norwegian cruise line by age

NCL Ships By Age, And Size, Newest To Oldest 2024

Booking a Norwegian Cruise vacation offers so many diverse choices. Choosing the right family cruise ship for your cruise depends on so many factors. Where do you intend to sail? What’s on your cruise itinerary wish list? Or are you led by the best cruise deal or cruise ship?

NCL Ships By Age, Newest To Oldest 2024

AD We have been or could be if you click on a link in this post compensated via a cash payment, gift or something else of value for writing this post. See our full disclosure policy and privacy policy for more details.

We fit between all brackets of choosing a cruise ship depending on the trip; however, for us, the ship is a huge factor. Thus we thought it a great idea to share all of the NCL Ships By Age and Size, Newest To Oldest and also by how many passengers each NCL ship holds.

How Many Ships DO NCL Have?

Norwegian Cruise Line has 20 ships, including the launch of Norwegian Viva in August 2023 and the new Norwegian Aqua which is due in 2025.

Norwegian Cruise Line Ships By Age, Newest To Oldest

The below list details each NCL Ships By Age when it was launched. Additionally, if the ship has been refurbished, we have included the year.

• Norwegian Aqua, 2025
• Norwegian Viva, 2023
• Norwegian Prima, 2022
• Norwegian Encore, 2019
• Norwegian Bliss, 2018
• Norwegian Joy, 2017, Refurbished 2019
• Norwegian Escape, 2015, Refurbished 2022
• Norwegian Getaway, 2014, Refurbished 2020
• Norwegian Breakaway, 2013, Refurbished 2020
• Norwegian Epic, 2010, Refurbished 2020
• Norwegian Gem, 2007, Refurbished 2022
• Norwegian Jade, 2006, Refurbished 2022
• Norwegian Pearl, 2006, Refurbished 2021
• Pride of America, 2005, Refurbished 2022
• Norwegian Jewel, 2005, Refurbished 2022
• Norwegian Dawn, 2002, Refurbished 2016
• Norwegian Sun, 2001, Refurbished 2018
• Norwegian Star, 2001, Refurbished 2018
• Norwegian Sky, 1999, Refurbished 2022
• Norwegian Spirit, 1998, Refurbished 2022

What Are The Newer NCL Ships?

The newest NCL ships sailing are Prima Class Ships, Norwegian Prima and Viva. NCL Encore, Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Joy preceded her. These Breakaway Plus class ships offer excellent facilities such as race tracks at sea, Broadway shows, and boardwalks lined with bars and restaurants overlooking the sea.

Which Is NLC’s Biggest Ship?

Norwegian Encore is Norwegian Cruise Line’s Biggest Cruise Ship as of 2019 at a whopping 169,116 tons an holding 3998 passengers and 1735 crew which is a passenger ratio of 2.3 passengers per crew member.

Her sister, Norwegian Bliss, closely follows this at 168,028 tons. The newer ships Prima and Viva are smaller and hold fewer guests; this is a conscious effort by NCL to maintain service on their ships; Prima holds 3215 guests with 1388 crew and a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.3.

Which IS NCL’s Smallest Ship?

Norwegian Spirit is NCL’s smallest ship at 175,904 tons, holding 2018 passengers and 912 crew. However, after a recent renovation, I am dying to try out all the styles and classes of the larger vessels.

Norwegian Cruise Line Has A Fabulous Selection of Ships For Cruisers

Norwegian Cruise Line has spent fortunes renovating its fleet in recent years, thus you can expect the same level of style and decor on many of their ships. The decision is based in itinerary, if you like the large ship experience offering facilities such as laser quest and racing tracks. Or indeed the more laid back feel of smaller cruise ships.

Asso See The Biggest Cruise Ships In The World

Additionally, if you are a fan of a more modern cruise ship, we have noted when each NCL ship was renovated. And for more reading, check out what the biggest cruise ships in the world are.

If You Are Sailing With NCL Check Out The Drinks Packages

• Are the NCL Drinks Packages worth the money? See our guide.

Sarah also writes for Mini Travellers Family Travel Blog and Extraordinary Chaos Craft and Lifestyle Blog. Both are award-winning blogs with a travel and family focus. She is married and has two boys, aged 18 and 22, who all love cruising as a family. Nothing is better than waking up every day in a new port with new and exciting things to explore. She aims to share how cruising as a family with young adults is the perfect choice for family travel. Her boys are sporty and love the activities, sports and dining options cruising offers. Sarah has worked with brands such as Walt Disney World, Mark Warner, Ikos Resort, Center Parcs, Laura Ashley, Belling and Next.

View all posts

2 thoughts on “NCL Ships By Age, And Size, Newest To Oldest 2024”

Went on Getaway on her maiden cruise .fantastic ……

They are such great ships areant they?

Leave a comment Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Norwegian Cruise Ships by Size, Age and Class (Updated 2022)

Norwegian Cruise Line has an active fleet of seventeen ships with a further two ships due in 2022-23 ( Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva ) plus, a further four more ships due between 2024-27.

The fleet is primarily based in the United States and sails frequently from the ports of Miami and Port Canaveral. However, they do also sail from New York.

Additional sailings take place throughout Europe, including Southampton.

In this guide, we will cover all the different ships in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet and how they compare to each other.

Introduction to Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line or NCL as it is more commonly known amongst cruisers started off back in 1966. However, it didn’t actually cruise from Norway originally!

It was founded by two men, Knut Kloster and perhaps more famously known now, Ted Arison (of Carnival Cruise Line ).

Their first vessel Sunward , a modified car ferry which also provided passenger services operated between the ports of Southampton and Gibraltar. It wasn’t long after that that Ted Arison left to found Carnival Cruise Line and Knut Kloster grew Norwegian Cruise Line to what it is today.

It wasn’t until 1971 that Norwegian Cruise Line had its first custom-built cruise ship, Starward delivered into service. Like the original Sunward the two ships also had car-carrying capacity, albeit via a well-concealed stern (rear) door system.

Fast forward to 2000 and NCL was sold to Star Cruises (a subsidiary of Genting Hong Kong) – this lasted until 2007 when Star Cruises sold 50% to an investment management company ( Apollo Management ) and then in 2013 the company reorganized again to become Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.

Since 2013, the company has acquired two further cruise brands ( Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises ) and continues to grow the NCL fleet with several new builds announced for the current decade.

Norwegian Cruise Line Frequently Asked Questions

Is norwegian cruise line going to survive.

Whilst NCL has been one of the slowest to return to service (with Norwegian Getaway still not due back in service until November 2022) the cruise line has taken on additional debt to manage the day-to-day operations of the company and therefore it is more than likely to stay around!

What is the largest Norwegian Cruise Line ship?

Norwegian Encore is currently the largest NCL ship at 169,116 GRT and able to carry 3,998 passengers.

What is the smallest Norwegian Cruise Line ship?

The smallest NCL ship is Norwegian Spirit at 75,904 GRT and able to carry 2,018 passengers – half of the largest ships in the fleet.

Which Norwegian Cruise Line ship is the newest?

Norwegian Prima will be the newest ship to join the fleet in August 2022.

Which Norwegian Cruise Line ship is the oldest?

Norwegian Spirit is the oldest ship in the fleet. Which entered service in 1998 and was last refurbished in 2020.

Is Norwegian Cruise Line owned by Royal Caribbean?

No. It is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. They also own luxury brands Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Norwegian Cruise Line Ships by Size (from largest to smallest)

What does ‘tonnage (grt)’ mean.

GRT (Gross Registered Tonnage) is a term used to calculate the volume inside a ship. It is a measure of cubic capacity and is calculated by the total volume from inside the hull and decks of the ship. 1 GRT = 100 cubic feet of space. In essence, the bigger the GRT – the more ‘space’ the ship has for passengers, cargo, etc.

How are ‘Passengers (Max)’ calculated?

You’ll see multiple numbers for passengers on ships – this is because many ships include extra beds in cabins (such as the sofa/couch can convert to a pull-out bed) – but the majority of cabins usually have 2 people in them. the ‘Max’ number is if every cabin used their additional pull-out bed, etc. This number is unlikely to be reached very frequently.

Norwegian Cruise Line Ships by Age (from newest to oldest)

Are all norwegian cruise ships new builds.

Actually, NCL has possibly one of the most complicated fleets as a good majority of their ships are fairly old (compared to some of the other cruise lines).

Norwegian Sky for example was originally constructed as Costa Olympia , but was actually sold during construction to NCL and sailed as Pride of Aloha from 2004-2008.

Both Norwegian Star and Norwegian Dawn were both originally ordered for Star Cruises ( Superstar Libra and Superstar Scorpio respectively) but ended up being transferred to NCL before they launched.

Norwegian Spirit was built as SuperStar Leo for Star Cruises and sailed with them from 1998 until 2004 when she transferred to NCL and was renamed.

Norwegian Jade was previously named Pride of Hawaii for NCL America. She entered service in 2006 and was transferred to NCL, renamed and has been sailing for them since 2008.

Norwegian Cruise Line Ships by Class (from newest to oldest)

Final thoughts.

Norwegian Cruise Line is a large cruise line in the industry, but has been overtaken by many others ( Carnival Cruise Line , Royal Caribbean to name just two) – however, NCL has been groundbreaking when it comes to bringing new ideas to the cruise industry.

They were the first to offer a more casual-relaxed dining approach, with any-time dining instead of the traditional two-set timed dining system that other lines previously (and still) use.

Thanks to the SS Norway (which NCL acquired in 1979 – then named France ), Norwegian rebuilt the liner as a cruise ship and added vast amounts of extra space for entertaining cruise passengers – something that set the boom in large cruise ships in the industry going.

These days, Norwegian is a very popular cruise line that still brings out a number of ‘firsts’ over other lines (such as Go-Karting at sea), and whilst their fleet is on the slightly older side, they will have some much newer and larger vessels being delivered over the next few years.

Enjoy this guide? Read our other comparison guides on Carnival Cruise Line , Holland America Line and MSC Cruises .

Similar Posts

MSC Cruises Status Match – What is it?

Cunard Ships by Size, Age and Class (2022)

MSC Magnifica Ultimate Buffet Guide

MSC Magnifica Ultimate Beverage Guide

MSC Meraviglia Deck by Deck Guide

Viking Cruises Ships by Size, Age and Class (2022)

• Cruise Knowledge

Norwegian Cruise Ships by Age — Newest to Oldest

Doug Parker

• December 18, 2023

Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet of 19 ships spans nearly three decades, catering to various vacation styles and budgets.

From the oldest ship in service, which dates back to the late 90s, to the newest vessel, Norwegian Viva, the cruise line has always forged its path and earned a devoted following as a result.

List of Norwegian Cruise Line Ships Newest to Oldest

The table below shows the ship’s name, class, age, gross registered tonnage, and how many guests it carries at double occupancy.

In this article, we’ve compiled an overview of all ships in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, organized from newest to oldest, along with some key features.

Norwegian Viva

Key Features: Ocean Boulevard, Indulge Food Hall, The Concourse, Infinity Beach, Galaxy Pavilion, Viva Speedway, The Drop, The Rush, and Metropolitan Bar

Norwegian Prima

Key Features: The Rush dueling slides, Norwegian Speedway go-kart racetrack, Infinity Beach sundeck, Onda by Scarpetta Italian restaurant, Palomar Mediterranean restaurant, Mandara Spa with a waterfall and charcoal sauna, Syd Norman’s Pour House, Galaxy Pavilion virtual reality games, and The Haven ship-within-a-ship complex

Norwegian Encore

Key Features : Go-karting racetrack, laser tag, Galaxy Pavilion virtual reality games, an aqua park, The Choir of Man show, Happy Hour Prohibition: The Musical, Onda by Scarpetta Italian restaurant, Social Comedy & Night Club, and The Cavern Club

Norwegian Bliss

Key Features : Observation Lounge, go-karting racetrack, laser tag, Los Lobos specialty restaurant, Jersey Boys Broadway show, Mandara Spa with thermal suite, and Q Texas Smokehouse

Norwegian Joy

Key Features : Go-kart racetrack, laser tag, Q Texas Smokehouse, Galaxy Pavilion virtual reality games, an aqua park, Mandara Spa & Salon, Footloose show, Elements show, Social Comedy and Night Club, and The Cavern Club

Norwegian Escape

Key Features : Moderno Churrascaria, After Midnight show, Howl at the Moon show, The Choir of Man show, a ropes course, Entourage Teen Club, an aqua park, and 678 Ocean Place

Norwegian Getaway

Key Features : An aqua park, Entourage Teen Club, Getaway Casino, Mandara Spa & Salon with thermal suite, Splash Academy kids’ clubs, a sports complex, Burn the Floor show, Syd Norman’s Pour House, Howl at the Moon show, Million Dollar Quartet

Norwegian Breakaway

Key Features : Syd Norman’s Pour House, The Waterfront oceanside promenade, Bliss Ultra Lounge, Burn the Floor show, five multi-story waterslides, and the largest ropes course at sea

Norwegian Epic

Key Features : Burn the Floor, Howl at the Moon, an aqua park, Bliss Ultra Lounge, bowling alley, Mandara Spa & Salon, Entourage Teen Club, and Headliners Comedy Club

Norwegian Gem

Key Features : La Cucina Italian restaurant, Cagney’s Steakhouse, Gem Club Casino Bar, Entourage Teen Club, Mandara Spa & Salon with thermal suite, Splash Academy kids’ clubs, Blazing Boots show, Get Down Tonight show, and Swing! The Musical

Norwegian Jade

Key Features : Jade Club, Moderno Churrascaria Brazilian steakhouse , Entourage Teen Club, Mandara Spa & Salon with thermal suite, Splash Academy kids’ clubs, Bliss Lounge, Spinnaker Lounge, Sugarcane Mojito Bar, Blazing Boots show, Elements show, and Palace of Lights

Norwegian Pearl

Key Features : Mandara Spa with thermal suite, O’Sheehan’s 24 hours a day restaurant, Lotus Garden Asian restaurant, Legends In Concert show, Sugarcane Mojito Bar, Splash Academy kids’ clubs, and La Cucina Italian restaurant

Norwegian Jewel

Key Features : Bliss Ultra Lounge, Entourage Teen Club, Velvet show, Moderno Churrascaria Brazilian steakhouse, Rock You Tonight show, Sugarcane Mojito Bar, O’Sheehan’s , and Magnum’s Champagne & Wine Bar

Pride of America

Key Features : Mandara Spa, Splash Academy kids’ clubs, Lights, Camera, Music! show, Cadillac Diner, Cagney’s Steakhouse, La Cucina Italian restaurant, Gold Rush Saloon, Napa Wine Bar, and Entourage Teen Club

Norwegian Spirit

Key Features : Silk Asian restaurant, Bier Garten, Onda by Scarpetta Italian restaurant, Spice H2O adults-only sundeck, Blazing Boots show, Elements show, World Beat show, a spa with thermal suite, and Henry’s Pub

Norwegian Dawn

Key Features : Moderno Churrascaria Brazilian steakhouse, Dawn Club Casino, Elements show, Mandara Spa, Sugarcane Mojito Bar, and Entourage Teen Club

Norwegian Star

Key Features : Moderno Churrascaria Brazilian steakhouse, Le Bistro restaurant, Ginza Asian restaurant, Sugarcane Mojito Bar, Spice H2O adults-only sundeck, Band on the Run show, Mandara Spa with thermal suite, Paradis show, Splash Academy kids’ clubs

MORE: Bimini Cruise Port: Everything You Need To Know

Norwegian Sun

Key Features : Mandara Spa, Rock You Tonight show, World Beat show, Splash Academy kids’ clubs, Los Lobos Cantina, Cagney’s Steakhouse, Moderno Churrascaria Brazilian Steakhouse, and the Sun Casino

Norwegian Sky

Key Features : Le Bistro restaurant, Cagney’s Steakhouse, Sugarcane Mojito Bar, Pinnacle Lounge and Sushi Bar, Mandara Spa, Rock You Tonight show, Sky Casino, and The Local Bar & Grill open 24 hours a day

RELATED: NCL Ships Listed by Age

Recent Posts

Carnival cracks down on unsanctioned poolside gambling during cruise, gastro outbreak hits luxury cruise ship, four msc ships will cruise from north america next summer, cruise line adds “glacier day” to its alaskan cruise itineraries, share this post, related posts.

Next Norwegian Ship Will Sail with New Restaurants

Third Disney Cruise Staffer Arrested for Possession of Underage Images

Bringing you 15 years of cruise industry experience. Cruise Radio prioritizes well-balanced cruise news coverage and accurate reporting, paired with ship reviews and tips.   

Quick links

Cruise Radio, LLC © Copyright 2009-2024 | Website Designed By   Insider Perks, Inc

Norwegian Cruise Line Ships by Size & Age (Fleet Comparison)

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. We may receive compensation when you purchase via my links at no cost to you. See my disclosure for more information.

Norwegian Cruise Line has a fleet of 19 cruise ships that offer passengers large-vessel luxury vacations.

NCL is a popular cruise line for its laid-back, freestyle approach to cruising. Their newest and largest vessels boast go-kart tracks, F1 simulators, rock climbing walls, water slides, and more.

We’ll compare Norwegian Cruise Line Ships by size, age, and class to help you decide which vessel is right for your next cruise vacation.

