ncf norwegian cruise line

NCL's NCF Commission Program FAQs

What is Norwegian’s NCF Commission Program? On January 1, 2023, Norwegian Cruise Line launched the NCF Commission Program to support travel advisors with additional cashflow by enabling them to earn commission on the NCF (Non-Commissionable Fare) portion of the voyage fare, for new and existing reservations made outside final payment (121 days or more prior to sailing). This included any bookings made prior to January 1, 2023, for reservations made outside final payment and departing May 1, 2023, onwards. To continue to help partners fully recover and grow, the program will extend through the end of Q1 2024, and discontinue on April 1, 2024, as the cruise industry is once again fully operational and on an upward trajectory.

What did travel partners need to do to be eligible for commission on NCFs?  To participate, travel agency administrators needed to submit an NCF marketing plan on Norwegian Central by January 7, 2023. Once the plan was submitted, the agency was enrolled to receive commission on NCFs. The enrollment period has closed.

• How do travel partners know if they’re opted in to earn NCF commission? If opted-in to the NCF commission program, on a reservation in OF or BK status, under “Pricing” the NCF commission line item will show as: % COMM ON NCF. Additionally, on the reservation confirmation NCF Commission will show as Early Booking Bonus %. If interested, see questions 11 and 12 for example screen shots.  
• What if a travel partner did not submit a marketing plan by the deadline? The NCF enrollment process ended on January 7, 2023.   
• Will NCL pay commission on NCFs if the reservation was made on or before March 31, 2024?  If a reservation (either FIT, Affinity or Spec Group) was made and is in active status on or before March 31, 2024, the travel advisor will earn commission on the NCF portion of that reservation, in addition to the standard cruise fare portion. The disbursement of the commission payment still follows standard policy – when the reservation is paid in full. For reservations made on April 1, 2024 and forward, NCL will pay standard commission only.  
• How do I determine whether a booking qualifies for NCF commission?  After the agency administrator submits an NCF marketing plan, reservation eligibility for NCF commission is simple; the reservation must be made outside final payment (121 days or more prior to the sailing date) and cannot cancel.  
• Is there a change to the NCF commission policy for reservations made within the final payment (120 days or less prior to sailing)? For reservations made on or within 120 days from the sailing date, the NCF portion of the cruise fare remains non-commissionable.  
• Do reservations made prior to January 1, 2023, for sailings departing after May 1, 2023, qualify for the NCF commission? For US and CAN agencies who submitted an NCF marketing plan by the deadline, their existing reservations, if made outside final payment for sailings departing May 1, 2023, and beyond, qualify for NCF commission.  • If commission on existing reservations was already paid, Norwegian will issue a second commission payment for the additional amount [earned on the NCF portion of the cruise fare] by January 31, 2023. • If commission has not yet been paid, the commission payment will include payment for the commission earned on the full voyage fare (including the NCF portion).  
• Do reservations for sailings departing prior to May 1, 2023, qualify for the NCF commission?   New or existing reservations for sailings departing prior to May 1, 2023, do not qualify for commission on the NCF portion of the cruise fare.  
• If a reservation is made inside the final payment (120 days or less prior to sailing) does it qualify for the NCF commission?  To earn commission on the NCF portion of the cruise fare, reservations must be made outside final payment (121 days or more prior to the sailing). Reservations made inside final payment (on or within 120 days from the sailing date) do not qualify for commission on NCFs.  
• What % commission will travel partners earn on NCFs? Partners will earn their standard commission percentage on the NCF portion of the voyage fare. Should commission percentages change at any point, the NCF commission will also change to match the new percentage  
• How is NCF commission calculated? NCF commission is earned on the gross NCF amount. You can calculate your total commission payment (option 1 below), or you can calculate the commission just on the NCF portion (option 2 below). For the example calculations please reference the screenshot below; in this example, the agency earns 16% commission. Option 1: • Calculate total commission: [Voyage Fare – Promotion Savings] x Commission % Total Commission: [$9198.00 - $4599.00 DISC50 = $4599.00] x 16% = $735.84 Option 2: • Calculate NCF commission: [Gross NCFs x Commission %] Gross NCFs is $370 per person x 2 passengers = $740 NCF Commission: $740 x 16% = $118.40 Note: BookNCL displays net NCFs. In the below example, $185 NCF per passenger, or $370 total for the reservation, is the net NCF after DISC50 is applied. $370 x 50% savings = $185. Gross NCF can be found on the confirmation.  
• How will NCF commission appear on the booking system? On BookNCL via Norwegian Central, during the booking process, you will be able to see commission on the “Pricing” page, under the “Commission” section. The code for the NCF commission is displayed as % COMM ON NCF.  In the below screenshot, an example agency earns 16% commission: To view the NCF commission for an existing booking, click on the “Commissions” link in the top left corner when viewing the reservation. NCF commission will be displayed on a separate line.  
• How will NCF commission appear on the confirmation? NCF commission is listed as “Early Booking Bonus %.” Example:  

