norwegian gem cruise ship ratings

Norwegian Gem

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Originally built in 2007, Norwegian Gem was last updated in 2022. As one of the smaller ships in the fleet, it carries 2,394 passengers and 1,070 crew members.

When it comes to lodging, Inside staterooms start at 138 square feet, and other cabin categories include Suite, Club Balcony, Oceanview and Balcony staterooms. While all cabins offer room service, those staying in The Haven rooms gain exclusive access to the ship's courtyard, concierge service and a private restaurant.

The ship boasts 14 dining venues, including six specialty restaurants that require an extra fee. Daytime activities include various sports courts, a spa and multiple pools, as well as programs for kids ages 3 to 17. Come evening, the whole family can enjoy nightly entertainment like country music concerts and other musical performances.  

Norwegian Gem departs from ports across Europe, as well as Miami , Boston ,  New York  and Panama City. Sailings visit destinations in the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Canada, Bermuda, the Panama Canal and Europe.

Pros & Cons

Ship travels to a large variety of destinations across the world

Some reviewers felt the service was poor

• Expert Rating » 3.5
• Traveler Rating » 3.8
• Health Rating » 4.0

Norwegian Gem ranks # 17 out of 19 Norwegian Cruise Line Cruise Ships based on an analysis of expert and user ratings, as well as health ratings.

• # 17 in Best Norwegian Cruise Line
• # 49 in Best Cruises for Families
• # 81 in Best Cruises to the Caribbean
• # 102 in Best Affordable Cruises

Norwegian Gem offers a wide range of accomodation options. Browse cabins to find the stateroom that suits your needs.

Norwegian Gem contains 12 decks. Find out which features are available on each Norwegian Gem deck.

Traveler Reviews

A ship’s traveler rating is provided under license by Cruiseline.com , which manages one of the largest databases of cruise reviews and ratings by travelers. A total of 2433 guests have reviewed Norwegian Gem , giving it a rating of 3.8 on a scale of 1-5.

Cruiseline Travel Rating:

Reviews by traveler type.

Ship Photos

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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• Cruise Advice

23 Norwegian Gem Cruise Tips and Secrets

• March 29, 2019
• 1.2K shares

Norwegian Gem may be one of the older ships in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, but it’s also one of the most popular. Compared to other increasingly-popular mega-ships, the Gem is downright intimate — carrying just under 2,400 passengers and spanning 15 decks.

But, proving that good things come in small packages (if one can consider a 94,000-ton steel hull “small”), there’s a whole lot to explore here. Gem is the perfect ship for a Caribbean cruise.

Whether you’re sailing Norwegian G em for the first time or have been on many NCL cruises, here are some tips to help you get the most out of your sailings on this amazing ship.

We’ve put together 23 Norwegian Gem  cruise tips and secrets for you to use on your next cruise vacation.

1. Visit The Mermaid

Want a special treat? Head up to deck 11 and follow the signs to the Bridge Viewing Room. (Hint: it’s at the very front of the ship!) Not only will you get a cool look into what goes on behind the scenes, but the viewing room is also home to the ship’s unofficial mascot, Robbie the mermaid. This is a great place for families traveling with kids.

Over the years, she has collected quite a collection of charms — each of which has a special significance to the person who offered it up. Charms for the mermaid are presented to one of the top officers on board, preferably the captain, as a way of encouraging passengers to interact with the ship’s extremely friendly crew.

2. Bring Extension Cords/Chargers

Older ships have their charms… but what they don’t have is a whole lot of plugs. Unlike some of the more modern ships, you won’t find USB ports by the bed or a plethora of places in which to plug in your electronics.

And yes, there’s a good chance that if you leave your laptop or phone plugged in to charge while you aren’t in the cabin, your steward will unplug it. Also, take note of what type of power strip you can and can’t have on the ship.

3. Hit Bingo/Deal Or No Deal Early!

Both of these events tend to be big draws, especially on rainy sea days. They’re usually held in the Spinnaker Lounge and, while it’s a great space, it can fill up quickly. Get there early, grab a drink, find a seat, and chillax.

As an added bonus, there’s usually some other event going on to keep you entertained while you wait, given that this is a popular spot in which to host everything from salsa lessons to Zumba classes.

4. Go to Bandeoke

For anyone who likes either performing or watching karaoke, this is a must-do. They will only do it once per cruise, and instead of singing to an instrumental version of the song you choose, there is a band that plays along with you.

The lyrics might be on a sheet of paper, but your back up singer will help to cue you when to start singing. You finally get to be the rock star you always knew you were!

5. Have Pre-Dinner Drinks at the Mojito Bar

Tucked away on deck 13, inside specialty restaurant Moderno, the Sugarcane Mojito Bar is one of those great places that most people either don’t know about or don’t discover until late in the cruise. It’s usually fairly quiet, has fantastically comfy seating and, given that it’s located right between Moderno and Cagney’s, a great place to kick off a special evening.

6. Purchase A Flight

Want to sample a variety of the most popular drinks on the menu at Sugarcane Mojito Bar? For $19.95, you can order a flight which will allow you to figure out which one is your favorite. (Our personal chart topper? The Jalapeno Cucumber Mojito.

Just be warned… it’s got a little kick!) You can also purchase flights of martinis at several locations around the ship for the same price. And remember, discounts may be available based on what drink package you’ve purchased.

7. Have The Fridge Emptied

True story: For the longest time, we thought our balcony stateroom didn’t have a mini-fridge in it. Turned out, we just hadn’t been looking hard enough, as it was located in an odd position, halfway up the wall next to the closet. Once found, however, it was stuffed with all those things they hope you’ll pay an arm and a leg to purchase.

