If you are planning a Norwegian Cruise Line cruise, make sure you read our top ten tips to get the most out of your time onboard. From tips to save money or hacks to make your time onboard smoother. These will help you get the most out of your Norwegian cruise.

Book shows before you board

Don't miss out on any of the entertainment by booking shows before you board. Its free to book and you can do this online through the My NCL website.

Pre-booking Entertainment is available on Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Joy 90 days prior to sailing.

If you didn't pre-book, don't worry. You can still book shows on-board via the stateroom TV and the Box Office.

Find your way around with the fish at your feet

If you are ever lost on the ship look at your feet as the carpet has fish that swim forward.  Keep an eye out for the rebellious fish that swims in the opposite direction.

Buy a Dining Package

If you are wanting to enjoy any of the speciality restaurants onboard we recommend you buy a dining package.

Since most of the speciality restaurants on their ships a la carte, this can save you a lot of money. The package can be used at most of the Speciality restaurants and you have to buy the package for a minimum of three nights.

You can purchase the dining package as early as 90 days prior to boarding on my My NCL website. Or, you can book onboard during the first two days of the cruise. When you pre-book you save $10 compared to the onboard price.

Enjoy complimentary food 24-hours a day

You have to try O'Sheeans Bar or The Local while onboard. The food completely complimentary and is available 24 hours a day. They also offer an additional breakfast menu in the mornings.

Take advantage of Freestyle Dining

Take advantage of the Freestyle dining concept when on Norwegian Cruise Line. As there are no set dining times, you can eat when you like in any of the main dining rooms. We recommend you avoid busy times by checking how busy the restaurants are on your stateroom tv or the screens around the ship.

Look out for All Inclusive promotions

When you are booking your next NCL cruise, keep an eye out for any of the all inclusive promotions they regularly run. 

Outside Europe, this is known as the 'Free at Sea' promotion and allow you to choose from a number of different add-ons for free. These are usually; Premium Drinks Package, Wifi, Onboard Credit, Shore Excursions or Speciality Dining.

Inside Europe, as standard, all bookings include the Premium All Inclusive package. This includes your Gratuities, Premium Drinks Package and onboard Wifi. 

Pack for the themed nights

NCL host different themed nights during each cruise. They vary each sailing, so check your cruise planner before sailing to see which theme party is on your cruise.

Bring a refillable water bottle

Buying water onboard can be expensive so we recommend you pack a reusable water bottle. This can save you loads of money and cut down on plastic waste. You can refill your bottle around the ship at many of the bars and in the buffet.

We highly recommend the Chilly's bottles. They are lightweight, extremely durable and keep your water cold for up to 24 hours.

Look for boarding day discounts

On embarkation day there are sometimes discounts on speciality dining, spa treatments or extra-charge shows on that day. We have seen discounts up to 50% off. It's worth asking when you board if there is a particular show, restaurant or treatment you want.

Take advantage of self-assist disembarkation

If on disembarkation day you have an early flight or don't want to hang around we recommend using Self Assist.

Self-assist means you will carry off your luggage and are the first passengers to leave the ship when it docks. If you decide to do this, you will need to be able to carry all of your bags down the gangway and through Customs.

Alternatively, you will be given a disembarkation time usually between 7 and 10 am. You will place your luggage outside of your door the night before, and Norwegian Cruise Line employees will pick it up and take it to the holding areas for pick up the next morning.

For more cruise tips and advice be sure to read our Ultimate Guide to Norwegian Cruise LIne