How will NCF commission appear via Paymode or on commission checks? Commission payments for standard voyage fare AND NCF commission will show as a combined total in Paymode and on commission checks. For a breakdown of earnings, view the Commission section on the Pricing tab of your reservation in the booking system.  

When does NCL pay commission? Will NCF commission be paid at the same time? Travel agent commission is paid when the final payment is made and the reservation is paid in full. Beginning January 1, 2023, commission payments will include standard commission and commission on the NCF portion of the cruise fare for qualifying reservations. To view full commission payment details, search “commission” on NCLHelp via Norwegian Central.   

• Does the NCF commission policy apply to Group reservations? Yes, spec and affinity group reservations, whether they are materialized within the group space or reservations, are moved into the group space via the FIT-to-include process and eligible for commission on NCFs if the reservation is made outside final payment (121 days or more prior to sailing).   
• Is NCF commission eligibility for groups based on the date of the reservation or the date the group space was taken out? NCF commission eligibility is based on the date the individual reservation is made. It must be in BK status with names and payment of the reservation, and outside final payment (121 days or more prior to sailing) to qualify.  
• Will NCL pay commission on Group bookings that were made on or before March 31, 2024?  NCL will pay commission on active bookings made on or before March 31, 2024. Affinity Group and Speculative Group bookings must materialize in order to qualify for commission on NCFs. RQ status bookings are not eligible.  

If a group was taken out on or before March 31, 2024, will the TA still earn NCF commission on RQs in that group when they put names on the bookings?  NCL will only pay commission on active bookings with the minimum deposited amount, in addition to having valid names listed on the booking.  

Will NCF commission be protected in the event of a cruise-line-initiated cancellation? For cruise line-initiated cancellations, the standard commission policy will also apply to NCF commission: • Commission is paid at the time a reservation is paid-in-full (including NCF commission). • If an active booking is paid-in-full, commissions have been paid, and then the voyage is suspended by Norwegian, travel partner commissions will not be recalled. • If a voyage is suspended by Norwegian and an active booking is paid in full (at the time of suspension announcement), but the travel partner commissions have not yet been paid, travel partner commissions (including NCF commission) will be protected and will be paid. • If a voyage is suspended by Norwegian, but the active booking has not been paid in full and the travel partner commission has not been paid, commissions will not be paid out. • The current final payment, cancellation, and penalty schedule can be viewed here . • For full information on standard commission policies, search “commission” on NCL Help via Norwegian Central .  

Will NCF commission be protected in the event of a guest or partner-initiated cancellation? The standard cancellation policy will apply for all guest or partner-initiated cancellations. • Per standard commission policy, if a booking is canceled by the guest within final payment but outside of full (100%) penalty, commission will not be paid or will be recalled if previously paid. • If a booking is canceled by the guest within final payment and inside full (100%) penalty, commission will be protected. • The current final payment, cancellation, and penalty schedule can be viewed here . • For full information on standard commission policies, search “commission” on NCL Help via Norwegian Central .  

How are NCF Commissions calculated for singles booked at 200%? NCF commission is earned on the gross NCF portion of the reservation cruise fare. See Question 11 for specifics on where to view and how to calculate NCF commission.  