READ MORE: How to Bid For An Upgrade on Norwegian Cruise Line

Want to stuff the cheesecake you brought back from dinner into the fridge? Just ask your room steward to empty it out, and you’ll have plenty of space in which to stick treats for those late-night cravings.

8. Head to O’Sheehan’s For Late-Night Munchies

We’ve been on ships where once the buffet shuts down, your foot options are pretty limited — and become non-existent after about midnight. But on the Norwegian Gem, you can grab a bite to eat 24 hours a day (and without paying the $7.95-per-order room service charge!).

READ MORE: 5 Things We Love About Norwegian Cruise Line

And trust us when we say that the wings you’ve heard so much about are as good as you’re hoping they are. They don’t come with a lot of blue cheese or celery, so if that’s important to you, make sure to ask for extra. Not into wings? No worries. Day or night, you’ll find something to chow down on here. And more important, it’ll be open.

9. Check Out The Casino’s Late-Night Buffet

We’re not saying we’ve spent so many hours in front of a slot machine that we’ve skipped meals, but what we are saying is… yeah, that’s happened. Thankfully, the casino puts out a selection of late-night eats designed to keep gamblers from feeling the need to wander away for sustenance. Located at the end of the casino bar, you’ll usually find things like chicken wings, pot stickers, and cake.

10. Skip the Water Slide

While ships like the Breakaway offer big thrills when it comes to the water park, the water slide you’ll find on the Gem is… we’re going to be nice and call it “tame.” Sure, kids love it, but if you’re over the age of about 15, this won’t really be very exciting.

In fact, there’s a good chance you’ll get stuck a couple of times while making your way down. Not scary/dangerous stuck, just… you know, not-enough-water-pressure-to-keep-you-moving stuck.

11. Make Dining Reservations…

Yes, Norwegian Cruise Line invented the concept of Freestyle Dining, but it’s still worth taking the time to make a few reservations for specialty dining. Heaven knows you won’t go hungry if you can’t get into a restaurant; but as Mom would say, “There’s no harm in being prepared.” This is especially true if you’re the kind of person who wants to stick to a schedule and/or plans to see the nightly show.

Since most of the entertainment in the Stardust Theater takes place at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., it’s pretty easy to make a reservation for before or after — another perk of freestyle cruising.

12. … Especially For Special Occasions

Want to celebrate your anniversary at Le Bistro, the French restaurant aboard Norwegian Gem? Make a reservation. Want to take your entire group to Teppanyaki? Make a reservation. And if you want to end your cruise with a meal at the line’s signature steakhouse, definitely make that Cagney’s reservation, because the final night of every cruise is a tough ticket in the popular eatery. It’s always nice to venture out of the main dining room. If you don’t make a reservation before your cruise, I would definitely do it on embarkation day.

13. Give Orchid Garden A Try

This Asian restaurant might be one of the best-kept secrets on the Gem. Not because people don’t realize it’s there — it’s pretty hard to miss, given its rather central location on deck seven, at the top of the stairs leading down to “Bar City” — but rather because they think it’s a for-fee venue. Although listed on the Freestyle Daily as a “specialty restaurant,” there’s not actually a charge to dine here.

And although the menu isn’t terribly expansive, it is delicious. (Our personal favorites: the salt-and-pepper calamari as well as the sweet and sour pork!)

14. Grab Lunch at Topsiders

If you like hot dogs, hamburgers, and fresh air, Topsiders Bar & Grill may be a great lunch option. Its poolside location makes it pretty convenient (especially if you have kids who don’t want to take time from their frolicking to do something as boring as eating), although that can also make it a bit crowded. There is an array of toppings available and a salad bar. This is a good option on port days.

15. Watch For The Sea Day BBQ

If you see them setting up a series of large grills near the pool, plan on skipping the buffet. Generally held on sea days, the barbecue presents a great alternative for lunch. There’s usually a seafood-and-rice dish, grilled chicken, grilled steak… and it’s all pretty delicious. The lines will be long when they first start serving, but be patient and they’ll die down soon enough.

16. Take Your Lunch To La Cucina

Like on pretty much any other ship, the buffet can be a bit of a madhouse come lunchtime (especially on a sea day or when the ship is arriving late in port). But never fear — there’s plenty of seating. If you can’t find a table in the main buffet area (or outside at the Great Outdoors), head into La Cuchina, which is conveniently located right next to the buffet. They open up that entire restaurant’s space specifically for when there’s no seating in the buffet area.

17. See The Shows in the Stardust Theater

While the bigger ships offer Broadway-style shows such as Jersey Boys or Rock Of Ages, the productions on Gem are going to be a bit smaller. But country music fans absolutely rave about Blazing Boots, and Swing! — featuring music from the likes of Benny Goodman and Duke Ellington — is a toe-tapping, finger-snapping good time.

Generally speaking, it’s easier to snag a last-minute seat at the 9 p.m. show than it is the 7 p.m. performance.

18. Keep An Eye Out For Special Performances

As well as the above-mentioned shows which are performed during most cruises, there’s often a featured entertainer. Usually, these are singers putting on a one-man (or woman) show, and they’re often performers with Broadway or Las Vegas credits under their belt.

Past artists have included Teacake Ferguson and Jassen Allen… and if you don’t know those names, it’s only because you haven’t yet caught their shows. Once you do, you’ll be a fan for life.

