Norwegian Cruise Line

For many, gambling in the casino is cruising highlight. From rows of slot machines to high-stakes poker tables, there are endless opportunities to gamble while cruising.

This past fall, I had the opportunity to sail on my first Carnival Cruise. After being a loyal Norwegian Cruise Line passenger with nine cruises under my belt, I was curious to see how the popular Carnival Cruise Line would compare to the Norwegian brand I know so well. 

Three major have announced significant changes to their drink packages which will cost passengers more money. 

Though these adjustments aim to streamline the beverage experience, prioritize safety, and improve overall service, they reflect an industry-wide trend toward higher cruise costs. 

The changes affect passengers sailing with Norwegian, MSC, and Carnival, with some cruisers likely to pay an additional $80 or more for drink packages on a 7-night cruise in 2025.

Ever wondered what the biggest or smallest cruise ship is in Norwegian Cruise Line's fleet?

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) currently has 19 vessels in its fleet, making it one of the largest cruise lines in the industry. Upon the launch of Norweigan Aqua in 2025, their fleet will expand to 26 ships in operation. 

Norwegian Cruise Line was founded in 1966. Their first ship, Sunward, operated as a ferry between Southampton and Gibraltar and was a mere 8,666 tons. It was not until 1971 that they started operating cruise ships that could not carry vehicles. 

Ready to take a Norwegian Cruise Line sailing but want to know the best secrets?

Norwegian Cruise Line is one of the biggest names in the cruising industry and is known for their relaxed "freestyle cruising" model. In addition, they offer their guests great itinerary choices around the world, affordable cruise fares, and so much more. 

When most people think of cruising, images of sun-drenched beaches in the Caribbean or the Bahamas typically come to mind. After all, who wouldn’t want to spend their days lounging on golden sands, sipping tropical cocktails, and indulging in soft-serve ice cream by the pool? Sounds like a dreamy vacation! 

But if you're someone who craves a bit more adventure and natural beauty from your cruise vacation, an Alaska cruise might be exactly what you’re looking for. 

In the last two and a half years, I have sailed on nine different Norwegian Cruise Line ships and itineraries. From Europe to Alaska, the Caribbean, and more, I’ve had the joy of seeing much of what Norwegian has to offer its passengers.

With so many different sailings under my belt, you might wonder: which ones are my favorites? Which ships stand out? And which itineraries do I think are the best? 

I’ve sailed with Norwegian Cruise Line nine times so far, but until my most recent two voyages, I had never set foot in one of their specialty restaurants. Despite the allure of these extra-cost venues, I always found Norwegian’s complimentary dining options more than satisfying.