Norwegian Cruise Line revolutionized the cruise industry in the early 2000s with its innovative “Freestyle Cruising” concept. Turning traditional cruise conventions upside down, NCL eliminated fixed dining times, formal dress codes, and rigid schedules. With a fleet of 20 ships sailing to destinations across the globe (and continuing to grow), Norwegian has built a reputation as a relaxed, contemporary cruise line that appeals to travelers seeking flexibility and variety.
Norwegian Cruise Line ships also cater to diverse demographics—from solo travelers and couples to families and groups. The cruise line has consistently pushed boundaries with innovative onboard attractions like go-kart tracks, the first of its kind aquacoaster, and the luxury ship-within-a-ship concept that rivals boutique hotels.
But Norwegian Cruise Line isn’t without its challenges. Many complain about the cruise line’s increasing nickel-and-diming tactics and a recent decline in entertainment standards. Further, the casual, freestyle approach that attracts many guests can also result in crowded pool decks and long waits for popular shows.
We’ve sailed on multiple Norwegian ships across different classes, from the Breakaway-class vessels to the refined Prima-class ships. In fact, we just returned from a sailing on the line’s newest ship, Norwegian Aqua. Now, we’re breaking down the pros and cons in this Norwegian Cruise Line review to help you decide if NCL is right for you.
Quick Comparison
| ✓ Pros of Norwegian Cruise Line | ✗ Cons of Norwegian Cruise Line |
|---|---|
| More at Sea bundled package | Lots of upcharges and nickel-and-diming |
| Diversity of dining options | Drink package now excludes all private islands |
| Great Stirrup Cay enhancements | Constant sales pushes and upselling |
| The Haven ship-within-a-ship | Recent decline in entertainment quality |
| Perfect for solo travelers | Limited grab-and-go dining options |
| Innovative ship attractions | Bottled water & Starbucks not in drink package |
| Only line sailing Hawaii year-round | Crowded pool decks |
| Great thermal suites | Less programming for kids |
| Variety in itineraries and homeports | Non-preferred docking locations in some ports |
| Loyalty status carryover on sister brands | Limited complimentary adult-only spaces |
| Freestyle approach – more casual |
The Pros of Norwegian Cruise Line
1. More at Sea Package
Norwegian’s More at Sea package (formerly Free at Sea) represents one of the best value propositions in mainstream cruising. This promotional program bundles popular cruise add-ons into your fare at significantly reduced rates compared to purchasing items individually. The package typically includes an unlimited beverage package, specialty dining credits, WiFi, and shore excursion credits.
NCL’s drink package alone would cost $100+ per person per day if purchased onboard, while More at Sea guests pay just $189 total per person for an entire week-long cruise ($27 per day gratuity) to get this perk. When it comes to specialty dining, guests get three meals for just $60 for the same 7-day cruise when staying in a balcony cabin or higher. The cover charge at each restaurant would be between $40 and $60 if purchased a la carte.
Thus, this bundling approach makes premium experiences accessible to budget-conscious travelers who might otherwise skip specialty dining or limit their beverage consumption. With More at Sea, guests can go into their vacations knowing exactly how much it will cost rather than worrying about the bill at the end of the cruise…that’s, of course, if you don’t purchase any other add-ons during the sailing.
2. Diversity of Dining
Norwegian Cruise Line offers one of the most extensive dining selections at sea. Beyond the main dining rooms that rotate menus nightly, guests can choose from specialty restaurants spanning Italian, American steakhouse, French, Mexican, hibachi, sushi, and more.
Venues like O’Sheehan’s Irish Pub and The Local Bar & Grill also serve 24/7 casual fare including burgers, wings, and comfort food at no additional charge. The recent addition of Indulge Food Hall on Prima-class ships brings together a modern food court concept with multiple international cuisines. These venues supplement the traditional cruise ship buffet for additional casual dining options.
With the diversity in both complimentary and upcharge dining options, it ensures that even picky eaters or those with dietary restrictions can find appealing options throughout their cruise.