Table of Contents

Norwegian Cruise Line Ships by Size: Biggest to Smallest

When comparing cruise ships, size is the most popular choice. Cruise ships are typically measured using gross tonnage(GT), a measure of a vessel’s internal volume.

Although size isn’t everything, it is a quick way to assess the number of facilities, restaurants, activities, and entertainment options available on a ship.

Below is a comparison of Norwegian Cruise Lines’ ships by size, arranged from largest to smallest:

Norwegian Cruise Line Ships by Age: Newest to Oldest

If you want to experience the latest and greatest cruise ships, you might want to sail on a newer vessel.

Newer cruise ships often have better amenities, updated decor, and more activities. NCL’s newest Prima-class vessels offer a three-story go-kart track, Broadway-style shows, a 10-story dry slide, mini golf, water slides, and more.

Below is a comparison of Norwegian Cruise Line’s ships by age, from newest to oldest:

Norwegian Cruise Line Ships by Class

Norwegian Cruise Line currently offers seven classes of cruise ships.

Each class features similar designs, features, and amenities, with slight differences between sister ships.

Here are Norwegian Cruise Line ships by class:

Norwegian Cruise Line also operates two cruise ships that don’t belong to any classes:

• Norwegian Spirit
• Pride of America

Norwegian Cruise Ships on Order

Norwegian Cruise Line currently has four Prima-class cruise ships on order.

Norwegian’s new cruise ships are identical to the Norwegian Prima, with a gross tonnage of 142,500 GT and powered by liquified natural gas (LNG). The new cruise ships are scheduled to debut in 2024, 2025, 2026, and 2027.

What is the Biggest NCL Ship?

NCL’S biggest cruise ship is Norwegian Prima, with an internal volume of 142,500 GT, a length of 1,070 feet, a passenger capacity of 3,998, and a crew of 1,735.

What is the Smallest NCL Ship?

Norwegian Spirit is the smallest cruise ship in the Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet at 75,904 GT and has a passenger capacity of 2,018.

What is the Newest NCL Cruise Ship

Norwegian Viva is the newest NCL cruise ship. The Prima-class vessel joined the fleet in 2023.

What is the Oldest NCL Ship?

Norwegian Spirit is the oldest cruise ship in NCL’s fleet. The cruise ship was built in 1998.

What Was the First NCL Cruise Ship?

Norwegian Cruise Line’s first cruise ship was the MS  Sunward , which it acquired in 1966.

How Many Cruise Ships Does NCL Have?

Norwegian Cruise Line currently operates a fleet of 19 cruise ships.

Who Owns Norwegian Cruise Line?

Norwegian Cruise Line is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) , which also owns Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Marcello De Lio

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Name  *

Email  *

Add Comment  *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Post Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Trending now

ROCK THE BOAT

Cruise Holidays That Rock! ATOL Protected

NCL Ships By Age

From the latest to a true classic.

NCL’s fleet of 19 ships sorted by age.

We’re the cruise experts, so you don’t have to be

Newest to Oldest: Norwegian Cruise Line Ships

Norwegian Cruise Line has 19 ships in their fleet, ranging from new mega-ships to ships built in the 1990s. This blog post provides a guide to NCL ships by age starting with the latest ship.

What You’re Going To Find Out

A Few Excellent Reasons To Book With Us

24 Hour Help Desk

No matter what happens on your cruise, our duty office are here around the clock for you

Independent Help

You have questions, so let us answer them. Our cruise experts are here to help you

5 Star Rated

Over 6243 people have given us a 5 star review on Trustpilot (thank you!)

ATOL Protected

Relax knowing your cruise and money are safe and sound – phew!

What Are The Best NCL Ships?

When it comes to choosing the best NCL ship, personal preferences play a significant role. While some passengers may prioritise amenities and entertainment options, others may value affordability or a quieter atmosphere. Take some time to assess what matters most to you during your cruise experience—the ship’s age and amenities, the onboard activities and entertainment, the overall atmosphere, or even the dining options.

Understanding your preferences will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your desires, ensuring you have the best possible experience onboard an NCL ship.

Newer ships like Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Prima are great for teenagers

If you’re a teenager or traveling with teenagers, newer NCL ships such as Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Prima offer a fantastic array of activities and entertainment options that cater specifically to this age group.

These ships are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including water parks, thrilling waterslides, and even dedicated teen lounges. The teen lounges provide a space for teenagers to socialize, engage in fun activities, and make new friends while enjoying their cruise vacation.

Additionally, the onboard entertainment on these newer ships is designed to appeal to a younger audience, with high-energy shows, concerts, and parties. From Broadway-style performances to live music and dance clubs, teenagers will have no shortage of exciting experiences to enjoy aboard these ships.

Older ships have been refurbished and offer lower fares

If budget is a significant factor when choosing an NCL ship, you may want to consider the older ships that have been refurbished. These ships often offer lower ticket prices without compromising on the overall cruise experience.

NCL regularly invests in refurbishing their older ships, ensuring that they maintain a high standard of quality and comfort. These renovations include updates to staterooms, public spaces, dining options, and even the addition of new onboard activities.

By choosing one of the refurbished older ships, you can enjoy the amenities and features of a modern cruise ship while saving costs on your ticket price. This is a great option for budget-conscious travellers who still want to experience the best of what NCL has to offer.

Norwegian Aqua – Newest Ship Scheduled for 2025

One of the most exciting additions to the NCL fleet is the Norwegian Aqua. Scheduled to launch in 2025, this ship promises to be a game-changer in the cruise industry. Designed with sustainability in mind, the Norwegian Aqua will feature cutting-edge green technology and innovative amenities.

With its sleek and modern design, the Norwegian Aqua will offer a truly immersive cruising experience. Passengers can look forward to state-of-the-art entertainment facilities, world-class dining options, and luxurious accommodations.

But what sets the Norwegian Aqua apart is its commitment to environmental stewardship. The ship will incorporate advanced waste management systems, energy-efficient technologies, and a focus on reducing its carbon footprint. Sustainable practices such as using biofuels and recycling will be at the forefront of this vessel’s operations.

Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or a luxury traveller, the Norwegian Aqua will have something to offer. Get ready to embark on a voyage like no other and experience the future of cruising.

Norwegian Viva

Launched 2023.

Step on board the Norwegian Viva and prepare to be amazed. This ship boasts luxurious staterooms, world-class dining options, and a variety of entertainment venues to suit every taste. Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxing day by the pool or an action-packed night at the casino, the Norwegian Viva has it all.

Norwegian Prima

Launched 2022.

With its sleek design, modern amenities, and top-notch service, the Norwegian Prima is the perfect choice for those looking to cruise in style.

Norwegian Encore

Launched 2019.

Sail through the Caribbean from Miami, or set sail to Alaska from Seattle and discover more of the wild and wonderful Last Frontier in a ship designed to make every moment unforgettable. Tear it up on the Norwegian Encore Speedway, the biggest race track at sea. Immerse yourself in an out-of-this-world virtual reality paradise at Galaxy Pavilion. Let loose and belt out classic rock tunes every night with The Choir Of Man.

Norwegian Bliss

Launched 2018.

Tailored just for the awe-inspiring, Norwegian Bliss boasts a game-changing Observation Lounge where you can savor every breathtaking moment, from majestic bald eagles gliding over icy glaciers to playful dolphins frolicking in vibrant turquoise waters.

First Time Cruise Help

Are you new to cruising.

If it’s your first time cruising, it can all seem overwhelming and confusing. That’s why we offer a First Time Cruise Help Service at Rock the Boat Travel Agency.

The best place to start is by talking with one of our team members . It all starts with you – finding out what you like and just as important, what you don’t like. Coupled with our cruise know-how, we’ll suggest the perfect first time cruise for you. Request a call with one of our team .

Norwegian Joy

Launched 2017, refurbished 2019.

Get ready for an adrenaline-packed adventure as you zip through the ocean on an epic two-level race track. Indulge in lavish, well-designed rooms and treat yourself to a dose of blissful holiday experiences that will leave you feeling rejuvenated aboard Norwegian Joy.

Norwegian Escape

Launched 2015.

Prepare for a thrilling adventure aboard one of the most thrilling vessels out on the open waters! Norwegian Escape is all set to sweep you off your feet as you embark on a journey to The Caribbean from Miami and Orlando, Canada & New England from New York, and the Mediterranean from Rome.

Norwegian Getaway

Launched 2014, refurbished 2019.

Norwegian Getaway brings together the best of Norwegian’s luxuries with amazing ports of call for an unforgettable experience. Take a leisurely walk on The Waterfront, a unique open-air promenade that gives you a one-of-a-kind connection to the sea, unlike any other cruise line. Treat yourself to 20 different dining choices, take on the adrenaline rush of five water slides, and enjoy three levels of non-stop fun in the sports complex. And the fun doesn’t stop there – get ready for the Broadway musical Million Dollar Quartet for even more excitement and entertainment.

Norwegian Breakaway

Launched 2013, refurbished 2018.

Inhale the rejuvenating ocean breeze and bond with the sea in a whole new way at The Waterfront, a stunning 0.25-mile oceanfront walkway featuring a plethora of eateries, bars, and breath-taking vistas. Treat yourself to a diverse range of culinary adventures, including three fresh, specialized seafood hotspots. Plus, delight in electrifying shows – Six and Burn the Floor. Norwegian Breakaway presents a plethora of splendid facilities while out at sea.

Norwegian Epic

Launched 2010, refurbished 2020.

Norwegian Epic is proudly strutting its stuff as the winner of the Best Cruise Ship Entertainment title from Frommer’s, and it’s not going to let anyone forget it. With sizzling shows like Burn the Floor, they’re definitely raising the cruise ship entertainment game. And that’s not all – they’re also shaking things up in the accommodations department, catering to solo travelers with their sleek Studios and upping the ante on luxury with The Haven. So come on board and experience the Norwegian Epic difference for yourself!

The best place to start is by talking with one of our team members. It all starts with you – finding out what you like and just as important, what you don’t like. Coupled with our cruise know-how, we’ll suggest the perfect first time cruise for you. Request a call with one of our team.

Norwegian Gem

Launched 2007, refurbished 2015.

Step aboard this glamorous cruise ship and set sail for the ultimate year-round vacation experience.  With an abundance of dining options and flexible meal times, Norwegian Gem caters to all your culinary desires. Relax by the pool, try your luck at the casino, pamper yourself at the spa, and keep the little ones entertained with dedicated kid-friendly spaces. This ship has everything you need for a fabulous getaway.

Norwegian Jade

Launched 2006, refurbished 2022.

Hop on board and prepare for non-stop entertainment as you sail along breathtaking coastlines. We’ve got everything from hip nightclubs and top-notch dining options to a lavish casino, refreshing pools, and a luxurious spa. And don’t worry, there’s plenty of fun activities for the little ones too, so bring the whole crew and get ready for the ultimate family adventure. 

You’re In Good Hands

“ Best National Retailer ” at the British Travel Awards & More

Here for you whilst you’re away

5 Star Reviews on Trustpilot

Norwegian Pearl

Launched 2006, refurbished 2021.

No matter what you decide to do, we dare you to indulge in the fabulousness of traveling on Norwegian Pearl. With 16 swanky dining choices, 14 hip bars and lounges, a flashy casino, serene spa, and luxurious Garden Villas, this Jewel Class cruise ship is truly a destination in itself. 

Norwegian Jewel

Launched 2005, refurbished 2022.

Not only does NCL Jewel have some of the most spacious suites at sea, but she also has staterooms to match every vibe. And when it comes to keeping you entertained, this ship is jam-packed with options: from a diverse range of dining choices to lively bars and clubs, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Come on board and let’s dive into the untamed wilderness on an Alaska Cruise. Or switch it up and go from stunning natural vistas to bustling cityscapes on an Asia Cruise. 

Pride of America

Step on board the Pride of America, our exclusive cruise ship that sets sail from Honolulu and returns year-round, giving you the freedom to vacation whenever suits you. As you hop from one fabulous island to another, immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture with the help of our native ambassadors. Whether you’re dining in our diverse range of restaurants and bars, relaxing in our family-friendly accommodations or enjoying the stunning views from our spacious suites and balconies, you’ll do it in style. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for whales, catch a glimpse of the Kilauea Volcano, or simply take in the breath-taking natural scenery.

ATOL Protected Cruises

Putting you first.

As part of Travel Counsellors , we offer peace of mind and are ATOL protected. Established back in 1994, we’re now one of the UK’s largest independent travel companies. Our mission is to bring you exceptional customer service & unbeatable value for money.

Plus, we’re always here to help – our 24 hour duty office means you can always get in touch with us no matter what time of day or night it is. It’s good to know you’re in safe hands when you cruise with us.

Norwegian Dawn

Launched 2002, refurbished 2021.

Come indulge in a culinary experience at Los Lobos Cantina, a classy Mexican eatery that puts a contemporary spin on traditional flavors. Swing by The Cellars, a wine bar by the Michael Mondavi Family, for a delightful wine sampling. And if you’re feeling lucky, try your hand at the extensive Dawn Casino.

Norwegian Star

Launched 2001, refurbished 2021.

Freshly revamped as a part of The Norwegian Edge initiative, Norwegian Star offers a liberating and adaptable experience for voyages covering the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South America, and Transatlantic. On the ship, Norwegian Star offers an abundance of delectable dining choices, vibrant bars and lounges, a spacious spa, a thrilling casino with a VIP section, as well as a plethora of entertainment for kids of all ages.

Just some of our 6243+ 5 star reviews on Trustpilot

Exotic Trip Exploring Asia

I can rely on Martin to always come up with great options, places we haven’t heard of but keep on brief and within budget.

Disney Holiday

Putting this very simply. I just couldn’t have done my family Disney vacation without Martin. He is fabulous at every turn and never leaves a question unanswered even for this very nervous post Covid mum ! This time has been fab and so were the last times too!

Caribbean Cruise

Martin in excellent always comes up with some really good ideas for a holiday. I would definitely recommend him to my friends and family.

Honeymoon Help

10/10 Martin took the time to go through potential destinations for our Honeymoon when we laid out what we wanted. He was so friendly and knowledgeable about it all and followed up with a detailed list of 3 options – complete with videos – explaining this thoughts on each option.

Norwegian Sun

As you gallivant around the globe, rest assured that you won’t be left twiddling your thumbs on what to eat or where to hang out. With loads of restaurants, a smattering of swanky bars and lounges, the blissful Mandara Spa, and the endlessly thrilling Sun Casino, your options are practically endless.

Norwegian Sky

Launched 1999, refurbished 2022.

Get ready to be amazed as you board the Norwegian Sky, all spiffed up from front to back in 2022. This ship has it all – from a plethora of dining choices to countless bars and lounges, a luxurious spa, and a rocking casino with all the games and slots you love. There’s something for everyone on our Bahamas cruises, so get ready to indulge in the ultimate vacation experience.

Norwegian Spirit

Launched 1998, refurbished 2021.

Prepare yourself for a dose of casual opulence as you embark on the freshly revamped Norwegian Spirit, tailored for the sophisticated adult cruiser. This is our most extensive ship makeover to date, meticulously crafted to showcase the epitome of Norwegian Cruise Line’s exceptional fleet. Each stateroom has been given a modern facelift, every bar and lounge has been reimagined, and every dining experience has been elevated, including the addition of our new upscale Italian restaurant, Onda by Scarpetta

Which is the best way for you to contact us?

Call Me Later

Arrange a chat with a Cruise Guru at a time that suits you

Most Popular

Can’t wait to start your trip to Orlando? Speak with your Cruise Guru now

Drop us a line and start planning your dream holiday

Chat Online

Chat online live with a Cruise Guru to start planning your holiday

Call Me Please

Get in touch

• Food & Drink

latest posts

Ooni Koda 2 Max is Their Largest Pizza Oven Yet

Norwegian Cruise Line Ships by Age, Newest to Oldest 2024

Are you looking to book a Norwegian Cruise Line  cruise but want to know the age of the ship, its itinerary, and how many people it can hold? You’ve come to the right place.

I’m a huge cruise fan but that doesn’t mean I will book just any itinerary. Knowing what the ship has to offer, especially how new or old it is always plays a major role in how I book a cruise. This is why I created this post to break down Norwegian Cruise Line ships by age, class, and how many guests they can accommodate.

This post should help those looking to book the newest ships with the latest and greatest technology Norwegian Cruise Line has to offer. If there is something you would like to see included don’t hesitate to reach out via Twitter or shoot me an email .

How Many Ships Does Norwegian Cruise Line Have?

As of 2023, Norwegian Cruise Line has 18 ships in service, with one new ship planned soon: Norwegian Viva in 2023.

Norwegian Cruise Line Ships Newest to Oldest

Below you will find the Norwegian Cruise Line ship line-up in order of newest to oldest ship. I’ve also included their latest ships being built and their estimated arrival date.