19. Go Ahead And Pay For The Chocolate Martini

Skip dessert one night and instead head to Shakers, the martini bar located midship deck six. When you get there, order the chocolate martini. Yes, it costs a few dollars more than is covered by the Premium Beverage Package (although if you have the Premium-Plus Package, it’s covered). That’s okay, it’s worth the couple bucks extra.

Meanwhile, don’t let the names of the venues in Bar City confuse you. Yes, you can order a beer from Shaker’s Martini Bar, or a martini from Maltings, the beer and whiskey venue. Better still, find a comfy chair somewhere in the area and let someone bring you things from all of the bars in the area!

20. Smokers Have Several Options

Look, we’re not here to judge. If you’re not a smoker, just skip this tip and move on to the next one. For those who do partake in the habit, there are several places on board where you can light up. If it’s a chilly, rainy day, head to the Corona Cigar Lounge on deck six, right next to Le Bistro. Assuming the casino is open, you can also head there.

The Gem also happens to have one of the larger outdoor smoking venues we’ve seen in a ship, as Bali Hai — the bar on deck 13 which overlooks the pool — is entirely available for smokers. There are also a few smaller, marked areas on various outdoor decks where people can smoke.

Now, since we’ve shared this with you, make us a promise that you won’t smoke on your balcony. It’s not allowed, dangerous and rude to your neighbors.

21. Suite Guests Get A Sweet Perk

Unlike NCL’s bigger ships, the Gem’s Haven does not have a private bar and restaurant. However, guests of The Haven (as well as those staying in suites) are able to have a sit-down breakfast at Moderno restaurant each morning, while lunch is served exclusively for them in Cagneys.

While the lunch menu is fairly limited, the breakfast offerings are pretty fantastic and include a nice salad bar-like spread featuring everything from fresh fruit cups to oatmeal and the appropriate toppings.

22. Hit The “Secret” Casino

Prefer to do your gambling somewhere a bit quieter? Maybe want to get away from the smoke in the main casino? There’s actually a small collection of slot machines set off to one side in the Bliss Ultra Lounge night club. There aren’t a ton of machines, but it’s a nice way to have a more intimate gambling experience in a cool setting.

23. Seek Out The “Hidden” Comfy Chairs

Located on Deck 13 just past the basketball courts (and just above the Great Outdoors area) you’ll find a group of five or six uber-comfortable loungers, each big enough to hold several people and all with killer views of the wake.

It’s the perfect place to cuddle up with that special someone and contemplate just how lucky you are to be enjoying a trip on such an amazing ship!

Got a cruise vacation tip to share about the Norwegian Gem? Hit the comments and let everyone know! 

Want to read more from our special guest columnist Lauren Rodgers? Visit her blog, Lauren of All Trades.

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Norwegian Gem

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Norwegian Gem Deck Plans & Reviews

Norwegian Gem

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Norwegian Gem cabins and suites

Norwegian gem staterooms review, floor plans, photos.

Norwegian Gem 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 Gem 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 3-Bedroom Garden Villa

Layout (floor plan), the haven deluxe owners suite, the haven owners suite, the haven 2-bedroom villa. family suite, the haven courtyard penthouse suite, penthouse suite, 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 Gem, the Club Balcony Suite category was introduced on October 30.

Balcony Cabin

Oceanview cabin, interior cabin, norwegian gem cabins review.

NCL Gem cabins for disabled passengers (wheelchair accessible rooms) are in the following categories (with deck location): Penthouse Suite (SF-deck 9), Mini Suite (M1-deck 11), Balcony rooms (BB-deck 10, and BC-deck 9), Oceanview (OK-deck 8) and Interior/Inside cabins (IE-deck 4, IC-deck 11, I1-decks 4, 8, 10, 11).

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

All staterooms as amenities have a sleeping area (bedside tables, 2 lower beds convertible to Queen-size double bed, plus additional/optional beds to accommodate more passengers), en-suite bathroom (WC-toilet, sink, shower stall, bath products, hairdryer, towels), lounge/sitting area (wardrobe /ample closet space, vanity table, chair, smart HDTV (infotainment system), electronic safe box and life jackets (in the closet), mini-refrigerator, direct-dial phone, individual air-conditioning.

All Suites and Balcony cabins feature floor-ceiling sliding doors opening to a private veranda with lounge furniture (1 round table with 2 chairs or sun loungers). You can see all the furniture details on the NCL Gem cabin floor plans in the table above.

The list of bonus amenities / perks for Suite accommodations includes: butler service, priority services (check-in, debarkation, ports of call tendering, dining reservations, show-spa reservations), in-room dining (plus evening treats), special room service menu, private events special invitations, complimentary mini-bar, bottled water, luxury cotton robes, deluxe bedding (pillow-top mattresses, pillow menu, slippers, towels), walk-in closets, Cappuccino-Espresso coffee maker, complimentary specialty restaurant dining (breakfast, lunch), complimentary limo service (pier-airport).

NCL Gem’s The Haven cabins guests also enjoy exclusive access to The Haven Courtyard (private sun deck, pool and whirlpool /valet service, private fitness area).

• The Haven Garden Villas have separate living and dining rooms, 3 bedrooms (1 with king bed, the other 2 have private bathrooms, rollaway beds, cribs), master bathroom (whirlpool bathtub, separate shower), media center (with DVD/CD player).
• The Haven Courtyard Penthouses have a master bedroom (queen bed), small bedroom (with private bathroom/shower), bathroom (whirlpool bathtub, shower), separate living-dining areas.
• The Haven Owners Suites (aka Deluxe Owner Suites) have a bedroom (king bed), living and dining rooms.
• Balcony Family Suites (2 Bedroom Suites / aka Family Penthouses) have master bedroom (queen bed) and a smaller bedroom (private bathroom/shower), living room (dining area), bathroom (whirlpool bathtub, separate shower).
• SE-SF Penthouse Suites have sitting-sleeping areas (queen bed), bathroom (bathtub, shower), minibars. Category SF-Penthouses are the aft-facing suites commonly known as “Romance Suites”. Category SE-Penthouse is for the forward-facing suites featuring large balconies with views of the ship’s bow. Veranda partitions are semi-private.
• Mini-Suites (Studio Suites) have 2 lower beds (convertible to queen), bathroom (bathtub, shower).

