Norwegian Cruise Line is best known for its freestyle cruising concept. This means you can do what you want, when you want in a casual and comfortable way.
There are no set times for dining and no formal nights to worry about. It offers you a very stress-free, modern cruise experience at an affordable price.
History & Overview:
Norwegian Cruise Lines started in 1966 with only one ship that sailed out of the port of Miami on Caribbean cruises. It was originally the Norwegian Caribbean Line, but later changed its name.
Over the years they have grown to be the 3rd largest cruise line in the world. Today the cruise line focuses on bringing a modern, comfortable way of cruising to you. Their whole mission is to allow you to cruise on your own terms.
Destinations & Itineraries:
With so many ships in the fleet, Norwegian Cruise Line pretty much sails all around the world. You can find them in the Caribbean, Hawaii, Europe, Alaska, South America, and Asia.
They also feature transatlantic cruises and world cruises for you to enjoy. The ships feature shorter weekend itineraries perfect for first time cruises, as well as longer world cruises.
Cruise Ships in the Fleet:
Norwegian Cruise Line has seventeen ships currently in the fleet, with six more on the way.
The cruise line has eight classes of ships that vary greatly in both design and atmosphere so it is important that you choose the ship class that best fits your needs and style.
Sun Class:
The Sun Class includes two ships (Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun) that were built in the late 90’s and early 2,000’s and carry around 2,000 passengers.
These are the smallest ships in the fleet. You can usually find them sailing in the Caribbean and they offer shorter, weekend cruises for you to enjoy.
The ships were recently refurbished and offer you a lot of options when it comes to dining and entertainment. There are several different dining venues as well as bars and lounges.
These are the perfect choices for you if you want a more traditional, small ship cruise experience. The smaller ship size and shorter cruise itineraries also make these ships a great choice for first time cruisers.
Norwegian Spirit:
The Norwegian Spirit was built in 1998 and carries 2,018 passengers. The ship may be older, but it just completed a $100 million renovation so it is like a brand-new ship.
It features brand new restaurants, lounges, and room cabins. While the ship doesn’t include some of the exciting features that the larger ships have like water slides.
You will get the intimate experience that only a smaller ship can give you. There is still a lively atmosphere on this ship with seventeen dining venues and twelve bars and lounges to choose from.
You will have plenty to keep you busy and having a good time while on your cruise.
Pride of America:
The Pride of America was built in 2005 (refurbished in 2016) and carries 2,186 passengers. This is an American-flagged ship that only sails the Hawaiian Islands.
She is very different from the other ships in the fleet. The design and décor represent the Hawaiian culture and atmosphere. You won’t find any Broadway-style shows or big forms of entertainment on this ship.
However, she still offers plenty of choices for you to stay busy and have fun while onboard. There are fifteen different dining venues and twelve bars and lounges for you to enjoy.
This ship features very port-intensive itineraries so you are choosing it for the destination rather than the ship itself. If you want to spend as much time as possible in Hawaii on a cruise then this is a good option for you to consider.
Dawn Class:
The Dawn Class features two ships (Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Star) that were built in the early 2,000’s and carry around 2,300 passengers.
While these are older ships, they have both recently been refurbished to bring them up to date with modern designs and given new dining venues and amenities.
You won’t get the more thrilling activities that the larger, newer ships have. However, you will still have plenty to see and do while on your cruise.
There are plenty of dining venues to try, as well as bars and lounges to enjoy. If you are looking for a more relaxing, low-key cruise that offers the live music and entertainment in the evening then this class of ships are perfect for you.
You will get to enjoy the signature freestyle cruising experience at an affordable price point.
Jewel Class:
The Jewel Class features four ships (Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Gem, and Norwegian Pearl) that were built in the mid to late 2,000’s and carry about 2,400 passengers.
These ships are similar to the Dawn Class, but a little larger. Like the other ships, these have been refurbished within the last few years to bring them up to date.
They feature comfortable, modern designs that give you a small ship, intimate experience. You will have plenty of options when it comes to live music and dining venues.
As with the other small ships in the fleet these are more suited for those who want a relaxed cruise experience. They are not the best options for family cruises or those who want the thrilling, exciting experiences that the larger ships have.
These are more traditional cruise ships that feature many of the same options you find on other cruise lines.
Epic Class:
The Epic Class only has one ship, Norwegian Epic, which was built in 2010 (refurbished in 2015) and carries 4,100 passengers.
The ship sails in Europe during the summer season and the Caribbean during the winter season, with transatlantic cruises to switch destinations.
This is a larger ship with a sleek and modern design inside. It is a fun-filled ship that the whole family will enjoy together. You can experience Broadway-style shows in the theater and water slides and pools up on deck.
There are twenty different dining venues so you will have plenty of options when it comes to eating. Some unique features are the ice bar, the Beatles themed Cavern Club, and a private area for solo travelers that includes the staterooms and lounge area.