Norwegian Cruise Line Ships By Age New To Old

• Norwegian Viva, 2023
• Norwegian Prima, 2022
• Norwegian Encore, 2019
• Norwegian Bliss,  2018 (refurbished 2021)
• Norwegian Joy, 2017 (refurbished 2020)
• Norwegian Escape, 2015 (refurbished 2022)
• Norwegian Getaway, 2014 (refurbished 2020)
• Norwegian Breakway, 2013 (refurbished 2020)
• Norwegian Epic, 2010 (refurbished 2020)
• Norwegian Gem, 2007 (refurbished 2022)
• Norwegian Jade, 2006 (refurbished 2022)
• Norwegian Pearl, 2006 (refurbished 2021)
• Norwegian Jewel, 2005 (refurbished 2022)
• Price of America, 2005 (refurbished 2022)
• Norwegian Dawn, 2002 (refurbished 2021)
• Norwegian Star, 2001 (refurbished 2021)
• Norwegian Sun, 2001 (refurbished 2021)
• Norwegian Sky, 1999 (refurbished 2022)
• Norwegian Spirit, 1998 (refurbished 2022)

Norwegian Cruise Line Ships By Age, Class, And Passengers

Who are the godparents of all of the norwegian cruise line ships.

Becoming a cruise ship’s godparent is a big honor and one that can take some time to figure out. Below is a list of all current godparents of Norwegian Cruise Line ships.

• Norwegian Viva,  ______
• Norwegian Prima, Katy Perry
• Norwegian Encore, Kelly Clarkson
• Norwegian Bliss, Elvis Duran (Godfather)
• Norwegian Joy, Wang Leehom, a Chinese singer
• Norwegian Escape, Pitbull (Godfather)
• Norwegian Getaway, Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders
• Norwegian Breakway, New York dancing troupe The Rockettes
• Norwegian Epic, Reba McEntire
• Norwegian Gem, Cindy Cardella
• Norwegian Jade, n/a
• Norwegian Pearl, Rosie O’Donnell
• Norwegian Jewel, Melania Trump
• Price of America, Elaine Chao, who was the United States Secretary of Labor
• Norwegian Dawn, Kim Cattrall, an actress best known for her role in “Sex and the City”
• Norwegian Star, Angela Perez Baraquio
• Norwegian Sun, Brooke Burke
• Norwegian Sky, the ship’s crew
• Norwegian Spirit, n/a

Other Cruise Line Ships by Age:

• Carnival Cruise Ships By Age, Newest to Oldest
• Celebrity Cruises Ships by Age, Newest to Oldest
• Holland America Line Ships by Age, Newest to Oldest
• Princess Cruises Ships By Age, Newest to Oldest
• Royal Caribbean Ships By Age, Newest to Oldest
• Viking Ocean Cruises ships By Age, Newest to Oldest

you might also like

Slow Down and Engage Your Senses in Newfoundland and Labrador

Princess Cruises and Fincantieri Announce Delay in Star Princess Delivery

Sazerac Master Blender Drew Maryville Hosts Bourbon Masterclass on Rotterdam

The ultimate guide to Norwegian Cruise Line ships and itineraries

Looking for a cruise where you can do what you want, whenever you want, without a lot of structure and rules? Norwegian Cruise Line could be your brand.

The Miami-based cruise line pioneered the idea of "freestyle cruising" — cruising without rigid dining schedules, dress codes and formal nights — and it's still the go-to line for vacationers who want a floating resort experience with a casual, laissez-faire vibe.

Instead of a few big main restaurants with fixed seating times, Norwegian ships offer a wide range of eateries and no assigned seating times — just make a reservation. When it's time for dinner, if you want to dress up, fine. There's no rule saying you must, though.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Norwegian vessels also offer lots of options for daytime fun but are particularly well known for evening entertainment. You'll find everything from music halls with Beatles cover bands and dueling piano bars to theaters with some of the most elaborate shows at sea — including some big-name Broadway productions.

Norwegian ships are also loaded with bars, lounges and nightclubs, including always-busy casinos. Put it all together, and you have vessels with a very lively atmosphere — particularly at night. If you had to compare Norwegian ships to something on land, you'd probably say they were like floating versions of the casino resorts you find in Las Vegas.

Just to be clear, Norwegian is a big-ship line . Its largest vessels are among the biggest cruise ships at sea (they must be, to accommodate everything mentioned above). If you want an intimate cruise experience, Norwegian probably isn't a good choice.

That said, the line does offer some smaller ships that aren't quite as big and bustling as its giants.

Norwegian is also a mass-market brand, not a luxury cruise operator. Still, as we'll explain below, it offers a wide range of accommodations, some of which fall squarely in the luxury segment. In some cases, its ships have an exclusive area full of high-end cabins and suites called The Haven that comes with its own private pools, lounge areas and even restaurants.

In short, if you want to turn a Norwegian cruise into a luxury experience , you can do that, too. Norwegian really is the line where you make the trip what you want it to be.

Related: Which cruise brand is right for you?

3 things TPG loves about Norwegian Cruise Line

• The do-what-you-want freestyle vibe
• The wide range of restaurants, bars and nightspots
• The stellar entertainment

What we could do without

• The sky-high extra charges

The Norwegian Cruise Line fleet

Norwegian is the world's fourth-largest cruise line by passenger capacity, with 19 ships that together offer 56,780 berths.

Smaller only than Royal Caribbean , Carnival Cruise Line and MSC Cruises , the brand has become increasingly known for having some of the biggest, most amenity-filled vessels at sea. The line doesn't just operate giant ships, though. More than half of its fleet is comprised of vessels that, by today's standards, are considered almost midsize.

Indeed, Norwegian is essentially two cruise lines in one. The line's nine newest ships are big, bustling floating megaresorts that can carry upwards of 3,000 to 4,000 passengers at double occupancy (and even more with every berth filled). At around 143,000 to nearly 170,000 tons, all eight currently rank among the 50 biggest cruise ships in the world (although their rankings will shift downward as more big ships debut).

Related: How to book a cruise with points and miles

However, Norwegian's 10 older ships are much more modest in size, measuring around 75,000 to 94,000 tons and carrying closer to 2,000 passengers at double occupancy.

Norwegian thus appeals both to cruisers who like a giant resort vibe and those who prefer something more modest. The key, depending on your tastes, is getting on the right ship in the fleet.

On the big-ship end of the spectrum, Norwegian's four relatively new Breakaway Plus-class vessels — Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Escape — are the line's premier offerings. While not quite as big as Royal Caribbean's giant, Oasis-class ships , they are firmly in the pantheon of the world's cruising giants. They are the Norwegian vessels most packed with restaurants, bars, entertainment and over-the-top attractions.

Unveiled in 2019, Norwegian Encore is, notably, the 23rd biggest cruise ship in the world as of this story's publishing (it will drop in the rankings over the coming years as additional megaships debut). At 169,116 tons, it's bigger than all but three Carnival ships. Only Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises have significantly more bigger vessels.

One step down in size from the Breakaway Plus ships are the still-quite-large Breakaway-class ships — Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway — as well as the one-of-a-kind Norwegian Epic and the recently unveiled Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva .

Around 17% smaller than Norwegian's biggest vessels, Prima and Viva are the first tow of six sister ships that the line will roll out between now and 2027 that will significantly change the composition of its fleet. While not the biggest vessels in the Norwegian fleet, these ships will be notably packed with restaurants, bars, entertainment venues and decktop attractions. They also mark a more upscale turn for the line, with more space per passenger than earlier Norwegian ships and lots of suites.

Related: I've been on nearly every Norwegian ship. Here are my first impressions of Norwegian Prima

Norwegian's 10 smaller vessels break down among five classes, but many are roughly the same size and offer similar amenities.

One notable outlier among the smaller ships is the 2,186-passenger Pride of America. Sporting a patriotic U.S. theme (you'll find venues named after Thomas Jefferson and John Adams), and a distinct array of lounges and entertainment, it's the only big cruise vessel based year-round in Hawaii.

Pride of America notably operates with a mostly U.S. crew, in keeping with regulations governing cruise itineraries that only include U.S. ports.

Related: Our take on the new Norwegian Encore

Destinations and itineraries

Norwegian sails almost everywhere in the world, but its heaviest presence is in the Caribbean, Europe and Alaska.

In a typical summer, the line will deploy nearly half its ships to Europe while sending several more to the West Coast to sail to Alaska from Seattle; Vancouver, British Columbia; and Seward, Alaska. It'll also operate trips to Bermuda from New York City and Boston, usually with two ships, and trips to the Bahamas and the Caribbean out of Miami.

During the winter, the line will move many of its vessels to North America to operate sailings to the Caribbean and Bahamas. It also sends a few ships to Asia, Australia and South America, and it'll typically keep a single vessel in Europe, too.

As mentioned above, the line also operates one ship (Pride of America) in Hawaii year-round. It's the only cruise line to offer year-round voyages in Hawaii.

In North America, Norwegian ships sail out of Baltimore; Boston; Galveston, Texas; New York City; Miami; Tampa; San Juan, Puerto Rico; New Orleans; San Diego; Los Angeles; San Francisco; Seattle; Honolulu; Vancouver, British Columbia; Quebec City; and Seward, Alaska.

In Europe, Norwegian ships sail out of Amsterdam; Stockholm; Copenhagen; Oslo and Tromso, Norway; Southampton and Portsmouth, England; Le Havre, France; Reykjavik; Lisbon, Portugal; Barcelona; Civitavecchia (the port for Rome) and Trieste, Italy (near Venice); Piraeus, Greece (the port for Athens); and Istanbul.

Related: The best Caribbean cruise for every type of traveler

Who sails Norwegian Cruise Line?

Norwegian appeals to vacationers who want a big-resort experience at sea with lots of options for dining and entertainment. In that, it's similar to Royal Caribbean — perhaps its closest competitor.

However, unlike Royal Caribbean, Norwegian hasn't retained any of the trappings of old-style cruising. There are no formal nights, as you'll still find on Royal Caribbean ships, or dress codes. Norwegian has also thoroughly done away with the concept of big main restaurants with fixed seating.

Because of that, Norwegian is popular with people who are seeking flexibility — freedom to eat when they want, with whom they want and to dress however they want, for sure, but also more freedom in general to just set their own schedule day and night.

Norwegian cruises are very unstructured vacations, and that's by design.

Like Royal Caribbean ships, Norwegian vessels have an inordinate amount of teen- and tween-friendly attractions — everything from some of the largest waterslides at sea to the only go-kart tracks on the ocean . That makes them particularly appealing to families, including multigenerational groups. Families are a big part of Norwegian's business.

It's not just families that flock to Norwegian, though. The line's ships are designed to offer a little something for everyone, and thus they appeal to a wide demographic, including couples of all ages and even solo travelers (the line has been a leader in adding solo cabins to ships in recent years). They also draw customers with a wide range of incomes.

At their core, Norwegian ships are mass-market ships, with entry-level cabins that are affordable to middle-class travelers. However, overlaid across most vessels are high-end suites and services that are at a luxury level, and the line draws a good number of luxury-seeking travelers.

The exclusive, keycard-accessed suite complex called The Haven (found on 13 of Norwegian's 19 ships) comes with private lounges, pools and other tony features. It's essentially a small, luxury vessel that has been planted atop otherwise middle-class, mass-market megaships. These complexes appeal to well-heeled travelers who want a luxury cruising experience while also getting all the fun attractions, entertainment and dining venues only a mass-market megaship can offer.

Cabins and suites

Norwegian is known for offering a wide range of accommodations on its ships. You'll find everything from relatively low-cost, windowless inside cabins that measure as little as 135 square feet (perfect for the budget traveler) to massive, multi-room suites that are more than 50 times that size.

At the high end, the accommodations are aimed at affluent travelers who, for whatever reason, prefer the megaship experience to that of a luxury ship, and they truly are among the most spectacular accommodations at sea.

Some, such as the giant Garden Villas found on six Norwegian ships — Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Star — sprawl over thousands of square feet and have as many as three bedrooms plus separate living rooms and dining rooms.

The Garden Villas also have private outdoor sun decks and courtyards with hot tubs. Additionally, the Garden Villas on Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Star include private outdoor dining areas and steam rooms.

Depending on the ship, top suites can come with perks such as private butlers and concierges who attend to your every need, access to a private restaurant, a private suite lounge and sun deck, reserved seating in entertainment venues and priority boarding and disembarkation.

On more than half of Norwegian's ships, many of the top suites are part of The Haven. Billed as an upscale "ship within a ship" and aimed at luxury travelers, The Haven is located at the very top of vessels and often comes with private lounges, pools, sunning areas and even restaurants.

Norwegian is also heralded for kicking off the trend of more solo cabins on cruise ships . In 2010, it debuted an entire zone of small studio cabins for one — 128 in all — on its then-new, 4,070-passenger Norwegian Epic, and it has since added them to seven more new ships.

The studio cabins are tiny at just 100 square feet. However, they're superbly designed to maximize storage space. On the ships that have them, they are clustered around an exclusive Studio Lounge where solo travelers can mingle at daily happy hour gatherings.

Related: What it takes to get concierge lounge access on a cruise ship

Restaurants and dining

Norwegian was an early pioneer of the idea of giving cruisers lots of choices when it comes to restaurants on ships, and even its smallest vessels offer a wide range of options.

On Norwegian's recently built Breakaway Plus-class ships, there are up to 20 places to grab a bite, ranging from high-end French restaurants and steakhouses to casual pubs.

Every vessel has two or three main restaurants and a casual buffet where meals are included in the fare — the latter is usually called the Garden Cafe.

Other included-in-the-fare venues found on some ships include O'Sheehan's Neighborhood Bar and Grill, a casual pub; an outdoor bar and grill called Topsiders; and casual Asian restaurants that go by many names including Shanghai's Noodle Bar, Ginza and Bamboo.

Also, every ship has a least four and often many more extra-charge eateries. Two found across the entire fleet are Cagney's, the line's signature steakhouse, and Le Bistro, a fine French restaurant. Every ship also has an Italian restaurant, called Onda by Scarpetta or La Cucina. There also are churrascaria restaurants called Moderno on most Norwegian vessels.

On some ships, you'll also find Ocean Blue, a seafood restaurant; The District Brew House, a gastropub serving craft beers; and a Mexican spot called either Los Lobos or Los Lobos Cantina. Every vessel has some sort of sushi restaurant, often called Sushi or Wasabi, and there are hibachi-style teppanyaki restaurants on nearly every Norwegian vessel.

You might even find Starbucks stores on some ships (the one-year-old Norwegian Prima has two!) and there are Starbucks products on every Norwegian vessel. Also, some ships have private restaurants just for passengers staying in The Haven.

Some of the extra-charge restaurants come with a flat fee (the teppanyaki outlets are $59 per person, not including the cost of drinks). However, most are a la carte, with sometimes hefty pricing. One thing you need to know upfront about going on a Norwegian cruise is that there are a lot of extra charges — and sometimes quite high extra charges — on the line's ships, particularly for things like restaurants.

A surf-and-turf dish at Ocean Blue that combines an 8-ounce filet mignon with a lobster tail costs $55, for example. If you just order a whole lobster, you'll be out $49. The least expensive entree on the menu, a roasted cauliflower steak, is $22.

If you know you want to eat at several extra-charge restaurants during a single voyage, you can buy one of several dining packages that offer meals at a discount.

Related: The 7 best meals you can have at sea

Entertainment and activities

Few lines offer as broad a range of entertainment and activities on their ships as Norwegian. The line's biggest vessels offer multiple entertainment venues, from theaters to comedy clubs; a wide range of deck-top attractions; large casinos; full-service spas; and even virtual reality attractions. You'll also find a seemingly endless array of bars, lounges and nightspots.

Theaters and shows

Entertainment is one of the core areas where Norwegian excels, and if you're the kind of person who loves nights out with live music and lively performances on your vacations, you're going to love the line.

Many of Norwegian's biggest ships have state-of-the-art theaters as big as those you'd find on Broadway, with big-name productions to match. Norwegian Bliss, for instance, has the Tony Award-winning "Jersey Boys."

In some cases, the Broadway shows are cut down slightly from the original versions, and the casts aren't quite as seasoned as what you'll find on Broadway. However, these are quality productions. The best part is they are entirely free. Compare that with the hundreds of dollars you'd spend to take your family to a show in New York City.

Norwegian ships also are jam-packed with music venues. Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Epic, for instance, have the Cavern Club, a reproduction of the British club that gave rise to the Beatles. It comes complete with a cover band that plays the group's greatest hits.

There are also Howl at the Moon dueling piano bars on some Norwegian ships, and there's the lively Q Texas Smokehouse found on Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Joy (a music-and-food concept that pairs live music with barbecue).

In addition, several Norwegian ships offer dinner theater venues with circus-type productions, and one vessel, Norwegian Getaway, features a magic-infused dinner theater show in a steampunk-inspired space called The Illusionarium.

Several ships also offer comedy club entertainment.

Other interior attractions and activities

In addition to entertainment spaces, the interiors of Norwegian ships are loaded with other venues where passengers can kick back and let loose day and night.

All but one Norwegian ship (Pride of America) has a casino, and on the line's bigger vessels, they are huge operations. The casino on Norwegian Encore has more than 300 slot machines and 26 table games (including blackjack, roulette, poker and craps), plus its own bar.

On the line's big Breakaway-class and Breakaway Plus-class ships, the casino — along with a large proportion of all onboard restaurants, bars and clubs — sprawls across three central decks connected by an atrium-like space known as 678 Ocean Place (the name derives from the location of the decks, which on each ship are decks 6, 7 and 8). At night, these three-deck complexes become bustling places.

The Breakaway- and Breakaway Plus-class ships have innovative outdoor promenades called The Waterfront lined with seating for many restaurants and bars. The Waterfront is located on Deck 8 of each of the ships, which is one of the main decks for restaurants on them all.

