norwegian cruise line best suite

Onboard Experience

Ultimate guide to norwegian cruise line suites.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

• Norwegian Cruise Line offers a range of suite categories, including The Haven category, which provides exclusive accommodations and services.
• The Haven category includes various suite options such as the Haven Premier Owners Suite, Haven Deluxe Owners Suite, and Haven Aft-Facing Owners Suite, among others.
• The Haven guests have access to exclusive areas on the ship and enjoy extra perks and amenities.
• In addition to The Haven category, Norwegian Cruise Line also offers Club Balcony Suites, Forward-Facing Suites, Aft-Facing Suites, Family Suites, and other suite options for different preferences and budgets.

Suite Categories

Exclusive Haven Amenities

Choosing the right suite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any age restrictions for guests staying in the haven category of suites, can guests in the haven category access all the amenities and activities available on the ship, are there any additional charges for using the exclusive areas in the haven, can guests staying in club balcony suites access any of the haven amenities, are there any restrictions on bringing children into the haven category of suites.

Meet Asra, a talented and adventurous writer who infuses her passion for exploration into every word she writes. Asra’s love for storytelling and her insatiable curiosity about the world make her an invaluable asset to the Voyager Info team.

From a young age, Asra was drawn to the power of words and their ability to transport readers to far-off lands and magical realms. Her fascination with travel and cultures from around the globe fueled her desire to become a travel writer, and she set out on a journey to turn her dreams into reality.

Ultimate Cruise Experiences For Teenagers

Ultimate Guide To Royal Caribbean Drink Packages

Meet Asra, a talented and adventurous writer who infuses her passion for exploration into every word she writes. Asra’s love for storytelling and her insatiable curiosity about the world make her an invaluable asset to the Voyager Info team. From a young age, Asra was drawn to the power of words and their ability to transport readers to far-off lands and magical realms. Her fascination with travel and cultures from around the globe fueled her desire to become a travel writer, and she set out on a journey to turn her dreams into reality.

You may like

Hometown heroes: a free cruise for essential workers.

• Essential workers are being recognized and thanked for their sacrifices during the pandemic with a free cruise to Grand Bahama Island.
• The cruise offers updated health and safety measures to ensure the well-being of essential workers during their relaxing getaway.
• This micro-cation option provides an opportunity for essential workers to return to work refreshed and recharged.
• Travel companions of essential workers can join the cruise at a reduced price, allowing them to share the experience and enhance enjoyment and companionship throughout the journey.

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line’s Hometown Heroes Initiative

Free cruise to grand bahama island for essential workers, reduced price for travel companions, children sail for free, acknowledging essential workers’ sacrifices, benefits of a free and relaxing getaway, updated health and safety measures in place, stress-free micro-cation option, returning to work refreshed and recharged, how do essential workers qualify for the free cruise to grand bahama island, can essential workers bring more than one travel companion at a reduced price, are there any age restrictions for children sailing for free, how long is the two-night micro-cation option, is there a limit to the number of essential workers who can participate in the hometown heroes initiative.

Alfons is the visionary leader and driving force behind Voyager Info’s success. As the Editor in Chief, he brings a wealth of experience and an unwavering passion for travel to the helm of our cruise-centric platform.

With a lifelong fascination for exploring new horizons, Alfons discovered his love for the ocean and cruising at a young age. From sailing across pristine Caribbean waters to embarking on daring expeditions to far-flung destinations, he has amassed a treasure trove of first-hand experiences in the world of cruising.

Holland America’s Departure Impacts Tampa’s Cruise Scene

• Holland America’s departure from the Port of Tampa after April 2019 will have a significant impact on the local economy, particularly in terms of job loss and tourism decline.
• The absence of Holland America sailings will result in fewer tourists visiting the area, leading to a decrease in spending at local hotels, restaurants, and shops.
• There are concerns about the future of the port and its tourism industry, as there are no sailings listed from Tampa after April, and none planned for 2020 and 2021.
• Despite Holland America’s departure, there are still exciting cruise options available in Tampa with Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International, offering popular destinations like the Caribbean and Mexico.

Tampa’s Cruise Industry

Effects on local economy, alternative cruise options, what were the specific reasons behind holland america’s decision to leave the port of tampa, is there any possibility of holland america returning to the port of tampa in the future, are there any discussions or negotiations taking place between port officials and holland america to try and keep them at the port, are there any other cruise lines that have also decided to leave the port of tampa, how will holland america’s departure affect the availability and variety of cruises departing from tampa, getting a cruise price drop refund: tips and tricks.

• Checking cruise prices within two days of booking and submitting a claim can help receive a lower price or onboard credit.
• Different cruise lines offer different fare types, with Carnival’s Early Saver rate offering price protection.
• Booking early allows for more flexibility in getting a reduced fare, while slow paying allows for more refund flexibility.
• Polite calls to the cruise line, even past the 48-hour mark, can sometimes result in refunds, and being understanding and polite can increase the chances of a refund.

Understanding Cruise Price Guarantees

Exploring Different Fare Types and Refund Options

Maximizing flexibility with early bookings.

Strategies for Cancelling and Rebooking for a Lower Fare

Effectively communicating with the cruise line for refunds.

Tips for Negotiating Price Drops With Norwegian Cruise Lines

Importance of politeness and understanding in refund requests, enhancing passenger satisfaction for possible refunds, making exceptions for customer satisfaction, key factors to consider for eligibility of price drop refunds, navigating cruise line policies and limitations, final thoughts and additional tips for getting cruise price drop refunds, are all cruise lines’ fare types eligible for price drop refunds, how do i know if i have the early saver rate with carnival, can i cancel and rebook a cruise to get a lower fare without losing my deposit, what should i do if the cruise line denies my refund request, are there any specific exceptions or circumstances where a cruise line may offer a refund for a price drop, affiliate disclaimer.

As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. We get commissions for purchases made through links on this website from Amazon and other third parties.

Eclipse Cruise: Witness a Thrilling Natural Phenomenon

Cruise Into Cat Lover’s Paradise: Join the Meow Meow Club!

Disney Explores Frozen Norway & Iceland on Magical Cruises

Cruise Sale Secrets: Timing, Prices, Perks, and More

Demi Lovato Concert on Celebrity Cruises in St. Maarten

Which Celebrity Cruise Ships Have Been Refurbished

What Drinks Can You Bring On Princess Cruise

How To Turn On Cruise Control Tesla Model 3

What Is The Weather Like On A Transatlantic Cruise In April

How To Set Cruise Control Tesla Model Y

Enhancing Your Disney Cruise Experience: The Benefits of the Disney Navigator App

How To Check Weather For A Cruise

How To Get From Venice To Chioggia Cruise Terminal

How Do You Qualify For An Ultra Cruise On Carnival

NCL’s Amazing Haven Penthouse Suite: Our Review

DISCLOSURE: Stylish Cruising contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, as well as affiliate programs with other companies. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. To learn more, please see our  Privacy Policy .

Booking a Haven penthouse suite and curious what they’re like? We stayed in one on Norwegian Joy and loved it. Here’s our review.

During our recent fifteen-day bucket-list Panama Canal cruise on Norwegian Joy, we stayed in the Haven. It was a wonderful trip, and we loved our Haven penthouse suite. If you’re considering booking a penthouse suite on Norwegian, read on for all the details.

The Norwegian Joy penthouse suite with balcony is their entry-level Haven suite, and has a combination living and sleeping area with a separate bathroom. The total square footage is about 324 square feet, and the balcony is about 54 square feet. The color scheme for the Haven cabins on the Joy is persimmon and gold.

We stayed in stateroom 18118 on Deck Eighteen, inside the Haven enclave toward the bow (front) of the ship. Being in the enclave meant we were steps away from all the Haven amenities , including the concierge, restaurant, bar, courtyard, and Horizon Lounge.

This time, I neglected to take photos of the stateroom because I took videos instead, which I’m hoping will give you an even better idea of what the cabin is like. Next cruise, I’ll take both photos and videos. Check out the video:

The Sleeping Area

The Haven penthouse suite has a king-size bed formed by two twin beds. It has a pillowtop mattress and is made up with two premium pillows per person, Bliss linens, and a feather duvet. Decorative pillows and a bed runner are whisked away during turn-down service each evening.

Lighting is available on the headboard for both sides of the bed, including reading lights and a lighting control panel.

Pro Tip: The bed is high enough off the floor to store your suitcases beneath it while closed, even large ones. For beds that aren’t quite that high, open your suitcase like a book and slide it under. This is a great place to store your clothes after wearing.

On the left side of the bed is a small bedside table with a shelf and a drawer. This table also holds a phone and has a European electrical outlet. On the right side of the bed is a similar small bedside table with a shelf and a drawer. This side of the bed has a US electrical outlet. Both nightstands have a blue nightlight beneath that can be turned off.

Furnishings

A small couch is next to the bed that can be made into a twin bed by your cabin attendant so your cabin will sleep three people.

In one corner of the room is a table about 30 inches square, large enough for room service, and two chairs.

Next to the table and chairs is a counter with a large mirror. A mobile phone sits on this counter, and it has electrical outlets. Above the counter is a flat-screen TV and a small shelf. Beneath the counter is a small ottoman and your hair dryer.

Ultimate Cruise Planner

Need a little assistance organizing and planning your cruise? Our Ultimate Cruise Planner can help!

Refreshments

A butler’s pantry has shelves above that contain glassware, dinnerware, and silverware. On its counter is a coffee and tea station featuring Tea Forte tea bags and a Nespresso machine. Beneath is a hidden mini-fridge with bottled water for sale, which can be replaced with your own bottled water and soda.

Pro Tip: Ask your cabin attendant to empty your mini fridge of items for purchase. This will leave you room to store whatever you wish.

Closets and Storage

Flanking the short hallway to your bathroom are closets. On the right, you have a larger closet with one and a half clothing rods and wooden hangers, plus a shelf above. On the left, the closet is divided into two spaces, one with shelves, drawers, and your safe, and the other side with a smaller closet with a clothing rod and hangers. Here is where you’ll find plush bathrobes and slippers, as well as umbrellas for your use during your cruise.

Beneath the desk/counter area are two sets of drawers with plenty of storage.

Related Posts

Is The Haven On NCL Worth It?

Tour of a Wonderful Haven Spa Suite on NCL Breakaway

Norwegian Breakaway The Haven: Exclusive Luxury

The Luxury That Sets Premium Cruise Lines Apart

Smart tips and tricks for ncl’s haven.

Norwegian vs. Celebrity: Which Cruise Line is the Perfect Fit for You?

The bathroom.

The bathroom is medium-sized with a bathtub/shower combination with sliding glass doors and a detachable shower wand. L’Occitane shampoo, conditioner, and body wash are provided in dispensers in the shower, and lotion and soap are provided in dispensers on the sink’s counter, which has a double-width sink. Two small glasses are also provided for your use.

For storage, a long shelf is beneath the sink, plus drawers. One drawer holds your trashcan.

The Balcony

The balcony is 54 square feet and is the width of your stateroom, with room for a small table and two chairs. It’s the perfect size for enjoying coffee in the morning, or for having a snack and cocktails in the afternoon. The balcony is private, and glass panels in the railing allow for an unobstructed view.

Perks of the Haven Penthouse Suite

The Haven penthouse suite comes with all the perks of the Haven, which are detailed in this post .

Final Thoughts on the Haven Penthouse Suite

We were very comfortable in our Haven penthouse suite and look forward to staying in one again. The entire Haven enclave on the Joy was lovely, and I’m sure you’ll love it too.

We have some tips and tricks for the Haven ! Check them out.

Happy cruising!

LET’S BE SOCIAL: Follow us on Facebook , Instagram , Pinterest , and YouTube .

Planning to book a cruise? We have some tips for you .

How To Book A Cruise For The First Time

Should I Get Cruise Insurance? Yes, And Here’s Why

Your Essential Cruise Carry-On Bag: Ideas for Smart Items to Pack (With Checklist)

Pam and her husband, Myron, travel almost three months of the year, enjoying all the benefits of premium cruising. She's learned a thing or two and has a checklist for nearly everything related to cruising, and enjoys sharing those tips and lists with you.

Similar Posts

Tour Of A Spacious Celebrity Equinox Sunset Sky Suite

Do you love Celebrity’s sky suites but want an affordable cabin that is a little larger? We just spent ten nights in a Celebrity Equinox sunset sky suite on a Southern Caribbean cruise and adored it. The sunset sky suite is a nice step up from a regular sky suite for just a little more money.