Balcony, Oceanview and Inside cabins have 2 lower beds (convertible), bathroom (shower).

Most categories Oceanview are with 1 Picture Window, except categories OF and OG (with Porthole Windows). Categories OK and OX are with fully or partially obstructed views (due to lifeboats).

IMPORTANT: Since May 2015, the Norwegian Cruise Line charges US$7,95 for room service dining. This is an extra service charge implemented fleetwide (including on the NCL Gem ship). 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).

Norwegian Gem 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.

Norwegian Cruise Line food: The ultimate cruise guide to restaurants and dining on board

Norwegian Cruise Line has always been a bit of a rebel when it comes to food.

Back in 2000, the company introduced the concept of Freestyle Cruising, and with it, the idea of Freestyle Dining. Guests no longer were assigned to traditional early or late dinner seatings in the main dining rooms on Norwegian Cruise Line's ships, but rather could decide when they wanted to eat and with whom.

The cruise line also began to roll out specialty restaurants — smaller, cuisine-specific dining venues such as the French-themed Le Bistro and Cagney's Steakhouse — that passengers could reserve for an additional cover charge.

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

Today, passengers will find more than three dozen dining options, including 21 that require a cover charge or feature a la carte pricing, on board NCL's 17 ships. While the cruise fare covers a number of restaurants, specialty restaurants requiring an extra charge are popular, and new specialty restaurants are introduced with each class of ship.

The onboard restaurant lineup also varies by ship, with those in the Prima, Breakaway and Breakaway Plus classes having a larger selection than the line's older, smaller ships.

How do you make sense of it all? We've compiled a rundown of all the Norwegian Cruise Line food options, from coffee and gelato shops to a la carte restaurants where the tab can easily top $150 for two. Here's what's included, what you'll pay extra for and the ships that feature each dining venue.

American Diner

Included; lunch and dinner

This 1950s-inspired diner featured on all six ships in NCL's Breakaway and Breakaway Plus classes offers quintessential midcentury comfort foods — from cheeseburgers and meatloaf to chicken pot pie and spaghetti and meatballs. Desserts include bread pudding and carrot walnut cake. The food is now all free (Norwegian made this change in early 2024), but if you want to wash it down with a milkshake, you'll need to pay up.

Available on : Norwegian Bliss, Breakaway, Encore, Escape, Getaway and Joy

Atrium Cafe

A la carte; coffee and snacks

Atrium Cafe is a coffee and cocktail bar that serves hot and cold beverages along with a selection of cookies, pastries and other snacks. Alternately, some NCL ships feature Starbucks cafes.

Available on : Norwegian Escape, Jewel, Spirit, Star and Sun

Cadillac Diner

Included; breakfast, lunch and dinner

You'll have to head to Hawaii to enjoy the barbecue pulled pork sliders, pretzel bites, Reuben sandwiches and more served up retro-style in the Cadillac Diner. This venue, with its funky black-and-white checkered floor and vinyl booths wedged between two sections of a vintage red sedan, is found exclusively on Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America. It's open 24 hours a day, and everything is complimentary except for the milkshakes.

Available on : Pride of America

Cagney's Steakhouse

A la carte; dinner

One of NCL's most popular specialty restaurants, Cagney's features a classic steakhouse menu with plenty of options for seafood lovers as well. The stars are the cuts of aged certified Angus beef (rib-eye, filet mignon, porterhouse and New York strip) with a choice of sauces and side dishes such as truffle mashed potatoes and sauteed garlic mushrooms. Other options include cedar-plank steelhead trout and double-cut Australian lamb chops. Save room for the OMG Caramel-Butterscotch Cheesecake.

Available : Fleetwide (except Norwegian Sky)

Related: The best cruise ship steakhouses and steak-serving restaurants

Chinese restaurant

Included; dinner, plus lunch on select days

If you're craving shrimp dumplings or a bowl of stir-fried noodles with beef, a number of older Norwegian Cruise Line ships feature a complimentary Chinese restaurant where you can get your fix. Names vary by ship — you'll find Bamboo on Dawn, Shanghai's on Epic, Orchid Garden on Gem, Jasmine Garden on Jade, Chin Chin on Jewel, Lotus Garden on Pearl, Silk on Spirit, Ginza on Star and East Meets West on Pride of America — but the menus are similar.

Available on : Norwegian Dawn, Epic, Gem, Jade, Jewel, Pearl, Pride of America, Spirit and Star

A la carte; snacks and treats

A cross between an ice cream parlor and a candy shop, Coco's features an array of treats — chocolates from around the world, milkshakes, crepes and more — to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Available on : Norwegian Bliss and Encore

Dolce Gelato

When it's midafternoon and the sun in the Caribbean or Mediterranean is blazing, you can head to this takeaway counter on Deck 8 for a cup or cone of irresistibly creamy gelato.