Like the ships of the Breakaway and Breakaway-plus classes, the Prima Class ships have a lively zone that mixes casino space, bars, eateries and entertainment that sprawls across decks 6, 7 and 8. These vessels also have outdoor eating space in an area called Ocean Boulevard.

In addition, Norwegian two new Prima Class ships (Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva), as well as another relatively new Norwegian vessels — Norwegian Encore — have innovative gaming and virtual reality zones called Galaxy Pavilion (a fourth Galaxy Pavilion area on Norwegian Joy is being removed during an overhaul in dry dock scheduled for early 2024).

There's nothing quite like Galaxy Pavilion in the cruise world. The venue has an amazing array of high-tech virtual reality experiences, including incredibly realistic race car simulators (on Norwegian Encore, there are eight in a row along one wall), hang gliding simulators, virtual mazes and a virtual reality "Jurassic Park" ride.

The Galaxy Pavilion on Norwegian Encore is the biggest of them all. Among added features, it includes a 45-minute escape room experience laced with special effects. Themed around a Spanish galleon, it's designed to be played by up to six people at a time.

Just be warned that you'll pay a hefty fee to play in the Galaxy Pavilion. A weeklong pass to the venue will set you back $199 per person. There also are hourlong passes available for $29 per person, or you can sample a single ride for $8 (except for the escape room, which is priced separately at $15 per person).

There's also a bowling alley on Norwegian Epic and duck pin bowling lanes on Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Breakaway.

Norwegian ships also all have Mandara Spas, which can be quite big on the bigger vessels, and there are fitness centers on every ship.

Deck-top attractions

What you'll find on the top decks of Norwegian ships will vary quite a bit depending on the vessel. The line's smaller ships will have at least one or two pools, sunning areas and usually a sports court area — but not all that much else.

The big ships are a different story.

On the line's Breakaway-, Breakaway Plus- and Epic-class ships, you'll find giant waterslides and kiddie splash zones and, in some cases, even more over-the-top attractions such as go-kart tracks and laser tag arenas.

The go-kart tracks (now on Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Joy) are quickly becoming Norwegian's signature can-you-believe-this-is-on-a-ship attraction, and they truly are impressive. The biggest two of them, on Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Prima, are nearly 1,400 feet long and sprawl over three decks.

Note that this is some serious go-karting. The cars that Norwegian uses can hit speeds up to 32 miles per hour. Three of the speedways, on Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Encore, also feature middle-of-the-track observation areas where your family and friends can cheer you on to victory — and even shoot you with "lasers" that'll give you a boost of power.

The open-air laser tag arenas also are significant venues that are unlike anything you'll find atop the ships of other lines. The one on Norwegian Encore, which is the largest laser tag arena ever put on a ship, is themed around the lost city of Atlantis and spans the back of the vessel.

As is the case with the Galaxy Pavilion attractions mentioned above, the go-kart and laser tag experiences on Norwegian ships don't come cheap. You'll pay $15 per person for an eight-lap romp on the go-karts. Joining a five-minute laser shootout costs $10 per person. In both cases, you can buy a weeklong pass for $199.

The top decks of a few Norwegian ships — mostly the bigger ones — also have a ropes course, a climbing wall or both. Some vessels also have miniature golf courses.

You'll find an exclusive, extra-charge, adults-only VIP sunning area on seven Norwegian ships called Vibe Beach Club. The biggest of these areas is on Norwegian Encore, where Vibe Beach Club is an expansive private lounge with a full-service bar, cabanas and two hot tubs designed to hold up to 270 people — far more than on other ships.

For those with money to burn (pricing on Norwegian Encore recently was $99 per person for a day pass), the Vibe Beach Clubs are lovely, secluded deck-top hideaways. However, there's a downside for everyone else on board the ships that have them, which is that they take away from the deck-top lounge space available to everybody else.

Related: The 12 cruise ships with the most spectacular attractions at sea

Children's programs

As is typical for big-ship cruise lines, Norwegian has an extensive children's program, with programs and activities for children as young as 6 months through the age of 17.

The heart of the program, called Splash Academy, brings free, supervised activities daily for children ages 3 to 12. The line splits children here up into three age groups: Turtles (ages 3 to 5), Seals (ages 6 to 9) and Dolphins (ages 10 to 12), and they each have their own age-appropriate activities ranging from treasure hunts to video game competitions. On many ships, there are extensive dedicated spaces for the different groups.

While the free programming ends at 10:30 p.m., you can pay extra to leave your kids at Splash Academy past 10:30 p.m. until 1:30 a.m., when it's billed as the Late Night Fun Zone.

Norwegian also has rooms on its ships for babies and toddlers ages 6 months to 3 years. Called Guppies, the program offers parents a place to play with their youngest children, with occasional youth staff-led activities and games.

Norwegian also offers dedicated teen zones and programming on ships for children ages 13 to 17. Called Entourage, the teen zone is a place for teens to hang out, dance and play games, and it's supervised by counselors who plan activities and challenges.

What to know before you go

Required documents.

A passport is required for all cruises leaving from a non-U.S. port and all Panama Canal sailings (regardless of departure port). If you're a U.S. citizen, you don't need a passport for most sailings from U.S. ports (including sailings to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, the Mexican Riviera and Alaska).

Instead, you can travel with a state-certified birth certificate or other proof of citizenship and a driver's license or other government-issued photo identification. That said, Norwegian strongly recommends that all travelers bring a passport.

Passports must be valid for at least six months after your trip, and the name on your reservation must be exactly as it's printed on your passport or other official proof of nationality.

Norwegian adds an automatic service charge of $20 to $25 per person, per day, to final bills, depending on your cabin category. Depending on the service you receive, you can adjust the amount up or down at the guest services desk before disembarking. In addition, a 20% gratuity is added to the bill at bars, extra-charge specialty restaurants and ship spas.

Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on a cruise ship

Norwegian has been rolling out faster Wi-Fi systems across its fleet in recent years, so you can now stream video on ships.

Pricing changes over time, but the fastest "premium" service on Norwegian vessels recently was priced at $39.99 per person per day, if you bought it in advance. Norwegian also offers a less expensive plan that doesn't allow video streaming for $29.99 per person per day if purchased in advance.

This pricing is quite a bit higher than what some other lines, such as Carnival or Princess, charge for Wi-Fi. Princess recently was charging just $14.99 per person per day for a WiFi package.

Related: Wi-Fi on ships really is getting better

Carry-on drinks policy

Norwegian allows you to bring bottles of your own wine or Champagne on board, but it will charge you a hefty corkage fee of $15 per bottle for the privilege — even if you plan to drink the bottle in your room. This is a more draconian policy than you'll find at most lines. Most lines allow passengers to bring at least a bottle or two of their own wine on board at no charge.

Smoking policy

On all ships, smoking (including e-cigarette smoking) is only allowed in designated outdoor areas, cigar lounges (for cigar smoking only) and casinos. It's forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies. Passengers caught smoking in their cabins will be fined $250 per occurrence.

Unlike many cruise vessels, Norwegian ships do not have self-serve launderettes on cabin decks for passenger use. Instead, the line offers extra-charge laundry and dry cleaning services.

Related: Everything you need to know about cruise ship laundry services

Electrical outlets

All cabins on Norwegian vessels have standard North American-style, 110-volt outlets and European-style, 220-volt outlets. Some cabins also have USB ports.

The currency used on all Norwegian itineraries is U.S. dollars. All vessels operate on a cashless system with any onboard purchases you make posting automatically to your onboard account. You'll receive a cruise card you can use to make charges. This same card also lets you into your cabin.

Drinking age

The official drinking age on Norwegian ships is 21. That said, passengers who are 18 to 20 can purchase and consume beer or wine on ships in international waters with permission from parents or legal guardians. The parent or legal guardian must be on board and sign a waiver at guest services. The lower drinking age in international waters does not apply during sailings in Alaska and Hawaii.

Norwegian Cruise Line may be the most laid-back line out there when it comes to dress codes. You can basically wear whatever you want, whenever you want.

The line specifically says that casual wear (think: khakis, jeans, shorts and casual shirts for men; casual dresses, skirts, shorts, jeans and tops for women) is just fine anytime during the day, at the buffet and in most specialty restaurants.

The line just recommends a step up to "smart casual" outfits in its more formal dining rooms and upscale specialty restaurants. In keeping with Norwegian's laid-backness, this might still mean nothing more than a crisper pair of jeans, or maybe slacks with a collared shirt, for men. Definitely no need for a jacket. For women, slacks, jeans, dresses, skirts and tops will do fine.

Related: What to pack for your first cruise

Norwegian Cruise Line loyalty program

Norwegian has a point-based frequent cruiser program, Latitudes Rewards, that has seven tiers, ranging from Bronze (requiring 1 point) to Ambassador (700 points).

Members earn points for every night they sail on one of the line's ships. They get an additional point for every night they stay in a concierge room, a suite (not including stays in minisuites, or stays in suites resulting from an upgrade) or a room in The Haven. They also get an additional point for every night booked through a Latitudes Rewards Insider Offer.

Hitting the first tier, Bronze, takes one cruise. Reaching the second tier, Silver (20 points), would take at the most three cruises if you're doing seven-night trips.

Related: Everything you need to know about the Norwegian loyalty program

Lower tiers don't bring all that much in terms of truly valuable benefits. You'll get things like priority check-in and discounted spa treatments performed while ships are in port. However, higher levels of the program start to be enticing.

Platinum (75 points) brings free dinners at two extra-charge restaurants, a discount on an internet package, behind-the-scenes ship tours and concierge service.

The top Ambassador level brings a truly wonderful perk: a one-time complimentary seven-night cruise in a balcony cabin. You can pick almost any sailing except trips around Christmas and the new year.

In contrast to airline frequent-flyer programs, cruise line loyalty programs do not require you to requalify for status every year. So, yes, the perks with lower tiers aren't great. But it's not as difficult as it might at first seem to hit the more rewarding higher tiers in just a few years if you're cruising a lot.

A passenger staying in suites and booking through Latitudes Rewards Insider Offers could get to the Platinum level with just four seven-night cruises.

Related: The TPG guide to cruise line loyalty programs

How much does a Norwegian cruise cost?

Norwegian designs its ships to appeal to a broad mix of people, in part by offering a wide range of cabin types at varying price points. On a typical sailing, you might find an entry-level cabin for around $100 a night while a high-end suite is five to 15 times that amount.

At the time of this story's posting, A The Haven two-bedroom family villa on Norwegian Jewel for a seven-night Alaska cruise in August 2024, for example, was going for $13,978 per person, based on double occupancy. That's more than 13 times the cost of the least expensive inside cabin (which was starting at $1,058 per person, based on double occupancy). Oceanview cabins on the same sailing started at $1,698 per person, based on double occupancy.

Note the "based on double occupancy" caveat in the above paragraph. As is typical for cruise lines, Norwegian charges on a per-person basis, not per room, and it prices most cabins based on two people occupying a room. It does offer some cabins for solo travelers on some ships that are priced based on single occupancy.

In general, Norwegian's newer ships including Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Prima and the Breakaway-class and Breakaway Plus-class vessels will be more expensive than the line's older, smaller ships. However, there are many factors that go into pricing for any given cruise, including the popularity of the specific itinerary, the time of year when the cruise is taking place and changing demand trends.

As you might expect, pricing for all ships will generally be lower during offseason periods such as September and October.

The timing of when you book can also matter. Cruises book up much further in advance than airplanes or hotels, and many cruisers will tell you the best pricing for any given sailing often is available when cruises first go on sale (which can be a good two years before a departure). Booking far in advance will also give you the best chance of getting your preferred cabin type and location on a ship.

Once on board a Norwegian ship, you'll pay extra for most drinks, extra-charge restaurants, spa services, shore excursions, internet service and a few other things — unless you've bought a package for some of these items in advance. Some onboard activities such as go-karting also come with an extra charge. What's included in the fare is your lodging, meals (in non-extra-charge restaurants) and most entertainment.

Related: 15 ways that first-time cruisers waste money on a cruise

How to book

If you're sure you know what sort of cabin you want, on which ship, on which itinerary — and about a dozen other things — you can head over to ncl.com to make a booking directly.

That said, given the complexity of booking a cruise (there are a lot of decisions to make during the booking process — trust us) we recommend you use a seasoned travel agent who specializes in cruises.

A good travel agent will quiz you about your particular interests, travel style and preferences, and steer you to the perfect cruise line, ship, itinerary and cabin for you. They can also help you if something goes wrong just before, during or after your voyage.

If you're sure Norwegian is your line, look for a travel agent who specializes in trips with the brand. You want someone who understands all the little quirks that are unique to Norwegian's cabin categories and, preferably, has done ship inspections to see the cabins firsthand.

Whether you use a travel agent or not, make sure to maximize your purchase when paying for the cruise by using a card that offers extra points for travel purchases . This could be the Chase Sapphire Reserve , which offers 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on travel and dining (excluding the annual $300 travel credit), or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card , which brings 2 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on travel and 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on dining.

Bottom line

For big-ship lovers, Norwegian pretty much has it all. There's tons of great entertainment on Norwegian's vessels, plenty of venues for eating and drinking, and all sorts of deck-top diversions — at least on the line's newest ships. Throw in the brand's low starting prices, and it's an even more compelling package.

If we have a gripe with the line, it's about the "extra-charge creep" we've been seeing for attractions on Norwegian ships such as go-karts and laser tag in recent years, and the higher a la carte prices spreading across the line's onboard restaurants.

Then again, you get what you pay for, as the saying goes. If you're on a tight budget, there are plenty of included-in-the-fare choices for dining and entertainment. If money is no object, you can follow a different "journey" through the ship, as Norwegian executives like to say, to a far more high-end vacation.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

• Credit cards
• View all credit cards
• Banking guide
• Loans guide
• Insurance guide
• Personal finance
• View all personal finance
• Small business
• Small business guide
• View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

Norwegian Cruise Line: The Complete Guide

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Table of Contents

About Norwegian Cruise Line sailings

Norwegian cruise line destinations, norwegian cruise line cruise prices, what is the best norwegian cruise line ship, what’s included on ncl cruises, ncl firsts in the industry: what is norwegian known for, ncl loyalty program: latitude rewards, norwegian cruise line credit card, what is ncl known for.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is one of the top players in large-ship cruising, and its fleet is seeing one of its biggest refits in decades with its new Prima fleet of ships. Norwegian Cruise Line ships are also known for their colorful hull art that makes them stand out in ports around the world.

The company dates back to 1966 when it got its start as a Norwegian shipping company. Today, it has become one of the more popular mainstream cruise brands and is part of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, which also includes the Regent Seven Seas and Oceania brands.

If you’re scrolling through endless Norwegian Cruise Line reviews, let this complete guide to the cruise company give you the larger overview of what sets this brand apart from the rest. There are some interesting innovations from Norwegian that other cruise lines have since adopted, but they started here.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

NCL sails around the world with numerous routes from the U.S. to Caribbean destinations as well as around the Mediterranean and Baltic Seas.

Its loyalty program, onboard amenities and variety of cabin types offer something for every type of traveler.

Cabin types: You can expect a range of different cabin sizes and layouts ranging from solo-traveler interior studios and inside cabins for as many as four people to ocean view and balcony cabins. A wide range of suites are also available. The Prima class of ships feature the largest suites, some of which have private whirlpools on the balcony and as many as three bedrooms. 

Main U.S. routes: NCL has plenty of North America sailings from U.S. ports to Alaska, Bermuda, Canada and New England. There are also sailings to the Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico and the Panama Canal, among others. 

Loyalty program: NCL's Latitudes Rewards loyalty program, which issues one point for every night sailed as well as bonus points for booking suites or participating in certain promotions. At each elite tier, members earn onboard benefits like discounts, laundry service and special event access. The more you travel with NCL, the more benefits you can earn. 

NCL spans the globe with sailings to every continent (even Antarctica) on a wide range of ships. They leave from both U.S. coasts as well as from Hawaii — where NCL has operated inter-island Hawaiian sailing for almost two decades.

Antarctica.

New Zealand.

Pacific Islands.

Panama Canal.

South America.

Depending on how long you want to sail and where you're going, you can find cruises as brief as two nights and as long as 21 days or more.

» Learn more: The pros and cons of cruises

You'll find lots of good deals on Norwegian, but cruise fares will fluctuate based on the destination, time of year and other variables. You’ll want to keep these factors in mind when booking a cruise, as they'll affect the price of the trip:

Time of year.

Trip duration.

Destination.

Ship class.

Cabin type.

You can find cruise bargains for as low as $350 on four-night cruises, but if you want to splurge and do a longer cruise, expect to pay as much as $4,600 or more (especially if you book a suite or a Haven category room).

Of course, the fare will always vary depending on which cabin type you book.

» Learn more: The best ways to book a cruise

(Image courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)

When it comes to which NCL ship is best, that depends on what you're looking for in a cruise. If you're traveling with a family, for example, water slides, amusement park-style games and multi-bedroom suites may be important. This means you may prefer one of the line’s newest Prima Class ships: Norwegian Prima or Norwegian Viva.

If you're looking for a romantic vacation, perhaps you'll want a smaller ship or a cabin in The Haven, which is a hotel-within-a-hotel concept with more personalized service. The Haven is only available on select Norwegian ships, including Encore, Viva and Prima.

What is the newest NCL ship?

Norwegian Viva launched in the summer of 2023, making it the newest ship for NCL. It has special features like a three-tier race track, the fastest slides at sea, a food hall with 11 complimentary eateries and a sustainable cocktail bar.

