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Monday, May 20th
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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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.
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Cruise Line FAQ
While there's no one cruise line that can be called "the best" , there's definitely a right one for you. Are you looking for a wholesome family vacation with something fun for everyone, or are you planning a wild-and-crazy bachelor party / girls' trip? Most cruise lines are known for catering to a particular demographic, so all you have to do is find the one that matches your vacay goals.
The cost of a cruise typically includes accommodation, meals, onboard entertainment and activities, and access to amenities such as pools and fitness centers. However, some cruise lines charge additional fees for certain activities, dining options, and beverages, among other things. You should also expect to pay gratuities to your cabin attendant, your dining room servers, and the head waiter; the recommended amount varies by cruise line and may be charged to your onboard account automatically.
The minimum age to cruise varies by cruise line and itinerary. Some cruise lines require passengers to be at least 18 years old, while others allow passengers as young as 6 months old. However, most cruise lines have age restrictions for certain activities, such as access to the casino or bars.
Most cruise ships offer a variety of dining options, including formal restaurants, casual buffets, and specialty restaurants. Some cruise lines also offer 24-hour room service. You'll typically choose a seating time when you reserve your sailing - early, main, or late, depending on what the cruise line offers. This usually gives people flexibility for staying longer in port, for getting the kids to bed at a reasonable time, and so on. But, in recent years, some cruise lines have introduced truly flexible seating that allows you to eat when you please in the formal dining rooms.
Many people feel nervous about taking a cruise because they picture being packed in with up to 6,000 passengers. Fortunately, even on the biggest-capacity ships, it's rare to feel crowded on a day-to-day basis: dining times are spaced out in the formal dining rooms, shows are staggered at different times, and cruisers are usually occupied with lots of activities. The only times that you might feel a little pressed for space are during embarkation and debarkation (getting on and off) and deck parties.
For the most part, that's up to you. If you love wearing a tux or evening gown, most cruise lines offer at least one formal night (with professional photographers to capture the moment). Not your style? No problem. While some cruise lines require formalwear on designated evenings, or have dress codes that ask for collared shirts and dresses/skirts on other nights, those requirements usually apply to the main dining rooms only and not to the other areas of the ship. Just check out the information provided by the cruise line and read previous travelers' comments to get a feel for what to expect.
Typically, no. Those are usually referred to as "shore excursions" , and most cruise lines don't offer any as part of your fare. You always have the option to disembark and take a stroll around the port's surroundings, and that won't cost anything. You can also arrange with private companies to take a tour, do something adventurous like ziplining or driving ATVs, or take a cooking class. However, the safest bet is to book your shore excursions through the cruise line itself: they're guaranteed to get you back to the ship on time, and the ship won't leave until all of its shore excursion guests have checked back in. The most popular excursions fill up quickly, so don't wait until you get on board to decide what you want to do.
Most cruise lines do not allow passengers to bring their own alcohol. However, some allow passengers to bring a limited amount of wine or champagne onboard for special occasions. Be sure to check with your cruise line's policy on alcohol before you pack.
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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 co*cktails 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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