Welcome to our comprehensive guide to Norwegian Cruise Line! Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or planning your first voyage, this guide will provide you with all the essential information you need to know about Norwegian Cruise Line.

Discover their diverse fleet of ships, explore the various dining options, find out about the exciting entertainment offerings, and learn about the different cabin types available. We'll also cover important details such as gratuities, drink packages, and dress codes. Get ready to set sail on a fantastic adventure with Norwegian Cruise Line!

Norwegian Cruise Line Ships

Norwegian Cruise Line boasts a diverse fleet of 19 ships across eight different classes, catering to various preferences and needs. From small and intimate vessels to expansive resort-like ships, there is a ship for every type of traveler. Generally, the smaller ships cater more to adults, while the larger ones attract families.

All Norwegian Cruise Line ships feature multiple dining venues and entertainment options. The newer ships even incorporate cutting-edge features like a race track and virtual reality center. To find the perfect ship for your cruise, check out our comprehensive guide to Norwegian Cruise Line ships.

Norwegian Prima Fjords Cruise — *We sailed on the Norwegian Prima in 2023*.

Destinations

With such as big fleet Norwegian Cruise Line offer a wide range of destinations. During the summer months (approximately April to August), Norwegian sails to Northern Europe, Alaska, Mexican Riviera, Canada, and New England. In the winter months (around August to April), their ships venture to Australia, New Zealand, Africa, and South America. You can also find Norwegian Cruise Line ships sailing year-round in popular regions such as the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Asia. Notably, they are the only cruise line offering year-round sailings in Hawaii.

*Enjoying the City of Athens on a Norwegian Jade cruise in 2021.*

Dining

Norwegian Cruise Line provides an extensive array of dining options, including both included dining and specialty restaurants at an extra charge.

Included Dining

The buffet, included in the cost of your cruise, offers a wide selection for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with all-day soft-serve ice cream. Theme nights, such as Italian, British, or Mexican, add variety to the dining experience.

The main dining rooms are also included and serve breakfast, lunch on sea days, and evening dinner. The absence of set dining times allows you to dine whenever you please, though reservations are recommended, especially during peak times. You can make reservations via the mobile app, your cabin television, or the interactive screens around the ship.

Additionally, the onboard pub (known as O'Sheehan's or The Local on some ships) offers complimentary food 24 hours a day, featuring a menu of pub favorites like nachos, burgers, chicken wings, and classic British dishes. A breakfast menu is available in the mornings.

The Main Dining Room on Norwegian Prima includes new menus that don’t change throughout your cruise.
Photo: Cruise with Ben and David

Extra Charge Dining

Norwegian Cruise Line offers a wide range of specialty restaurants, varying from two or three restaurants on smaller ships to up to ten on larger vessels. You can book these specialty dining options before your cruise via the Norwegian Cruise Line website, app, or onboard through the cabin TV or interactive screens. If you plan to visit multiple specialty restaurants, it is advisable to purchase a dining package, which can save you money compared to paying for each restaurant individually.

Additionally, certain onboard establishments such as Starbucks, chocolate shops, gelato shops, and dinner shows incur extra costs. Room service is also available at an additional charge, with a one-off delivery fee of $9.95 USD.

Starbucks on Norwegian Cruise Line ships is not included on any Drinks Package
Photo: (C) Cruise with Ben and David

Entertainment

Norwegian Cruise Line offers a huge amount of entertainment and facilities that will appeal to all age groups.

Included Entertainment

During the day, you can enjoy a wide range of facilities onboard, including pools, slides, ropes courses, and mini-golf. Children can participate in age-appropriate activities at the dedicated children's and teen clubs, while an arcade provides entertainment for all ages.

The main theater hosts original productions and visiting performers. Live music can be found throughout the ship, along with DJs, parties, quizzes, and game shows.

For a comprehensive breakdown of what's included in terms of entertainment, refer to the section below titled "What's Included."

Extra Charge Entertainment

On the newer ships, you'll find a growing selection of extra-charge entertainment options, including go-karts, VR arenas, children's arcades, and bowling alleys. In the evenings, there are numerous bars, lounges, and a large casino for further entertainment

The go-karts on Norwegian Cruise Line are an additional cost.
Photo: Cruise with Ben and David

Norwegian Cruise Line Cabins

To suit various preferences and budgets, Norwegian Cruise Line offers a wide range of cabins. There are three types of cabins on board, each providing a different experience:

The Haven: This suite-only area, available on Norwegian ships, offers exclusive amenities such as a private lounge, pool, and restaurant. Guests staying in The Haven suites enjoy concierge service and a 24-hour butler.
Standard Cabins: Standard cabins are the most common accommodation type, ranging from small inside cabins to oceanview cabins, balcony cabins, mini-suites, and spa suites.
Solo Cabins: Newer ships feature solo cabins designed specifically for solo travelers. These cabins eliminate the single occupancy fee, and guests staying in them have access to the solo lounge, which offers refreshments and organized activities.