Available on : Norwegian Bliss, Encore, Escape and Getaway

Food Republic

A la carte; dinner and lunch on sea days

This globally inspired specialty restaurant with an Asian-Latin fusion theme remains popular almost a decade after its debut on Norwegian Escape. You'll want to order multiple dishes to share family-style from Food Republic 's menu sections: Sushi Bar (eight different rolls), Hand Helds (everything from pork belly bao buns to kanpachi wonton tacos), Sharing Is Caring (grilled shishito peppers, spicy Korean fried chicken, salt and pepper calamari and more), Noodles/Rice/Soups (shrimp pad thai to Vietnamese Pho Tai) and Sugar Pump (desserts featuring green tea, chocolate and ginger caramel).

Available on : Norwegian Bliss, Encore, Escape, Joy, Prima and Viva

Garden Cafe

Sometimes, the buffet is the answer. It's perfect when you get on board the first day and need to grab a quick bite before you explore the ship or when you arrive back after a daylong shore excursion and want to refuel right away without having to change clothes. Garden Cafe offers plenty of options, including carved meats or grilled fish with assorted side dishes, a salad bar, soups, pasta, burgers and fries, and desserts. Most items are precooked and kept warm under heat lamps, so it's not the freshest option, but it's usually packed at breakfast and lunch with guests who like the all-you-can-eat portions.

Available : Fleetwide (except Norwegian Prima and Viva)

Related: Cruise ship buffet taboos: 10 things you should never do at mealtime

Cover charge; dinner

This is a slightly more elevated version of NCL's Teppanyaki restaurant. You'll be seated with other guests around a grill, and as you dine on edamame, miso soup and seaweed salad, the chef will prepare your entree (a choice of chicken, beef, seafood or teriyaki-glazed tofu or one of four combinations) with great flair. These fresh-from-the-grill proteins are served with garlic fried rice and grilled vegetables, and the dessert that follows is either a green tea cake or fruit sashimi.

Available on : Norwegian Prima and Viva

This circular, light-filled space debuted on Norwegian Prima in 2022 as a new main dining room option. It features the same daily rotating menu as the second main dining room, the Commodore Room, but what sets this venue apart is its bright-and-airy ambience, courtesy of 270-degree floor-to-ceiling windows.

Indulge Food Hall

This new casual dining concept, also introduced on Norwegian Prima, quickly became a popular alternative to the Surfside Cafe buffet (see below) for both lunch and dinner; at breakfast, it serves a similar but more limited menu as Surfside. The appeal of Indulge Food Hall is the variety — there are more than four dozen menu items from seven vendors: Tapas, The Garden, Nudls, The Latin Quarter, Q Texas Smokehouse, Seaside Rotisserie and Tamara — served in small-plate portions. You can enjoy chicken korma, pad thai, pulled pork, crispy fried okra, a mushroom tostada and bacon-wrapped medjool dates, all ordered from your table via a tablet.

Related: 11 venues, 32 dishes, 4 days: I tested every eatery at Norwegian Cruise Line's new Indulge Food Hall so you don't have to

La Cucina was Norwegian's sole Italian specialty restaurant until the launch of Onda by Scarpetta on Norwegian Encore in 2018, and the two restaurants are quite different. La Cucina is the more traditional, featuring classic Italian favorites — caprese salad, fried calamari, spaghetti carbonara, pizza, chicken cacciatore and osso buco alla Milanese — while Onda's menu focuses on more finessed modern Italian dishes.

Available on : Norwegian Bliss, Breakaway, Dawn, Epic, Escape, Gem, Getaway, Jade, Joy, Pearl, Sky, Star and Sun

Like Cagney's, NCL's French fine-dining restaurant is a longtime favorite that's featured fleetwide (it's called Jefferson's Bistro on Pride of America). Popular with couples for special occasion dinners, Le Bistro features everything from steak tartare and escargot to braised lamb shank and roasted duck breast. With its a la carte pricing, this is among the richest (and costliest) dining experiences on board, especially if accompanied by a bottle of Champagne or other French wine. Le Bistro restaurants on Norwegian Prima and Viva are especially atmospheric, with dramatic large-scale chandeliers and elegant ivory-and-blue decor.

Available : Fleetwide

Vibrant decor and sophisticated Mexican cuisine that goes beyond the usual Tex-Mex fare make Los Lobos an appealing option if you're sailing on one of the six ships that feature it. The guacamole, made fresh tableside, is a must. Other menu options include Mexican-style shrimp ceviche, grilled mahi-mahi tacos, nopales (cactus) salad, chicken mole enchiladas and cochinita pibil (slow-braised pork). Top it all off with a tres leches cake with coconut cream.

Available on : Norwegian Bliss, Dawn, Encore, Prima, Sun and Viva

Main dining room

Norwegian Cruise Line ships feature at least two main dining rooms, and sometimes even three. Names vary by ship — although the six Breakaway Class and Breakaway Plus Class ships all feature the Manhattan Room, plus Savor and Taste, and Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva have the Commodore Room and Hudson's. Menus change daily throughout the cruise and feature a selection of American and international dishes.

Moderno Churrascaria

Carnivores can devour their fill of a variety of meats the traditional Brazilian way as gauchos carve and serve cuts of beef, lamb, pork, sausage and chicken right at the table. Those who prefer to limit their meat intake can fill up instead at the salad bar, which features 43 items. White rice, black beans, sauteed mushrooms, garlic mashed potatoes, fried yucca and Brazilian cheese bread are also served as side dishes.

Available on : Norwegian Breakaway, Dawn, Epic, Escape, Getaway, Jade, Jewel, Pearl, Star and Sun

Nama Sushi & Sashimi

Another new restaurant to debut on Norwegian Prima, Nama Sushi & Sashimi doesn't veer too far from its name, serving six different sushi rolls (from yellowtail to rock shrimp), three sashimi options and a variety of appetizers, most of which feature raw fish. Even the dessert — pineapple carpaccio — is uncooked.