Norwegian Cruise Lines Latitudes Rewards Program

Did you know that Norwegian Cruise Line has a loyalty program? Their Latitudes Rewards program offers perks and benefits that you may not be aware of.

Premium cruise lines are in a distinct pricing category resting squarely between mass market cruise lines at the lower end, and luxury cruise lines at the upper end. The experiences and amenities that premium cruise lines offer to passengers are different as well.

Tour of the Spacious Sunset Sky Suite on Celebrity Apex

Thinking of booking a Sunset Sky Suite on Celebrity Apex? It’s slightly different from a regular Sky Suite, so let’s break it down for you.

Our Honest Review of Norwegian’s Teppanyaki Restaurant With Menu

Looking for a fun meal at sea for the entire family? The chefs at Norwegian’s Teppanyaki restaurant put on a show that will delight everyone.

Tour of A Fabulous Sky Suite On Celebrity Solstice

We recently cruised for the first time in a Sky Suite on Celebrity Solstice and were pleasantly surprised. Read on to find out why.

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

• 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.

Which Cruise Cabin is Right for You?

No matter your destination or the length of your cruise, one of the most exciting steps in booking your cruise holiday with Norwegian is choosing your stateroom. Since the prices and accommodations vary depending on the cabin size you select, you have several factors to consider. Here's everything you need to know to choose the right cruise stateroom for you.

Norwegian’s Cruise Accommodations

Norwegian offers the following cruise accommodations across their award-winning fleet:

• Studios — 100 square feet, sleeps one
• Insides — 142 square feet, sleeps up to four
• Oceanviews — 161 square feet, sleeps up to five
• Balconies — 205 square feet, sleeps up to four
• Family Balconies — 216 square feet, sleeps up to four
• Mini-Suites — 285 square feet, sleeps up to four
• Penthouses — up to 880 square feet, sleeps up to four or six
• Family Suites — up to 650 square feet, sleeps up to five or six
• Owner's Suites — up to 1,382 square feet, sleeps up to five or six
• 3-Bedroom Garden Villa — 6,694 square feet, sleeps up to seven
• Concierge Class —  338-561 square feet, sleeps two to six, depending on room type

Keep in mind that the square footage and capacity of staterooms may vary from cruise ship to cruise ship, so your room's size may not match the above numbers exactly. Also, not all room types are available on every ship, and layouts may vary. Up to four types of Penthouse staterooms are available, for instance, as well as three kinds of Family Suites.

How to Choose Your Stateroom

Now that you know what your options are, it's time to decide what matters most to you. Answer the following questions to help you choose the right cabin size:

• How much are you willing to pay? Price may be the most limiting factor. In general, the coziest rooms will also be the most affordable. That size-cost tradeoff can be especially worthwhile for those who don't plan to spend much time in their room. Alternatively, you can take advantage of our Sail Away rates to save money on a larger room with an obstructed view.
• How many people are in your party?  You may also be limited by how many people need to share your room. A family of five, for instance, will only fit in certain Penthouses, Oceanviews, or Suites. Studios, meanwhile, are specially designed for solo cruisers .
• How much space do you need?  Of course, size also matters — especially if you want your room to be more than a place to sleep. If you want room to lounge around, consider a Mini-Suite, Penthouse, or Suite. Otherwise, opt for the smallest room that can accommodate your party.
• How important is the view?  As their names suggest, Oceanview staterooms offer windows overlooking the ocean, while Balcony staterooms feature their own private balconies. An Aft- or Forward-Facing Penthouse will give you an especially good view. However, if the view doesn't matter to you, you can save money by booking an Inside Stateroom.
• What amenities do you care most about? Think about who you're traveling with and what you plan to do during the cruise. Families with kids, for instance, may prefer the convenient location of Family Balconies, which put you near the pool and youth program, versus other Balcony staterooms. You may also want to book a room near certain restaurants, the ship's entertainment venues, or the spa.

The Haven by Norwegian

For the ultimate in cruise line luxury, you can upgrade to accommodations in The Haven , a private enclave at the top of the ship. 

Guests of The Haven have access to several exclusive amenities, including The Haven Restaurant and The Haven Lounge. The private sundeck and courtyard are staffed by an attendant, and guests will have their own 24-hour butler. Concierge services, priority dining and entertainment reservations, and evening turndown service are available. Rooms feature luxury bedding and toiletries, a mini-bar, and a deluxe coffee maker. Haven guests even receive exclusive breakfast, lunch, and cocktail party invitations.  

Best of all, you'll get to enjoy these first-class amenities while staying in one of the most spacious staterooms Norwegian Cruise Line ships have to offer. Haven Guests can choose from the following room types:

• Spa Suite with Balcony — 378 square feet, sleeps up to two
• Deluxe Spa Suite with Balcony — 309 square feet, sleeps up to four
• Forward-Facing Penthouse — 451 square feet, sleeps up to four
• Aft-Facing Penthouse — 655 square feet, sleeps up to four
• Courtyard Penthouse with Balcony — 440 square feet, sleeps up to three
• 2-Bedroom Family Villa with Balcony — 504 square feet, sleeps up to six
• Owner's Suite with Large Balcony — 824 square feet, sleeps up to four
• Deluxe Owner's Suite with Large Balcony — 1,307 square feet, sleeps up to six
• 3-Bedroom Garden Villa — 6,694 square feet, sleeps up to eight

Cruising with a Group

If you're traveling with a larger group of people , you may not be able to find a stateroom that can accommodate everyone. The largest stateroom available is the 3-Bedroom Garden Villa in The Haven, which sleeps eight at most. Fortunately, connecting rooms are available. You may prefer this option even if your party could technically fit in a single stateroom. Connecting rooms allow you to stay conveniently close by without having to squeeze into the same room.

Comparing prices, capacities, layouts, and amenities will help you choose the perfect cabin size for your cruise.

• Norwegian Cruise Line

Best "Suite Class" Perk?

By CleverUserNameHere , April 6, 2022 in Norwegian Cruise Line

Recommended Posts

CleverUserNameHere

Hello all! 

We are sailing on the Joy out of New York to Bermuda on May 29th. This is our first time on Norwegian, and our first time travelling with our toddler! Since we are travelling with our toddler and my MIL (to watch said toddler), we booked the Family Inside Suite for the room and privacy that the two bedrooms provide. The room seems like it's crazy cool and HUGE for a cruise ship (at 500 sq feet it's 1/3 the size of our actual house!) and when I booked it I didn't really take note that 'Family Suite' meant 'Suite Class.' I know the Haven has the real perks, but what exactly does the suite provide? There are mentions online to the 'concierge service', but what is that exactly? Is there a separate seating area for shows? A separate area in the MDR? Priority boarding?

What do you consider the most valuable "suite class" perk? Thanks!

Link to comment

Share on other sites, mocruisefan.

A "Family Suite" on the Joy is indeed a "full" suite with all the trimmings (as opposed to a club balcony suite which is merely an upscale balcony cabin).  With the family suite comes a VIP breakfast and lunch (most often in Cagneys/Moderno) which is a good step above the standard meals.  Butler and Concierge are also included.  They will be bringing al kinds of tasty goodies to your cabin daily and can assist with dining and show reservations.  You will also get priority debarkation.  If you do self walk off (do not put your luggage out the last night), simply go to the prescribed VIP debarkation spot (usually the theater) and you will be escorted to the front of the debarkation line when you are ready to go home.

downside of family suite is no balcony. for me that's a must and if no balcony its a major deal breaker.

you have a concierge, and he can make dinner/show/shore excursions (in most cases) even if some are already booked.

however even with the goodies (butler, special designated dining area) the best part for me is the ability of the concierge to get me off the ship, to my luggage and into a cab within 15- 20 minutes. some people dont mind waiting, have a leisurely breakfast then  mosey off the ship, i want to avoid standing in line with a few 1000 of my closest friends. ive posted this before,  for me, that's worth the price of admission.  

caveat.. some ships  offer both 'HAVEN SUITES"  and regular suites. although the cabin are virtually identical, if your ship has a "haven complex" with it's own pool and bar area, and you have a regular suite, you wont have access to the complex per se, but can eat in t he specialty designated restaurants and have the use of butler/concierge. the cabins designated suites are less money than the haven.  asper above these are not the club balcony suites, which are a completely different animaal

The two big perks for us are:

1. The ability to get on and off the ship quickly and not have to stand in long lines.

2. Breakfast and lunch in Cagneys/Moderno is another huge plus. We can avoid all the craziness at the buffet and we find it much quieter and relaxing than the dining rooms.

10 hours ago, MoCruiseFan said: A "Family Suite" on the Joy is indeed a "full" suite with all the trimmings (as opposed to a club balcony suite which is merely an upscale balcony cabin).  With the family suite comes a VIP breakfast and lunch (most often in Cagneys/Moderno) which is a good step above the standard meals.  Butler and Concierge are also included.  They will be bringing al kinds of tasty goodies to your cabin daily and can assist with dining and show reservations.  You will also get priority debarkation.  If you do self walk off (do not put your luggage out the last night), simply go to the prescribed VIP debarkation spot (usually the theater) and you will be escorted to the front of the debarkation line when you are ready to go home.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news..........In December 2021, NCL took away the majority of the non Haven suite amenities for the Joy only.    Breakfast and Lunch are no longer included in a delegated specialty restaurant, no Butler, no unlimited room service, and Concierge only for reservations for dining.   They did keep the priority boarding, robes and better bath supplies as well as now offering room service free twice.    There are a couple of threads on the boards about this change.

10 hours ago, CleverUserNameHere said: Hello all!    We are sailing on the Joy out of New York to Bermuda on May 29th. This is our first time on Norwegian, and our first time travelling with our toddler! Since we are travelling with our toddler and my MIL (to watch said toddler), we booked the Family Inside Suite for the room and privacy that the two bedrooms provide. The room seems like it's crazy cool and HUGE for a cruise ship (at 500 sq feet it's 1/3 the size of our actual house!) and when I booked it I didn't really take note that 'Family Suite' meant 'Suite Class.' I know the Haven has the real perks, but what exactly does the suite provide? There are mentions online to the 'concierge service', but what is that exactly? Is there a separate seating area for shows? A separate area in the MDR? Priority boarding?   What do you consider the most valuable "suite class" perk? Thanks!

If you booked before the change, then I would e-mail the address on the other threads.   We were able to get $200 OBC to appease us.     We ended up upgrading ourselves to Haven when the price dropped significantly and got to keep the $200 OBC.

I still do think the Family Inside Suite is a good value for all of the room it provides as well as two bathrooms.  

Sailing12Away

Depending on if the perk still exists or not, we always enjoyed getting breakfast delivered to the room - especially on port days. Get to relax in the room without having to battle at the buffet for seats, and can go at our pace.

8 hours ago, Sailing12Away said: Depending on if the perk still exists or not, we always enjoyed getting breakfast delivered to the room - especially on port days. Get to relax in the room without having to battle at the buffet for seats, and can go at our pace.

Does room service not exist any more on cruise ships? I saw that the room included "24 hour room service" but I have always remembered that to be the case on all three cruises I have taken since 2015

8 hours ago, CleverUserNameHere said:   Does room service not exist any more on cruise ships? I saw that the room included "24 hour room service" but I have always remembered that to be the case on all three cruises I have taken since 2015

If it's not included, there's a $9.95 service charge

9 hours ago, CleverUserNameHere said:   Does room service not exist any more on cruise ships? I saw that the room included "24 hour room service" but I have always remembered that to be the case on all three cruises I have taken since 2015

These suites include two free room service deliveries.  However, the morning ones are free if you order the continental breakfast I believe.

GeezerCouple

We especially enjoy having breakfast delivered.  Sometimes, we wake up to the smell of coffee and bacon... and perhaps the very gentle clinking of some tableware.

Those Butlers are pros, and they can handle "intruding without intruding".

If we are still in bed, if we say good morning, so will the Butler, and they'll tailor their response to our verbal activity, or lack thereof.  If we are mostly asleep and say nothing, neither do they, but those aromas... we don't stay in bed for long.

We've learned that this works well even when the so-called "suite" is really just one large room.  When there is a separate bedroom, then it's a bit more obvious how it would work.