3. New Updates Coming to Great Stirrup Cay
Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay, is undergoing significant enhancements that will elevate the experience to compete with newer private destinations. Perhaps the biggest enhancement is a pier that is scheduled to begin welcoming ships by the end of this year. This means guests will no longer need to take a tender ride ashore, and calls to the island won’t need to be cancelled so frequently.
The cruise line has announced other big plans for Great Stirrup Cay as well. A 28,000 square-foot heated, lagoon-style swimming pool is being added to Great Stirrup Cay, complete with islands, sun shelves, and two swim-up bars. A kids’ splash pad and a new recreation area with lawn games called Horizon Park are also coming to this private destination. Those who want to spend their island day relaxing can find a spot at the new relaxation area complete with hammocks, or indulge a bit with a cabana by the pool or a pass to the Vibe adults-only retreat.
And that’s not all. Set to open in summer 2026, the Great Tides Waterpark will be spread across nearly six acres and be anchored by a whopping 19 waterslides.
These improvements position Norwegian’s private island as a true destination highlight rather than just a beach day add-on to Caribbean cruises.
4. The Haven
Norwegian’s The Haven represents one of the most impressive ship-within-a-ship experiences in mainstream cruising, offering luxury boutique hotel accommodations and service within larger vessels. Comparable only to MSC Yacht Club, Haven guests enjoy access to a private sundeck, pool, hot tubs, exclusive restaurant, lounge and bar, and dedicated butler service—creating a completely separate experience from the rest of the ship.
Guests also receive priority embarkation, priority tender service, priority dining reservations, and exclusive access to areas off-limits to other passengers. The Haven seamlessly provides a luxury cruise experience at prices significantly lower than true luxury cruise lines.
But what makes The Haven particularly valuable is that guests still have full access to all the other ship amenities, entertainment, and dining venues. With the best of both worlds, guests can come and go as they please, enjoying exclusive spaces and the variety of large ship amenities. This makes The Haven a great option for multigenerational travel.
5. Perfect for Solo Travelers
Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered the concept of studio staterooms designed specifically for solo travelers, eliminating or reducing the dreaded single supplement that traditionally made cruising expensive for those traveling alone. These purpose-built cabins are smaller than standard staterooms but thoughtfully designed to maximize space and functionality for single occupancy.
Beyond dedicated accommodations, Norwegian creates community among solo travelers through the Studio Lounge—an exclusive space where solo guests can socialize, enjoy complimentary continental breakfast, and participate in organized meet-ups and activities.
The combination of affordable solo-specific cabins and organized social opportunities makes NCL a clear leader among mainstream cruise lines for independent travelers. Solo cruisers can enjoy the full cruise experience without paying double occupancy rates or feeling like an afterthought in the cruise line’s planning and design.
6. Innovative Ship Attractions
Norwegian Cruise Line consistently pushes boundaries with unique onboard attractions that set its ships apart from many competitors. The multi-level go-kart race tracks on Breakaway Plus-class and Prima-class ships provide genuine thrills and competition, while attractions like virtual reality experiences, elaborate rope courses, high-tech mini golf, and drop slides offer activities beyond typical cruise ship entertainment.
The Prima-class vessels feature innovative spaces like the expansive outdoor promenade, Ocean Boulevard, with infinity pools overlooking the ocean, art installations, and plenty of comfy seating, creating resort-style atmospheres that rival high-end beach clubs. Further, Norwegian Aqua introduces the first Aqua Slidecoaster—a hybrid water slide and roller coaster that pushes the envelope of what’s possible on a cruise ship.
While many of these activities and attractions are an up-charge, they provide plenty of family fun and help set NCL apart from its competitors.
7. Only Line to Sail Year-Round in Hawaii
NCL’s Pride of America holds a unique position as the only major cruise ship registered in the United States, allowing it to sail exclusively within Hawaii without visiting foreign ports. This distinction enables Norwegian to offer 7-day Hawaiian island itineraries year-round, spending multiple days at each island.
The Pride of America itinerary includes overnight stays in Maui and Kauai, giving guests substantial time to explore beyond typical day-visit limitations. This extended port time allows for more immersive experiences like driving the Road to Hana, visiting Volcanoes National Park, or exploring the Na Pali Coast.