» Learn more: Do you need a passport for a Caribbean cruise?

On any NCL cruise, these benefits are always included:

Accommodations in the category you select at booking.

All meals in snack and buffet restaurants, main dining rooms and, when available, the food hall. 

Free non-bottled water, juice, hot chocolate, and some coffees and teas.

Fitness center access.

Shows and entertainment.

Pools and kids pool play area.

Onboard activities.

Government fees and port taxes.

If you want to partake in specialty dining reservations, Wi-Fi, Norwegian cruise excursions or upgraded beverage packages, you'll have to pay fees (sometimes bundled for greater savings).

» Learn more: Are cruises all-inclusive?

Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered many features aboard its ships, some of which other cruise lines have imitated. These are some of the special features you'll find aboard some or all of the ships in NCL’s fleet.

Freestyle dining: open-seating in restaurants with extended hours and no reservations. 

Private island: Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas is a private island for cruise passengers. NCL was the first cruise company to offer access to a private island, and it spurred a growing trend in the industry.

Full Broadway theater productions.

Onboard internet cafe.

Bowling alley at sea.

Ice bar at sea.

Studio accommodations for solo travelers, with a private lounge.

Sustainability-focused onboard bar with zero waste.

Collection of NFTs from a cruise company, available for sale.

Race track at sea.

Latitude Rewards awards members with points based on each night they sail, and they can earn bonus nights when booking certain categories of suites.

Occasional promotions also offer double-night credit. You will only earn cruise points on eligible sailings where you are paying a traditional fare; promotional sailings with a heavy discount might not be eligible, although you would still receive the benefits at your tier. Also, sailings on sister lines do not qualify for Latitude Rewards cruise points.

As you accrue nights, you earn elite status that delivers onboard benefits that grow with each status tier.

Latitude Rewards levels

The loyalty program has seven levels, from Bronze to Ambassador. The full roster of onboard amenities can be found on the Norwegian Cruise Line website . There are some extra perks that come with certain tiers.

How to earn Latitudes Rewards points

Earn one point for every night you spend on a sailing and double points in suites or The Haven category accommodations.

How to redeem points

This program does not offer any points to redeem. Instead, you would earn benefits on future cruises related to your particular elite tier. Ambassador members (700+ points) earn a free 7-night cruise.

Spending on the Norwegian Cruise Line® World Mastercard® won’t earn you Latitude Rewards points (the only way to do that is by sailing with NCL), but it will earn you WorldPoints. This currency can be redeemed for onboard credits on future sailings, Norwegian Cruise Line shore excursions and other travel experiences. The card has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for world travelers.

With the Norwegian Cruise Line® World Mastercard, you earn WorldPoints as follows:

3x points on NCL sailings.

2x points on eligible airfare and hotel purchases.

1x point on everything else.

Earn 20,000 WorldPoints, which is good for a $200 onboard credit or discount toward a future cruise, if you spend $1,000 or more in the first 90 days the account is open.

How to redeem WorldPoints

Each WorldPoints point is equivalent to one cent, which you can then redeem for things such as:

Stateroom upgrades.

Travel discounts.

Last-minute cruises.

Onboard credits.

Car rentals.

Hotel stays.

Gift cards.

» Learn more: The best cruise lines

No, but you can pay for a Wi-Fi package, which starts at $29.99 per day per device.

No, but all sailings do include accommodations, activities, food and beverages, and entertainment. There is the ability to purchase extra benefits on each ship.

There are several drink package options on NCL sailings:

Non-alcoholic

The Unlimited Soda package includes all fountain soda drinks for $9.95 per person per day.

The Unlimited Starbucks package includes all Starbucks drinks for $12.95 per person per day.

An adult over the age of 21 could opt for a non-alcoholic drink package, but that means everyone else on their reservation must also get non-alcoholic drink packages.

Premium offers most drinks that cost $15 and under. You can pay the difference if you choose a more expensive drink. This unlimited package costs $109 per person per day.

Premium Plus offers even more drink options, mostly premium and top-shelf category labels, bottled water, Starbucks drinks and energy drinks for a flat price of $138 per person per day.

Keep in mind that alcoholic drink packages must be purchased for all people above the age of 21 in the same reservation, and those under 21 must pay for the soda package. The policy is intended to prevent people over the age of 21 from getting alcoholic drinks for other members of their party that did not pay for the alcoholic drink package.

Norwegian Cruise Line offers sailings at different price points to a global range of destinations. It is also known for its beautiful hull art, pioneering Freestyle Dining and adding buzzworthy amenities like ice bars and race tracks to its ships. NCL cruises are fun for all types of travelers, and its loyalty program can provide added perks along the way.

(Top photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

on Bank of America's website

1.5x-2x Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

• Enable Accessibility

• 00800 0310 21 21 1-855-577-9489 1-877-288-3037 1-877-288-3037 1-877-474-2969
• | NCL Travel Blog">11-Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog
• | Norwegian Cruise Line">14-Day Authentic Alaska - Northbound Cruise Tour | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line">14-Day Authentic Alaska - Southbound Cruise Tour | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | Norwegian Cruise Line">20-Day Transpacific from Tokyo (Yokohama) & Alaska | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | NCL Travel Blog">11 Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog
• View All Results
• Preferences
• Latitudes Rewards
• Special Offers
• Personalised Recommendations
• Make reservations before you cruise
• 1 (current)

* Terms & Conditions Package not available on sailings less than 5 days or charter sailings.

• 00800 0310 21 21
• Youth Programmes FAQ
• Splash Academy
• Entourage for Teens
• Group Sitting Services

Youth Programmes FAQs

Note: youth programme operations may vary by ship and sailing based on local regulations and continued return to service efforts., will youth programmes continue to operate on all sailings.

Splash Academy is offering limited drop off services for children 3-12 years of age when the ship is sailing . We are not offering any services when the ship is in port. Late Night Services are offered nightly from 11p - 1a for an hourly fee.

What Are Youth Programmes?

Youth Programmes are the umbrella of programmes for children 3 to 17 years old which consists of:

Family Activities: The Cruise and Youth teams offer an array of engaging family activities that brings everyone closer together. Bring your competition and A-Game for Beat Your Bed Time, Music Mania, Compete Opposites, and Family Dodgeball. Who will rule? The parents or the children?

Guppies Open Play: For the littlest cruisers, the Guppies Open Play offers a play space for parents to interact with their infants/ babies/toddlers 6 months - 3 years old and/or children in nappies. Please refer to the onboard Guppies activity programme for the location, dates, and times. The timetable varies per ship and itinerary.

Splash Academy: A drop off programme for child ages 3 - 12 offering flexible programming, allowing children to explore and make their own interest-based choices throughout the sailing.

Entourage: The teen hang out for 13 -17 year olds. Refer to Entourage FAQ What does Entourage have to offer teens 13 -17 years old?

For Splash Academy and Entourage, it is recommended that parents register their child(ren) and teen(s) as soon as they board the ship. Any Youth Counsellor on board the ship is available to assist.

What ages are eligible for Splash Academy and Entourage?

SPLASH ACADEMY 3* - 12 years old

ENTOURAGE Entourage: 13* - 17 years old

*Age eligibility is based on the age of the child at the time of sailing, according to their birth certificate or passport reflected on the ships manifest.

A child must be 3 years old, completely potty trained (not in nappies or pull ups), to register for Splash Academy.

A child must be 13 years old to register for Entourage. Please refer to the birthday exception.

A child who turns 18 during the cruise is considered a legal adult and will not be able to continue participation in Entourage.

How do I register my children for the youth programmes Splash Academy and Entourage?

On all ships, a one-time digital registration form is to be completed by a parent or guardian (if child is not travelling with their parent) for each child/teen age 3 - 17. Children/teens can then participate as frequently as they choose during operating hours with space availability.

The registration form requires a primary parent or guardian to be named for the child(ren). This primary person is the only person who can make any changes to the child's registration form.

Norwegian Cruise Line requests that you let the Youth Staff know if your child has any food allergies and/or noted medical conditions by noting the information on the Registration Form to allow the Youth Staff to provide the best services for your child(ren) whilst in our care.

Do I have to pay for Splash Academy, Entourage, or Late Night Fun Zone programmes on sea days and port days?

Splash Academy and Entourage are complimentary programmes and are only offered when the ship is sailing on sea days and port days.

Late Night Fun Zone is a group-sitting, drop off, fee-based service for children ages 3 - 12 years old. Late Night Fun Zone is run by the Youth Staff inside Splash Academy.

Late Night Fun Zone Hours of Operations Nightly: 11:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.

Late Night Fun Zone Fees $6.00 USD per hour/per child, $4.00 USD per hour/per child per hour siblings; Fees are charged to the guest's onboard account. Late Pick up fees will apply.

Parents are encouraged to register in advance.

Sign out authorisation for 10 - 12 year olds does not apply during Late Night Fun Zone due to the fees associated with the services. Therefore, parents must drop off and pick up the child to ensure correct charges are made to the onboard account.

If no children are registered or dropped off by 11:30 p.m., the youth centre will close for the evening.

What are the hours of operation for the Splash Academy?

Opening hours on Sea Days and Port Days whilst the ship is sailing are posted onboard the ship or via the Freestyle Daily.

What do I need to know about the 10 - 12 year old sea day sign out parent authorisation?

Parents can allow their 10 - 12 year old to sign themselves out of Splash Academy after two hours of participation.

It is recommended for parents to make the initial drop off so the Youth Staff have the opportunity to meet you. In order to sign themselves in and out of the programme, the 10-12 year olds must have their key cards and their parents location.

The authorisation ends nightly at 11:00 p.m. Therefore, at 11:00pm, the 10 -12 year old will be signed out from Splash Academy, unless the parent registers the child for Late Night Fun Zone. Due to the Late Night Fun Zone charges, the parent is required to pick up the child.

If the child does not wish to remain in Splash Academy for the two hours, the parent or another authorised guardian can pick up the child at any time.

Please refer to FAQ regarding authorised pick-up people.

It is recommended that parents decline the authorisation if they do not want their 10 - 12 year old unattended or if the child has a moderate to severe special need. It is also recommended, for safety purposes, to establish a meet-up plan for 10-12 year old who are given the sign out authorisation so you are aware of where they are when not in the programme.

What other fees should I be aware of?

Overall, there are very few fees associated with the Youth Programmes.

Splash Academy Bracelet Reprint Fee: $5.00 USD

Entourage Wristband Replacement Fee: $20.00 USD

Pager/Handy Phone Fee: $150.00 USD for damage and replacement.

Splash Academy Diaper Changing Fee: $75.00 USD and program dismissal

Splash Academy Late Pick-Up Fee: $1.00 USD per minute, starting at the 16th minute and the child can be dismissed from programme for excessive late pick-ups.

• Guppies Nursery Late Pick-Up Fee: $1.00 USD per minute, starting at the 11th minute and the child can be dismissed from program for excessive late pick-ups.
• Early Morning Club: $6.00 USD per child/per hour, $4.00 USD per sibling/per hour
• Breakfast Club: $6.00 USD per child for the supervision during the meal

Can my child bring in electronics or personal items?

It is not advised for a child to bring in electronics or personal items to Splash Academy. In the event the child does bring in an item, the child is fully responsible for the item if lost or damaged. In addition, whilst in programme, the device should be used on a limited basis as to not distract other children from the programme. We also reserve the right to remove the item in attempt to control shared content that may be inappropriate for all ages.

Will children of other ages be able to play together during programme hours?

Yes, if they choose to. Children 3-12 are able to choose the activities they want to participate in by themselves or with other children. Splash Academy offers flexible programme options where children can choose games and activities from four different stations: Dynamic (5-12yrs), Creative & Chill, Gaming, and Younger Ones' Choice. The Younger Ones' Choice offers a variety of interest-based and age-appropriate activities for the younger cruisers designed to keep them active, engaged, and safe.

What is Interest-Based, Flexible Programming?

Interest Based, Flexible Programming allows for the children to choose. There will be many options for them to explore from including: Dynamic (3-12yrs), Creative & Chill, Gaming, and Younger Ones' Choice. Younger Ones' Choice offers a variety of interest-based and age-appropriate activities for the younger cruisers designed to keep them active, engaged, and safe.

The activities will vary per session, per ship.

Can my child move up an age group if celebrating a birthday during the cruise?

Children must be at least three (3) years old and fully potty trained (no nappies or pull ups allowed) to participate in Splash Academy based on date of birth at the time of sailing according to the ships manifest. No exceptions can be made.

Children turning three (3) years old and are fully potty trained (no nappies or pull ups) during the cruise are welcome to register and participate on their birthday.

Children turning thirteen (13) years old during the cruise are welcome to register for and participate in the Entourage Programme beginning embarkation evening.

Are parents/guardians/adults allowed in the Splash Academy and Entourage facilities?

Splash Academy, and Entourage are adult free zones (18+) regardless of what programme is taking place.

Parents/guardians/adults are only allowed in the Splash Academy and Entourage facilities on embarkation day during the registration process.

Any parent with a child that has special needs and would like additional information, please contact the access desk in advance of sailing by calling toll free 00800 0310 21 21 or by sending an email to [email protected] .

Who and how many can be authorised as drop-off and pick-up people?

Parents or Primary Guardian (if children are not travelling with their parents) may select a total of four (4) people (including themselves) to drop off/pick up their child(ren) from Splash Academy (Fleetwide).

The authorised drop off and pick-up people are the same people and must be listed on the child's profile at the time of registration and must be 18 years of age or older. The primary person noted on the child's profile is the only person eligible to make any changes to the child's profile.

Refer to FAQ How do I register my child for the youth programmes?

What does an authorised drop off and pick up person need to make the process simple for Splash Academy?

The drop off/pick up person must always have the following:

• His/her key card and the child’s key card
• Noted password; share the password with all pick-up and drop-off people.
• Handy Phone (if issued)

If the person does not have the key cards or password, this will delay the drop off and pick up process at Splash Academy. At pick up, the child will not be released until the pickup person is confirmed, and proper keys and information is provided.

Is one-on-one care or are babysitting services provided for children?

Norwegian Cruise Line does not provide one-on-one care or babysitting on any ship.

How is my child identified in the Splash Academy and Entourage?

For Splash Academy, including Late Night Fun Zone, identification bracelets are issued to children ages 3 - 12 when registered for the youth programmes and worn for the entire cruise. The bracelet displays the child's safety muster station. Allergies and medical conditions are coded for internal use.

For Entourage, an Entourage VIP Wristband is provided to teens ages 13-17. The teens must show their bracelet and wristband upon entering the facility.

Refer to FAQ What other fees should I be aware of?

Refer to FAQ Do teens need to wear a wrist band?

What if my child is in nappies?

Children must be fully potty trained to participate in Splash Academy. Splash Academy will not accept children in nappies or pull ups.

Can the youth staff assist my child in the washroom?

Parents should be aware that Norwegian Cruise Line Youth Counsellors in Splash Academy on any ship are not able to assist children in the washrooms. This includes pulling up/down pants, buttoning/unbuttoning pants and/or wiping assistance. All children must be fully potty trained.

In the event there is an immediate health and sanitary concern to the child, facility, or other children, the child will be assisted into clean clothes until the parents arrive or can be reached. If a child is not fully potty trained, the child is subject to dismissal from the programme.

Will the youth staff contact me if my child is crying?

Yes. Since Norwegian Cruise Line Youth Counsellors in Splash Academy are not able to provide one-on-one-care or babysitting, the parent(s) will be called to pick up their child after 15 minutes of continuous crying. The step process for care is as follows:

• Step 1: Comfort the child
• Step 2: Redirect the child
• Step 3: If the child is still crying, the parent will be called. It is expected that the parent pick up within 10 minutes of the call.

Is there a timetable of activities for Guppies Open Play, Splash Academy, and Entourage?

Yes, detailed activity agendas are available on embarkation day which advertise the timetable of activities for Splash Academy and Entourage for each age group.

Activities are flexible, subject to change, and age groups are combined. Entourage activities will be rescheduled (when possible) if there is no participation after the first 15 minutes of the scheduled activity.

What is the youth discipline policy for youth and teens?

Step 1: Warning - The Youth Counsellor addresses the child and it is explained that his/her behavior is unacceptable and needs to be improved immediately.

Step 2: Reflection Time - If the child continues to disobey the Youth Counsellor, a time out is issued and the parents are notified at pick-up time.

Step 3: Suspension - If a time out is not effective in eliminating the inappropriate behavior, the parents are located and the child is grounded from the programme for 24 hours. The child is then welcomed back, but if there is any reservation on the part of the Youth Counsellor, a parent may be required to attend with their child.

Step 4: Dismissal - Once the child is allowed back into the programme after the initial dismissal, if any disobedient behavior continues, the child will no longer be allowed to participate. More severe behaviours may warrant a higher discipline as deemed appropriate by the Youth Programme Supervisor.

What does Entourage have to offer teens 13 - 17 years old?

Entourage combines the hang out zone, dance zone, game zone and party zone. The Teen Counsellors plan intriguing activities and challenges to keep the teens coming back for more. Activities and games may take place around the ship. Parents should know that the activities are hosted by the Teen Counsellors. However, when activities take place around the ship, Entourage may be unsupervised.

Do Teens need to wear a wristband?