In our letter to our Butler on the first day, we tell them that the "Privacy" notice is NOT for them, but for everyone else.  IF we want them to stay out, we'll bolt the door, but that's rare.  So if they are bringing in breakfast at our preferred time, or a nice dinner from a specialty restaurant, they just knock or ring a bell, and generally pause briefly, and then walk in with <whatever>.

The room service luxury makes it a really special holiday for us,

The dinners are especially nice if we are tired from an active day.  I have some mobility issues, so it's especially nice to have this choice.

DH also loves getting platters of his favorite fruits.  However, we usually need to tell them to "cut back, please".  When  DH eats what they bring, the next day, they bring more.  And then more... Next thing we knew, there were two family sized platters, and just two of us.  Those may be healthy calories (or not!), but they are still calories. 🙂  

BTW, they are very good about customizing the 'treats' if you just let them know.  As with all of the Butler's services, they can't read your mind, so you need to "help them to help you".  Almost all of them clearly do want to do a good job.  

The special breakfasts and lunches are also very nice.  It's just a quieter experience than in a large dining room etc.   We've never been in a Haven with a restaurant, because we just don't want to be on such a huge ship.  But from the discussions (and photos), we are sure we would thoroughly enjoy those restaurants. 

When we were on the Sun (no Haven), we had the OS (which really should be called a DOS in our minds).  We had a very wide forward view (and a huge, wide balcony with a hot tub), and it was an Alaska cruise, so the scenery...!!!  We pretty much stayed in our suite unless we were off on some special excursion, and had our meals right in front of the wall of windows.

(The Sun had a rather odd deck/floor plan, but it was one of our favorite cruises, and we loved that suite.  We hope to be back, but... so many cruises, so little time. 🙂   )

Again, the OP will not have Butler service or treats delivered daily.  Or a special restaurant for breakfast and lunch.

9 minutes ago, vacation44 said: Again, the OP will not have Butler service or treats delivered daily.  Or a special restaurant for breakfast and lunch.

That may be.

However, given that the full thread here is titled " Best "Suite Class" Perk? " I would expect that others reading this will be interested in what "Suite Class Perks" might be available or, especially, what others judge as "best".

When we were just getting started on NCL and "suite class", we were certainly looking for as much information as we could find, wherever we could find it.

A huge problem remains:  NCL continues to use "suite" as names of accommodations that are not, in fact, considered eligible for "suite perks".  That simply asks - no, begs - for disappointments.

There would have been nothing "wrong" with calling what they called a "mini-suite" (which is NOT a "suite" per NCL) something like "deluxe balcony" or such... unless NCL's goal is at least partially a bait and switch approach.  I don't know if they are more clueless than need be, or if they are really doing it deliberately.  😠

cruiseinfoseeker

1 hour ago, vacation44 said: These suites include two free room service deliveries.  However, the morning ones are free if you order the continental breakfast I believe.

Are you speaking from experience regarding the two time fee waivers of room service surchage in the SC ? (on Joy)

I'm not counting on even that so it would be nice if you have experienced it because (insert diety of choice) knows the NCL reps don't give accurate or consistent info. More consistently inaccurate 🥴

10 hours ago, cruiseinfoseeker said: Are you speaking from experience regarding the two time fee waivers of room service surchage in the SC ? (on Joy) I'm not counting on even that so it would be nice if you have experienced it because (insert diety of choice) knows the NCL reps don't give accurate or consistent info. More consistently inaccurate 🥴

I just tried to chat with someone from NCL yesterday to try and get a clear picture of what exactly I can expect as a Suite guest and you know what they told me? I'll have to wait until I'm on board to find out 🤬

Good thing I booked the room for the separate bedrooms and space, not for the suite class... 

Coming from Royal Caribbean and Celebrity NCL sure seems a bit shady...

I'm on the April 26 Joy to Bermuda in the SP family suite class (with 2 friends).  While I'll miss having a balcony, the privacy and space of 3 separate sleeping areas plus 2 bathrooms more than compensates for it. 

That said, like the OP, I was (and remain) confused about the remaining room service perk, if it exists at all. 

Regarding priority boarding, FWIW, our luggage tags have the word "priority" on it.

OP: when I return from my cruise I'll report back on what perks are included with the room.

37 minutes ago, JGmf said: I'm on the April 26 Joy to Bermuda in the SP family suite class (with 2 friends).  While I'll miss having a balcony, the privacy and space of 3 separate sleeping areas plus 2 bathrooms more than compensates for it.    That said, like the OP, I was (and remain) confused about the remaining room service perk, if it exists at all.    Regarding priority boarding, FWIW, our luggage tags have the word "priority" on it.   OP: when I return from my cruise I'll report back on what perks are included with the room.

Please do let us know! Also, I believe that sailing stops in Norfolk, VA which is my neck of the woods. If you want any suggestions on what to do I'd be happy to help!

18 hours ago, cruiseinfoseeker said: Are you speaking from experience regarding the two time fee waivers of room service surchage in the SC ? (on Joy) I'm not counting on even that so it would be nice if you have experienced it because (insert diety of choice) knows the NCL reps don't give accurate or consistent info. More consistently inaccurate 🥴

Unfortunately, no.    We ended up upgrading ourselves to a Haven Suite.    However, we do have another one booked this September and I am trying to get it in writing.  

1 hour ago, JGmf said: I'm on the April 26 Joy to Bermuda in the SP family suite class (with 2 friends).  While I'll miss having a balcony, the privacy and space of 3 separate sleeping areas plus 2 bathrooms more than compensates for it.    That said, like the OP, I was (and remain) confused about the remaining room service perk, if it exists at all.    Regarding priority boarding, FWIW, our luggage tags have the word "priority" on it.   OP: when I return from my cruise I'll report back on what perks are included with the room.

Great to hear about the luggage tags so at least we know the part about priority boarding is correct!

Even though a lot of the amenities are no longer included, I do still believe these suite cabins can be a good value in certain circumstances.  

Thank you for volunteering to report back after your cruise as you will be the first one who does after the change.    Have a great sailing!

21 hours ago, Dawnmcl123 said: Here is the amenities  for the suite and haven cabins . This was emailed  to me from  the Joy concierge a couple of weeks ago.

OMG Thank you! This is exactly what I was looking for. The things that I think I'll care about the most is the priority boarding and Nespresso machine lol

• 3 weeks later...

On 4/8/2022 at 11:30 AM, JGmf said: OP: when I return from my cruise I'll report back on what perks are included with the room.

As promised, closing the loop on this...

I just got back this morning from staying int the NCL Joy family suite (SP). 

We were three adult friends all having our own private sleeping spaces with 2 full baths.  Yeah, no balcony, but more than offset by cost savings and affordable real estate.

As we know, there was no butler anymore, but we did have a letter from a concierge offering their services as part of our welcome stuff.  There was a Nespresso machine.

Nada on priority embarkation queuing that I saw, but maybe that was b/c leaving out of NYC with covid and Bermuda Travel Authorization lines and clumping, it was a minor mess.

There was, however, priority disembarkation, meaning, the yellow tags that get to leave first (in the event you want to have them take your luggage).  If you are walking off with your bags, there's no priority anything.

Movies were free.  On day one there was a snack tray of something (little sandwiches?) brought to all of these SP rooms.  I can't report back on room service, but I understand the room class allows on or two freebie (no service charge) deliveries.

The pillow were (too) fluffy; and they did have the overstuffed (what are we in the Arctic?) comforter.  Special, nicer toiletries in the bathrooms.

Overall, I highly recommend the room class.  It's a really nice value that can provide a highly appreciated mix of privacy and space.

On 4/5/2022 at 10:02 PM, MoCruiseFan said: With the family suite comes a VIP breakfast and lunch (most often in Cagneys/Moderno) which is a good step above the standard meals.

We're on POA in a few weeks and it doesn't have a Haven restaurant so we're being told we can have Lunch and Dinner in Cagney's. Any additional feedback on that? I can't find menus anywhere. What kinds of things do they serve? Is it much better than what we would otherwise get in the MDR or elsewhere on ship? About half the restaurants are closed for our 5/21/22 sailing (Covid reduced staff and guests I suppose) so our options are rather limited.

actually, i believe its breakfast and lunch, not dinner at cagneys.  menus dont change from day to day, and for the first few days lunch is great.  

breakfast, however is amazing. start off with a mimosa or a glass of champagne. the eggs benedict and french toast are fantastic, there is also a self serve buffet. you can have both, and although the menu doesnt change either, there is enough variety to keep almost everyone happy.

also a carafe of french press coffee is on every table.

its certainly much better than the regular buffet, although there are certainly many more choices if you choose the buffet. even when we choose the haven, we eat in the regular buffet, and the mdr at least twice.

its nice to mingle and see how the poor people are doing (lol!dont anyone get offended, just kidding)

3 hours ago, JGmf said:   As promised, closing the loop on this...   I just got back this morning from staying int the NCL Joy family suite (SP).    We were three adult friends all having our own private sleeping spaces with 2 full baths.  Yeah, no balcony, but more than offset by cost savings and affordable real estate.   As we know, there was no butler anymore, but we did have a letter from a concierge offering their services as part of our welcome stuff.  There was a Nespresso machine.   Nada on priority embarkation queuing that I saw, but maybe that was b/c leaving out of NYC with covid and Bermuda Travel Authorization lines and clumping, it was a minor mess.   There was, however, priority disembarkation, meaning, the yellow tags that get to leave first (in the event you want to have them take your luggage).  If you are walking off with your bags, there's no priority anything.   Movies were free.  On day one there was a snack tray of something (little sandwiches?) brought to all of these SP rooms.  I can't report back on room service, but I understand the room class allows on or two freebie (no service charge) deliveries.   The pillow were (too) fluffy; and they did have the overstuffed (what are we in the Arctic?) comforter.  Special, nicer toiletries in the bathrooms.   Overall, I highly recommend the room class.  It's a really nice value that can provide a highly appreciated mix of privacy and space.

Thank you for the report back and glad the suite worked out great.   

Do you know where the Vibe passes were being sold and if it was sold out?

19 hours ago, JGmf said:   As promised, closing the loop on this...   I just got back this morning from staying int the NCL Joy family suite (SP).    We were three adult friends all having our own private sleeping spaces with 2 full baths.  Yeah, no balcony, but more than offset by cost savings and affordable real estate.   As we know, there was no butler anymore, but we did have a letter from a concierge offering their services as part of our welcome stuff.   There was a Nespresso machine.   Nada on priority embarkation queuing that I saw, but maybe that was b/c leaving out of NYC with covid and Bermuda Travel Authorization lines and clumping, it was a minor mess.   There was, however, priority disembarkation, meaning, the yellow tags that get to leave first (in the event you want to have them take your luggage).  If you are walking off with your bags, there's no priority anything.   Movies were free.  On day one there was a snack tray of something (little sandwiches?) brought to all of these SP rooms.  I can't report back on room service, but I understand the room class allows on or two freebie (no service charge) deliveries.   The pillow were (too) fluffy; and they did have the overstuffed (what are we in the Arctic?) comforter.  Special, nicer toiletries in the bathrooms.   Overall, I highly recommend the room class.  It's a really nice value that can provide a highly appreciated mix of privacy and space.

Thanks very much for the summary. We're in an SC category "Suite" on the Joy in mid-June, same class as yours, much smaller room but with a balcony. Question: Before sailing, did you ever receive any communications from the NCL Concierge, basically a pre-boarding version of the letter you received once on board? I thought I had read that we should receive a formal "Welcome Aboard" Email from them ahead of time and so far, nothing.  Also, did you ever take advantage of the Concierge priority reservation system for shows and dining, and if so, how did it work? And how did you physically connect with the Concierge once on board?

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in

• Welcome to Cruise Critic
• ANNOUNCEMENT: Set Sail Beyond the Ordinary with Oceania Cruises
• ANNOUNCEMENT: The Widest View in the Whole Wide World
• New Cruisers
• Cruise Lines “A – O”
• Cruise Lines “P – Z”
• River Cruising
• Cruise Critic News & Features
• Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
• Special Interest Cruising
• Cruise Discussion Topics
• UK Cruising
• Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
• Canadian Cruisers
• North American Homeports
• Ports of Call
• Cruise Conversations

Announcements

• New to Cruise Critic? Join our Community!

Write Your Own Amazing Review !