Haven Norwegian Cruise Line — The Haven is a suite-only area, available on Norwegian ships.
Photo: Cruise with Ben and David

What's Included

Norwegian Cruise Line provides a range of inclusions and options for dining, drinks, and entertainment. Here is a breakdown of what's included:

Included Dining & Drinks on Norwegian Cruise Line:

The Buffet
The Main Dining Room
Dining in the onboard Pub (The Local or O'Sheehan's)
Poolside grill
Room service menu items (Delivery fee applies)
Tea, filtered coffee, juices and water

Included Entertainment & Facilities on Norwegian Cruise Line:

Shows in the Main Theatre
Daytime activities
Evening entertainment
The Gym
Children's Clubs
Pools, Hot Tubs & Slides*
Ropes Course*
Rock Climbing Wall*
Mini-Golf Course*
Dry Slides*

The Dry Slide on Norwegian Prima is no extra charge.

What’s Not Included

Extra Charge Dining & Drinks on Norwegian Cruise Line:

Specialty Restaurants
Room Service Delivery Fee (Except Suite Guests)
Dinner Shows*
Gelato, Cakes and Chocolate from the onboard shops or Starbucks
Soda, Premium Tea, Premium Coffee and Fresh Juices
Alcoholic Drinks (See also drinks packages below)
Wine Tasting

Extra Charge Entertainment & Facilities on Norwegian Cruise Line:

Excursions
Spa Treatments
Thermal Suite
Fitness Classes
Transfers
Photography
Babysitting Services *
Vibe Beach Club*
Arcade
Go Kart Racing*
Laser Tag*
VR Games*
Ice Bar*
Casino & Bingo

Other Extra Charges:

Government taxes, port expenses, and fees(1)
The Medical Centre
Wifi/Internet Packages
Phone calls to land on the ship's phones.
Service Charges/Gratuities (2)

(1) If booking from the USA
(2) Unless booked Australia
*where available

Norwegian Bliss Atrium — The Atrium on the Norwegian Bliss
Photo: Cruise with Ben and David

How much are gratuities on Norwegian Cruise Line?

As of April 2020, gratuities on Norwegian Cruise Line cost $20 USD per person per night for standard cabins and Club Balcony suites, $25 USD for guests in The Haven and other suites. For guests booking from Australia or New Zealand, gratuities are automatically included in the cruise cost. Additionally, a 20% gratuity is added to all bar charges, dining room wine accounts, Speicality meals, and Lotus Spa services.

Drinks Packages

Norwegian Cruise Line offers several drink packages that cover most non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks onboard. Currently, there are three drink packages available, ranging from unlimited alcohol drink packages to children's soda packages. For detailed information on the cost and inclusions of each package, refer to our Norwegian Cruise Line Drinks Packages Guide.

What is the drinking age on Norwegian Cruise Line?

The minimum drinking age for all alcoholic beverages on Norwegian Cruise Line ships is 21. However, passengers aged 18 to 20, who are traveling with a parent or legal guardian, can consume wine or beer when the ship is in international waters. In this case, the parent or guardian must sign a waiver to allow the young adult to drink wine or beer. The age modification does not apply to Alaska and Hawaii sailings.

Norwegian Bliss — Photo: Cruise with Ben and David

Who goes on Norwegian Cruise Line?

The passengers onboard a Norwegian Cruise Line ship vary depending on the ship and itinerary. On Alaska, Caribbean, and Hawaii sailings, the majority of passengers are from North America, with a few from other English-speaking countries. European sailings have a mix of passengers from Europe, North America, and a smaller number of Asian cruisers. Asian sailings are predominantly filled with passengers from Asian countries, particularly China.

Caribbean sailings, especially shorter ones, tend to cater to a younger demographic with many groups and a lively atmosphere. Larger ships are more family-oriented, particularly during school holidays, while smaller ships often attract couples and groups. Longer and more exotic itineraries, such as those to Alaska and Hawaii, primarily appeal to middle-aged travelers.

Norwegian Cruise Line Dress Code

There is no dress code on any Norwegian Cruise Line ships. However, guests are required to wear a top and shoes at all times in the buffet and main dining rooms. Some specialty extra-fee restaurants do have specific attire requirements, such as long trousers, collared shirts, and closed-toe shoes. While formal evenings are not enforced, themed nights like 80s night or white night might encourage guests to bring appropriate attire.

Positives & Negatives of Norwegian Cruise Line

Positives

No dress code or formal evenings
Flexibility with no set-time dining or tables
Fun cruise line with a variety of bars and lounges
Extensive range of entertainment options
Wide selection of cabin types, including solo cabins
Numerous specialty dining restaurant choices

Negatives

Larger ships may require reservations for the main theater
Additional costs for specialty dining and activities
Expensive daily gratuity charges - the most expensive in the industry
Recent removal of Broadway Shows in the Main Theatre
Crowded conditions at peak times

The Haven on Norwegian Bliss
Photo: Cruise with Ben and David

We hope this ultimate guide to Norwegian Cruise Line has been informative and helpful in planning your next cruise vacation. Norwegian Cruise Line offers a modern and fun cruising experience with a wide range of ships, destinations, and onboard amenities. From the freedom of freestyle cruising to the excitement of specialty dining and entertainment options, there's something for everyone on a Norwegian Cruise Line voyage. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or family-friendly fun, Norwegian Cruise Line has you covered. So pack your bags, embark on a memorable journey, and create unforgettable moments at sea with Norwegian Cruise Line. Bon voyage!

The Ultimate Guide to Norwegian Cruise Line (Updated 2023)