Did travel agencies that are part of a consortia need to submit an NCF marketing plan to be eligible for commission on NCFs? Yes, all travel agencies, regardless of consortia affiliation, were required to submit an NCF marketing plan to be eligible to earn commission on NCFs. If travel partners book under their own booking phone number, they needed to submit a marketing plan.   

Did travel agents that are part of a host agency need to submit an NCF marketing plan to be eligible for commission on NCFs? Travel agents who book through a host agency (i.e., host phone number) were not required to submit an individual NCF marketing plan, this should have been done at the host agency level. If an agent books through a host agency main phone number, contact the agency administrator, office manager, or agency account manager to confirm they submitted an NCF marketing plan to qualify.   

What should travel partners do if they don’t know who their agency administrator is? To find out who the travel agency administrator is, we recommend contacting your agency owner, office manager, agency account manager, or headquarters office.  

After qualifying by submitting an NCF marketing plan, when making a booking, do travel partners need to do anything else to receive commission on NCFs? After the NCF marketing plan was submitted, the qualification was complete; all qualifying reservations will automatically receive a commission on the NCF portion of the cruise fare. There is no additional action required by travel partners.

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NCL to pay commission on NCFs, starting Jan. 1

Post date: Nov 2 2022

Date: Nov 2 2022

By: Travelweek

MIAMI — Norwegian Cruise Line has made the groundbreaking announcement that it will start paying travel advisors commission on non-commissionable fares (NCFs).

NCL is the first major contemporary cruise line to compensate advisors on NCFs for reservations booked outside of the 120-day window. The new payment policy will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2023, for reservations made outside of final payment, on sailings departing May 1, 2023 onward.

To qualify for the NCF commission, travel advisors will need to submit a marketing plan through Norwegian Central by Dec. 31, 2022.

“Our Partners First philosophy remains top of mind and our decision to pay commission on NCFs is further proof of our commitment to this community,” said NCL President and CEO Harry Sommer. “We want our partners to thrive, we want to see their businesses grow all around the world.”

Payments on NCFs is part of NCL’s ‘Partners First’ philosophy, which embodies the company’s commitment to the travel advisors community through the provision of educational tools, promotions and marketing assets. According to Todd Hamilton, senior vice president of sales at NCL, today’s announcement will further help travel partners establish a stronger relationship with their clients and increase brand loyalty, resulting in repeat business and higher earning potential.

“Our travel partners are incredibly important to us and our business – it is a true partnership,” said Hamilton. “Advisors know why NCL offers the best cruise experience at sea and when they can speak to our unique, bucket-list itineraries, one-of-a-kind ‘Free at Sea’ promotion and incredible 18-ship fleet with unparalleled onboard offerings. They are providing immense value to the business. We see this value and we wanted to reward our travel advisors like never before.”

For more information go to www.ncl.com .

Tags: Lead Story, Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line to pay commission on NCFs

The line shows its commitment to the travel agent community by becoming the first to pay for non-comissionable fares.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has announced that it will pay travel agents commission on non-commissionable fares (NCFs).

It is the first major contemporary cruise line to do so, and the move shows the NCL’s commitment to the travel agent community worldwide.

The payment of NCFs will come into effect from January 1, 2023 for new reservations made 120 days prior to sailing for cruises departing from May 1, 2023. To qualify for the NCF commission, agents will need to submit a marketing plan to their NCL sales support team by December 31, 2022.

“Our Partners First philosophy remains top of mind, and our decision to pay commission on NCFs is further proof of our commitment to this community,” said NCL president and CEO Harry Sommer.

“We want our partners to thrive; we want to see their businesses grow all around the world.”

Gary Anslow, NCL’s senior director of sales UK and Ireland, added: “Our travel partners are incredibly important to us and our business; it is a true partnership.

“Agents know why NCL offers the best cruise experience at sea and when they can speak to our unique, bucket-list itineraries, one-of-a-kind Free at Sea promotion and incredible 18-ship fleet with unparalleled onboard offerings, they are providing immense value to the business.

“We see this value and we wanted to reward our travel advisors like never before.”