Click this gorgeous photo by member SUPERstar777 to share your review!

Features & News

LauraS · Started 12 hours ago

LauraS · Started 14 hours ago

LauraS · Started 18 hours ago

LauraS · Started Wednesday at 08:38 PM

• Existing user? Sign in OR Create an Account
• Find Your Roll Call
• Meet & Mingle
• Community Help Center
• All Activity
• Member Photo Albums
• Meet & Mingle Photos
• Favorite Cruise Memories
• Cruise Food Photos
• Cruise Ship Photos
• Ports of Call Photos
• Towel Animal Photos
• Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos
• Write a Review
• Live Cruise Reports
• Member Cruise Reviews
• Create New...

Norwegian Breakaway Cruise Ship - Cabins and Suites

The 4000-passenger Norwegian Breakaway of Norwegian Cruise Line has 28 different types of cabins and suite accommodations in 42 categories. Seven of the categories are in The Haven , the Norwegian Breakaway's luxurious and exclusive boutique cruise ship hotel. The other 21 categories are diverse and spread throughout 8 decks of the mega-ship. These staterooms range in size (and price) from mini-suites for spa lovers or families to standard balcony cabins to oceanview and finally to the least expensive on the ship--inside cabins.

Like the Norwegian Escape and  Norwegian Epic , the Norwegian Breakaway has inside studio cabins that are designed for the solo traveler.

The tiny studio cabins were designed and priced for the solo traveler. All the studios are on the inside but have a porthole window looking into the hallway. These cabins are designed for cleaning up, dressing, and sleeping. Guests staying in the studios have access to the studio lounge. 

Studio Cabin

Studio cabin sink, studio cabin lounge stairwell, studio cabin lounge, studio cabin portholes.

The Studio Cabins are all inside and do not have views of the sea. However, they do have large portholes with views of the hallway.

Studio Cabin Hallway

The 59 Studio cabins are designed for solo travelers and have their own lounge. This hallway reflects the contemporary feel of the Studio complex.

The 16 Spa Suites measure 344 square feet and are located near the Mandara Spa. Like the other spa staterooms, these suites include access to the Thermal Spa, and they also have an in-suite whirlpool. Although not located in The Haven, spa suite guests have access to its courtyard, restaurant, and lounge. 

Spa Suite Sitting Area

Spa suite desk area, spa suite balcony, spa suite bathroom, spa suite whirlpool tub.

The Norwegian Breakaway Spa Suites feature a large in-suite whirlpool tub with a view.

Spa Mini-Suite Shower

Those who love a good shower will appreciate the multiple water jets and two showerheads in the mini-suites.

Spa Mini-Suite

The spa mini-suite is the same size (236 square feet) as a standard mini-suite, but it has a tranquil spa decor and is located near the Mandara Spa. Guests in all spa accommodations have complimentary access to the Thermal Spa. 

Spa Mini-Suites on the Norwegian Getaway, sister ship to the Norwegian Breakaway, are similar.

Spa Balcony Cabin Bathroom

Spa balcony cabin shower, spa balcony cabin.

Spa balcony cabins are the same size as other balcony cabins (204 square feet), but are located near the Mandara Spa and feature complimentary access to the Thermal Spa area.

Forward-Facing Oceanview Cabin

View from forward-facing oceanview cabin.

These cabins do not have a balcony but feature a view similar to the one the Captain has from the bridge.

Accessible Oceanview Cabin

Handicap-accessible oceanview cabin, mini-suite shower.

The Norwegian Breakaway mini-suite showers are spa-like, with a waterfall showerhead, multiple water-jets, and a separate hand-held showerhead.

The 248 mini-suites look much like the balcony cabins, but are larger and have a more luxurious bath with double sinks and a shower with multiple jets. Each mini-suite has a sofa bed.

Mini-Suite Bathroom

Mini-suite balcony.

Mini-suites are a little larger than standard balcony cabins, measuring 236 square feet.

Oceanview Cabin

The 120 oceanview cabins have a large picture window, but no balcony. Forty-four of the oceanview cabins are "family oceanview" sleep up to five guests and have a double sink and tub in the bathroom.

Oceanview Cabin Bathroom

Inside cabin.

The 449 inside cabins (categories IA, IE, IB, IC, IF, ID, IX) on the Norwegian Breakaway measure 151 square feet. They include most of the features found in the oceanview and balcony cabins but have no window or balcony.

Balcony Accessible Cabin

Accessible balcony cabin.

The Norwegian Breakaway has 40 accessible cabins for those in wheelchairs or with mobility issues. This is a balcony cabin, which is larger than the standard balcony cabin.

Accessible Balcony Cabin Bathroom

Balcony cabin.

Balcony cabins (category BA, BB, BC, BD, or BX) measure 204 square feet and are the most predominant category on the Norwegian Breakaway. Most sleep two, but some can accommodate four.

Balcony Cabin Desk and Television

Balcony cabin bathroom vanity, balcony cabin shower, balcony cabin bath and shower.

Some balcony cabins have the bed by the sliding glass door; others have the sofa and desk located in this position. It's a personal preference as to which is better.

Family Oceanview Cabin Bathroom

Family oceanview.

The 42 family oceanview cabins on deck 5 measure 161 square feet and sleep up to five people. Most of these cabins have both a shower and a tub, and many connect to another cabin.

Family Mini-Suite

The 22 family mini-suites with balcony on the Norwegian Breakaway measure 236 square feet and are located on deck 12 near the kids' area. These cabins sleep up to four and include both a bathtub and shower.

Family Inside Cabin

The Family Inside Cabins in category I1 and I2 are on decks 11 and 12. These cabins sleep 4, are located near the kid's areas and include two lower beds that convert to a queen-size and two pull-down beds.

Family Inside Cabin - Accessible Bathroom

Aft-facing balcony cabin.

The 32 aft-facing balcony cabins (category B1) on the Norwegian Breakaway are found on decks 8 through 14. These 204 square-foot cabins have two lower pillow-top beds that can be combined into a queen-sized bed. A third person could also sleep on the sofa.

Like other cabins on the Norwegian Breakaway, the aft-facing cabins have a 26-inch flat screen television, lots of storage space, desk, good lighting, and a full-size closet. The bathroom includes a large sink, toilet, enclosed vanity area, and shower. Since these cabins have an aft view, the balcony is larger and has lounge chairs.

Aft-Facing Balcony Cabin Veranda

The veranda on an aft-facing cabin on the Norwegian Breakaway is larger and has enough room for chaise lounge chairs.

Aft-Facing Balcony Cabin Bathroom

Holland America Nieuw Amsterdam's Cabins and Suites

MSC Divina - Cabins and Suites

Norwegian Epic Cruise Ship Cabins

Carnival Dream's Cabins and Suites

Carnival Dream - Cruise Ship Profile

Celebrity Eclipse Cabins and Suites

Norwegian Escape Cruise Ship Cabins

Norwegian Getaway - The Haven

Regal Princess Cruise Ship Cabins

How to Choose the Best Cabin on a Cruise Ship

Norwegian Breakaway Cruise Ship

Anthem of the Seas Cabins and Suites

Celebrity Silhouette Cruise Ship Cabins and Suites

Hurtigruten MS Midnatsol Cabins and Suites

Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas Cabins and Suites

Norwegian Escape Cruise Ship Profile and Photo Tour

The 7 best cruise ship suites — picked by someone who has seen them all

O ne of the biggest stories in the cruise world over the past couple of decades has been the arrival of a new generation of superlarge, superswanky cruise ship suites that are chock-full of every sort of upscale feature and amenity you could imagine. They are sights to behold.

Some of the biggest of these cruise ship suites measure 2,000 square feet or more — approaching the size of the typical American home. A handful go far beyond that.

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

I haven't stayed in all of these new cruise ship suites. But over more than 25 years of writing about cruise ships, I've toured pretty much all of them. I can't think of any major cruise ship suite that I've missed other than Disney Cruise Line's new Tower Suite on Disney Wish, which I hope to get to soon.

A few of these swanky digs really stood out, and I'll profile them below in my personal list of best cruise suites.

In some cases, these are one-of-a-kind suites found on only a single vessel. In other cases, they are suites with similar sisters on multiple ships.

To be clear, this is by no means an exhaustive list. Disney fans will no doubt admonish me for not including the supersized suites on some Disney Cruise Line ships, such as the art deco-influenced Roy O. Disney Suite on Disney Fantasy. I've been in these suites, and they are certainly impressive. But I wasn't as wowed by them as I was by the suites below. And I have to cut off my list somewhere.

Related: 8 cabin locations on cruise ships you definitely should avoid

Luxury lines Silversea Cruises and Seabourn also offer quite a few wonderful suites on their ships, and it's worth noting that some of the biggest suites at sea are those found on Norwegian Cruise Line 's Jewel-class vessels.

Below, you'll find my picks for the seven best suites at sea.

Regent Suite

Ship: Seven Seas Splendor (Regent Seven Seas Cruises)

Every time I think of this suite, I think of that famous scene in "Dr. Zhivago" where Comrade Kaprugina dresses down the good doctor on the size of his mansion. "There was living space for 13 families in this one house!" she scolds.

You might not be able to jam 13 families into Regent Seven Seas Cruises ' Regent Suite, but in a pinch, you probably could come close. It sprawls over an astounding 4,443 square feet — nearly twice the size of the average American home. Its opulence is like nothing you'll find anywhere else at sea (except in similar suites found on Regent's Seven Seas Explorer and the just-unveiled Seven Seas Grandeur).

Located at the front of Seven Seas Splendor , the Regent Suite is so big it stretches all the way from one side of the ship to the other, offering views in three directions. It has two massive bedroom complexes — and they really are complexes, with seemingly endless space. It also has a living room, a separate dining area and perhaps the most spectacular balcony at sea.

Related: 7 reasons you should splurge on a suite for your next cruise

Among the over-the-top things you'll find in the Regent Suite is a bed with a handmade mattress that Regent executives claim cost more than $200,000. It was handcrafted by four artisans at the renowned Hastens workshop in Koping, Sweden, using horsetail hair and flax, along with cotton and wool batting.

The Regent Suite also has a ridiculously large master bathroom, complete with its own sauna and steam room. It's big enough that it can double as a personal spa treatment room. To that end, the Regent Suite — get this — comes with its own spa therapist on call. Unlimited spa treatments are included in the cost of the suite.

Other perks of staying in the Regent Suite include first-class domestic flights to reach the ship; a personal car, driver and guide in every port; and a dedicated butler to help make arrangements on board.

The only downside to a stay? The cost. Regent charges $11,000 a day for the privilege.

Related: The 2 types of Regent ships, explained

Royal Loft Suite

Ship: Quantum of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)

At 1,640 square feet, the Royal Loft Suite on Royal Caribbean 's Quantum of the Seas isn't nearly as big as the Regent Suite on Seven Seas Splendor. But it makes my list of the best cruise ship suites because it offers something the latter doesn't: views across the ship's wake through a soaring, two-deck-high glass wall.

That's right, the Royal Loft Suite on Quantum of the Seas sprawls over two decks and has a main room that is two stories high — a lavish use of space that is rare in the cruise world.

Royal Caribbean offers a Royal Loft Suite on each of its Oasis Class and Quantum Class ships, but there are some design differences among them.

My favorite of all the Royal Loft Suites is the one on Quantum of the Seas, the first vessel in Royal Caribbean's Quantum Class series. Sleeping up to six, it offers a stylish, two-deck-high living and dining space facing the complex's giant window wall, complete with such modernist touches as an Eames chair (which, being a minimalist, I adore). Among its highlights are a dry bar and a sofa that converts into a double bed.

Related: 5 reasons to turn down a cruise ship cabin upgrade

The first floor of the Royal Loft Suite is also home to a media room with a sofa that converts into a queen bed. It's a perfect hideaway for the kids, should you be traveling with a family.

Upstairs, the main bedroom is open-walled, so you can see across the living area to the sea. It is accessed via a bridge-like walkway, which I love. It's like crossing a drawbridge into your own private castle at sea.

Rounding out the complex is a spacious, 415-square-foot private balcony that has its own private whirlpool — another great place from which to look out over the water.

Balmoral Suite

Ship: Queen Mary 2 (Cunard Line)

Royal Caribbean wasn't the first cruise line to go the double-decker route when designing over-the-top cruise ship suites. A decade before the debut of Quantum of the Seas, Cunard Line wowed cruise fans with the unveiling of this two-deck-high Grand Duplex suite and a sister suite, the Sandringham, on its iconic Queen Mary 2.