Yes, Entourage VIP Wristband for all registered teens to wear for the duration of the cruise. Teens need to bring their key card and be wearing the wrist band to enter Entourage and participate in the programmes. Replacement wristband will require parent acknowledgement and a replacement fee will apply.

What is the Entourage safety and emergency information?

In an unlikely event of an emergency, if teens are in Entourage, the Teen Counsellor will direct the teens to their Assembly Stations; however, teens are personally responsible for proceeding to their Assembly Stations. Parents should ensure that their teen(s) are familiar with their Assembly Station location number or letter. This information can be found on the guest key card and on the back of the stateroom door.

For overall safety, parents are responsible for their children at all times, even when not present.

Are there proper protocol guidelines for Teenage Guests?

Yes. Teens are expected to be courteous and respectful at all times. Upon coming to Entourage, Teens should have their key card and wristband available/visible. Teens are also responsible for any personal items brought to activities and events. Teens participating in our programmes are prohibited from smoking, drinking alcohol and using profanity. Violence and vandalism will not be tolerated.

It is highly encouraged for teens/parents to have open communication when in and out of Entourage.

All crew members are instructed to report inappropriate behavior to Ship Security. Curfew for all teenage guests is 1:30am. Teens must proceed to their staterooms unless they are accompanied by their parent/guardian.

Norwegian Cruise Line strongly discourages teens from travelling ashore alone in the ports of call.

Children under the age of 17 are never to be left alone without adult supervision on the ship whilst the ship is docked in port.

What is the teen discipline policy?

Step 1: Verbal Warning - Teens exhibiting inappropriate behavior will be asked to stop immediately.

Step 2: Parent Notification - If the inappropriate behavior does not stop, parents will be notified of the inappropriate behavior and informed that if the behavior doesn't change the teen will be dismissed for 24 hours or programme dismissal depending on the severity.

Step 3: 24-Hour Dismissal with Parent/Ship Notification - If the inappropriate behavior does not stop, he/she will be dismissed from the Teen Centre and Teen Programme for 24 hours. Parents and Ship Security will be notified.

IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL: Any teen passenger exhibiting violence, vandalism or intoxication when participating in the Teen Programme or using the Teen Centre will result in immediate dismissal for the entire sailing. Parents and Ship Security will be notified.

What if my child/teen is not feeling well?

If a child/teen of any age is not feeling well or is exhibiting symptoms of sickness, he/she will be required to visit/call the medical centre. Before returning to the programme, he/she must be cleared by the doctor with written authorisation to the Youth Programme Manager. Please refer to Childhood Exclusion Policy that is posted outside all Youth Programme facilities. A standard medical centre charge may apply.

Is special-needs care provided in Splash Academy or Entourage?

To ensure that children/teens and parents have an enjoyable holiday, and to assist those children/teens who require a little extra care, it is recommended that parents contact the access desk in advance of sailing for any medical special needs request by calling toll free 00800 0310 21 21 or by sending an email to [email protected] .

What if my child/teen has an allergy or medical condition?

Parents or guardians must alert the Youth Staff of any allergies, required medications or special needs of their child/teen when registering. If a child has a severe allergy and uses an epipen, the epipen must come with the child.

The Youth Programme Manager has the right to issue a handy phone based if the need is determined.

Youth Staff are not allowed to administer any medication to any child.

It is recommended for parents to contact the access desk for any severe allergies, medical conditions or specials needs by calling toll free 00800 0310 21 21 or by sending an email to [email protected] .

What is the Splash Academy safety and emergency information?

In the event of an emergency during Splash Academy hours:

Child Care Team shall gather the children in their care and bring them safely to the Child Pick-Up Point where the children can be claimed by their parents. An announcement will be made as to the location of the Pick-Up Point.

On the order from the Captain, all unclaimed children at the Child Pick-Up Point will be accompanied by the Child Care Team to an assigned lifeboat.

No child will be left unattended.

What is Fire Code Maximum Capacity?

Fire Code Maximum Capacity refers to the maximum number of children and staff allowed inside the youth facilities at any time to provide safety, prevent overcrowding, and allow for safe facility exit in the event of an emergency.

Due to Fire Code Maximum Capacity, Splash Academy offers service on a first come, first served basis. Time slots cannot be held in advance of the session.

Youth Programmes and Youth Programme facilities adhere to fire code safety and maximum occupancy* guidelines outlined per each vessel based on Fire Safety Standard Code. In the event the facilities reach maximum occupancy, drop off is suspended resulting in wait times for drop off at Splash Academy.

Splash Academy and Entourage staff are required to enforce the set limits and reserve the right to temporarily suspend drop off service to registered guests once the maximum capacity has been reached.

Access to facilities will be granted once children/teens are signed -out or picked up and space becomes available. The service is available on a first come first served basis.

Do my children have access to the internet, arcade, or Galaxy Pavilion?

Yes. 24-hour Internet service, arcade games and Galaxy Pavilion (on ships with these facilities) are available on the ship and are accessible with your child's stateroom key card. Fees are charged directly to your onboard account. Parents, if you do not wish for your child to have access, please visit the Guest Services Desk to deactivate your child's card.

We like to travel and participate in activities as a family, what activities can I expect on board?

Great family fun is offered throughout the cruise. Activities are subject to change per ship/itinerary but may include shipboard challenges, a movie night, sports competitions, scavenger hunts, dance parties, game show challenges and poolside challenges.

Please remember that a parent or guardian is required throughout the duration of the activity for the child to participate in designated Family Activities.

What Is The Average Age Of Norwegian Cruise Line Passengers?

Cruising is enjoyed by people of all ages, but Norwegian Cruise Line tends to attract a slightly younger crowd compared to some other cruise lines. If you’re wondering what the average age of NCL passengers is, read on for a detailed breakdown.

If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: the average age of Norwegian Cruise Line passengers is 37 years old .

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Focus on Families and First-Time Cruisers

When it comes to cruising, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) stands out for its commitment to providing a memorable experience for families and first-time cruisers. With a wide range of family-friendly ships and activities, budget-friendly fares, and spacious accommodations with innovative ship designs, NCL ensures that passengers of all ages have a fantastic time on board.

Family-Friendly Ships and Activities

NCL understands the importance of catering to families, and their ships are designed with this in mind. From water parks and swimming pools to engaging kids’ clubs and entertainment options, there is never a dull moment for children on board.

Parents can relax knowing their little ones are having a great time and are well taken care of. The ships also offer a variety of family-friendly dining options, ensuring that even the pickiest eaters find something they enjoy.

Budget-Friendly Fares

One of the reasons why NCL is a popular choice for families and first-time cruisers is its affordability. The cruise line offers a range of budget-friendly fares, allowing families to enjoy a high-quality vacation without breaking the bank.

NCL often runs promotions and discounts, making it even more accessible for those looking to experience the joy of cruising. Additionally, the inclusive nature of NCL’s fares means that many amenities and activities are already included, reducing the need for additional spending.

Large Rooms and Innovative Ship Designs

Another aspect that sets NCL apart is its commitment to providing spacious accommodations and innovative ship designs. NCL’s ships feature a variety of room options, including family suites that can comfortably accommodate larger groups.

The innovative ship designs also ensure that passengers have access to a range of amenities and entertainment options. From Broadway-style shows to thrilling waterslides, there is something for everyone on board.

Norwegian’s Passenger Demographics

When it comes to the average age of Norwegian Cruise Line passengers, it is important to note that the demographics can vary depending on the specific cruise ship and itinerary. However, Norwegian Cruise Line is known for attracting a diverse range of passengers, from families with children to older adults looking for a relaxing getaway.

One of the reasons why Norwegian Cruise Line appeals to a wide age range is its extensive selection of onboard amenities and entertainment options. With activities for all ages, including water parks, Broadway-style shows, and gourmet dining experiences, there is something for everyone on a Norwegian cruise.

While exact statistical data on the average age of Norwegian Cruise Line passengers might not be readily available, it is safe to say that the cruise line’s offerings attract a mix of age groups. Families with children and multigenerational groups often choose Norwegian Cruise Line for its family-friendly activities, while older adults appreciate the relaxed atmosphere and wide range of dining options.

To get a better understanding of the demographics of Norwegian Cruise Line passengers, it can be helpful to visit the official website of the cruise line. Norwegian Cruise Line provides detailed information about its various cruise itineraries, onboard activities, and amenities.

By browsing through the website, potential passengers can get a sense of the type of experience they can expect and whether it aligns with their age preferences.

How Norwegian Compares to Other Cruise Lines

When it comes to the average age of passengers, Norwegian Cruise Line stands out among other popular cruise lines. Let’s take a closer look at how Norwegian compares to some of its competitors:

Carnival Cruise Line

Known for its fun and lively atmosphere, Carnival Cruise Line tends to attract a younger crowd. The average age of Carnival passengers is typically in the 30s and 40s. This cruise line is popular among families, couples, and groups looking for a lively and energetic experience.

According to carnival.com , their cruises offer a wide range of activities and entertainment options, including water parks, live music, comedy shows, and themed parties, which appeal to a younger demographic.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean is another cruise line that appeals to a diverse range of age groups. While it attracts families and younger travelers, it also caters to older passengers. The average age of Royal Caribbean passengers is around 40 years old.

With a reputation for innovative ship designs and a wide array of onboard activities, Royal Caribbean offers something for everyone. From rock climbing walls and ice skating rinks to Broadway-style shows and spa treatments, there’s never a dull moment on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

You can find more information about Royal Caribbean at their official website, royalcaribbean.com .

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is often associated with a more sophisticated and mature clientele. The average age of passengers on Princess Cruises tends to be slightly higher, usually in the 50s and 60s.

Princess Cruises offers a variety of activities and amenities, including gourmet dining options, live entertainment, and enrichment programs. Their ships are designed to provide a more refined and elegant experience for their passengers.

If you’re interested in learning more about Princess Cruises, you can visit their official website, princess.com .

Holland America

Holland America is known for its classic and traditional approach to cruising. The average age of passengers on Holland America tends to be higher, often in the 60s and 70s.

Holland America offers a more relaxed and refined atmosphere, with activities such as cooking demonstrations, live music performances, and art classes. The cruise line also has a reputation for exceptional service and attention to detail.

You can find more information about Holland America at their official website, hollandamerica.com .

In comparison, Norwegian Cruise Line appeals to a wide range of age groups, with an average age of passengers in the 40s. With a variety of onboard activities, dining options, and entertainment choices, Norwegian offers a vibrant and diverse cruising experience for all ages.

Other Factors Impacting Demographics

Ship size and itineraries.

Aside from the average age of passengers, there are several other factors that can impact the demographics of Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) passengers. One significant factor is the size of the ship and the itineraries offered.

NCL operates a diverse fleet of ships, ranging from smaller, more intimate vessels to larger, resort-style ships. The size of the ship can attract different types of travelers, with smaller ships often appealing to older, more affluent passengers seeking a more relaxed and luxurious experience, while larger ships may attract families, couples, and younger travelers looking for a wide range of onboard activities and entertainment options.

Additionally, the itineraries offered by NCL play a role in shaping the demographics of its passengers. NCL offers cruises to a variety of destinations around the world, including popular Caribbean and Mediterranean routes, as well as more exotic destinations like Alaska, Hawaii, and the Norwegian fjords.

The choice of itinerary can attract different age groups and interests. For example, cruises to Alaska may attract older passengers who are drawn to the natural beauty and wildlife, while Mediterranean cruises may appeal to a wider range of age groups due to the rich history and cultural experiences offered.

Seasonality

Another factor that can impact the demographics of NCL passengers is seasonality. The time of year and the specific season can influence the age groups and types of travelers on board. For example, during school vacation periods such as summer and winter breaks, families with children are more likely to be cruising, leading to a younger demographic on board.

On the other hand, during off-peak seasons or during the school year, the passenger demographic may skew towards older adults and retirees.

It is important to note that while these factors can play a role in shaping the demographics of Norwegian Cruise Line passengers, they are not the sole determinants. The cruise industry is diverse and attracts a wide range of travelers, each with their own preferences and interests.

Therefore, it is essential to consider these factors alongside other variables such as marketing strategies, pricing, and overall customer satisfaction in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the demographics on board NCL ships.

In summary, Norwegian Cruise Line attracts a younger demographic compared to other mainstream cruise operators, with the average age of its passengers being 37. Key factors that appeal to younger cruisers and families include NCL’s casual ambiance, family friendly amenities, innovative new ships, and value pricing.

As Norwegian continues expanding its fleet with cutting-edge vessels full of excitement and activities for all ages, they are likely to keep courting the next generation of cruisers.

Jennifer Morris is an avid solo travel adventurer who founded Solo Traveller after many years of journeying on her own around the world. She has backpacked through over 50 countries across 6 continents over the past decade, striking up conversations with locals along railway platforms, learning to cook regional dishes in home kitchens, and absorbing a global perspective while volunteering with various community initiatives.

With a Masters in Tourism and Hospitality, Jennifer is passionate about responsible and meaningful travel that fosters cultural exchange. Whether trekking through the Atlas Mountains, sailing to Komodo National Park, or taking an overnight train across Eastern Europe - she is always seeking her next epic destination.

When not globetrotting, Jennifer calls Vancouver, Canada home. There she enjoys kayaking local waters, curling up with books on faraway places, and gearing up for her next solo backpacking trip. As the founder of SoloTraveller, she hopes to motivate and inform fellow solo explorers from all walks of life to take the leap into their own adventures.

Similar Posts

Finding The Calmest Waters For A Smooth Cruising Experience

Cruising along calm waters is the ultimate way to have a relaxing and enjoyable time on a boat. If rough waves and choppy seas don’t appeal to your idea of fun, knowing where to find the calmest waters for cruising is key. If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: The…

Universal Studios Ride Weight Limits: A Comprehensive Guide

If you’re planning a trip to Universal Studios and wondering about ride weight limits, you’ve come to the right place. Getting turned away from a ride you’ve been looking forward to is disappointing for anyone. Here’s a quick answer to your question: most Universal Studios rides have maximum weight limits between 200 to 300 pounds…

Is There A Disney World Lifetime Pass?

Disney parks are beloved destinations for families and Disney fans of all ages. With high ticket prices, many dream of having unlimited access via a lifetime pass. In this article, we’ll explore whether Disney World offers lifetime passes, the history of their availability, and some reasons Disney does otherwise. If you’re short on time, here’s…

Will Ccl Stock Recover? A Detailed Analysis

Cruise line stocks like Carnival Corporation (CCL) were hit hard during the COVID-19 pandemic as cruising came to a halt. With travel restarting, many investors wonder if CCL stock will recover to pre-pandemic levels. If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: CCL stock has potential to recover but faces some lingering headwinds like…

Uber Vs Taxi Cost In Las Vegas: A Detailed Comparison

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become incredibly popular in recent years, especially in major tourism destinations like Las Vegas. Many visitors to Vegas now use Uber or Lyft instead of hailing a traditional taxi. But which is really the most affordable option? If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: rideshares like…

A Look At The Tasty Desserts On The Texas Roadhouse Menu

If you have a sweet tooth, the Texas Roadhouse menu has plenty of tasty treats to satisfy your cravings after eating one of their famous hand-cut steaks or fall-off-the bone ribs. If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: The most popular desserts at Texas Roadhouse include the Cinnamon Butter Melts,…

Age Requirements

Families with Children Norwegian Cruise Line welcomes children on its ships, though infants and pregnant women are subject to some restrictions ( click here  to read more).

• Cruise and Hotels
• Norwegian Cruise
• Understanding Norwegian Cruise Age Policy: Everything You Need to Know

Embarking on a Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) vacation is an exciting experience, but it’s essential to be aware of their age policy to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a solo adventure, understanding the age requirements is crucial. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the Norwegian Cruise age policy, covering everything you need to know before booking your dream cruise.

To provide a quick overview, here are the key age-related points to consider when planning your Norwegian Cruise:

Infants as young as six months old are welcome on Norwegian Cruise Line ships, making it a family-friendly option for those with young children. The cruise line also offers a variety of children’s programs and facilities catering to different age groups, ensuring that kids and teens have a fantastic time onboard.

For young adults between 18 and 20 years old, it’s important to note that they must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 21 years old. This policy ensures the safety and comfort of all passengers. Additionally, Norwegian Cruise Line strictly enforces a minimum drinking age of 21 years old, with no exceptions.

Understanding the age policy of Norwegian Cruise Line is vital for a stress-free vacation. By familiarizing yourself with these guidelines, you’ll have a clearer understanding of who can enjoy the various amenities and programs offered onboard. So, whether you’re planning a family vacation or a romantic escape, Norwegian Cruise Line has something for everyone.

For more detailed information about the age policy and other important aspects of Norwegian Cruise Line, refer to their official website: [Norwegian Cruise Line – Age Requirements](https://www.ncl.com/faq#!

What age is considered a child on Norwegian Cruise Line?

Children on Norwegian Cruise Line are defined as individuals who are under the age of 18. For the purpose of determining cruise fares and onboard amenities, the age of the child at the time of embarkation is considered. Norwegian Cruise Line offers age-appropriate activities and facilities for children and teenagers, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all young guests. For more detailed information, you can visit Norwegian Cruise Line’s official website at www.ncl.com.

Can an 18 year old drink alcohol on Norwegian Cruise?