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• Norwegian Cruise Line

What is NCF?

By goldmom , September 13, 2006 in Norwegian Cruise Line

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When booking a cruise after you get to the fare breakdown, there's the fare, gov't taxes and fees, insurance and something listed as NCF.

Anybody know what that is?

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When booking a cruise after you get to the fare breakdown, there's the fare, gov't taxes and fees, insurance and something listed as NCF.   Anybody know what that is?   Thanks

Non commissionable fare---what used to be called port taxes. No commission is paid to the TA on thios portion of the fare.

I appreciate the quick reply. I love how someone on these boards always has the answer!

Actually, I believe the F stands for fee, not fare.

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

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How to Create a Marketing Plan that Qualifies for NCL’s NCF Commissions

Last week Norwegian Cruise Line announced it will begin paying travel advisors commission on non-commissionable fares starting next year. To qualify, advisors must submit a marketing plan showing how they intend to increase their market share of NCL bookings.

(While Norwegian Cruise Line is the largest cruise operators to go without NCFs, it is not the first. Virgin Voyages, Viking and Explora Journeys have no NCF fares.)

To help advisors take advantage of the opportunity and support Norwegian Cruise Line’s move, Travel Market Report reached out to Norwegian to get clarity on exactly what they’re looking in an agency’s marketing plan.

Two Vital Components According to NCL, the NCF marketing plan must contain information on the incremental marketing activity that travel agencies intend to invest in and operate in 2023, along with the next booking percentage increase (in Q1 2023 over Q3 2022) that they agency is committing to.

In order to determine both these requirements, agencies must first determine how many Norwegian Cruise Line bookings they made, specifically in the third quarter of this year. From there, the next step is to figure out how much more they feel they can do.

What kind of volume can the agency handle? Can they take on new bookings or do they need to switch some of the volume of bookings they’re already doing with other lines to Norwegian Cruise Line? Can the agency afford to take on a new Independent Contractor or employee to handle more volume?

Once, agencies have decided, number one, how many NCL bookings they can take on, they need to decide what percentage increase they will commit to.

From there, it’s all about what are they going to do to get there.

This second piece is critical to the marketing plan NCL wants to see from advisors.

“Include details such as timing, marketing activity (email, social media, etc.),” writes NCL in a FAQ about the new policy.

In other words, advisors need to include information about the specific tactics they plan to use to achieve their sales goal.

Will they do an NCL-specific cruise night? Will they do weekly or monthly NCL-focused email blasts? Can the agency increase NCL bookings by building a large group and then promoting that?

When deciding which marketing activities to include, use what’s worked for you in the past.

Do you know you get bookings from social media posts? Create a social media strategy focused on NCL.

Have email blasts resulted in bookings? Put a focus on that in your marketing plan.

Have you gotten bookings after a presentation at the Chamber of Commerce? Schedule one in your marketing plan.

If you don’t know what’s worked for you in the past, this is a great time to dig into your data and see where your business comes from.

The more specific agencies and advisors can be with their marketing plan, the better.

It's not enough to say vaguely you intend to do social media to promote Norwegian Cruise Line or that you'll do a webinar or Facebook Live. Specificity, along with a calendar of planned out activies, will allow agencies to follow through on their marketing plans.

Specificity also demonstrates to Norwegian that you've put time and thought to your marketing plan and not just thrown a few ideas down on paper.

Keep in mind, even though the percentage increase the agency is committing to is for Q1 of 2023, NCL wants to see a marketing plan for all of 2023. The timeline of marketing activities and timelines should be broken down by quarter.

Example Timeline To give advisors an idea of what this second piece should look like, we’ve included a sample below.

• Second week of January – Facebook Live with BDM discussing Norwegian Prima and Free at Sea. Plan to invite 100, with expectations of about 50 attending.
• Twice a month (January-March) – Instagram & FB Reels highlighting the destinations Norwegian Cruise Line visits and the excursions offered -- theme will be "Want to Cure the Winter Blues"
• February 14 th – Romance-focused social media posts and e-mail focused on romantic cruising with NCL
• Once per month email blast with booking incentive (either a current NCL offer or free bottle of wine with all bookings)
• Targeted email each quarter to all past NCL clients with special booking incentive (TBD)

Consortia-member agencies can also look to their consortia’s marketing department for help in creating a marketing plan that meets Norwegians’ criteria. (Hosted travel advisors do not need to create a marketing plan; it will be done at the host agency level.)