Named after a castle in Scotland owned by the British royal family, the Balmoral Suite is fit for a queen with a stunning 2,249 square feet of living space.

Like Royal Caribbean's Royal Loft suites, both the Balmoral Suite and the Sandringham Suite have a sprawling living room and dining area on their ground floors and a spacious master bedroom complex on their second levels.

One thing I particularly love about the Grand Duplex suites is that their master bedrooms are reached via dramatic, curving staircases.

Another allure of the Grand Duplex suites is that they come with access to Queen Mary 2's exclusive Queens Grill restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Only open to passengers staying in the very top accommodations on the ship, this is a much more intimate, elegant and private eatery than the main Britannia restaurant where most passengers dine.

Movie buffs may recognize the restaurant, as it was heavily highlighted in the Meryl Streep movie "Let Them All Talk," which was set on Queen Mary 2 .

Owner's suite

Ship: Viking Star (Viking)

Many cruise ships have giant suites that are given the name "owner's suite." But few live up to the phrase like this one.

The owner's suite on Viking Star — Viking 's first oceangoing ship — was specifically designed to be used by Viking founder and owner Torstein Hagen when he travels on the ship, and it's full of little quirks that reflect his personal tastes.

Among them: Hagen's personal mementos, including pictures of his family, are sprinkled throughout the suite. A selection of books from Hagen's personal collection fills a bookshelf.

The Norwegian-born Hagen also had the suite built with its own private sauna with a glass wall facing the sea, something he wanted for personal use.

In all, the suite — and similar suites that were built onto more recently unveiled Viking ocean ships — sprawls over an impressive 1,448 square feet.

Located at the top of the vessel, it has a bedroom with a large bathroom complex (including that sauna), a separate living room and a dining area that seats six people.

In addition, in another twist that speaks to its real use as an owner's suite, it has its own boardroom with a long table that seats 12 people that Hagen uses for meetings and catered dinner parties. There's an adjacent pantry that can be used by staff serving room service or catering hosted events.

Among other personal touches related to Hagen are wine and music collections that he curated for the rooms.

Similar Owner's Suites can be found on other Viking ocean ships, too, all used from time to time by Hagen and his family.

Reflection Suite

Ship: Celebrity Reflection (Celebrity Cruises)

Many Celebrity Cruises ships have spacious and alluring suites. But the newest of the line's five Solstice Class vessels, Celebrity Reflection, has my favorite of them all: the Reflection Suite.

Unveiled in 2012, the Reflection Suite was the brand's first two-bedroom suite, and it measures a none-too-shabby 1,636 square feet, not including a 194-square-foot balcony.

Located in a panoramic corner spot on the ship, it features a glass-walled living and dining area with a dining table that can seat 10 people (just in case you want to hold a dinner party during your cruise).

Related: TPG's ultimate guide to picking a cruise line

But what really earns it a place on our list of the best cruise ship suites is the Reflection Suite's stunning, glass-walled master bathroom. Dubbed a "sea-view bathroom," it is just that — a bathroom with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer incredible sea views. The most-talked-about highlight of the space: a glass-enclosed rain shower that juts out over the edge of the ship.

Just be careful if you use the shower as the ship pulls into port: You might end up putting on a show. (The walls are made of "smart glass," so you can change them from transparent to translucent.) That said, we can't think of another bathroom on a cruise ship with such amazing views.

Ship: Riviera (Oceania Cruises)

The owner's suites on Oceania Cruises ' Riviera — there are three of them — rival anything you can find at a resort on land when it comes to elegance and style.

So do three more owner's suites that you can find on Riviera's slightly older sister ship, Marina.

All six of the suites were decorated using Ralph Lauren furnishings by designer Susan Bednar Long, and they have a wonderful flow and consistency in style.

The mahogany beds that you'll find in the master bedrooms are upholstered in steel-blue mohair — a striking touch — and are flanked by walls covered in cashmere. A few steps away, a marble-clad master bathroom offers more luxurious Ralph Lauren design touches.

Measuring around 2,000 square feet, the owner's suites also have spacious living rooms and a dramatic entryway with a bar on one side and a grand piano on the other.

The suites offer lots of outdoor living space with wrap-around balconies that are home to hot tubs and flat-screen TVs. These balconies overlook the back of the ship, offering great views.

Among the extra touches, a stay in one of the suites comes with butler service, free laundry service of up to three bags per sailing, priority ship embarkation with priority luggage delivery and access to an exclusive executive lounge staffed by a dedicated concierge.

Ultimate Family Suite

Ship: Symphony of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)

Yes, I'm putting a second Royal Caribbean suite on my short list of the seven best cruise suites. The line is that amazing when it comes to suites. Indeed, if I had to pick just one cruise line for best suites, it'd be Royal Caribbean.

The Ultimate Family Suite on Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas, which debuted in 2018, really is the ultimate family suite. I can't think of a better suite anywhere in the world, at sea or on land, for families with kids, particularly small kids.

Like two other Ultimate Family suites that have debuted more recently on Spectrum of the Seas (a ship devoted to the Asia cruise market) and Wonder of the Seas, Symphony's is like a kiddie fun zone that happens to have beds where you can spend the night.

Related: 12 tips for surviving a luxury cruise with kids

Measuring a palatial 1,346 square feet, the Ultimate Family Suite on Symphony of the Seas spans two decks that are loaded with such kid-friendly attractions as an air hockey table, a building block wall, table tennis on the balcony and a vertical climbing maze.

There's also a crawl-through nook connecting the main bedroom for adults and a second kiddie bedroom, plus — surely the coolest feature of all — a slide that descends from the second floor of the complex to the first floor. (Don't worry, there are stairs, too, for those who want to move between floors the traditional way.)

In addition, the complex has its very own private cinema room with an 85-inch 4K TV that streams movies, a popcorn machine and the latest gaming consoles.

Designed with even the largest families in mind — it can hold up to eight people! — the suite also features one of the most jaw-dropping balcony views on the entire ship. And, like all high-end suites on Royal Caribbean ships, it comes with a Royal Genie — a personal butler assigned to cater to your every need.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

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.

• CruiseMapper

Norwegian Joy cabins and suites

Norwegian joy staterooms review, floor plans, photos.

Norwegian Joy cabins and suites review at CruiseMapper provides detailed information on cruise accommodations , including floor plans, photos, room types and categories, cabin sizes, furniture details and included by Norwegian Cruise Line en-suite amenities and services.

The Norwegian Joy cruise ship cabins page is conveniently interlinked with its deck plans showing deck layouts combined with a legend and review of all onboard venues.

The Haven Deluxe Owners Suite

Layout (floor plan), the haven 2-bedroom family villa, the haven 1-bedroom family villa, the haven courtyard penthouse suite, the haven penthouse suite, the haven suite, concierge staterooms, club balcony mini-suite.

In 2020, NCL recategorized fleetwide the Mini-Suite cabin category, renaming it to "Club Balcony Suite" and adding free perks. The change didn't affect the staterooms' deck locations or cabin numbers.

NCL's Club Balcony Suite's new (bonus) amenities include pre-booking onboard dining and entertainment 125 days prior departure, room service (food-beverage delivery twice per cruise), free laundry service (1x bag) and pressing service (once per cruise), Welcome Aboard gift (1x bottle of sparkling wine).

On Norwegian Joy, the Club Balcony Suite category was introduced on September 19.

Balcony Cabin

Oceanview cabin, interior family suite, interior cabin.

Handicap (wheelchair-accessible) inside staterooms size is 225 ft2 / 21 m2.

Norwegian Joy cabins review

On the Breakaway-Plus class NCL Joy ship:

• The total number of The Haven suites is almost doubled in comparison to the Breakaway-class ships – 95 Suite accommodations, including 2 more Owner’s Suites (each with 2 balconies and floor-ceiling windows).
• The Haven Spa suites’ location is close to the Thermal Suite (complimentary) and the Fitness Center.
• The ship has no Studio decks (2-deck complex of single-occupancy cabins for solo travelers, keycard access only) with its own exclusive Studio Lounge & Bar (accessible by Studio cabins passengers only). Instead, NCL Joy has "Family Interior Suites" (positioned in clusters forward on decks 10, 11, 12). This is a new category Family Suites, each with 2 bedrooms and virtual balconies.
• The Haven Suite can be connected with an adjacent balcony cabin. There are a total of 308 Mini-Suites, 1088 Balcony and 374 Inside staterooms. NCL Joy also has more connecting cabins (in all categories).

Follows the review of Norwegian Joy staterooms as amenities, furniture and included (complimentary) services:

All Norwegian Joy cabins as amenities feature sleeping area with standard twin/single beds (convertible to queen, with leather headboard and lighted recess above-bed), en-suite bathroom (WC, sink, shower stall, bath products, hairdryer), lounge/sitting area (full-size wardrobe, vanity area, ample storage space), flat TV (26″, with recessed under TV nook), safe, mini-bar, direct-dial phone), individual air-conditioning.

The highest grades Norwegian Joy accommodations are in The Haven Suite categories. Haven Suite passengers enjoy exclusive lounge access. This is the Courtyard outdoor relaxation complex, which has its own swimming pool/whirlpool, sundeck/sunbathing area, private fitness centre, valet service. Bonus perks for Suite guests are: key-card cabin access, welcome gifts (Champagne, fruits, flowers), in-room dining (full breakfast menu, evening treats), pillow menu, luxury mattresses, deluxe bedding, plush slippers, terry towels, 24-hour personal butler and concierge service (luggage unpacking), large flat TVs (with DVD players), coffee machines, refrigerator, priority services (check-in, debarkation, tender boat boarding, dining reservations), complimentary specialty restaurant dining (breakfast and lunch).

H2 and H3 Owner Suites have a separate living room, dining area, large dressing area, bathroom (separate shower, bathtub, WC, 2 sinks vanity area), 1/2 guest bathroom, floor-ceiling windows, wraparound balcony (H2 Deluxe), master bedroom (king bed).

H4 Family Villas (2-Bedroom Suites) have a separate living room (with dining area and single sofa bed), luxury bathroom (separate shower, bathtub, WC, 2 sinks vanity area).

H5 Courtyard Penthouses have lounge/living area (single sofa bed), bathroom (shower/bathtub, 2 sinks vanity area, WC).

H6 Penthouse Suites (aft location) feature large window views in the bathroom, which overlooks the veranda.

H7 Penthouse Suites (forward location) feature porthole window views in the bedroom, which overlooks the ship’s bow.

H8-H9 Spa Suites feature soothing decor, floor-ceiling windows, bathroom with whirlpool, separate bathroom (2-sinks vanity, WC, waterfall shower with water jets), location close to the Mandara Spa & Fitness Center, unlimited Thermal Spa Suite access (complimentary).

Mini-Suites and Balcony cabins have queen beds (convertible), sofa beds, double sinks (2-faucet, under sink storage).

Family Oceanview cabins for up to 5 passengers are 220 ft2 / 20 m2 in size.

Unlike most NCL ships, Joy will have no Studio cabins (designed for singles and solo travellers). On other ships, these accommodations have full-size beds, bathrooms (separate sink/WC and shower, corridor window view, keycard access to an exclusive Studio Lounge (single cabins guests only lounge complex).

IMPORTANT: Since May 2015, the NCL charged US$7,95 for room service dining. This is an extra service charge implemented fleetwide (on all NCL cruise ships). Passengers exempted from the new (uncommon for the industry) room service fee are only the occupants of “The Haven” suites. Still, as an exception, all passengers can order (for free) their room-service morning coffee and Continental Breakfast. After implementing the new service charge, NCL upgraded the room service menu, adding more hot food items for Breakfast and a wider food & drinks selection (available for ordering 24 hours a day).

Among the NCL Joy’s cabins related news are:

• New cabin category will be introduced – these are the NCL’s first Concierge-grade rooms. The new Concierge Level suites (forward on decks 14 and 15) will be part of a separate complex (above The Haven). These new accommodations will feature larger balconies, luxurious amenities and personalized service. Replacing the Studios (single cabins) there will be new Interior Suite category cabins each with 2 bedrooms and a virtual balcony (live outside views). Dedicated concierges will make onboard arrangements (entertainment, dining, spa, special events, private parties, etc). There will be also an exclusive-access Concierge Lounge with its own bar.
• Many Inside staterooms will feature innovative virtual balconies.
• The new ship will also have plenty of connecting staterooms for larger families.