Ocean Blue is an elegant seafood restaurant featured on NCL's six Breakaway Class and Breakaway Plus Class ships. (It's known as Bayamo by Ocean Blue on Norwegian Escape.) Guests can savor appetizers such as crabcakes, pan-seared scallops and an ahi tuna and avocado tower, followed by steamed or grilled lobster, seafood linguini or simply grilled fish (salmon, tuna, cod or sea bass) served with a choice of sauces. All Ocean Blue restaurants are located on Deck 8 and feature indoor and outdoor seating on The Waterfront.

Onda by Scarpetta

Modern Italian cuisine is the centerpiece of Onda by Scarpetta, another of NCL's elevated specialty dining options and the sister restaurant to land-based Scarpetta. Introduced in 2019 on Norwegian Encore and more recently rolled out on the line's newest ships (plus at least one older vessel), Onda by Scarpetta indulges with antipasti starters such as burrata, short ribs and braised octopus, a half dozen pasta options (including pappardelle Bolognese and Scarpetta's famous spaghetti with tomato and basil) and finally gets around to secondis such as veal Milanese and grilled branzino. The main question will be: Do you have room for dessert?

Available on : Norwegian Encore, Prima, Spirit and Viva

O'Sheehan's Bar & Grill

Included; 24-hour dining

This lively and social pub-style eatery overlooks the buzzing three-deck Atrium on Breakaway Class ships and is also featured on seven older NCL ships. It's open 24 hours a day and serves comfort classics such as burgers, fish and chips, chicken wings, beef chili and loaded nachos.

Available on : Norwegian Breakaway, Dawn, Epic, Escape, Gem, Getaway, Jade, Jewel, Pearl and Star

One of NCL's newest dining venues, Palomar celebrates the Mediterranean with a menu featuring lots of Greek influences. Seafood dishes outnumber meat options and include tuna crudo, grilled prawns, Mediterranean sea bass with chickpeas and saffron puree, and sea scallops with prosciutto, le puy lentils, clams and pistachio pesto. Desserts include Greek yogurt sorbet with orange custard pie.

Pincho Tapas Bar

This unique Spanish-style tapas bar is found on only one ship in the Breakaway Class and fits in with the ship's overall Miami/Latin-influenced theme. Head to Pinchos if you're looking to enjoy small-plate dishes such as blue crab salad and bacon-wrapped dates, as well as chorizo, calamari, shrimp, scallops and more served a la plancha. Wash it all down with a Spanish red, a glass of sangria or a signature Matador cocktail.

Available on : Norwegian Escape

Included; casual lunch

Three Norwegian ships feature a pool grill (all with different names) that's open for lunch and late afternoon snacks. The venue serves casual fare such as burgers, hot dogs and french fries.

Available on : Norwegian Dawn, Gem and Pride of America

Q Texas Smokehouse

This barbecue eatery debuted on Norwegian Bliss in 2018, and its menu features smoked meats (pit classics like brisket, pulled pork and beef short ribs), as well as calorific sides (loaded fries, crispy fried okra, onion rings and macaroni and cheese). You can also enjoy live country music and even sweat off the excess calories by dancing (before ordering pecan pie or peach cobbler for dessert). A more limited menu is available for free as part of Indulge Food Hall on Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva — but you'll need to dance elsewhere.

Available on : Norwegian Bliss, Encore and Joy

Savor (and Taste)

These two restaurants on all six Breakaway Class and Breakaway Plus Class ships are essentially smaller-scale main dining rooms. They are located across from each other on Deck 6 and feature lunch and dinner menus that change daily.

Shanghai's Noodle Bar

This casual dining venue serves a selection of freshly prepared and wok-fried Asian noodle and rice dishes, from pork pot stickers and steamed vegetable dumplings to Singapore-style rice noodles and udon noodles in broth.

Available on : Norwegian Breakaway, Epic and Getaway

Included; casual pub fare

While most NCL ships, with the exception of Pride of America, have a pub-style complimentary eatery — either O'Sheehan's Bar & Grill or The Local Bar & Grill — one older outlier has Sports Bar. Like the other eateries, this venue is free and features comfort classics such as Reuben sandwiches, chicken wings and fish and chips.

Available on : Norwegian Sun

A la carte; coffee, breakfast and snacks

NCL wasn't the first cruise line to feature the well-known coffee chain (that would be Royal Caribbean), but it now has the most Starbucks cafes on board its ships. Guests can purchase frappuccinos, lattes, cold brews and many of the other coffee, tea and breakfast and pastry items that are available on land.

Available on : Norwegian Bliss, Breakaway, Encore, Epic, Gem, Getaway, Joy, Prima, Sky and Viva

Surfside Cafe & Grill

With the debut of Norwegian Prima, NCL evolved its buffet-style restaurant (known as Garden Cafe on most ships) to Surfside Cafe & Grill. The Deck 17 space is notably smaller, though, due to the fact that Prima Class ships also feature Indulge Food Hall and The Local Bar & Grill as complimentary casual dining options. The reduced size does result in some overcrowding, especially at breakfast, with overflow guests directed to find seats in the adjacent Food Republic space.

All but three NCL ships feature Teppanyaki , a Benihana-style Japanese restaurant where the live-action preparation is integral to the experience. You'll be seated around a grill as your chef prepares your entree (either chicken, beef, seafood or teriyaki-glazed tofu or one of four combinations) with dramatic flair. You'll start with miso soup and seaweed salad, and all entrees are served with garlic fried rice and grilled vegetables. Dessert is either a green tea cake or fruit sashimi. Hasuki replaces Teppanyaki on Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva.

