprises sunning areas, with a single pool and whirlpools, as is typical for ships built more than two decades ago.

As a result, it draws far fewer families than most of the vessels mentioned above and caters more to an older crowd of mostly couples.

Norwegian Sun also is the ship that Norwegian deploys on some of its longest and most destination-focused itineraries, the type that particularly appeals to retirees looking to see more of the world.

Related: The 7 best cruises for seniors who love to travel

Over the next two years, for instance, Norwegian Sun is sailing lots of long voyages out of such less-common home ports as Benoa, Indonesia; Melbourne, Australia; Auckland, New Zealand; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Papeete, Tahiti.

The sailings out of Papeete will offer the chance to visit such iconic French Polynesian islands as Bora Bora, Raiatea and Moorea. ia and Thailand in-depth, with departures ranging from 13 to 18 nights — the sort of cruise that appeals more to older couples than families.

The sailings in and out of Buenos Aires and Melbourne, all on the longer side, will offer in-depth explorations of the southern half of South America (Argentina, Uruguay and Chile) and New Zealand, respectively.

Norwegian Sun is also one of the smallest and least kid-focused of the five ships the line deploys to Alaska in summer, making it a good choice for retirees wanting to visit that destination. Families with kids naturally gravitate to the two giant, activity-packed vessels Norwegian sends to Alaska each summer — Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Norwegian ship

At 78,309 tons, Norwegian Sun is less than half the size of the biggest Norwegian ships, and it holds just 1,878 passengers at double occupancy. (Compare that to more than 4,000 for Norwegian's biggest vessels.) Expect a far more intimate experience than what you'll find on most of the ships mentioned above.

Note that due to the ship's small size, some of Norwegian's signature features, including a private The Haven suite complex and solo cabins, aren't found on the ship. Still, you'll find more than half a dozen eateries, including several main dining rooms, a casual buffet, a diner-style pub, a steak house, an Italian trattoria and a French bistro as well as a showroom with nightly shows, a casino, a multipurpose basketball/volleyball court, golf driving nets and a jogging track.

Bottom line

Norwegian Cruise Line's fleet consists of 19 ships that come in a wide range of sizes and feature differing mixes of venues and activities. Some are jampacked with fun zones that make them perfect for families, while others are geared toward couples and retirees. Some ships have attributes that make them stand out for luxury, solo or budget travelers.

If you're considering a Norwegian cruise, it pays to study not just the itineraries that are available from the line but the specific ships that are operating the itineraries. You want to make sure you end up on the best Norwegian Cruise Line ship for you.

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