Handicap / wheelchair-accessible cruise cabins

NCL Joy ship has a total of  47 wheelchair-accessible cabins (for disabled passengers) in the following categories:

• H5-Courtyard Penthouses (rooms 17126, 18126)
• H7-Penthouse (room 13106)
• M1-MC-Mini-Suites (rooms 10290, 10318, 10890, 10918)
• B1-BD-BF-Balcony (rooms 9924, 10286, 10886, 11918, 12282, 12286, 12882, 12882, 12912, 13912, 14278, 14282, 14878, 14882, 14906, 15886)
• O2-OB Oceanview (rooms 5106, 5108, 5138, 5140, 5706, 5708, 5738, 5740), with room sizes of handicap categories OA (320 ft2 / 30) and O1 (545 ft2 / 51 m2).
• I2-IA-IB-IC-Interior (rooms 5106, 5108, 5138, 5140, 5706, 5708, 5738, 5740). Inside handicap rooms size is 225 ft2 / 21 m2.
• Designed specifically for cruise passengers with disabilities, these accommodations feature wider doors, turning spaces, beds with open bed frames, lowered vanity in the sitting area, amplified phones, captioned TVs, wider bathrooms (roll-in shower, fold-down shower bench, grab bars, lower sinks and closet rods, raised toilets, hand-held showerhead).
• All handicap cabins feature a convenient location near the ship’s elevators.
• All public restrooms on the NCL Joy ship have stalls and automatic door systems. All decks provide elevator access.
• All onboard dining venues, bars and lounges offer wheelchair access and seating.

Norwegian Joy cabin and suite plans are property of Norwegian Cruise Line . All floor plans are for informational purposes only and CruiseMapper is not responsible for their accuracy.

The best new cruises in the world: 2024 Hot List

By CNT Editors

It’s inevitable: every spring when we pull together the Hot List, our annual collection of the world’s best new hotels, restaurants, and cruise ships, a staffer remarks that this latest iteration has got to be the best one ever. After a year’s worth of travelling the globe – to stay the night at a converted farmhouse in the middle of an olive grove outside Marrakech or sail aboard a beloved cruise line’s inaugural Antarctic voyage – it’s easy to see why we get attached. But this year’s Hot List, our 28th edition, might really be the best one ever. It’s certainly our most diverse, featuring not only a hotel suite that was once Winston Churchill’s office, but also the world’s largest cruise ship and restaurants from Cape Town to Bali . We were surprised and inspired by this year’s honorees, and we know you will be too. These are the Hot List cruise winners for 2024.

Celebrity Ascent, Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity is a premium big-ship cruise brand, focusing on exquisite dining, cutting-edge amenities, Instagram-worthy public spaces chock-full of bespoke art pieces, and avant-garde onboard entertainment. The ship makes passengers feel, in a word, glamorous. Celebrity Ascent’s sumptuously designed interiors are flooded with natural light and evoke an air of playful sophistication that makes a week on board an escape worth cherishing. Passengers may find themselves longing to return for just one more succulent crab claw at Raw on 5, one more martini poured by bottle-spinning bartenders in the Martini Bar, or one more dazzling, acrobatic stage show, in the days following their farewells to this beautiful ship. From around £574 per person for a seven-night sailing. Scott Laird

Emerald Sakara, Emerald Cruises

Now with two oceangoing vessels joining Emerald’s more established fleet of nine river-dedicated “Star-Ships,” the decade-old cruise line is extending a brand built on unpretentious luxury to more corners of the world. Christened last August , the 100-guest superyacht, Sakara, is a near twin to Azzurra, which in 2022 ushered in a new era for Emerald by taking to the high seas. Sakara, like its sister, delightfully blurs the line between the luxury and ultra-luxury cruise categories, offering attentive service, gourmet cuisine, tasteful decor, and an eclectic slate of activities at a price point friendly to more budgets. The cherry on top with both superyachts is a slew of perks atypical of small-ship sailing, ranging from an impressively comprehensive spa to a marina platform well equipped for more fun in the sun. Despite having so much good stuff, each vessel is remarkably spacious. Getting a sense of being on a private yacht is easy like Sunday morning. Sakara is homeported in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean through at least March 2026; Azzurra, too, in addition to the Middle East, Kenya, and the Seychelles . Emerald’s river operations are based in Europe and Southeast Asia. (Note that a third ship, the Kaia, has just been announced by the cruise line; it debuts in April 2026, and, for all the early birds, it is now open for bookings.) From around £3,112. David Dickstein

Explora I, Explora Journeys

With a showpiece lobby bar, upscale restaurants, and a sultry infinity pool, Explora Journeys' relaxed luxury-resort-at-sea vibe strikes the perfect balance on Explora I. Launched in August 2023, the all-inclusive ship is disarmingly beautiful. A sleek navy blue exterior cocoons 461 suites, all with deep balconies, walk-in closets, and marble bathrooms. There is free-flowing Champagne, 7,500 square feet of wellness space, and 18 drinking and dining venues. From Emporium Marketplace, with its decadent raw bar, to pan-Asian restaurant Sakura, the dining on Explora I is sensational. Marble & Co. Grill is an intimate steakhouse where ageing meats hang in temperature-controlled cabinets. At Anthology, the ship's only supplementary restaurant, guest chefs – such as Claude Le Tohic of San Francisco's O' by Claude Le Tohic – curate sublime tasting menus. There's more: The only Rolex boutique at sea, huge hot tubs, and a shore program that sees some land experiences developed in partnership with revered explorer Mike Horn. From around £564 per person per night. Kerry Spencer

Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International

Aboard the Icon, you can really get lost. The behemoth is just plain big, with a capacity for nearly 8,000 when combining passengers and crew across 20 decks and 250,800 gross tons. Two and a half laps around the ship’s jogging track, a particular highlight onboard, and you’ve run a mile. So one can find themselves in need of a map – forgetting your sunscreen , for example, in your cabin is a bit of a chore depending on how far you’ve made it. But the abundance of things to do is also narcotic, and you feel a bit like a lotus-eater attempting to navigate it all while keeping your head. Amid the relentless entertainment, not to be missed are the top-notch performers present everywhere, from the Olympic-level aquatics show that you can watch from the windows of the speciality seafood restaurant should seating be elusive (it often is) to the cafeteria, where crewmembers dressed as food items sing songs reminding (commanding, actually, which is fabulous) passengers to wash their hands at sinks near the entrance. If you wish to enjoy the largest waterpark at sea, by the way, do what I did not and pack a swimsuit without zippers. From around £1,818 . Charlie Hobbs

CNT Editors

Olivia Morelli , CN Traveller

MSC Euribia, MSC Cruises

Looking at a row of cruise ships in port, you'll spot MSC Euribia right away. She's covered bow to stern by an ocean-themed mural by German artist Alex Flämig that bears the hashtag #SaveTheSeas nodding to the MSC's dedication to sustainable cruising: the Italian cruise line aims to be net-zero by 2050. MSC Euribia brings it one step closer to that goal, as it's the fleet's greenest ship yet, operating on liquified natural gas (LNG) and running advanced water and waste treatment systems onboard. But enough with the technical details – this mega-ship is packed with activities and entertainment, with 10 restaurants, 21 bars, five pools, two performance venues, and a bevvy of family-friendly amenities, like an F1 simulator, a waterpark, and a bowling alley. More adult-oriented highlights include the MSC Aurea Spa, with a thermal suite outfitted with thalassotherapy pools, a salt cave, and a snow room, as well as the Helios Wine Maker bar for wine tastings. Itineraries from around £420. Stefanie Waldek

Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Cruise Line

The second entry in Norwegian Cruise Line’s new Prima Class, Viva is like an Irish twin of older sister Prima. There’s the same stateroom count at 1,586, done in pristine and pleasing neutrals, as well as familiarly tricked-out amenities like the zippy 1,400-foot go-kart racing track that undulates over-the-top decks. Importantly, the Ocean Walk, which my colleague Mercedes Bleth adored aboard the Prima, remains. But round two afforded the premier name in large-ship cruising a chance to tweak and perfect, with an influx of seating options both in the ship’s complimentary dining hall as well as on its myriad decks. Across from the signature “zero-waste” Metropolitan Bar, where yummy drinks are whipped up from the ship’s food waste (I particularly enjoy a buttery Croissant Mai-Tai, for which hardening pastries are boiled down into sweetening syrup; the same is done with banana peels) is an interactive piece of digital art 52 feet wide that sees butterflies flit beside passersby. Breezy class all around. From around £791. Charlie Hobbs

Oceania Vista, Oceania Cruises

Vista, Oceania’s first new ship in more than a decade and the first of its Allura Class, debuted with small but mighty upgrades to its previous ships: better stabilisers for a smoother sailing experience; stronger Wi-Fi; lighting and architecture designed to make the ship’s common spaces look and feel roomier; a resort-like pool deck; and balconies in every cabin. The real star of the show, though, is the food and beverage experience – Vista’s culinary program delivers on its promise of top-quality venues you’ll want to make the rounds at. New to the lineup are Ember, a steakhouse with decor straight out of Napa Valley , and Aquamar Kitchen, serving up lighter fare that doesn’t skimp on taste. Celebrate a birthday, an anniversary, or a just-because occasion with the Cellar Masters Wine Luncheon, a five-course meal and wine pairing. And don’t miss the elaborate sea day brunch, where towers of lobster, crab, and caviar await. Of course, the ship is just one destination. This year, Vista is splitting time between the Mediterranean and the Caribbean; next year, it will venture farther into Europe with ports of call like Istanbul , Stockholm, and Klaipeda, Lithuania. Its sister ship, Allura, sets sail in 2025. From around £2,182. Madison Flager

Scenic Eclipse II, Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours

The eagerly awaited Scenic Eclipse II is the new and improved version of Scenic's first expedition vessel, Scenic Eclipse. Dubbed "discovery yachts" for their sleek look and top-tier service, the sisters are nearly identical, with most changes so subtle that most guests might not even notice them, such as the slight enlargement of the steam room in the spa. But a big difference can be found on deck 10, where a plunge pool with jets for simulated lap swimming has taken the place of two hot tubs – and there's a new Sky Bar up here. Otherwise, Scenic Eclipse II has the same beloved amenities of its sister, most notably 10 exceptional dining experiences, from a sushi bar to a French restaurant with an attached Champagne bar; a 5,920-square-foot spa; two helicopters; and a submersible. Capable of sailing all over the world, including the polar regions, Scenic Eclipse II has itineraries for every type of traveller. From around £6,025. Stefanie Waldek

Seabourn Pursuit, Seabourn Cruise Line

Pursuit is a small, “yacht-like” expedition ship with a distinct green exterior whose destinations range from Antarctica to warmer climes like the Kimberley in Australia. The decadent cabins, bigger than some standard hotel rooms, feel spacious and relaxing, complete with all the subtle touches that make you feel immediately at home. You can hang your evening attire in the walk-in closet and dry your wet swimwear – or damp Arctic expedition gear – in the built-in warming compartment; have sunrise breakfasts or sunset cocktails mixed at the in-room wet bar on your private balcony; and sleep in a plush, queen-sized bed. But what truly sets this cruise apart is the attentive and personable staff who quickly learn your name and personal preferences, providing VIP treatment throughout the journey. From around £8,729. Taylor Eisenhauer

Seven Seas Grandeur, Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Ports in the Caribbean, the Greek islands , and the Riviera might be the draw, but the all-inclusive luxury line Regent Seven Seas Cruises produces ships that have travellers looking forward to those days at sea, as its sixth offering, Grandeur, further proves. All of the 372 suites, which start at a roomy 307 square feet, are decorated in calming neutral blues and beige, and feature furnished balconies; most have L'Occitane bubbles for the marble tub. Quiet comfort can also be had in the Serene Spa & Wellness outdoor lounge area, following a massage on a quartz crystal bed that mimics the feel of warm sand. Cravings for a porterhouse or a vegetarian Salisbury steak can be sated by Prime 7, with other venues serving speciality pan-Asian cuisine, French fare, ample buffets, and Italian offerings. Mainstay Compass Rose has been reimagined as a light, airy space where diners breakfast under playfully elegant pillars that resemble crystal trees. Grandeur's whimsy extends to its reception area, where guests can check out Journey in Jewels, the Fabergé egg made specifically for the vessel, where it will remain for the rest of its jewelled ovoid days. The maximum number of 744 guests ensures unhurried service and uncrowded environs as you recover from a sunny day of swimming with Caribbean pigs. From around £3798. Alexandra Sanidad