TMR Resources Here are some Travel Market Report resources you can use to help determine which marketing activities you want to invest in.

• How to Sprinkle the Oprah Genius into Your Marketing Plan
• A Guide to Marketing for Travel Advisors
• Legacy Travel Drives Sales Leads with Video Marketing
• How to Use Local Radio to Build a Group Booking
• MasterAdvisor 59: Using TikTok for Your Travel Business
• MasterAdvisor 56: How Travel Advisors Can Use Instagram Reels

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What are “non-comm” or “non-commissionable” (NCF or NCCF) fees

Components of a cruise fare​.

When you receive a quote or purchase a ticket for a cruise, there normally up to 5 components to the price:

1) Room or Voyage fare (the cost or fare for the stateroom/cabin) 2) Non-commissionable fees (NCF) 3) Governmental taxes and fees 4) Gratuities (optional, but depends on the cruise line) 5) Travel insurance (optional)

WHAT DOES NON-COMMSSIONABLE FEES MEAN?

The most confusing component is “non-commissionable fees.” What does “non-comm,” “non-commissionable,” or “NCF” fees mean? They are called “non-commissionable fees” (NFC) because the travel agent is not paid a commission on those fees. So the bottom line is that by listing part of a cruise fare as “non-commissionable fees” the cruise line is able to increase its profit by reducing the amount of commissions they pay travel agents.

Several years ago, the Federal Trade Commission required cruise lines to list all “non-commissionable fees” in the price they advertise – in other words, they are supposed to tell you the entire price for the cruise (room/voyage fare + non-commissionable fees + governmental taxes and fees). The purpose of the FTC order was to make sure the customers understood the true cost of their cruise.

Unfortunately, “non-commissionable fees” is not a very consumer friendly term, and has been used by cruise lines to merely bump up their profits. These fees typically include port fees, but can include any other fee the cruise line wants to include, such as administrative fees, or fees related to services provided while in ports (piloting fees, stevedores, waste disposal, immigration fees, etc.). You won’t normally see the “non-commissionable fees” broken down or listed, and there are not any requirements or limitations on what a cruise line can or cannot include in the fee. In all honesty, NCFs can be whatever the cruise line wants. The only requirement is that it must be disclosed to the customer or included in the final price.

Some travel agencies merely list NCFs as “port fees,” but this is not correct, and it can lead to confusion and frustration. For instance, if your NCFs were labeled as “port fees” of $150 for your cruise, but unfortunately a hurricane prevented you from visiting any port, you would expect to get your $150 “port fees” back. Bad news, you won’t. NCFs are not “port fees” but may include port fees.

So make sure you read the fine print. Make sure you know what you are buying.

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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.

Travel | 8 new ships coming to Norwegian Cruise Line,…

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Subscriber only, travel | 8 new ships coming to norwegian cruise line, sister brands plus dock at great stirrup cay.

The parent company to Norwegian Cruise Line announced Monday a major order for eight new ships among its three brands as well as the construction of a pier to allow its cruise ships to dock instead of tender to its private Bahamas island for the first time.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings said it was planning to bring on four new ships for NCL, two new ships for upper premium brand Oceania Cruises and two ships for luxury brand Regent Seven Seas, all to be built at Fincantieri shipyard in Italy and debut during a 10-year run from 2026-2036.

The NCL ships would be the largest ever built for the line at around 200,000 gross tons and capacity of about 5,000 guests. They won’t arrive until after the final delivery of its Prima-Plus class ships expected between 2025-2028, the larger sister ships to the Norwegian Prima and Viva that debuted in the last couple of years. The four ships from the unnamed class of vessel would arrive in 2030, 2032, 2034 and 2036.