Available on : Norwegian Bliss, Breakaway, Dawn, Encore, Epic, Escape, Gem, Getaway, Jade, Jewel, Joy, Pearl, Spirit, Star and Sun

The Bake Shop

A sugar rush is practically guaranteed at The Bake Shop, a Deck 8 confectionery selling assorted bonbons (with fillings from passion fruit to praline), cupcakes (more than a dozen options, including red velvet, chocolate-pistachio and lemon merengue) and French macarons in a dozen flavors.

Available on : Norwegian Bliss, Breakaway, Encore and Getaway

The Great Outdoors

Included; lunch

This outdoor casual buffet on seven Norwegian Cruise Line ships has a come-as-you-are dress code and serves burgers, hot dogs, fries and other items for guests who want to enjoy some ocean scenery with their lunch.

Available on : Norwegian Epic, Gem, Jade, Jewel, Pearl, Sky and Sun

The Haven Restaurant

Included for guests booked in The Haven; breakfast, lunch and dinner

If you book a suite in The Haven, the exclusive ship-within-a-ship enclave found on every new NCL ship since it was introduced on Norwegian Epic in 2010, you'll enjoy access to The Haven Restaurant. Open only to Haven guests, it serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Menus here do not change, but there are generally enough options (a dozen appetizers and 10 entrees at dinner, for example) that you can dine here multiple times without repeating a dish or running out of interesting dishes to try.

Available on : Norwegian Bliss, Breakaway, Encore, Epic, Escape, Getaway, Joy, Prima and Viva

The Local Bar & Grill

The Local Bar & Grill is a favored hangout for sports telecasts and trivia contests, as well as a go-to for guests when anytime-hunger strikes. Like its comfort food sibling O'Sheehans's Bar & Grill, its 24-hour menu features breakfast, all-day and late-night items that include omelets, cheeseburgers, chicken wings, fish and chips and loaded nachos.

Available on : Norwegian Bliss, Encore, Joy, Prima, Sky, Spirit and Viva

The Raw Bar

Located adjacent to Ocean Blue, this casual option with counter seating serves oysters, clams, shellfish and crudos (salmon tartare, black sea bass ceviche and more), as well as wines by the glass and a selection of desserts.

Available on : Norwegian Breakaway and Getaway

Topsiders Bar & Grill

Included; casual pool grill with varying hours

Five older NCL ships feature Topsiders Bar & Grill, a poolside venue serving burgers, hot dogs, french fries and other takeaway items.

Available on : Norwegian Gem, Jewel, Pearl, Sky and Star

Wasabi (or Sushi)

This contemporary sushi bar — called either Wasabi or Sushi, depending on the ship — is the spot for cocktails, sake and Japanese specialties that include sesame seaweed salad, sushi and specialty rolls, nigiri, sashimi and yakitori. On Prima Class ships, you'll find Nama Sushi & Sashimi with a different menu.

Available on : Norwegian Breakaway, Dawn, Epic, Gem, Getaway, Jade, Jewel, Pearl, Spirit, Star and Sun

FAQs about NCL dining

Is norwegian cruise line's food free.

You can dine for free during your cruise at any of the complimentary dining venues on board NCL ships. There are typically four to six included dining venues per ship, several of which serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Is there a main dining room?

Yes, all NCL ships feature a main dining room — some have as many as three — and Freestyle Dining means you can choose when to dine (within the specified breakfast, lunch and dinner hours).

Do I need to make reservations?

You do not need to make reservations for the main dining rooms or casual venues like O'Sheehan's or the buffet. However, you can make reservations for the main dining rooms if you'd prefer to eat at a specific time and wish to avoid long wait times during the most popular dinner hours.

Sit-down specialty restaurants always require a reservation. The sooner you can make one, the better. You can book specialty dining online via the cruise line's website or app or by calling Norwegian reservations. You can also reserve when you get on board, but you risk that the more popular eateries will already be fully booked, especially during the peak summer and holiday periods. Walk-ins are permitted if space is available, but you'll likely need to show up early or late to snag a table.

Does Norwegian offer room service?

Yes, NCL offers 24-hour room service, but you will be charged a convenience fee of up to $9.95 per delivery, with the exception of morning coffee, continental breakfast and orders placed by guests staying in The Haven. A 20% gratuity and beverage service charge will also be added for noncomplimentary beverages and special occasion items delivered to your room.

How much does specialty dining cost?

It varies by restaurant. At venues with a la carte pricing, such as Cagney's, Ocean Blue, Onda by Scarpetta and Le Bistro, it's easy to rack up a bill of $80 per person, not including beverages. NCL's sushi restaurants are also a la carte, as is Food Republic. Two people with an average appetite can dine at both for around $50 to $60 per person, not including beverages. Other venues, such as Teppanyaki and Moderno Churrascaria, feature a set cover charge of $59 per person.

Does NCL offer specialty dining packages?

Yes and if you like a variety of cuisines and plan to dine at two or more extra-charge restaurants, purchasing a specialty dining package makes sense.

These range in price from $99 per person for a two-meal package to $469 per person for a 14-meal package. The price per meal gets lower the more meals you purchase — from $49.50 per dinner on a two-meal package to $33.50 per dinner for 14 meals. Even the four-meal package at $169 per person is a good deal at $42.25 per dinner, given the a la carte pricing greatly exceeds that (for three courses) at most specialty restaurants and eateries with cover charges are priced at $59 per person.

