Guide to Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has been a major player within the industry for over 54 years, founded in 1966. Renowned for its freestyle cruising, Norwegian’s success is continuing to grow with the addition of the Prima Class, with the newest ship set to launch in April 2026.

Norwegian is celebrated for its "Freestyle" cruising concept, which offers guests great flexibility when planning their trips and vacations, such as no set dining times or locations. Norwegian also has an impressively large fleet, complete with modern and innovative amenities for guests to enjoy.

With the debut of Norwegian Luna in 2026, Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet will consist of 21 ships — until Norwegian Sky departs.

In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about Norwegian Cruise Line, including information about its fleet, dining options, destinations, onboard amenities, and so much more!

Norwegian Cruise Line fleet

Currently, NCL has 20 ships in its fleet, which consist mostly of mid-sized vessels. The smallest Norwegian cruise ship is the Norwegian Spirit, which measures 75,904 gross tons. Comparatively, NCL's largest ship, which comes in at 169,116 gross tons, is the Norwegian Encore.

Each ship in Norwegian's fleet is part of one class:

Breakaway Class

Norwegian Breakaway
Norwegian Getaway

Breakaway Plus Class

Norwegian Bliss
Norwegian Encore
Norwegian Escape
Norwegian Joy

Dawn Class

Norwegian Star
Norwegian Dawn

Epic Class

Norwegian Epic

Pride of America Class

Pride of America

Jewel Class

Norwegian Pearl
Norwegian Jewel
Norwegian Jade
Norwegian Gem

Sun Class

Norwegian Sky
Norwegian Sun

Prima Class

Norwegian Prima
Norwegian Viva

Prima Plus Class

Norwegian Aqua
Norwegian Luna (expected 2026)

Where do NCL ships sail?

Norwegian offers an extensive list of destinations to its passengers:

Asia
Africa
Alaska
Australia and New Zealand
Bahamas
Bermuda
Canada and New England
Caribbean
Greek Isles
Hawaii
Mediterranean
Mexico
Northern Europe
Pacific Coastal cruises
Panama Canal
South America
Transatlantic cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line is additionally the only cruise line in the industry that currently offers year-round sailings within Hawaii, taking guests to four of the Hawaiian Islands. These cruises take place exclusively on the Pride of America ship.

Norwegian cabins

There are seven types of Norwegian cabins offered on its fleet.

The most expensive are within The Haven, NCL’s “ship-within-a-ship” concept. Not only are these suites the largest and most opulent onboard, but they come with a slew of perks like a 24-hour butler, private restaurant, and more.

Norwegian also offers spacious and luxurious suites and penthouses, club balcony suites, standard balconies, ocean-view rooms, interior cabins, and studios for solo travelers.

Studio staterooms are unique in that they also offer single cruisers access to the dedicated Studio Lounge, where you can mingle with other passengers or have a quiet space to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee.

Norwegian food

Norwegian’s dining program is unlike any other in the industry. Whereas lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival offer traditional dining, where you can eat at the same time each night with the same wait staff, Norwegian’s “Freestyle” mantra is more flexible.

Moreover, there are no dress codes, so Norwegian cruisers don’t have to worry about packing for formal nights.

Rather than worrying about set dining times or reservations, guests are free to wander into any of the complimentary dining rooms whenever hunger strikes.

Each night, the two dining rooms feature a new menu to give guests a new culinary experience. The rotating menus have everything from globally inspired dishes like Pad Thai to classic comfort foods.

Besides the dining rooms, Norwegian offers all-you-can-eat buffets, a complimentary 24-hour restaurant, a food hall (on its newer ships), and more.

There are also impressive specialty options for those who want a more intimate dining experience. The restaurants vary based on the ship, but you can generally expect an upscale steakhouse, French bistro, and Italian eatery.

Norwegian's newest ship, Norwegian Aqua, features the fleet's first-ever specialty Thai restaurant, Sukhohai.

NCL bars and lounges

Norwegian offers an extensive list of bars and lounges, each with a different atmosphere and refreshments.

The following bars are located in The Waterfront area of NCL ships:

Maltings Beer & Whiskey Bar

Available on Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Pearl.

Shaker’s Martini Bar

Available on Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Pearl.

Sugarcane Mojito Bar

Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Star.

Sunset Bar

Available on Norwegian Getaway.

Some of the bars and lounges aboard NCL ships are located poolside, these venues include:

Vibe Beach Club

Private lounge for guests 18 years and over.
Available on Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Getaway, and Norwegian Joy.

Great Outdoors

Available on Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Sky, Norwegian Sun.

Topsiders

Available on Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Star, Norwegian Sun, Norwegian Sky.

Waves Pool Bar

Available on Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Joy.

NCL also features several specialty bars and lounges available on select cruises. These specialty venues include: O’Sheehan’s Bar & Grill, Skyy Vodka Ice Bar, Magnum’s Champagne & Wine Bar, and The Humidor Cigar Lounge.