The new class for Oceania Cruises, which in 2023 debuted its first new ship in more than a decade — the Oceania Allura — will also be the largest ever built for the line at 86,000 gross tons and a capacity of 1,450 guests. They’re expected in 2027 and 2029.

And the Regent Seven Seas fleet’s new vessels will also be larger coming in at 77,000 gross tons with a capacity of 850 guests. They’re expected in 2026 and 2029. Regent just debuted the third of its Explorer class ships in December 2023.

“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 NCLH president and CEO Harry Sommer in a press release. “It also allows us to significantly leverage our operating scale, strengthen our commitment to innovation and enhance our ability to offer our guests new products and experiences, all while providing opportunities to enhance the efficiency of our fleet.”

No other details about the ships were released. Financing is already in place to fund 80% of the cost for the four ships among the Oceania and Regent orders, but financing for the four NCL ships is not finalized.

The eight ships expects to add 25,000 more to the three cruise lines’ passenger capacity.

In addition, the line is set to construct a multi-ship pier at Great Stirrup Cay, the popular Bahamas private destination visited by all three brands. The move follows the introduction of a dock that can support two Oasis-class vessels at neighboring Perfect Day at Coco Cay for Royal Caribbean while other private Bahamas destinations including Disney’s Castaway Cay and its new Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point feature tenderless docks for easy access.

“We are likewise excited with the addition of a new pier at Great Stirrup Cay to support our increased capacity in the Caribbean and multiple ships to call on the island, enhancing our guest experience and bringing seamless and reliable access to our private island year-round,” Sommer said.

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Norwegian Cruise orders eight new ships, biggest order in its history

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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

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• NCLH-Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings orders 8 new ships from...

NCLH-Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings orders 8 new ships from Fincantieri

NCLH-Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has announced the commissioning of 8 vessels across its 3 brands, slated for delivery between 2026 and 2036. Fincantieri will oversee the construction of all these vessels.

Additionally, the company plans to construct a dual-ship pier at Great Stirrup Cay , NCLH's private island retreat in the Bahamas.

After the delivery of four Prima Plus ships from 2025 to 2028, NCLH's subsidiary NCL/Norwegian Cruise Line is projected to receive 4 ships of ~200,000 GT-tons/volume each, accommodating ~5000 guests , in 2030, 2032, 2034, and 2036.

NCLH's subsidiary Oceania Cruises is expected to take delivery of its final Allura-class ship in 2025. Subsequently, Oceania will receive two units of ~86,000 gross tons each, with a capacity of 1450 guests, in 2027 and 2029.

To ensure availability at shipyards, NCLH anticipates that the 4-ship NCL order will replace a prior 2-ship order for Oceania.

NCLH's subsidiary RSSC/Regent Seven Seas Cruises will receive 2 ships of 77,000 GT each, accommodating 850 guests, in 2026 and 2029.

Further details about these new ship classes will be disclosed in the upcoming months, as per NCLH.

Harry Sommer (NCLH's CEO) emphasized that these ship orders mark a steady introduction of state-of-the-art vessels into their fleet, reinforcing long-term growth prospects. It underscores the commitment to innovation and enhancing guest experiences while striving for fleet efficiency and decarbonization.

The order prices for the ships were not disclosed. However, NCLH mentioned obtaining export credit financing to cover 80% of the contract price for each of the two Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises ships, subject to specific conditions. Financing for the Norwegian Cruise Line ships is currently underway.

The new dual-ship pier at Great Stirrup Cay aims to bolster the company's capacity in the Caribbean. Construction is set to commence in the summer, with completion anticipated by late 2025. The project represents an investment of US$150 million, according to NCLH.

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When you sail with Norwegian Cruise Line, you are cruising on the most innovative and accommodating fleet on the high seas. Our award-winning fleet was built for Freestyle, designed to give you freedom and flexibility. Choose your ship, choose your destination and step on board for the perfect holiday.

Explore Our Ships

Norwegian Aqua

Prima class.

• DESTINATIONS
• Northern Europe
• Ship 156,300 Gross Register Tonnage
• Guest 3,571 Guest Capacity double occupancy
• Year 2025 Year Built

Norwegian Bliss

Breakaway plus class.