This ship can get really busy with kids during the school holiday seasons. Also, many of the dining venues and entertainment options require reservations. You can do this before leaving home or once you get on the ship.
Breakaway Class:
The Breakaway Class includes two ships (Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway) that were built in 2013 and 2014. These ships carry a little under 4,000 passengers.
These are larger ships that feature all of the fun-filled activities that your kids want. You will find Broadway-style shows, water parks with water slides, rope courses, and mini-golf.
If you have ever wanted to experience an ice bar, you can on these ships by visiting the Sky vodka ice bar. They also feature the waterfront, an outdoor promenade, that features outdoor restaurants and bars where you can dine and relax with an amazing view.
If you are a solo traveler, there is a special solo area with all of the solo staterooms and a private lounge that you can enjoy. This allows you to meet and mingle with the other solo travelers on the ship.
These ships are large and are great for people who want an active, fun experience onboard the ship. They are perfect for young adults and families.
Breakaway Plus Class:
The Breakaway Plus Class are the largest ships in the fleet and include four ships (Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Bliss, and Norwegian Encore).
These ships were built in 2015 and later and carry anywhere from 3,800 to 4,300 passengers depending on the ship. This class of ships feature many of the same options as the Breakaway Class with a few extras added in.
The ships (except the Escape) feature an incredible panoramic observation lounge at the front of the ship. It’s the perfect place to get away from the crowds and relax during the day.
On these three ships you can also enjoy laser tag and go karts. The Norwegian Joy & Encore also feature a brand-new experience, the Galaxy Pavilion VR playground.
Please note: many of these activities come at an additional cost. If you and your family love to stay active and have plenty of thrilling options you will love these ships.
Dining Options on Norwegian Cruise Line:
Complimentary Options:
Norwegian Cruise Line features many complimentary dining venues for you to enjoy. There are the main dining rooms, buffet, pubs, grills, cafes, and quick service options around the pool and throughout the ship.
Room service is also available for your convenience ($10 delivery charge). There are also several options that are open 24-hours a day, so no matter when you get hungry you will be taken care of during your vacation.
Specialty Dining Options:
There are special dining venues and experiences that you can enjoy on a Norwegian cruise.
Some of the more popular ones include Cagney’s Steakhouse, La Cucina (Italian), Le Bistro (French), Los Lobos (Mexican), and Moderno (Brazilian Steakhouse).
There are also dinner shows that you can check out.
Entertainment Options:
The ships are very different in their entertainment options. The smaller, more intimate vessels focus more on live music and performances throughout the lounges and ship areas.
On the other hand, if you love the big, Broadway-style production shows, you will find those on the larger ships. You will also find trivia games, karaoke, comedians, and live performances on the ships.
Activities Onboard:
The ships feature multiple pools and spas, a sports deck, and a fitness center. There is also the casino for adults to enjoy and kids’ clubs and arcades for the little ones.
On the larger ships you can also enjoy rope courses, laser tag, water slides, and so much more. There will also be trivia and game shows throughout the cruise that you can join in on.
You will definitely not get bored on the ship.
What’s included with Norwegian Cruise Line?
- Cruise ship room
- Complimentary dining options
- Room service ($10 delivery fee)
- Entertainment Options
- Pools & Spas, plus water slides
- Sports Complex
- Climbing walls & ropes course
- Fitness Center
- Most activities throughout the day and evening
- Live music and performers around the ship
- Kid’s Club Program
What’s not included in your cruise cost?
- Specialty Dining Restaurants and Experiences
- Gourmet Coffees and Teas
- Spirits, Beer, or Wine Tastings
- Alcoholic beverages
- Sodas
- Internet access
- Spa Treatments
- Shore Excursions
- Some activities onboard such as laser tag, go-karts, and the VR experience
- Gratuities (Currently $14.99-$17.99/person per night depending on stateroom category)
Pro Tip: Many times, Norwegian Cruise Lines has promotions where you can choose to add on certain packages for free.
What is Norwegian Cruise Line’s dress code?
Part of the freestyle experience that Norwegian Cruise Line promotes is to be comfortable and casual as much as you want.
There are no formal nights for you to worry about. If you want to dress up for dinner you can. If you don’t, you don’t have to.
It is completely up to you and what type of cruise experience you want. This makes packing for your cruise vacation so much easier.
Should you choose to sail on Norwegian Cruise Line?
Norwegian Cruise Line is great for those who embrace the freestyle concept. If you like the idea of having the ultimate flexibility onboard and doing what you want, when you want, then you will love it.
If you enjoy a more traditional, scheduled cruise experience this is not the right choice for you. This is a great cruise line for those who like to have fun and be active while on the ship.
The solo cabins make it a great choice if you like to cruise on your own. You don’t have to worry about paying a single supplement.
The smaller ships are geared more towards mature adults who still want a relaxing, fun vacation that isn’t regimented. While the larger ships are great for both younger adults and families.
Have you been on Norwegian Cruise Line? What are your thoughts on this cruise line? We would love to hear from you in the comments below.