Silver Nova, Silversea Cruises

A voyage on Silversea’s latest ship, Silver Nova, is one of taste and style. With expansive glass features throughout each of the 11 decks, and an ocean-facing saltwater swimming pool , the ship’s unique asymmetrical design leaves room for adults to run and play (with swank, of course). The Nova’s reimagined culinary experience, SALT (Sea and Land Taste), is the first large-scale, regional restaurant at sea, and acts as an invitation to guests to experience more than an excursion. While initially introduced on Silver Moon, the Nova’s SALT program includes SALT Lab by day: an intimate cooking class with highly acclaimed chefs and regional cuisine recipes inspired by the next destination. With one nightly seating, SALT Chef's Table offers an exclusive and creatively interactive dining experience. It’s all very intimate – as chefs showcase the art of their crafts firsthand, guests peek into a new culture and place before even disembarking. From around £2465. Jessica Chapel

Viking Aton, Viking River Cruises

In the style of all Viking ships, the Rottet Studio – designed Aton is intended for comfortable and thought-provoking exploration – just look to the book-filled shelves in the cabins, curated by London’s Heywood Hill library, and the revolving door of on-board lecturers (on my trip, an English curator spoke about the evolving depictions of Egypt in 1900s popular art). It should be no surprise that in a destination as rich and storied as Egypt ’s Nile, where the Aton is permanently based, the guides set apart what may read as a quintessential itinerary. On the Pharaohs & Pyramids journey, which takes travellers from the Valley of the Kings, where King Tut lies, to the Great Pyramid of Giza and well beyond over 12 days, esteemed Egyptologists oscillate from translating hieroglyphics on temple walls in real-time to shepherding travellers through modern night markets with endless fervour. On this ship it isn’t just what you see but how much you listen – and the team here, predominantly Egyptian, has much to say. These days, travellers crave perspective-altering experiences more than ever; get on the Aton, and you’ll get once-in-a-lifetime access (until that is, your next Aton sailing). From around £4849. Megan Spurrell

Resilient Lady, Virgin Voyages

Stepping onto Resilient Lady feels a bit like heading to summer camp. The massive vessel is like a giant playground for adults, which is why it draws a fun-loving crowd. Theme night parties, a nostalgic arcade room, plenty of board games, and basketball courts are just a few of the seemingly limitless onboard activities. Compared with its sister ships, the newest Virgin Voyages addition includes upgraded onboard entertainment and exciting new ports of call like the Greek Islands, Bali, and Mumbai . Most of the shows on this specific ship are new to the line, such as Persephone, an interactive performance developed in collaboration with famed Brooklyn nightclub House of Yes, and Another Rose, an immersive dinner experience. Dining options are abundant on the ship – 20-plus to be exact – and all of them are included with every passenger ticket. Plus, you can’t miss out on a visit to the several different sauna experiences in the Thermal Suite inside the Redemption Spa. From around £1616 . Rachel Dube

World Voyager, Atlas Ocean Voyages

There are superbly comfortable spaces and floor-to-ceiling windows aplenty on World Voyager, the latest vessel from Atlas Ocean Voyages. On an Antarctica expedition, you might watch turquoise icebergs float by from the sauna or the spa’s relaxation room, with its heated loungers perfectly positioned in front of a wall of glass. Back in your cosy stateroom, Champagne and strawberries await, as do the views from a Juliet or walkout balcony. The look throughout the 100 cabins and public spaces is Scandinavian modern, thanks to blond woods, marble floors, plush carpets in geometric patterns, and curvaceous furniture draped in velvety fabrics. In the elegant dining room, the focus is on international cuisine with a farm-to-table slant – think mushroom risotto and smoked duck with chargrilled vegetables. Meanwhile, the multipage cocktail menu beckons guests to a pair of spacious lounges. Blending yacht-style elegance and boutique-resort intimacy, this is a ship where you can make new friends easily but also retreat to a favourite spot to enjoy high tea in peaceful solitude while awaiting details from the crew on the adventures that lie ahead. From around £1495. Celeste Moure

More winners from Hot List 2024

See all Hot List 2024 winners

The best new hotels in the world

The best new restaurants in the world

More From Forbes

How to see the best of northern europe on a scandinavian cruise.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

Cruise ship passengers enjoy the view of Sweden’s Stockholm archipelago from the Royal Caribbean ... [+] ship ‘Serenade of the Seas.’

If you’ve ever wanted to dive into the culture of the Vikings or explore what makes people in the Nordic region the so-called happiest on earth, you could do a lot worse than book a Scandinavian cruise.

Scandinavia—and Norway in particular—is an expensive place to travel around, so a cruise can make financial sense for those seeking an introduction to the region. For one price, you get your travel, accommodation, meals, and entertainment covered.

Such a trip offers the opportunity to sample various Scandinavian travel highlights , whether you prefer the Scandinavian capitals, the stunning Norwegian fjords, or soaking up the atmosphere of beautiful islands and historic ports in the Baltic Sea.

Popular Scandinavian Cruise Itineraries

Many different types of itinerary can be advertised as Scandinavian cruises. Typically, they focus on the Nordic capital cities. Some may also include the highlights of the Baltic Sea region, including the Baltic countries and ports in the north of Germany and Poland.

With popular Norwegian fjords cruises together with midnight sun and northern lights tours to the north of Norway also available, there is a lot of diversity in Scandinavian cruises.

Scandinavian Capitals : Cruise itineraries starting in the U.K. or Germany and calling in at two or even all three of Oslo, Stockholm, and Copenhagen have long been popular.

The Best Romantic Comedy Of The Last Year Just Hit Netflix

Apple iphone 16 unique all new design promised in new report, rudy giuliani and mark meadows indicted in arizona fake electors case.

The Nyhavn district of Copenhagen, Denmark, is a popular destination for cruise ship passengers ... [+] visiting Scandinavia.

Helsinki is often included on such itineraries. If you want to explore modern Scandinavia while gaining access to some of the region’s best museums, such an itinerary is a perfect choice.

Such itineraries tend to be shorter, and are a great introduction to both cruising and Scandinavia, with limited sea days and plenty to see and do while in port.

Baltic Sea : Longer Scandinavian itineraries often include stops at Baltic Sea islands and ports. The beautiful Estonian capital city, Tallinn, or the Latvian capital, Riga, are particular highlights, as are ports on the northern coastline of Germany and Poland.

For those interested in Viking history, look out for smaller ship itineraries featuring Visby on the wonderful island of Gotland .

One such trip is this 12-night itinerary from Celebrity Cruises, which includes a visit to both Visby and Tallinn. Other highlights include a visit to Stockholm and Copenhagen, including an overnight stop in the latter.

The old city walls of Visby on Gotland island, a popular cruise port.

Norwegian Fjords : By far the most variety can be found in the Norwegian fjords region , with almost all major cruise lines operating at least some itineraries here. Although port calls in Flåm and Geiranger will soon be severely limited, many alternative ports will still be able to welcome some of the world’s largest cruise ships.

Whether you prefer the action-packed ships of Royal Caribbean or MSC, or the smaller ships that can sail along narrower fjords, there will be a Norwegian fjords itinerary for you.

Following the recent rise in popularity of the region as a cruising destination, the fjords season has extended, with trips available as early as April and as late as September.

British line P&O Cruises operates its relatively new megaship Iona in the fjords region for much of that period, with regular departures from Southampton on a popular 7-day itinerary.

Midnight Sun : Although all summer cruises in the region will experience long summer days, specific midnight sun itineraries set sail for the far north of Norway to let guests experience the thrill of being outside with the sun in the sky at midnight. Many of these trips visit Honningsvåg, which allows guests to travel by bus to the North Cape.

Northern Lights : In recent years, Scandinavia—or more specifically Norway—has become a year-round cruising destination thanks to the growth in popularity of northern lights cruises .

Aurora borealis in the sky seen from a cruise ship in Arctic Norway.

These itineraries can be found heading north of the Arctic Circle between October and early April.

Planning Tips For Scandinavian Cruises

Cruising in Northern Europe offers a fantastic variety of excursions and experiences, from historical city tours to adrenaline-filled outdoor adventures.

The region’s love of the outdoors lifestyle means active experiences are easy to find, both through cruise line excursions and independent operators.

The high levels of English comprehension across the region means booking your own activities and exploring ports independently is much easier than in many other parts of the world. Even so, look for independent tours that take place earlier in the day to reduce any time-related risk.

No matter when you visit Scandinavia, pack for all weathers. The height of summer can be marred by heavy rainfall, while it’s possible to get sunburnt in the snow-covered conditions of February and March.

Pack a versatile wardrobe. Layered clothing accommodates the region's variable weather, while specialized gear might be necessary for specific excursions.

Cruising And Sustainability

Prospective travelers should be aware of environmental concerns associated with cruising in this pristine region. The industry is moving towards sustainability, with initiatives to introduce zero-emission vessels in sensitive areas, particularly the UNESCO-listed Norwegian fjords .

Some local initiatives protesting against cruise travel have also gathered momentum, so cruisers should be aware of these issues before setting foot ashore.

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

Protect Your Trip »

The 13 best solo cruises for 2024 (no supplement fare).

Set sail for a solo adventure at sea.

The Best Solo Cruises

Getty Images

Relax by the pool, attend shows, dine with new friends and more on your next solo cruise.

Whether you're embarking on your first cruise alone or you've been on solo cruises before, single travelers will find more options than ever when it comes to cruising solo. Many cruise lines offer single staterooms with the same amenities as other cabins, at a price similar to what you'd pay with double occupancy fares. You'll also find special promotions where the single supplement fee is reduced or waived, making it more affordable to reserve a spacious stateroom or luxurious suite with even more amenities – including personalized butler service, an added perk of booking with many luxury lines .

If you're ready for a maritime adventure, an extended vacation or simply a quick getaway from home, these top cruise lines offer some of the best options for solo travelers on waterways around the world.

Lines with solo accommodations and waived fees

Norwegian cruise line.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Launched in 2010, Norwegian Epic was the first cruise ship in the industry to feature studio accommodations for solo travelers. Norwegian Cruise Line offers this category on nine of the 19 ships in its fleet, including the newest ship, Norwegian Viva. These cabins, at an average size of 100 square feet, are designed and priced with the solo traveler in mind. They have no single supplements – and studio rooms on board Norwegian Bliss even boast virtual windows.

Guests of the studios get access to the private Studio Lounge. In this exclusive space, you can socialize with other solo travelers and enjoy complimentary refreshments. There are also singles meetups throughout the voyage and plenty of fun-filled onboard activities to mingle with like-minded cruisers. Solo travelers can check out all the fun for singles on Norwegian Viva this winter on a cruise to the Caribbean , or in spring 2024 as the ship sets sail for the Mediterranean .

Book a Norwegian Cruise Line voyage on GoToSea, a service of U.S. News.

MSC Cruises

Courtesy of MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises offers interior and balcony solo cabins for single cruisers on its Meraviglia-class ships: the MSC Meraviglia, Bellissima, Grandiosa, Virtuosa and the newest vessel in the fleet, MSC Euribia. The second-newest ship, MSC World Europa, has 28 cabins – 10 Studio Interior and 18 Studio Ocean View staterooms – designed specifically for solo travelers. MSC World America, set to debut in 2025, will also feature the solo studio staterooms.

During voyages with MSC Cruises , single cruisers are invited to a complimentary, hosted cocktail party to mix and mingle with other solo travelers. The daily program is also an excellent source to discover additional activities, entertainment and opportunities to meet other cruisers. You'll have onboard special events like the themed 70s-inspired Flower Party and the White Party, where the ship is decked out in festive white decor and guests don their best white attire. In addition, there are various sports tournaments, or you can show off your culinary expertise during a MasterChef competition.

MSC's Caribbean and Bahamas cruises departing from Miami and New York City feature an overnight visit to Ocean Cay, the line's private island and marine reserve. While there, singles can participate in fun-filled evening activities like a Champagne Sunset Cruise or a glow paddleboarding excursion in the lagoon, then attend the lively Luna Libre Party and the lighthouse show.