For travelers seeking Hawaiian cruise experiences, Norwegian offers the only viable year-round option for inter-island cruising with an American-based crew. While some cruise lines visit Hawaii as part of repositioning cruises, Pride of America is the default choice for anyone wanting to explore the Hawaiian islands via cruise ship.
8. Great Thermal Suites
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Mandara Spa features some of the best thermal suites at sea, offering extensive facilities that rival high-end destination spas. The thermal suites typically include multiple heated tile loungers, saunas, steam rooms, cold rooms, salt rooms, and hydrotherapy pools with various water features and therapeutic jets.
Guests can access the thermal suite by purchasing a cruise-long pass or day passes on port days based on availability. This relaxation zone is reserved for those 18 years or older and is capacity controlled so it will never feel too crowded.
The tranquil environment provides the perfect respite from packed pool decks, allowing for relaxation and rejuvenation. The heated loungers are particularly popular, often becoming guests’ favorite spot for reading, napping, or simply unwinding. While great in any destination, we find the thermal suite particularly valuable in Alaska. Think glacier viewing from a heated stone lounger or scenic cruising from the hydrotherapy pool.
9. Variety in Itineraries and Homeports
Norwegian Cruise Line offers one of the most diverse deployment strategies in mainstream cruising, sailing from over 40 departure ports in 2026 and to destinations across the globe.
The cruise line sails from 15 different U.S. homeports including New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Seattle, New Orleans, Boston, Galveston, Port Canaveral, Tampa, and Philadelphia, among others. This geographic diversity means many travelers can find Norwegian cruises within driving distance, eliminating airfare costs and simplifying travel logistics.
Destination variety is equally impressive, with NCL offering itineraries to Alaska, Caribbean, Bermuda, Hawaii, Mexican Riviera, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Panama Canal, South America, Australia & New Zealand, and Asia. The range of cruise lengths from short 3-4 day getaways to extended 14+ day voyages ensures options for every vacation schedule and budget.
10. Loyalty Status Carryover on Sister Brands
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings recently announced loyalty status honoring across its three cruise brands—Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Starting with sailings departing October 15, 2025, members of Latitudes Rewards, the Oceania Club, and the Seven Seas Society will have their loyalty tier honored at the closest corresponding tier across all three brands.
This reciprocity allows guests to enjoy their earned status perks across all three brands, providing valuable flexibility for travelers who enjoy different cruise styles. The carryover benefits particularly appeal to Norwegian loyalists who want to occasionally experience more upscale cruising.
While the actual loyalty points are not combinable across the three cruise lines, this loyalty integration still provides value through tiered benefits like priority boarding, complimentary specialty dining, cocktail receptions, discounts, and other perks that enhance the cruise experience.
Of note, loyalty status recognition is offered only on a per-cruise basis under the NCLH Loyalty Status Honoring Program. After your sailing concludes, your honored tier will revert to the tier you’ve earned with the respective cruise line.
11. Freestyle Approach to Cruising
Norwegian’s Freestyle Cruising philosophy eliminates many traditional cruise elements that some travelers find stifling. There are no assigned dining times, no assigned tables, no formal nights, and no rigid daily schedules dictating when and where you must be. While many other cruise lines are now offering more flexible dining options, NCL was the pioneer.
This casual approach extends throughout the entire cruise experience—guests can dine whenever they’re hungry at whichever restaurant appeals to them, wear comfortable casual clothing throughout their vacation, and structure their days around personal preferences. The relaxed atmosphere creates a vacation environment where guests can truly unwind. This freedom from formality remains the primary reason many guests choose NCL over more traditional cruise lines.
The Cons of Norwegian Cruise Line
1. Lots of Upcharges
Despite marketing itself as offering more value with its More at Sea package, Norwegian has increasingly adopted several upcharges that frustrate guests. Beyond expected specialty restaurant and alcoholic beverage charges, Norwegian now charges for items that are complimentary on other cruise lines—including second entrees in the main dining room, non-alcoholic drinks that are typically included in other cruise lines’ drink packages, and mini-golf, to name a few.
The nickel-and-diming approach extends to numerous areas throughout the ship. From top-deck attractions and amenities, to upcharge exclusive spaces, to some of the most expensive gratuities at sea, these charges can significantly inflate total cruise costs beyond the advertised base fare.