• Transatlantic
• Panama Canal
• Extraordinary Journeys
• Ship 168,028 Gross Register Tonnage
• Guest 4,004 Guest Capacity double occupancy
• Year 2021 Refurbished Year Built 2018

Norwegian Breakaway

Breakaway class.

• Mediterranean
• Canada & New England
• Ship 145,655 Gross Register Tonnage
• Guest 3,963 Guest Capacity double occupancy
• Year 2020 Refurbished Year Built 2013

Norwegian Dawn

• Greek Isles
• Ship 92,250 Gross Register Tonnage
• Guest 2,340 Guest Capacity double occupancy
• Year 2021 Refurbished Year Built 2002

Norwegian Encore

• Ship 169,116 Gross Register Tonnage
• Guest 3,998 Guest Capacity double occupancy
• Year 2019 Year Built

Norwegian Epic

• Ship 155,873 Gross Register Tonnage
• Guest 4,100 Guest Capacity double occupancy
• Year 2020 Refurbished Year Built 2010

Norwegian Escape

• Ship 164,998 Gross Register Tonnage
• Guest 4,266 Guest Capacity double occupancy
• Year 2022 Refurbished Year Built 2015

Norwegian Gem

Jewel class.

• Ship 93,530 Gross Register Tonnage
• Guest 2,394 Guest Capacity double occupancy
• Year 2022 Refurbished Year Built 2007

Norwegian Getaway

• Year 2020 Refurbished Year Built 2014

Norwegian Jade

• South America
• Pacific Coastal
• Ship 93,558 Gross Register Tonnage
• Guest 2,402 Guest Capacity double occupancy
• Year 2022 Refurbished Year Built 2006

Norwegian Jewel

• Ship 93,502 Gross Register Tonnage
• Guest 2,376 Guest Capacity double occupancy
• Year 2022 Refurbished Year Built 2005

Norwegian Joy

• Ship 167,725 Gross Register Tonnage
• Guest 3,776 Guest Capacity double occupancy
• Year 2024 Refurbished Year Built 2017

Norwegian Pearl

• Year 2021 Refurbished Year Built 2006

Norwegian Prima

• Ship 143,535 Gross Register Tonnage
• Guest 3,099 Guest Capacity double occupancy
• Year 2022 Year Built

Norwegian Sky

• Ship 77,104 Gross Register Tonnage
• Guest 2,004 Guest Capacity double occupancy
• Year 2022 Refurbished Year Built 1999

Norwegian Spirit

• Australia & New Zealand
• Ship 75,904 Gross Register Tonnage
• Guest 2,032 Guest Capacity double occupancy
• Year 2022 Refurbished Year Built 1998

Norwegian Star

• Ship 91,740 Gross Register Tonnage
• Guest 2,348 Guest Capacity double occupancy
• Year 2021 Refurbished Year Built 2001

Norwegian Sun

• South Pacific
• Ship 78,309 Gross Register Tonnage
• Guest 1,936 Guest Capacity double occupancy

Norwegian Viva

• Ship 142,500 Gross Register Tonnage
• Year 2023 Year Built

Pride of America

• Ship 80,439 Gross Register Tonnage
• Guest 2,186 Guest Capacity double occupancy

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].

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Norwegian Cruise Line cancels more than a dozen upcoming cruises

TAMPA, Fla. ( WFLA ) — Norwegian Cruise Line has canceled more than a dozen cruises for 2025.

A spokesperson from the cruise line told Nexstar’s WFLA that the cancelations were “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.”

The canceled cruises include:

Norwegian Epic – Feb. 20, 2025, Nov. 1, 2025, Nov. 11, 2025

Norwegian Jade   – Mar. 4, 2025, Mar. 13, 2025, Mar. 24, 2025

Norwegian Pearl   – Apr. 19, 2025, May 5, 2025, May 16, 2025, Oct. 15, 2025

Norwegian Sky   – May 27, 2025, Jun. 5, 2025

Norwegian Spirit – Jan. 1, 2025, May 17, 2025

Norwegian Star – May 18, 2025, May 29, 2025, Jun. 9, 2025,

Norwegian Viva   – May 27, 2025, Sep. 20, 2025, Sep. 29, 2025

According to Cruise Industry News , the canceled cruises were set to visit the Western and Eastern Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the Adriatic Sea, the Middle East, the Red Sea, Asia and Northern Europe.