NCL has plenty of locations to enjoy the nightlife while onboard including the following clubs and lounges:

Bliss Ultra Lounge

Club venue
Available on select cruises.

Glow Party

NCL’s newest party at sea.

Spice H2O

1980’s-themed deck party.
Available on select cruises.

Spinnaker Lounge

Dance floor venue.
Available on select cruises.

Syd Norman’s Pour House

Rock ‘n’ Roll themed dance club
Available on select cruises.

Beverage Packages

There are several types of Norwegian Cruise Line drink packages for guests to choose from that range in price and variety. The different categories help provide many options for every guest’s needs and desires.

"More at Sea" Unlimited Open Bar

Includes soft drinks, beers, spirits, cocktails, wines by the glass, or draft beer.
Around $109.00 USD per person, per day.

Soda Package

Includes unlimited soft drinks.
Around $12.50 USD per person, per day.

Unlimited Starbucks Package

Includes unlimited Starbucks specialty coffees.
Around $16.50 USD per person, per day.

Entertainment and Activities

Shows

Norwegian Cruise Line prides itself on offering a wide range of entertainment to their passengers. Including theater and Broadway-style shows, live music, parties and clubs, comedy shows, game shows, dance performances, virtual gaming, and more.

Currently being performed on NCL ships are the following popular Broadway-style shows:

Kinky Boots

Musical story about an unlikely partnership.
Available on Norwegian Encore.

Six

Musical story about the lives of Henry VIII’s six wives, with a 21st century twist.
Available on Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Breakaway.

The Choir of Man

High-energy dance, live percussion, performance.
Available on Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Escape.

Each NCL cruise will have different shows and entertainment and guests will be able to check what entertainment is offered each day once onboard.

Casino

Each Norwegian Cruise Line vessel is additionally equipped with a casino venue for guests to enjoy should they choose. Something unique to NCL’s casinos is that they periodically host tournaments. Each NCL casino has both table games as well as slot machines.

Spa

NCL ships have relaxing and rejuvenating spas for guests to feel pampered. Each spa is slightly different in terms of what services they offer, and their design. However, all NCL spas include: massage therapists, facials, fitness center, salon services and more.

Onboard Activities

Exclusive to Norwegian Cruise Lines is the Thrillplex, a complex dedicated to guests who wish for some added excitement during their cruise adventure.

One of the most notable activities within the Thrillplex is an exclusive to Norwegian Cruise Line, race tracks at sea. This quarter-mile track will debut on the Norwegian Prima as the first of its kind in terms of length and design.

Several other notable race tracks exist within the fleet, making it possible for guests to race aboard Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy, and Norwegian Encore. According to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings CEO, Frank Del Rio, the race tracks onboard Norwegian ships were inspired by his grandchildren when he asked them for new ideas of things to include on NCL ships!

Other notable activities at sea hosted by NCL, is the largest rope course at sea, laser tag, virtual gaming, and aqua park zones with multiple pools and slides. The specific onboard activities change depending on the NCL vessel, and guests should check to see what activities are aboard their ship before setting sail to see the variety of options available to passengers.

Kids Programs

NCL offers several types of programs for children onboard every ship in their fleet. These ‘Kids Clubs’ are fantastic venues for children and teens to play and meet other kids their own age while on a cruise vacation. These clubs can be a great option for child care as well for adults and parents to enjoy.

The following youth programs are offered on most Norwegian Cruise Line ships and itineraries:

Guppies Programmes

6 months to under 3 years

Splash Academy

Ages 5 to 12 years

Entourage

Ages 13 to 17 years

Late Night/Port Play

Offered as a Group Sitting for parents who wish to enjoy a late night out or a day at port.
Ages 3 to 12 years.

Wi-Fi and Internet

Every NCL ship is equipped with 24-hour internet and Wi-Fi Cafes onboard. In-stateroom Wi-Fi is currently offered on the following ships: Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Dawn, Epic, Gem, Getaway, Jade, Jewel, Pearl, Sky, Spirit, Star, Sun, Pride of America.

Norwegian Cruise Line offers several Internet and Wi-Fi packages to its guests including:

Unlimited Wi-Fi Package

Access to unlimited web surfing, email access, and social media (no TikTok).
One device = $25.00 USD per day ($29.99 USD per day if purchased onboard)
Two devices = $44.99 USD per day ($52.99 USD per day if purchased onboard)
Four devices = $84.99 USD per day ($99.99 USD per day if purchased onboard)

Unlimited Premium Wi-Fi Package

Access to unlimited web surfing, email access (including VPN), social media, all entertainment apps (YouTube, Netflix, etc.).
One device = $34.99 USD per day ($39.99 USD per day if purchased onboard)
Two devices = $57.99 USD per day ($67.99 USD per day if purchased onboard)
Four devices = $109.99 USD per day (129.99 USD per day if purchased onboard)

Unlimited Social Media Wi-Fi Package

Access to majority of social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, etc.) sites except Tik Tok.
One device = $12.50 USD per day ($14.99 USD per day if purchased onboard)

250 Minutes Anytime Internet Package

This package gives guests 250 minutes of internet connectivity for use anytime during the cruise.