Find an MSC Cruises itinerary on GoToSea.

Holland America Line

Michel Verdure | Courtesy of Holland America Line

Three of Holland America Line's newest ships each offer 12 solo cabins to accommodate single travelers: the Pinnacle-class Nieuw Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Konigsdam. These ocean view staterooms range in size from 127 to 172 square feet and feature the same amenities as the double occupancy cabins but with a double bed. The cruise line's Single Staterooms are priced for one person. If a guest chooses to book a different stateroom, single supplements for double occupancy cabins are as much as 100% over the standard fare, depending on the voyage and the cabin category.

Long committed to solo travelers, the line offers many activities where guests can meet other singles such as wine tastings, cocktail mixers, exercise classes, daily quizzes, sports challenges and more. If you're a solo traveler and a member of AARP, Holland America is now the exclusive cruise benefit provider to AARP's members. Solo cruisers will have access to an AARP member-only onboard credit that ranges from $50 to $200, depending on the itinerary and stateroom category.

For itineraries, Holland America's Alaska cruises and cruisetours are perfect for solo travelers, offering many opportunities to connect with fellow cruisers. Another favorite for singles is the line's fall voyages sailing from Boston to Québec City or Montreal.

Explore Holland America Line deals on GoToSea.

Royal Caribbean International

Michel Verdure | Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International features studio staterooms on select ships that range in size from 101 to 199 square feet. These solo accommodations include interior rooms, virtual balcony staterooms and a super studio ocean view stateroom with a balcony. The cabins do not carry the single supplement fee singles encounter when booking other types of staterooms, making them an attractive option when traveling alone.

Once on board the ship, solo cruisers will have countless options to engage and socialize with other travelers. When it comes to dining with Royal Caribbean , make a reservation at the Japanese restaurant Teppanyaki for an entertaining meal with new friends, or join fellow foodies for the intimate Chef's Table experience (the dining venues vary by ship). Singles can also participate in onboard activities like trivia contests, drink seminars, escape rooms, dance classes and pool parties.

If you need more thrills to stay busy and to meet people, Royal Caribbean's ships feature world-class shows and entertainment alongside adrenaline-pumping rides and attractions. If you're sailing in the Caribbean, there are plenty of opportunities to meet and chat with other passengers at the line's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Compare Royal Caribbean International cruises on GoToSea.

Atlas Ocean Voyages

Luxury line Atlas Ocean Voyages offers single cruisers 183 square feet of beautifully appointed space in solo accommodations that come without single supplement fees. These ocean view staterooms feature a queen bed, a panoramic picture window, a private spa bathroom with a rain shower and body jets, a stocked minifridge replenished daily with personal favorites, and other luxurious amenities. Single guests can also book other stateroom or suite categories with single supplements starting at 50% of the double occupancy price.

The line's three intimate yacht-style cruise ships – World Navigator, World Traveller and the new World Voyager, whose inaugural season begins in Antarctica in November 2023 – are all-inclusive . Meals at all the dining venues, premium beverages and wines, gratuities, culturally immersive excursions, and more are included in the fare. With fewer than 200 guests on board, there's an atmosphere of conviviality on these ships – especially when exploring remote destinations with like-minded and adventurous travelers during expeditions in Antarctica and the Arctic.

Read: The Top Cruises on Small Ships

Celebrity Cruises

Tim Aylen | Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises' new Edge-class ships offer some of the best options for solo cruisers. The line's two newest vessels, Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Ascent (set to debut in late 2023), each boast 32 single staterooms with an Infinite Veranda. In addition, Celebrity Apex has 24 solo cabins, and Celebrity Edge features 16 staterooms for individual guests. These one-person accommodations offer a minimum of 131 square feet of space and the same upscale amenities you'll find in other category staterooms on their ships. Solo guests can look for special promotions where the single supplement is waived on select Celebrity voyages throughout the year.

Once on board the vessel, check out the daily program for activities conducive to meeting others – like wine tastings, cocktail-making classes and more. You'll also enjoy thrilling top-notch entertainment around the ship in The Theatre, The Club and Eden. A few popular cruises for singles are the line's Caribbean and Mexico itineraries on Celebrity Beyond.

Book a Celebrity Cruise on GoToSea.

Virgin Voyages

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

The hip vibe on board the adults-only Virgin Voyages ships is ideal for solo cruisers looking to meet other travelers. Its superyacht-style ships – Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady – offer 40 interior cabins ranging in size from 105 to 177 square feet. There are also six Sea View staterooms with portholes boasting between 130 to 190 square feet of space. These Insider and Sea View cabins are designed and priced for single travelers, with amenities like high-tech mood lighting and roomy rain showers. The line also runs promotions where solo cruisers can book double occupancy staterooms without paying a single supplement.

Activities and festival-like entertainment around the ships foster fast friendships. Diners will enjoy the interactive experience at Gunbae, the lively Korean barbecue venue. The "grog walk" is a fun pub stroll where solo sailors can join fellow mates while sipping and snacking their way through all the signature bars. For even more fun, check out the evening shipwide events such as the themed Scarlet Party, which features live music and immersive experiences. The line also hosts meetups for singles throughout each voyage.

Read: The Top Adults-Only Cruises

Avalon Waterways

Courtesy of Avalon Waterways

Avalon Waterways' river and small-ship cruises traverse waterways around the world, including in Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. The company waives the single supplement on a selection of staterooms, including its Panorama Suites, on select European and Asia departures. The company recommends booking early as the specially priced cabins do sell out. Solo travelers make up about 10% of the passengers on this river cruise line .

Avalon's fleet of Suite Ships operates in Europe and Southeast Asia and features cabins with a minimum of 172 square feet. About 80% of the staterooms are Panorama Suites, which have 200 feet of living space, beds with a view and the river cruise industry's only open-air balcony. With Avalon excursions, solo cruisers have opportunities to meet like-minded guests during immersive tours, cooking classes, wine tastings, yoga or fitness classes, biking or hiking trips, and more. Single guests can choose to dine at tables for just two people or ones that can accommodate up to eight passengers.

Read: Cruise Packing List: Essentials for Your Next Cruise

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks Newsletter

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

AmaWaterways

Courtesy of AmaWaterways

Two single occupancy staterooms are available on four of AmaWaterways' river cruise ships: AmaDolce, AmaDante, AmaLyra and AmaCello. These accommodations do not have single supplement fees. Solo cruisers can also book staterooms with a 20% single supplement on select sailings in Europe and Southeast Asia. (Note that this pricing does not apply to certain stateroom categories and suites.)

With the friendly, small-ship atmosphere, solo cruisers will find it comfortable to socialize with other passengers and the crew. Onboard activities and immersive excursions also create opportunities for fostering friendships, especially among like-minded travelers. Excellent options for solo cruises include themed sailings centered around music and wine or the magical Christmas markets itineraries along the Danube, Rhone and Rhine rivers.

Explore AmaWaterways deals on GoToSea.

Lines with discounted supplement fares

Courtesy of Azamara

Azamara's special offers for solo travelers include reduced single supplements of 25% to 50% of the double occupancy rate on select sailings. The line's four midsized sister ships – carrying no more than 700 passengers – are mostly all-inclusive. Amenities included in the cruise fare include most meals; standard spirits, wines and beers; bottled water, soft drinks, and specialty teas and coffees; shuttle service in port; gratuities; and complimentary AzAmazing Evenings ashore or Destination Celebration experiences on the ship. Dining at the two specialty restaurants is an additional cost unless guests have accommodations in the Club World Owner's Suites, Club Ocean Suite or Club Continent Suite.

Single guests on Azamara cruises will find events during the sailing and venues around the ship where you can mix and mingle with other solo travelers and chat with the friendly crew. Intimate and culturally immersive excursions also create opportunities to meet passengers with similar interests. Azamara Onward, the latest ship, boasts the new Atlas Bar, a great spot to meet other travelers.

For itineraries, Azamara's signature "Country-Intensive Voyages" are a favorite of solo cruisers, including the 10- or 11-night Greece Intensive Voyage. For an extended sailing, check out the festive 12-night Carnival in Rio Voyage, which features a stop in Rio de Janeiro during the city's famed Carnival.

Compare Azamara cruises on GoToSea.

Cunard Line

Courtesy of Cunard Line

Cunard Line features dedicated solo staterooms on its three ships, priced at approximately 166% to 174% of the equivalent double occupancy cruise fare. Guests can choose between a spacious Britannia Inside or Britannia Oceanview cabin, or opt for a larger stateroom with a single supplement. For a little "me time" pampering while on board, solos will appreciate 24-hour room service, complimentary Penhaligon's toiletries and a chilled bottle of sparkling wine. Single guests will also be invited to get-togethers. You can either dine alone at venues around the ship such as the main dining room or choose to share a table with other passengers.

With an international mix of travelers, single cruisers will find many opportunities to meet and chat with others, especially during a Transatlantic Crossing. During the sailing, you'll find many enriching and relaxing activities that encourage socializing. According to Cunard , there's a sense of camaraderie and a passion around the voyage – and the unique travel experience of crossing the Atlantic Ocean.

Find a Cunard Line cruise on GoToSea.

Silversea Cruises

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Luxury line Silversea Cruises offers 25% single supplements on various voyages throughout the year, including expedition cruises to destinations like the Galápagos Islands , Antarctica and the Arctic, and Greenland. The line's all-inclusive fares include luxurious ocean view suites, gourmet dining, complimentary wines and spirits, gratuities, onboard enrichment and entertainment, shore excursions, and more. Solo travelers will even have personalized butler service to indulge their every whim.

The line's fleet of a dozen intimate ships, carrying no more than 728 guests, offers a clubby atmosphere perfect for meeting solo and like-minded travelers. Single guests will also have the opportunity to engage with other solo passengers during a welcome reception with Champagne at the beginning of each voyage. Popular itineraries for Silversea's single cruisers include its Transoceanic journeys, a bucket list trip for many cruisers .

Explore Silversea Cruises deals on GoToSea.

Courtesy of Seabourn Cruise Line

Seabourn has special offers throughout the year where solo cruisers can take advantage of reduced pricing equal to double occupancy fares or discounts on the single supplement starting at 25% above the double occupancy fares. These rates are available on select voyages, including expedition cruises. Frequent solo cruisers and members of the luxury line's Seabourn Club Diamond Elite will also find reduced single supplements on Diamond Elite Single Supplement Sailings. In addition, club members receive invitations to exclusive events, where they can meet and mingle with fellow cruisers. Solo passengers are also invited to sit with the ship's officers, crew and entertainers at dinner – and there are hosted get-togethers for single travelers.

Solo cruisers will enjoy beautifully designed oceanfront suites and all-inclusive amenities on board Seabourn 's intimate ships. These perks include world-class dining; complimentary premium wine and spirits; a spa and wellness program in partnership with Dr. Andrew Weil; included gratuities; and the line's enrichment series, Seabourn Conversations. Single cruisers looking for an extended holiday will enjoy longer voyages on the line's newest purpose-built expedition ship, Seabourn Pursuit.

Compare Seabourn cruises on GoToSea.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has visited destinations around the globe on nearly every type of ship built, including the newest megaships, luxury yachts, expedition vessels, traditional masted sailing ships and intimate river ships on the Mekong River. She used extensive research and experience as a solo cruiser to write this article. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Party Cruises
• The Top Transatlantic Cruises
• The Top 3-Day Cruise Itineraries
• Solo Travel for Women: The Best Places and Tips
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

The Best Places to Travel Alone

Tags: Travel , Cruises

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

How much does a cruise cost.

Gwen Pratesi April 24, 2024

The Best Whale Watching in Cape Cod

Lyn Mettler April 24, 2024

Best Whale Watching Tours in Maine

Marisa Méndez April 23, 2024

The Best Wineries in Napa Valley

April 23, 2024

The Best East Coast Beaches

April 19, 2024

The Best Carry-on Luggage

Erin Evans , Rachael Hood , Catriona Kendall , Amanda Norcross and Leilani Osmundson April 17, 2024

The Best Hard-sided Luggage Picks

The Best Luggage Brands

Rachael Hood April 17, 2024

The Best Yellowstone National Park Tours

John Rodwan April 17, 2024

The Best Rome Colosseum Tours

Laura Itzkowitz April 17, 2024