The February Norwegian Epic sailing was set to depart from Port Canaveral. Norwegian’s website shows a new sailing on the Epic is scheduled for Feb. 15 to Feb. 22, 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. 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,” a spokesperson said.

Norwegian Cruise Line said affected passengers will receive a full refund and a 10 percent discount that can be used on any sailing through Dec. 31, 2025.

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Here’s the Updated Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Orderbook

• April 9, 2024

With the news that Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has ordered eight new ships for all three of its brands, here’s the updated NCLH orderbook by company:

• Aqua: 142,500 tons, Built in 2025, 3,571 passengers.
• Unnamed: 142,500 tons, Built in 2026, 3,571 passengers.
• Unnamed: 169,000 tons, Built in 2027, 3,650 passengers.
• Unnamed: 169,000 tons, Built in 2028, 3,650 passengers.
• Unnamed: 200,000 tons; Built in 2030, 5,000 passengers.
• Unnamed: 200,000 tons; Built in 2032, 5,000 passengers.
• Unnamed: 200,000 tons; Built in 2034, 5,000 passengers.
• Unnamed: 200,000 tons; Built in 2036, 5,000 passengers.
• Allura: 67,000 tons, Built in 2025, 1,200 passengers.
• Unnamed: 86,000 tons, Built in 2027, 1,450 passengers.
• Unnamed: 86,000 tons, Built in 2029, 1,450 passengers.
• Unnamed: 77,000 tons, Built in 2026, 850 passengers.
• Unnamed: 77,000 tons, Built in 2029, 850 passengers.

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The best Norwegian Cruise Line ship for every type of traveler

W hat's the best Norwegian Cruise Line ship? Over the years, I've sailed on all but three of Norwegian's 19 vessels, and my personal favorite is 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 18 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 — the biggest of them all — is our top pick.

At 169,116 tons and carrying 3,958 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 five 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 and Norwegian Viva: Best for luxury lovers

Luxury lovers have two new top choices in the Norwegian fleet: Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva .

Unveiled in 2022 and 2023, respectively, the 3,195-passenger vessels are the first entrants in a new class of Norwegian ships that the line has designed to be more upscale than its earlier vessels. An "elevation" of the brand is how executives describe it.

The upscale turn included loading Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva with the largest variety of suites and high-end cabins (13 categories in all) of any ships 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 these ships.

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

Notably, the entire back of each of these ships 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.

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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, other areas on these ships have 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 each of these ships, 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 the look of a version of Le Bistro, Norwegian's signature French eatery, that can be found on both of these vessels. Both of the spaces are 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 and Norwegian Viva were built with a higher ratio of space to passengers than earlier Norwegian vessels, which itself is an upscale touch. The ships also have a higher crew-to-passenger ratio than many Norwegian ships, leading to better service.

In short, these are the Norwegian ships 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 part of the year, the 24-year-old vessel operates a mix of short three- to five-night voyages to the Bahamas out of the cruise hub as well as 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 and pricing for sailings can vary significantly. 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 1,944 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 eight 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 two newest vessels, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian VIva, have 72-cabin solo complexes 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 Benoa, Indonesia; Melbourne, Australia; Auckland, New Zealand; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Papeete, Tahiti.

The sailings out of Papeete will offer the chance to visit such iconic French Polynesian islands as Bora Bora, Raiatea and Moorea. ia and Thailand in-depth, with departures ranging from 13 to 18 nights — the sort of cruise that appeals more to older couples than families.

The sailings in and out of Buenos Aires and Melbourne, all on the longer side, will offer in-depth explorations of the southern half of South America (Argentina, Uruguay and Chile) and New Zealand, 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 1,878 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 19 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.

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