The Norwegian Cruise Line has a strict age policy regarding alcohol consumption on their ships. According to their guidelines, passengers must be at least 21 years old to consume alcoholic beverages. However, there is an exception for passengers between the ages of 18 and 20, who are allowed to drink alcohol if they are sailing with their parents or legal guardians. It is important to note that proper identification, such as a valid passport or driver’s license, will be required to verify age. For more information on Norwegian Cruise age policy and other related guidelines, please refer to the official Norwegian Cruise Line website.

How do they know your age on a cruise?

When it comes to determining your age on a Norwegian cruise, there are several methods the cruise line utilizes to ensure compliance with their age policy. Firstly, during the booking process, guests are required to provide their date of birth and identification details. This information is cross-checked with government-issued identification presented at embarkation. Additionally, passengers may be asked to show proof of age, such as a passport or driver’s license, when purchasing alcoholic beverages or entering age-restricted areas on the ship. Norwegian Cruise Line strictly enforces their age policy to maintain a safe and enjoyable experience for all passengers. To learn more about Norwegian Cruise Line’s age policy and how they verify your age, visit their official website: https://www.ncl.com/faq#age-restrictions-onboard.

How does drinking age work on a cruise ship?

The drinking age policy on Norwegian Cruise Line ships is determined by the itinerary and the ship’s home port. For sailings that depart from the United States or Canada, the minimum drinking age is 21 years old. However, for sailings that depart from non-U.S. or non-Canadian ports, the minimum drinking age is 18 years old. It is important to note that the age restrictions apply to the consumption of alcohol on the ship and in the ship’s public areas. Norwegian Cruise Line strictly enforces these policies and requires valid proof of age, such as a government-issued ID, to be presented at the time of purchase or consumption. For more detailed information on Norwegian Cruise Line’s age policies, please refer to their official website: https://www.ncl.

Norwegian cruise line infant policy

Norwegian Cruise Line has a comprehensive age policy in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all passengers. Infants as young as six months old are welcome on most cruises, with certain restrictions and requirements. The policy varies depending on the destination and duration of the cruise, so it is crucial to review the specific guidelines before booking. It is important to note that infants must be at least 12 months old to embark on a transatlantic, Panama Canal, Hawaii, or South America cruise. Additionally, Norwegian Cruise Line offers a variety of onboard amenities and services for families traveling with infants, such as cribs and baby food. For more detailed information and the latest updates, please refer to Norwegian Cruise Line’s official website.

Embarking on a Norwegian Cruise Line vacation is an exciting experience, but it’s essential to be aware of the age policy to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. Norwegian Cruise Line has specific guidelines in place regarding the minimum age requirements for passengers, as well as the age restrictions for certain onboard activities and amenities. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the details of the Norwegian Cruise age policy, covering everything you need to know before planning your next cruise.

Minimum Age Requirements for Norwegian Cruise Line:

Norwegian Cruise Line has set minimum age requirements that must be met by all passengers to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for everyone onboard. The minimum age to sail on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship is generally 6 months old for most itineraries. However, for transatlantic, transpacific, and certain South American cruises, the minimum age is increased to 1 year old. It’s important to note that these age requirements may vary for specific sailings, and it’s always recommended to check with Norwegian Cruise Line directly or consult their official website for the most up-to-date information.

Age Restrictions for Specific Onboard Activities:

While Norwegian Cruise Line caters to passengers of all ages, there are certain onboard activities and amenities that have age restrictions in place. For example, children must be at least 3 years old to participate in the complimentary youth program, Splash Academy. This program offers age-appropriate activities and entertainment for children, ensuring they have a fantastic time while parents can relax and enjoy their own vacation. Additionally, children must be at least 6 months old to utilize the onboard swimming pools.

Teenagers, on the other hand, have access to the Entourage Teen Club, which is designed exclusively for guests between the ages of 13 and 17. Here, teens can socialize, engage in various activities, and make new friends in a safe and supervised environment. Norwegian Cruise Line understands the importance of providing age-specific spaces and activities to ensure an unforgettable experience for passengers of all age groups.

Traveling with Infants and Toddlers:

Norwegian Cruise Line recognizes that traveling with infants and toddlers requires extra attention and care. To facilitate a comfortable journey, they provide a range of amenities and services to make cruising with young children hassle-free. These include cribs, high chairs, strollers, and bottle warmers, which can be requested in advance or upon arrival. Norwegian Cruise Line also offers an excellent babysitting service for children aged 6 months to 12 years, allowing parents to enjoy some adult time while knowing their little ones are in safe hands.

Booking Policies for Young Adults:

For young adults aged 18 to 20 who wish to travel without a parent or legal guardian, Norwegian Cruise Line has specific booking policies in place. These guests are welcome to cruise unaccompanied but are required to provide a consent form signed by a parent or legal guardian, allowing them to travel. This policy ensures the safety and well-being of young adults while still allowing them to enjoy the freedom and excitement of a cruise vacation.

Additional Considerations:

It’s important to note that some itineraries and destinations may have specific age restrictions due to local laws or requirements. For example, certain cruises that include a visit to the United States may have a minimum drinking age of 21 due to local regulations. It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with these additional considerations before booking your Norwegian Cruise Line vacation.

Conclusion:

Understanding Norwegian Cruise Line’s age policy is essential to ensure a smooth and enjoyable vacation for passengers of all ages. By adhering to the minimum age requirements and being aware of any age restrictions for specific activities and amenities, you can plan your cruise with confidence and peace of mind. Norwegian Cruise Line’s commitment to passenger safety and satisfaction is evident in their thoughtful policies and services catering to guests of all age groups. So, whether you’re traveling with young children, teenagers, or young adults, Norwegian Cruise Line has you covered, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience for the whole family.

For more information on the Norwegian Cruise Line age policy and to explore their wide range of cruise options, visit their official website at https://www.ncl.com/ or consult their FAQ page at https://www.ncl.com/faq.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• CRUISE TIPS
• Carnival Cruise Lines
• Celebrity Cruise Line
• Disney Cruise Line
• Holland America Line
• MSC Cruises
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Princess Cruises
• Royal Caribbean
• Virgin Voyages
• Windstar Cruises
• Travel Deals
• CRUISE SHIP TRACKER
• Port Webcams

Norwegian Cruise Line currently has 20 cruise ships. The company was established in 1966 and headquartered in Miami, FL; Norwegian Cruise Line has been an industry innovator. With its “First Fleet of the Caribbean” with four dedicated ships sailing in 1971.

Norwegian Cruise Ships: Biggest to Smallest

Below is a list of all Norwegian Cruise Line ships by size, ordered from largest to smallest.

Table of Contents

Ncl cruise ships by size.

Our list of Norwegian cruise ships by size shows gross tonnage (which is a measure of internal volume, not weight), the total guest capacity of each ship, Length in Feet, ship class, and the year the vessel entered service:

List of Norwegian Cruise Ships By Size

List of norwegian cruise ships by age with photos.

The cruise line is recently known for its beautiful hull artwork, multi-level go-cart race tracks at sea, and more. We hope you enjoy our comprehensive list of Norwegian cruise ships by age, from newest to oldest.

Norwegian Aqua – 2025

Norwegian Aqua is scheduled to become Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship in the fleet beginning in April 2025. She will be sailing Seven-Day Caribbean Voyages from Port Canaveral, Fla. She is the first ship in the brand new Prima Plus Class. She is 156,300 GRTs and carries 3,571 passengers (based on two per cabin).

Norwegian Aqua will premiere the first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide, the Aqua Slidecoaster. Complete with exhilarating dual slides and a magnetic lift that propels adventurous guests through two different courses, this NCL-exclusive experience will feature three stories of exciting twists and turns around the ship’s funnel.

Norwegian Viva  –  2023

Norwegian Viva is Norwegian Cruise Line’s  newest ship  in the fleet, the second ship in the popular Prima Class, and sister to Norwegian Prima. She is 142,500 GRTs and carries 3,100 passengers (based on two per cabin).

Norwegian Prima   – 2022

Norwegian Prima is the first ship in the innovative and popular  Prima Class and sister to  Norwegian Viva . She is 142,500 GRTs and carries 3,100 passengers (based on two per cabin).

Norwegian Encore – 2019

Norwegian Encore is the largest Norwegian Cruise Line fleet ship at 169,116 GRTs. She carries 3,998 passengers (based on two per cabin) and is the last ship built the  Breakaway Plus Class .

Norwegian Bliss – 2018

Norwegian Bliss is the third ship in the  Breakaway Plus Class . She is 168,028 GRTs and carries 4,004 passengers (based on two per cabin).

Norwegian Joy – 2017

Norwegian Joy is the second ship in the  Breakaway Plus Class . She is 167,725 GRTs and carries 3,804 passengers (based on two per cabin).

Norwegian Escape – 2015

Norwegian Escape is the first ship in the  Breakaway Plus Class . She is 165,157 GRTs and carries 4,266 passengers (based on two per cabin). Renowned marine artist Guy Harvey completed the ship’s hull artwork.

Norwegian Getaway – 2014

Norwegian Getaway is the second ship in the  Breakaway Class . She is 145,655 GRTs and carries 3,963 passengers (based on two per cabin). The ship’s mural on the hull was designed by David “LEBO” Le Batard. Known as Lebo in the art world, he is recognized for working in a wide spectrum of creative mediums, including murals, paintings & sculptures.

Norwegian Breakaway – 2013

Norwegian Breakaway is the first ship in the  Breakaway Class . She is 145,655 GRTs and carries 3,963 passengers (based on two per cabin). Acclaimed artist Peter Max completed the hull ships’ colorful artwork.

Norwegian Epic – 2010

Norwegian Epic is 155,873 GRTs and carries 4,100 passengers (based on two per cabin). Norwegian Epic was originally one of three ships to be ordered. A dispute ultimately resulted in delivering only one ship in the Epic Class. When built, Norwegian Epic was the third-largest cruise ship in the world in June of 2010.

Norwegian Gem – 2007

Norwegian Gem is the final ship in the  Jewel Class . She is 93,530 GRTs and carries 2,394 passengers (based on two per cabin). She was delivered to Norwegian Cruise Line on October 1, 2007, and received a major refurbishment in 2015.

Norwegian Pearl – 2006

Norwegian Pearl is the third ship in the  Jewel Class . She is 93,530 GRTs and carries 2,394 passengers (based on two per cabin). She began service in 2006 and received a major refurbishment in 2017.

Norwegian Jade – 2006

Norwegian Jade is the second ship in the  Jewel Class . She is 93,558 GRTs and carries 2,402 passengers (based on two per cabin). She was originally built as  Pride of Hawaii  for their NCL America division.  Norwegian Jade  was also used as a floating hotel during the  2014 Winter Olympics  in Sochi.

Norwegian Jewel – 2005

Norwegian Jewel is the first ship in the  Jewel Class . She is 93,502 GRTs and carries 2,376 passengers (based on two per cabin). The ship’s Godmother is former First Lady Melania Trump. She launched in 2005 and received a major refurbishment in 2018.

Pride of America – 2005

Pride of America is the only ship in the  Pride of America Class . She is 80,439 GRTs and carries 2,186 passengers (based on two per cabin). The initial construction of the vessel began in 2000 in the United States as part of a plan for a US-built and US-flagged cruise ship under Project America. Still, the project failed, and she was eventually purchased by Norwegian Cruise Lines and completed in Germany.

Pride of America  was inaugurated in 2005 and was the first new U.S. flagged, deep-water vessel cruise ship in nearly fifty years since the  SS  Argentina  of 1958. The Godmother is a former U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.

Norwegian Dawn – 2002

Norwegian Dawn is the second ship in the  Dawn Class  and is the sister of  Norwegian Star.  She is 92,250 GRTs and carries 2,340 passengers (based on two per cabin). She was originally intended to operate with  Star Cruises  under the name  SuperStar Scorpio , but it was later decided that she would be delivered to  Star’s  then subsidiary,  Norwegian Cruise Line  as the  Norwegian Dawn  in December 2002. Her Godmother is actress Kim Cattrall.

Norwegian Star – 2001

Norwegian Star is the first ship in the  Dawn Class  and is the sister of  Norwegian Dawn.  She is 91,740 GRTs and carries 2,348 passengers (based on two per cabin). The ship was originally ordered by and intended for  Star Cruises , and it was originally named  SuperStar Libra  before being transferred to Star’s then subsidiary, Norwegian Cruise Line.

Norwegian Sun   – 2001

Norwegian Sun is the second ship in the  Sun Class  and is the sister of  Norwegian Sky.  She is 78,309 GRTs and carries 1,936 passengers (based on two per cabin).

Norwegian Sky – 1999

Norwegian Sky is the first ship in the  Sun Class  and is the sister of  Norwegian Sun.  She is 77,104 GRTs and carries 2,004 passengers (based on two per cabin).  She sailed from 2004 to 2008 as Pride of Aloha for NCL America.

Norwegian Spirit – 1998

Norwegian Spirit is the only ship in the  Leo Class . She is 75,904 GRTs and carries 2,018 passengers (based on two per cabin). She was built 1998 for Star Cruises as SuperStar Leo by the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. In 2004, she was transferred to NCL and renamed  Norwegian Spirit.

List of Norwegian Cruise Ships Newest to Oldest

Ncl ship classes.

Norwegian Cruise Line has six different classes of cruise ships, with three others being their class. Each class of ship has a unique architectural design layout and features. Most ships in a particular class have an almost identical layout with some minor changes.

The table below shows the Norwegian Cruise Line ship classes .

Norwegian Cruise Line ship classes

Norwegian Cruise Line Ships FAQs

What are the different classes of norwegian cruise line ships.

Norwegian Cruise Line ships are categorized into Breakaway Plus Class, Jewel Class, Prima Class, Dawn Class, Sun Class, and Breakaway Class.

How many ships are in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet?

As of 2024, the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet consists of several ships, including new additions such as Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva and other existing vessels for 20 when you include the Norwegian Aqua (scheduled for April 2025).

What is the smallest Norwegian Cruise Line ship?

The smallest NCL ship is the Norwegian Spirit, which is 75,904 GRT and carries 2,018 passengers (based on two per cabin).

What are the characteristics of the Breakaway Plus Class ships?

The Breakaway Plus Class ships are known for being the largest and most innovative ships in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, offering a wide range of amenities and entertainment options.

How does the size of Norwegian Cruise Line ships compare to other cruise lines?

Norwegian Cruise Line offers a variety of ship sizes, from the largest in the Breakaway Plus Class to smaller ships, providing options for different preferences within the cruise industry.

Are there any new additions to the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet in 2024?

Yes, Norwegian Cruise Line has introduced new ships, such as Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, as part of their continuous expansion and growth in the cruise industry.

What are some notable features of Norwegian Cruise Line ships?

Norwegian Cruise Line ships are known for their innovative design, onboard activities such as laser tag, go-cart tracks, escape rooms, entertainment options like Broadway shows at sea, and dining experiences, offering passengers a unique and enjoyable cruise experience.

How many Breakaway Plus-class ships are currently in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet?

There are four Breakaway Plus-class ships in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, each offering distinct amenities and experiences for passengers.

What are some other cruise lines under Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings?

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings also includes Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, offering various cruise experiences across its brands.

What sets Norwegian Cruise Line apart in the cruise industry?

Norwegian Cruise Line is known for its various ship sizes, innovative features, and unique amenities, catering to a diverse range of preferences within the cruise industry.

• #cruiseaddict
• #cruiseaddicts
• #cruiseship
• #CruiseTips
• #NorwegianCruiseLine

Related Articles

The best jackpot games at australian casinos in january 2024, 3 unique theme nights you shouldn’t miss when on a cruise ship, actor jonathan bennett named ‘godfather’ to carnival firenze.

Popular Categories

• Oceans 1545
• Cruise News 1322
• Cruise Tips 346
• Carnival Cruise Line 345
• River Cruises 229
• Royal Caribbean 174

© Copyright 2024 - Cruise Addicts

• Affiliate Disclaimer
• Privacy Policy

The best Norwegian Cruise Line ship for every type of traveler

MSN has partnered with The Points Guy for our coverage of credit card products. MSN and The Points Guy may receive a commission from card issuers.

What’s the best Norwegian Cruise Line ship? Over the years, I’ve sailed on all but two of Norwegian’s 18 vessels, and my personal favorite is the new Norwegian Prima. I love its stylish design and upscale feel, as well as its wide mix of eateries, bars and entertainment.

Still, Norwegian Prima isn’t necessarily the best Norwegian Cruise Line ship for you. Whether you’ll have a better time on one of the other 17 vessels in the Norwegian fleet will depend a lot on the type of traveler you are.

Norwegian has some vessels, such as Norwegian Encore, that are loaded with family-friendly attractions such as waterparks and go-kart tracks that are perfect for families with teens and tweens. To me, Norwegian Encore is an even better choice than Norwegian Prima for families with school-age kids.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter .

Other Norwegian cruise ships, such as Norwegian Epic and Norwegian Sun, have specific features that might make them better options for solo travelers or retirees. Certain Norwegian ships are best for budget travelers, while others are best for luxury travelers.

In short, the best Norwegian cruise ship for you will depend on a bunch of factors, and which ship is best for a trip with your family might not be your top pick for a couple’s cruise or girlfriends’ getaway.

Here we list our top picks for the best Norwegian cruise ships for five different types of travelers.