Guests will need to carefully budget for their NCL vacations as they can end up spending hundreds more than anticipated due to these incremental fees.
2. Drink Package No Longer Works on Great Stirrup Cay
In another recent disappointing announcement, Norwegian has updated its drink package policy to exclude Great Stirrup Cay from beverage package coverage starting March 1, 2026. Now requiring guests to pay out-of-pocket for drinks at the private island, this policy change has generated substantial guest complaints recently due to the reduced perceived value of More at Sea.
While guests have never been able to use drink packages at NCL’s other private island in Belize, Harvest Caye, eliminating this benefit at Great Stirrup Cay now puts NCL more in line with Carnival’s Celebration Key. However, Royal Caribbean’s drink package still works at Perfect Day at CocoCay as does MSC’s at Ocean Cay.
Norwegian will introduce a new, exclusive Great Stirrup Cay beverage package starting in January 2026, though pricing and specific details have not yet been announced.
3. Recent Decline in Entertainment Quality
Long known for quality entertainment including Broadway and West End productions, Norwegian Cruise Line has had a noticeable decline in entertainment quality across its fleet. This decline appears connected to cost-cutting measures that reduced entertainment budgets.
In the last couple years, NCL has eliminated several licensed shows, including Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, Footloose, Kinky Boots, and Six, among others, and has replaced them with original productions. In our opinion, Choir of Man is top-notch, but other than that, the shift to Norwegian-produced revues makes the cruise line’s entertainment offerings more comparable to competitor cruise lines now rather than maintaining its previous distinctive positioning.
The first-come, first-served seating policy for shows is also a big problem—guests must arrive 30-60 minutes early to secure seats for mediocre entertainment. During our recent cruise, we arrived over 30 minutes early and the theater was standing room only already!
4. Limited Truly Grab-and-Go Casual Dining Options
While Norwegian offers extensive dining variety, truly quick, grab-and-go options remain surprisingly limited. Most “casual” venues still require sitting down and waiting for table service, making it difficult to grab a fast bite between activities or when short on time before a shore excursion.
The buffet is the primary quick-service option, but it can be extremely crowded during peak meal times, requiring long waits in lines for food stations and challenging searches for available seating. O’Sheehan’s and The Local, while open 24/7, still function as table-service restaurants rather than quick-service locations.
This limitation can be particularly frustrating on port days when guests want a quick breakfast before disembarking or need a fast lunch between activities. Most NCL ships don’t feature comparable venues to Princess Cruises’ International Cafe; Royal Caribbean’s Park Cafe, Cafe Promenade, or Sorrento’s Pizza; or Carnival’s Guy’s Burger Joint or BlueIguana Cantina—which they desperately need.
5. Bottled Water and Specialty Coffee Not Included in Drink Package
Norwegian’s beverage package, despite being marketed as “unlimited”, contains notable exclusions that are part of every other cruise lines’ beverage packages. Norwegian Cruise Line’s unlimited open bar applies only to alcoholic beverages and soda.
Bottled water is not included in the cruise line’s drink package, requiring guests to either purchase bottles separately or rely on tap water and refillable bottles. Similarly, specialty coffee drinks carry additional charges not covered by the beverage package. This includes Starbucks beverages as well as espresso or cappuccino in the main dining rooms and specialty restaurants.
This policy forces guests to either pay additional fees for items they reasonably expected to be included, especially if they’ve cruised with other lines before, or modify their beverage preferences to stick within package limitations.
6. Crowded Pool Decks
Norwegian’s pool decks can feel extremely crowded, particularly on sea days when all passengers seek outdoor relaxation space simultaneously. The main pool areas, especially on newer ships, are small for the number of onboard passengers and lack sufficient lounge chairs to accommodate demand. This often results in guests arriving early to claim spots leading to annoying “chair hog” tactics.
The crowding is compounded by lack of distinct pool spaces often featured on other brands like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, or MSC Cruises, which helps to disperse passengers. Instead, NCL often reserves premium deck space for paid venues like Vibe Beach Club.