Also, a select number of specialty dining meals are typically included with NCL's Free at Sea booking promotion .

What about service charges?

A 20% gratuity and specialty service charge will automatically be added to the cost of your specialty dining package when you purchase it or to your onboard dining charge if you pay a la carte or a flat cover charge.

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
• 15 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.

Northern lights cruises: A guide to chasing the aurora borealis at sea

Witnessing the elusive northern lights flickering across the sky might cause you to gasp because it's actually that cool. The colorful ribbons of green look like something from outer space — and they are. Auroras appear when charged particles collide with Earth's atmosphere.

Seeing the ethereal display, also known as the aurora borealis, is a bucket-list experience for many travelers. Cruise ships can take you to destinations where your chances of catching Mother Nature's special light show are improved.

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

Remember that seeing this phenomenon doesn't involve a cruise director flipping on a switch. Witnessing the northern lights requires clear and dark skies, late-night viewing hours, enough solar activity for the colors to appear and a big dose of luck. Keep that in mind before you invest all your cruise vacation hopes in this one experience.

Where can I see the northern lights on a cruise?

The lights are best viewed in the Northern Hemisphere and especially in locations on the so-called auroral oval, a ring zone over the polar regions. In cruising terms, that means prime viewing is in northern Alaska (which is easily accessible on cruisetours), Norway, Iceland, Arctic Canada and parts of Greenland.

Just off the auroral ring is the rest of Alaska. If you are on a cruise in the Inside Passage before April 21 or after Aug. 21 and are willing to be awake in the middle of the night (the lights tend to appear in Alaska after midnight), there's a chance you'll see the aurora borealis.

Cruise lines operating in Alaska — including Holland America , Princess Cruises and UnCruise Adventures — have northern lights sign-up sheets so you don't have to stay up all night, every night, hoping to see the display. Put your name on the list, and you'll receive a wake-up call or knock on your cabin door if there's aurora action. Plan to put on your clothes or bathrobe quickly, as the lights might only appear for a few minutes. (They could also last considerably longer.)

Related: Peak solar activity is forecast for 2024: Here are the best places around the world to see the northern lights

If you're interested in where to see the northern lights outside Alaska, the Arctic city of Alta, Norway, calls itself "The City of Northern Lights."

Alta's credentials include the world's first permanent observatory for viewing the aurora borealis; it was built there in 1899. A whole industry has sprung up around the lights, including such extravagant shore excursions as an overnight in a tent with viewing windows at a Sami dog-sledding camp. Alta is also home to the Northern Lights Cathedral, an architectural landmark.

Tromso is another Norwegian destination known as a hub for aurora borealis viewing. In late January, there's a northern lights arts festival featuring top artists in various musical genres.

Cunard Line and Hurtigruten are among the lines that visit northern Norway in the fall. However, the peak viewing season is from November to March (see below). Viking also visits but in the winter.

Iceland, Greenland and Arctic Canada appear on many expedition ships' itineraries during northern lights season, mostly early in the season in August and September. Lines with ships there include Quark Expeditions, Aurora Expeditions and Lindblad Expeditions.

When can I see the northern lights on a cruise?

Because of the late-setting and early rising midnight sun, it's way too light during the summer to see the northern lights in the destinations mentioned, but solar activity does take place year-round.

If you have a goal of seeing the aurora borealis in any of the destinations discussed here, you're best off booking as far into the fall as you can find a cruise. Norway is the only prime northern lights destination with winter cruises.

The lights like to appear in the wee hours — particularly between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. — in Alaska. An advantage in Norway is that it's dark enough to see them for a longer period during fall and winter.

Do cruisetours in Alaska improve my chances of seeing the lights?

Cruisetours in Alaska can improve your odds of seeing the aurora because they get you to Fairbanks and other inland destinations in Alaska that tend to have more cloud-free skies than in the Inside Passage, where cruise ships sail.

While you might see the lights from Denali National Park and Preserve during the viewing season, venturing to Fairbanks and points farther north will increase your odds.

Fairbanks tourism folks like to brag that if you visit for at least three nights between Aug. 21 and April 21, your chances of seeing the aurora borealis are more than 90%. (That assumes you are out actively looking during the late evening hours.)

Since your cruisetour might not visit for three nights, consider booking extra hotel nights before or after your cruise. Other things to do in this laid-back city (human population: about 100,000; moose population: 16,000) include riverboat tours, gold panning and yoga with reindeer.

You can also see the lights in Canada's Yukon Territory, including in the gold rush town of Dawson City, which is visited on some Holland America cruisetours.

Related: What's the best way to view the northern lights? We tried to see them by air, land and sea

Should I go on a cruise just to see the northern lights?

Yes, but remember that the phenomenon is dependent on the weather (clear skies required) and hard to predict, despite scientists' best efforts.

Viking has wintertime cruises to Norway from London specifically designed to track the lights in the Norwegian Sea during the peak viewing season — throughout the cruise but especially above the Arctic Circle in Tromso and Alta (where the sailings stop overnight). It's dark in these locales in winter, increasing your chances.

Hurtigruten is so invested in its northern lights experiences that it has hired famed northern lights astronomer Tom Kerss as its "chief aurora chaser." He will serve as an onboard expert, offering talks and workshops for passengers.

The line is so sure you will see the lights on the October-through-March sailings of its year-round 11- and 12-day Norwegian Coastal Express itineraries that the company has a guarantee called the Northern Lights Promise. If the deck's officers don't announce to all on board that the northern lights are happening, you can get a six- or seven-day Norwegian Coastal cruise for free.

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
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