Norwegian Encore: Best for families

The best Norwegian Cruise Line ships for families, hands down, are the four giant, activity-packed ships of its Breakaway-Plus class: Norwegian Encore , Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Escape. Of these, Norwegian Encore is our top pick.

At 169,145 tons and carrying 3,998 passengers, Norwegian Encore is the largest ship in the Norwegian fleet. That means it has the most space for the many over-the-top family fun zones that are at the core of the four Breakaway-Plus vessels — a series of ships that was specifically designed with families in mind.

For starters, Norwegian Encore is home to some of the most thrilling waterslides at sea, as well as a kiddie splash zone that will have your little ones squealing with delight. But those are just the appetizers when it comes to family fun on the top deck of the ship.

Norwegian Encore is also the setting for one of the biggest go-kart racing tracks at sea . (Yes, this is a thing — Norwegian debuted the concept on its Breakaway-Plus-class ships and now has a go-kart track on four vessels.) Two decks high and nearly 1,150 feet long, the Norwegian Encore Speedway includes four sections that extend up to 13 feet over the sides of the vessel. The racecourse also features a middle-of-the-track observation area where your family and friends can cheer you on to victory — and even shoot you with “lasers” that’ll give you a boost of power.

Related: The 5 best cruise lines for families

In addition, Norwegian Encore has a large laser tag area on its top deck (one that I can tell you from personal experience is a blast) and a massive indoor gaming and virtual reality zone called the Galaxy Pavilion. Both are tween and teen favorites.

That’s all on top of dedicated children’s play areas, pools and family-friendly entertainment that will keep your family busy from morning to night.

In short, there are so many family-friendly things to do on Norwegian Encore that you and your kids likely won’t be able to do it all in a single, weeklong cruise.

Norwegian Prima: Best for luxury lovers

Luxury lovers recently got a new top choice in the Norwegian fleet: Norwegian Prima .

Unveiled in 2022, the 3,215-passenger vessel is the first of a new class of Norwegian ship that the line has designed to be more upscale than its earlier vessels. (A sister vessel, Norwegian Viva , is debuting this year.) An “elevation” of the brand is how executives describe it.

The upscale turn included loading Norwegian Prima with the largest variety of suites (13 categories in all) of any ship in the NCL fleet, including the largest three-bedroom suites of any new cruise vessel. If it’s swanky digs you’re after (and you have the money to spend), you’ll find plenty of options on this ship.

Extra suite categories are just the start of what makes Norwegian Prima the best Norwegian cruise ship for luxury lovers.

Notably, the entire back of the ship is dedicated to an upscale luxury zone for the fancy set called The Haven. Rising eight decks high, it’s home to 107 of the aforementioned suites, a sprawling private indoor lounge area, private outdoor lounge and pool areas, and a private restaurant — all exclusively for the use of the deep-pocketed biggies who pay up for one of its suites.

Related: The 8 best cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

We’ve seen these private The Haven suite areas on Norwegian ships before but never on this scale. If it’s living large on a Norwegian ship that’s your goal, you’re not going to find anything better than this.

Outside of The Haven, the entire ship has a more elegant feel of the sort you find in the fleets of Norwegian’s higher-end sister brands, Oceania Cruises  and Regent Seven Seas Cruises — albeit on a bigger scale.

The entryway to the ship, for instance, deposits you at the three-story-high Penrose Atrium, which may be the most beautiful atrium of any big ship at sea. It has a curvy, sculptural feel as if the entire space were an art piece.

It’s a look that carries over to a bevy of high-end eateries, including Nama, a new-for-Norwegian sushi restaurant with a design that is as sophisticated as the sushi it serves. Also striking is Norwegian Prima’s version of Le Bistro, Norwegian’s signature French eatery. It’s built around three massive crystal chandeliers costing nearly $100,000 that hang down to the floor — a showstopper of a design element. Gold-leaf wallpaper lines its booth seating.

Notably, the public areas that include these restaurants feel more spacious than many of the other ships in the Norwegian fleet. Indeed, they are. Norwegian Prima was built with a higher ratio of space to passengers, which itself is an upscale touch. The ship also has a higher crew-to-passenger ratio than many Norwegian ships, leading to better service.

In short, this is the Norwegian ship to book when you want to take things up a notch.

Norwegian Sky: Best for budget travelers

Norwegian Sky is the Norwegian ship to pick when you’re looking for a low-cost, easy-to-do getaway — at least in the summer months.

Based in Miami for much of the year, the 24-year-old vessel operates a mix of short three- to five-night voyages to the Bahamas and longer trips to the Caribbean from spring to fall that have one thing in common: They’re unusually affordable on a per-night basis.

In many cases, Norwegian Sky sailings out of Miami will start under $100 a day per person, though it depends on the week. We sometimes see the ship’s shorter sailings starting as low as $249 per person for the entire cruise.

Indeed, the ship often is at the top of the list when you sort cruises by lowest price on Norwegian’s website.

For would-be Norwegian cruisers, Norwegian Sky’s shorter sailings out of Miami serve as a sort of “test the line” opportunity. Their short time frame and low pricing mean you’re not out a lot in time or money if you don’t love it as much as you hoped. These shorter sailings cater heavily to first-time cruisers and Florida locals who can book on short notice and drive into the port for a quick escape.

One of two ships in the line’s Sun class that date to the turn of the millennium, Norwegian Sky is far from the snazziest ship in the Norwegian fleet. This is both because of its age but also its size. At 77,104 tons and carrying 2,002 passengers, it’s just half the size of Norwegian’s biggest ships and has far fewer venues, from bars and restaurants to entertainment spaces. There is no giant water park on its top deck or a go-kart track to keep the kids busy all day, so it’s not the best Norwegian Cruise Line ship for families.

Related: The 8 classes of Norwegian Cruise Line ships, explained

That said, Norwegian Sky has its allures, one of which is that it has a much more intimate feel than the line’s bigger vessels. It’s a great choice for adults on a budget who are satisfied with the basics.

Norwegian Epic: Best for solo travelers

When it comes to the best Norwegian cruise ship for solo travelers, one ship stands out above all the others: Norwegian Epic.

Unveiled in 2010, Norwegian Epic caters to solo travelers like no other large cruise ship at sea — from any line, not just Norwegian — with an unusually large private zone for solo travelers that has its own two-story lounge for solo mixers as well as special solo cabins.

Tucked away in the middle of the ship, this “studio” zone is essentially a private escape for solos, with more solo cabins — 128 — than you’ll find on any other ship at sea.

The cabins measure just 100 square feet but are superbly designed to maximize storage space. They’re also clustered around the exclusive Studio Lounge, which has its own private bar and a television area where solo travelers can mingle at daily hosted happy hour gatherings.

Only solos staying in the solo cabins (via keycards) can access the Studio Lounge, meaning that you and your new solo friends will have the place to yourselves.

Related: The best cruise lines for solo travelers

Norwegian Epic was the first Norwegian ship with an exclusive solos zone, and it was such a hit the line later added them to six more vessels. But none of the latter zones are as big as the one on Norwegian Epic.

The bigger Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Bliss all have an 82-cabin solo complex, while two older ships — Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway — have solo areas with 59 cabins. The line’s newest vessel, Norwegian Prima, has a 72-cabin solo complex spread over two decks.

Norwegian also offers four solo cabins on its Hawaii-based Pride of America.

Having sailed in one of Norwegian Epic’s cabins for one, I can confidently declare them among the coolest solo digs at sea. I particularly love the “Jetsons” futuristic-style design and the multicolored mood lighting.

One big caveat: They’re all inside cabins without an ocean view, although most have a window that looks out onto a corridor.

Related: Why a windowless inside cabin isn’t so bad

A bigger caveat, perhaps, is that these solo cabins have become so popular they often sell out far in advance and at prices that aren’t much better than booking a cabin for two.

Norwegian Sun: Best for retirees

For older travelers looking for a Norwegian ship that isn’t filled to the gills with children, Norwegian Sun is the perfect option.

Dating to 2001, Norwegian Sun is one of Norwegian’s oldest and smallest vessels, and it lacks many of the family-focused onboard attractions that are typical for the line’s newer and bigger vessels. You won’t find big waterparks, go-kart racing tracks or laser tag zones on this ship.

Norwegian Sun’s top deck mostly comprises sunning areas, with a single pool and whirlpools, as is typical for ships built more than two decades ago.

As a result, it draws far fewer families than most of the vessels mentioned above and caters more to an older crowd of mostly couples.

Norwegian Sun also is the ship that Norwegian deploys on some of its longest and most destination-focused itineraries, the type that particularly appeals to retirees looking to see more of the world.

Related: The 7 best cruises for seniors who love to travel

Over the next two years, for instance, Norwegian Sun is sailing lots of long voyages out of such less-common home ports as Tokyo; Seoul, Korea; Laem Chabang, Thailand; Lisbon, Portugal; and Haifa, Israel.

The sailings out of Tokyo, Seoul and Laem Chabang will offer the chance to visit such Asian countries as Japan, Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand in-depth, with most departures ranging from 11 to 15 nights and packed with port stops — the sort of cruise that appeals more to older couples than families.

The sailings out of Lisbon and Haifa, both on the longer side, will offer in-depth explorations of Northern Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean, respectively.

Norwegian Sun is also one of the smallest and least kid-focused of the five ships the line deploys to Alaska in summer, making it a good choice for retirees wanting to visit that destination. Families with kids naturally gravitate to the two giant, activity-packed vessels Norwegian sends to Alaska each summer — Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Norwegian ship  

At 78,309 tons, Norwegian Sun is less than half the size of the biggest Norwegian ships, and it holds just 1,976 passengers at double occupancy. (Compare that to more than 4,000 for Norwegian’s biggest vessels.) Expect a far more intimate experience than what you’ll find on most of the ships mentioned above.

Note that due to the ship’s small size, some of Norwegian’s signature features, including a private The Haven suite complex and solo cabins, aren’t found on the ship. Still, you’ll find more than half a dozen eateries, including several main dining rooms, a casual buffet, a diner-style pub, a steak house, an Italian trattoria and a French bistro as well as a showroom with nightly shows, a casino, a multipurpose basketball/volleyball court, golf driving nets and a jogging track.

Bottom line

Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet consists of 18 ships that come in a wide range of sizes and feature differing mixes of venues and activities. Some are jampacked with fun zones that make them perfect for families, while others are geared toward couples and retirees. Some ships have attributes that make them stand out for luxury, solo or budget travelers.

If you’re considering a Norwegian cruise, it pays to study not just the itineraries that are available from the line but the specific ships that are operating the itineraries. You want to make sure you end up on the best Norwegian Cruise Line ship for you.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• The 15 best cruise ships for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

SPONSORED:  With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

• Today's news
• Reviews and deals
• Climate change
• 2024 election
• Fall allergies
• Health news
• Mental health
• Sexual health
• Family health
• So mini ways
• Unapologetically
• Buying guides

Entertainment

• How to Watch
• My Portfolio
• Stock Market
• Biden Economy
• Stocks: Most Actives
• Stocks: Gainers
• Stocks: Losers
• Trending Tickers
• World Indices
• US Treasury Bonds
• Top Mutual Funds
• Highest Open Interest
• Highest Implied Volatility
• Stock Comparison
• Advanced Charts
• Currency Converter
• Basic Materials
• Communication Services
• Consumer Cyclical
• Consumer Defensive
• Financial Services
• Industrials
• Real Estate
• Mutual Funds
• Credit Cards
• Balance transfer cards
• Cash-back cards
• Rewards cards
• Travel cards
• Personal Loans
• Student Loans
• Car Insurance
• Options 101
• Good Buy or Goodbye
• Options Pit
• Yahoo Finance Invest
• EV Deep Dive
• Fantasy football
• Pro Pick 'Em
• College Pick 'Em
• Fantasy baseball
• Fantasy hockey
• Fantasy basketball
• Download the app
• Daily fantasy
• Scores and schedules
• GameChannel
• World Baseball Classic
• Premier League
• CONCACAF League
• Champions League
• Motorsports
• Horse racing
• Newsletters

New on Yahoo

• Privacy Dashboard

Yahoo Finance

Why norwegian cruise line (nclh) is a top value stock for the long-term.

It doesn't matter your age or experience: taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for all investors.

Many investors also have a go-to methodology that helps guide their buy and sell decisions. One way to find winning stocks based on your preferred way of investing is to use the Zacks Style Scores, which are indicators that rate stocks based on three widely-followed investing types: value, growth, and momentum.

Why Investors Should Pay Attention to This Value Stock

Value investors love finding good stocks at good prices, especially before the broader market catches on to a stock's true value. Utilizing ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, and Price/Cash Flow, the Value Style Score identifies the most attractive and most discounted stocks.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLH)

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., a Bermuda Limited company, is a leading cruise line operator.  It owns and operates three brands — Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line. The company, founded in 1966, is headquartered in Miami, FL.

NCLH sits at a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), holds a Value Style Score of A, and has a VGM Score of A. Compared to the Leisure and Recreation Services industry's P/E of 16X, shares of Norwegian Cruise Line are trading at a forward P/E of 14.4X. NCLH also has a PEG Ratio of 0.3, a Price/Cash Flow ratio of 7.3X, and a Price/Sales ratio of 0.9X.

A company's earnings performance is important for value investors as well. For fiscal 2024, five analysts revised their earnings estimate higher in the last 60 days for NCLH, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.11 to $1.26 per share. NCLH also holds an average earnings surprise of 3.3%.

NCLH should be on investors' short lists because of its impressive earnings and valuation fundamentals, a good Zacks Rank, and strong Value and VGM Style Scores.

Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) : Free Stock Analysis Report

To read this article on Zacks.com click here.

Zacks Investment Research

Norwegian cancels more than a dozen cruises on 7 ships in 2025

Norwegian Cruise Line canceled more than a dozen cruises on seven ships.

The sailings were scheduled to take place in 2025. The changes “are a result of varied events including the ongoing situation in the Red Sea and Israel, modified dry dock schedules for ship enhancements, a full ship charter, and lastly, to accommodate the demand for shorter close-to-home voyages to the Bahamas,” according to a spokesperson for the line.

The following itineraries were canceled:

• Norwegian Spirit: Jan. 21, 2025
• Norwegian Jade: Feb. 20 through and including March 24, 2025
• Norwegian Sky: April 19 through and including June 5, 2025
• Norwegian Star: May 17 through and including June 9, 2025
• Norwegian Viva: May 18 and 27, and Sep. 20 and 29, 2025
• Norwegian Pearl: Oct. 15, 2025
• Norwegian Epic: Nov. 1 and 11, 2025

“We are committed to providing exceptional vacation experiences, both aboard our ships and by taking our guests to some of the most sought-out destinations around the world,” the spokesperson said in an emailed statement. “While we try to maintain original itineraries as much as possible, at times modifications are made to optimize the itinerary, enhance the guest experience or accommodate certain circumstances.”

Your cruise was canceled: Now what?

Guests whose cruises were impacted were given full refunds of their fare and a 10% discount in the form of a future cruise credit. The credit can be used on any of Norwegian’s published itineraries through Dec. 31, 2025.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

• Norwegian Cruise Line-stock
• News for Norwegian Cruise Line

Charting New Waters: Norwegian Cruise Line Unveils Ambitious Plans For Eight Ships

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd  (NYSE:NCLH) has unveiled a total of eight vessels, representing nearly 25,000 additional berths to be built across three brands.

The company also launched the construction of a multi-ship pier at Great Stirrup Cay, the company’s private island destination in the Bahamas and its Caribbean port of call. 

The strategy is expected to boost Norwegian Cruise’s product offering, guest experiences, and operational infrastructure.

The new ship orders across all three brands are scheduled for delivery over a ten-year period, between 2026 and 2036.

After the delivery of four Prima-Plus class ships from 2025 through 2028, the cruise operator is expected to take delivery of four approximately 200,000-gross-ton ships, each with a capacity of nearly 5,000 guests, in 2030, 2032, 2034, and 2036.

Oceania Cruises is scheduled to take delivery of two 86,000-gross-ton ships, each with a capacity of 1,450 guests in 2027 and 2029. 

Finally, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is scheduled to take delivery of two 77,000-gross-ton ships, each with a capacity of 850 guests, in 2026 and 2029.

“This strategic new-ship order across all three of our award-winning brands provides for the steady introduction of cutting-edge vessels into our fleet and solidifies our long-term growth,” said President and CEO Harry Sommer.

The company has obtained export credit financing with favorable terms to fund 80% of the contract price of each of the two Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises ships.

The new pier development in the Bahamas is set to begin in summer 2024 and be completed by late 2025 with an investment of about $150 million.

Stifel  analyst Steven Wieczynski reiterated a Buy rating on the shares with a price target of $25.

NCLH now has 13 ships on order over the next 12 years for a combined 41,000 berths, representing about 65% capacity growth, noted the analyst.

With a historically smaller fleet, the company has been building new ships more aggressively versus peers in order to enter/serve certain markets.

Over the next decade this will not only give NCLH the biggest growth story within the cruise industry but will also allow them to continue entering new markets with minimal cannibalization to their fleet, the analyst noted.

Owning cruise stocks when supply growth has been low for an extended period of time, as per the analyst. While the headline of eight ships might make investors panic, the analyst urged them to look at the fine print.

Overall, according to the analyst, the positives surely outweigh the negatives.

Price Action : NCLH shares are trading lower by 2.35% at $18.93 on the last check Tuesday.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Norwegian Cruise Line News MORE

Related stocks.