Norwegian Cruise Line

After nine Norwegian Cruise Line sailings in the past two years, I thought I had experienced it all—until my most recent cruise aboard the Norwegian Jade, where I finally indulged in one of the ship’s most exclusive luxuries for the first time: the Thermal Suite at the Mandara Spa.

Most cruisers will agree: food indulgence and cruising go hand-in-hand. One of the best aspects of cruising is having unlimited access to food throughout your voyage. Even better, most dining options are included in your cruise fare.

Last week, I had the privilege of sailing on the Norwegian Jade, my second ship in Norwegian Cruise Line’s Jewel Class. Built in 2006, the Jade has been sailing for nearly two decades, but it’s far from obsolete. 

It’s always interesting to experience how older ships compare to the newer, flashier models in Norwegian’s fleet. While there’s a lot to love about the Norwegian Jade, there are also a few areas where the ship’s age is starting to show. 

Here’s a breakdown of what I loved—and what I didn’t—about this cruise experience.

Having never sailed to Alaska, I booked a 7-night cruise onboard Norwegian Jewel in an inside cabin. Though I was happy to save money on my cruise fare, I was curious about what it would be like to stay in a stateroom with no exterior view in a region renowned for its beautiful landscapes. 

Passengers sailing on Norwegian Spirit not only witnessed, but captured on video, the horrifying moment when a man goes overboard from the cruise ship.

Packing for any trip usually comes with a mix of both excitement and apprehension. It can be hard to know exactly what you need for a trip. This is why it can be important to pack early and give yourself plenty of time to methodically choose what clothing and items you might need for your voyage. 

I recently returned from my very first cruise to Alaska onboard Norwegian Jewel! Throughout this week-long itinerary, I saw and did many quintessentially Alaskan things. However, some aspects of my Alaska cruise experience surprised me. 

Over the last few years, Alaska has become an increasingly popular cruise itinerary, and I was intrigued to explore this remote destination for myself.

Here's a recount of my trip to the Last Frontier, including 15 things that surprised me about an Alaska cruise, tips and tricks, and more. 

One family’s dream vacation on an Alaskan cruise quickly turned into a nightmare when nine passengers, including small children and one elderly woman, were left behind from a cruise-sponsored excursion. The incident was apparently caused by a bus mixup with the local tour operator in the small town of Ketchikan, Alaska. 

Over the last two years, I have sailed with Norwegian Cruise Line seven times. From my first NCL experience to my most recent, there is always something new to discover on my sailings, which keeps me wanting to come back time and time again. 

Norwegian Cruise Line is one of the leading brands in the cruising industry, with 19 operating vessels in the fleet and more on the way! With the debut of new and exciting itineraries, Norwegian is one of the go-to cruise names prospective guests look at when considering a cruise vacation.