This pool deck crowding can make sea days feel stressful rather than relaxing, with guests competing for space, struggling to find seating, and navigating congested walkways.
7. Less Amenities for Kids
While Norwegian Cruise Line offers youth programs and some family-friendly amenities, the cruise line provides significantly less for children compared to family-focused competitors like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, or Disney Cruise Line. Kids’ clubs tend to be smaller with less theming and the programming more limited. Teen facilities are particularly lacking, often consisting of a single lounge with basic games and minimal organized activities.
Further, many of the top-deck attractions found on the newest ships in the NCL fleet are geared towards teens, given the thrill level and height/weight requirements. This leaves limited options for families with younger kids.
8. Constant Sales Pushes and Upselling
Norwegian Cruise Line has a rather aggressive sales strategy both on and off its ships. If you’re like us, you probably get several phone calls a month from your personal cruise consultant attempting to get you to book additional cruises and/or upgrade and purchase other add-ons if you already have a cruise booked.
Onboard, the sales pressure continues with art auction promotions, jewelry sales presentations, casino marketing, and spa upsells that can feel overwhelming. Yes, many cruise lines do this to some degree, but it just seems more prominent on NCL ships.
9. Non-Preferred Docking Locations
NCL ships frequently docks at less convenient locations compared to competitors. Ships sometimes dock at outer piers requiring lengthy bus rides to reach downtown areas, or require tendering that wastes valuable port time.
This is particularly noticeable in popular destinations like Alaska. In Ketchikan, Norwegian ships dock in Ward Cove, located miles from downtown attractions. This 20-30 minute bus ride each way reduces actual time for port exploration and makes independent activities more difficult.
Port stop durations on NCL itineraries can also be shorter than other cruise lines visiting the same destinations. These shorter stops combined with inconvenient docking locations cause guests to feel rushed and unable to fully explore.
10. Limited Complimentary Adult-Only Spaces
While Norwegian’s Haven offers exceptional exclusive spaces for suite guests, complimentary adult-only areas are limited for other guests seeking a quiet retreat. Many ships require paid passes for premium sun deck areas like Vibe Beach Club. While Spice H2O is a complimentary adult-only space, it’s found on less than half the NCL fleet.
In particular, the newest Prima-class ships do not have any free adult-only areas. This limitation disappoints couples and adults seeking peaceful areas away from families with children, forcing them to either pay extra for access to quieter spaces or compete for spots in crowded public areas shared by all passengers.
This is in contrast to newer ships from other family cruise lines that have dedicated complimentary spaces like Carnival’s Serenity Adult-Only Retreat or Disney Cruise Line’s Quiet Cove. These spaces often feature upgraded loungers, a dedicated bar, whirlpools, and sometimes even pools. Even MSC and Royal Caribbean have dedicated adult-only pools on newer ships.
Is Norwegian Cruise Line Right For You?
Norwegian Cruise Line delivers a contemporary, flexible cruise experience that emphasizes variety, freedom, and innovation over tradition and formality. The line’s Freestyle Cruising creates a relaxed vacation environment where guests control their own schedules.
However, the cruise line’s increasing focus on upcharges can make guests feel nickel-and-dimed for items and experiences that may be included on other cruise lines.
Ultimately, whether Norwegian Cruise Line aligns with your vacation vision depends on your preference for a traditional versus flexible cruise experience and your expectations around included versus paid amenities.
Norwegian Cruise Line might be perfect for you if:
- You prefer flexibility and a casual, laid-back cruise atmosphere
- You’re a solo traveler seeking affordable accommodations
- You want extensive dining variety with many restaurant options
- You’re seeking innovative attractions like go-kart tracks and aquacoasters
- You want to cruise to Hawaii
- You appreciate the value of bundled packages like More at Sea
- You want ship-within-a-ship luxury at reasonable prices
You might want to consider another cruise line if:
- You’re frustrated by constant upselling and nickel-and-diming
- You prefer traditional cruise structure and formality
- You have young children
- You want truly all-inclusive pricing
- You expect drink packages to include bottled water and specialty coffee
- You prioritize entertainment quality on a cruise
- You want free dedicated adult-only outdoor spaces
Comments
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