Guests can save over 15% off the cost of Wi-Fi access if they pay for Wi-Fi access ahead of their departure. This is a great savings and important knowledge for those who wish to add Wi-Fi connectivity to their cruise voyage.

Loyalty Program

Norwegian Cruise Line offers a loyalty program to all their guests. The more a guest sails with NCL, the more points they acquire. NCL calls its loyalty program, the Latitudes Rewards Loyalty Program.

After a guest travels with Norwegian Cruise Line for the first time, they are automatically enrolled in the loyalty program and will begin to earn points. Guests can earn points in the loyalty program with each cruise they take (1 point for every cruise night onboard).

There are additional opportunities for guests to earn more points by either booking a suite or room in The Haven with NCL, or by booking a cruise through the Latitudes Rewards Insider offer.

With their points, guests can access exclusive onboard experiences, discounts, offers for members only, and more.

Private Destinations

Norwegian Cruise Line owns a private island by the name of Great Stirrup Cay, located in The Bahamas, along the Northwest Providence Channel. This private island and port of call owned by Norwegian Cruise Line is an exclusive paradise to NCL guests.

There are many opportunities and activities available to guests while visiting Great Stirrup Cay, including: visiting the beaches, snorkeling, relaxing in cabanas, zip lines, kayaking, tours, spa visits, and more. There are also several food locations on the island, including Abaco Taco, a complimentary build-your-own-taco location.

A visit to Great Stirrup Cay is included on many itineraries to The Bahamas.

They also have another private destination in Belize called Harvest Caye. Part of The Norwegian Edge initiative, Harvest Caye was designed to bring higher standards to the high seas and was developed in partnership with the Belizean government and local inhabitants own the businesses and work onsite to help contribute to the local economy.

Shore Excursions

Norwegian Cruise Line has extensive offers of shore excursions available to guests on every sailing. Shore excursions are a fantastic way to explore and experience the various destinations and ports of call on a cruise sailing.

Norwegian Cruise Line categorizes their shore excursions by type of activity. The four categories are: adventure, family, featured, and sightseeing. These different categories help ensure that there is a shore excursion that will appeal to all guests’ different needs and desires.

Shore excursions are an additional cost, and they tend to start at around $100 per person with Norwegian Cruise Line. Because of the additional cost, it can be helpful for NCL guests to plan out well ahead of time which shore excursions they wish to participate in, so that they can budget properly.

Shore excursions also range in the amount of time that they last at a destination. Some shore excursions are only an hour or two, while others last all day at around 9 hours.

Norwegian Cruise Line helps guests understand how strenuous a shore excursion may be by assigning each excursion with an “Activity Level”. These levels range from 1 to 3. An activity with a score of 1 means the following, “tours with this activity level involve walking over relatively level terrain, possibly some cobblestone, gravel, or a few steps. Comfortable shoes recommended."

An excursion with a score of 2 means the following, “tours with this activity level involve a considerable amount of physical activity. Not recommended for guests with physical limitations.” An excursion with a score of 3 means the following, “tours with this activity level involve physical exertion for extended periods of time. Recommended only for physically fit and adventurous travelers.”

It is highly recommended that guests take into consideration the cost, duration, and activity level of shore excursions during their cruise planning process.

What to know about Norwegian Cruise Line

Before booking a cruise vacation with Norwegian Cruise Line, consider the following helpful tips:

NCL is known for running large promotions, such as their “Free At Sea” promotions. Check the ‘Cruise Deals & Special Offers’ page on their website for deals and promotions to save some money or get a special perk on your cruise booking.
NCL offers special cruise pricing to guests who have sailed with them before and are a part of their Latitudes Reward Program.
Norwegian offers special rates for solo travelers. This is something relatively rare for the cruise line industry. Check out the ‘Solo Cruiser Discount’ page on NCL’s website for the latest rates. Often times, NCL will host special events and activities onboard their sailings specially designed for solo travelers.
Dining is relaxed and flexible on Norwegian Cruise Line sailings, this means that guests should spend some time pre-planning which dining locations they would like to visit prior to their cruise.
Norwegian Cruise Line has a free app available for download that can be helpful in familiarizing guests with the ship and offerings onboard particular sailings. Search “Norwegian Cruise Line” in the app store.
Many add-ons to a NCL sailing cost an additional charge, it can be important for guests to think about which add-ons are most important to them. Planning out which things to purchase ahead of time will help guests budget and plan their cruise sailing and not be surprised by the final bill.
Prior to their cruise, guests should check for the latest update in NCL’s health and safety requirements. Currently, NCL requires that all guests 12 years and older, be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at least 2 weeks before embarkation. All guests will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 antigen or NAAT (PCR) test within 2 days prior to embarkation date (NCL’s COVID-19 requirements as of July 26, 2022. Subject to change).