mainstream Relaxed

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian pioneered "Freestyle Cruising" with no fixed dining times or dress codes. Known for excellent entertainment and the only cruise line offering Hawaii inter-island cruises.

2
Ships
4
Regions
$580
From / Person
Mainstream
Tier
Casual
Dress Code
Visit Official Website
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Why Norwegian Cruise Line?

Freestyle Cruising

Enjoy ultimate freedom with no dress codes, open seating dining, and the flexibility to create your own vacation schedule without rigid cruise traditions.

Culinary Excellence

Savor diverse dining options from casual eateries to specialty restaurants featuring celebrity chef partnerships and international cuisines from around the world.

Broadway at Sea

Experience spectacular Tony Award-winning Broadway productions and world-class entertainment exclusive to NCL ships.

Worldwide Destinations

Explore over 300 ports across six continents with innovative itineraries including exclusive private island destinations and unique overnight stays.

Multi-Generational Fun

Discover perfect activities for every age with kids' clubs, teen lounges, adult-only areas, and thrilling attractions like go-kart tracks and laser tag.

Innovative Ship Design

Enjoy cutting-edge amenities like The Haven luxury suites, waterfront dining, virtual reality experiences, and unique attractions found nowhere else at sea.

The Norwegian Cruise Line Story

Norwegian Cruise Line was founded in 1966 by Norwegian entrepreneur Knut Kloster in partnership with Ted Arison, initially operating as Norwegian Caribbean Line. The company pioneered the concept of regular weekly cruises from Miami to the Caribbean, making cruise vacations accessible to American families. Their first ship, the MS Sunward, introduced casual cruising to an industry that had previously focused on formal, transatlantic voyages. In the 1990s, NCL revolutionized cruising again by introducing 'Freestyle Cruising,' eliminating formal dress codes and fixed dining times. This innovation attracted a new generation of cruisers seeking flexibility and freedom. The company went public in 1984 and has since grown through strategic acquisitions and new ship construction, becoming part of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. Today, NCL operates one of the youngest fleets in the industry, consistently pushing boundaries with innovative ship designs and onboard experiences that cater to modern travelers' evolving preferences.

Awards & Recognition

Best Cruise Line for First-Timers
Cruise Critic Cruisers' Choice Awards · 2023
Best Cruise Line Entertainment
USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards · 2023
World's Leading Large Ship Cruise Line
World Travel Awards · 2022
Best Cruise Ship for Families
Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards · 2023
Best Cruise Line Overall
Porthole Magazine Editor-in-Chief Awards · 2022
Best Cruise Line for Value
Recommend Magazine · 2023

What's Included

Every Norwegian Cruise Line fare covers these essentials. No hidden surprises — here's what comes standard with your booking.

Main Dining Room
Buffet
Room Service
Entertainment & Shows
Fitness Center
Pools & Water Features
Kids Club
Basic Drinks (Water, Tea, Coffee)

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The Fleet (2 Ships)

Meet the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet. Each ship has its own personality — click any ship to explore its full profile, deck plans, and upcoming sailings.

Norwegian Prima

Prima Class · Built 2022
3,099 guests 142,500 GT 20 decks
Home port: New York City
Prima Speedway Ocean Boulevard Indulge Food Hall The Drop Slide
6 bars 5 pools/water 6 entertainment

Pride of America

Pride of America Class · Built 2005
2,186 guests 80,439 GT 15 decks
Home port: Honolulu
Only US-flagged cruise ship Hawaii inter-island only
6 bars 4 pools/water 6 entertainment

Onboard Experience

Explore dining, entertainment, pools, and more on each ship. Select a ship below to see what's available onboard.

Norwegian Prima · 3,099 guests · Built 2022 · New York City
The Penrose
cocktail
Craft cocktails and artisanal drinks in an upscale atmosphere
Atmosphere Bar
cocktail
High-end cocktail lounge with panoramic ocean views
The Local Bar & Grill
sports
Casual sports bar with burgers, wings and game viewing
Monkey Bar
cocktail
Tropical-themed bar with creative rum cocktails
Whiskey Bar
cocktail
Premium whiskeys and bourbon selection
Vibe Beach Club Pool Bar
pool
Poolside cocktails and frozen drinks
Prima Theater & Casino
theater
Main theater featuring Broadway-style productions and variety shows
The Improv Comedy Club
comedy
Live stand-up comedy performances and interactive shows
Summer Palace Casino
casino
Full-service casino with slots, table games, and poker
The Jones Beach Club
music
Outdoor music venue with live performances and DJ sets
Nightclub
music
Late-night dancing venue with DJ entertainment
Dueling Pianos
music
Interactive piano bar with sing-along entertainment
Prima Speedway
waterslide
Three-level go-kart track - first at sea
The Rush Dry Slide Complex
waterslide
Multi-level dry slide complex with various slide options
Infinity Beach Pool
pool
Main pool deck with infinity-edge design overlooking the ocean
Vibe Beach Club
pool
Adults-only pool area with premium lounging
Kids Splash Area
aquapark
Family-friendly water play area with smaller slides
The Spa
spa
Full-service spa offering massages, facials, and wellness treatments
Pulse Fitness Center
gym
Modern fitness center with cardio equipment and free weights
Salt Room
thermal
Himalayan salt therapy room for relaxation and wellness
Mandara Salon
salon
Full-service salon offering hair, nail, and beauty services
Splash Academy
Supervised kids club with age-appropriate activities and games
Splash Academy Junior
Youth program with sports, crafts, and educational activities
Entourage Teen Club
Teen-only space with gaming, movies, and social activities
Guppies Nursery
Supervised nursery care for the youngest cruisers
Prima Speedway Go-Karts
sports
First-ever three-level go-kart track at sea
Galaxy Pavilion VR Complex
adventure
Virtual reality gaming and immersive experiences
Laser Tag Arena
games
Multi-level laser tag battlefield with obstacles
Sports Complex
sports
Basketball court and other recreational sports activities
Top Golf Swing Suites
sports
Virtual golf simulator experiences
Pride of America · 2,186 guests · Built 2005 · Honolulu
John Adams Coffee Bar
coffee
Hawaiian coffee and specialty beverages
Napa Wine Bar
wine
California wines and wine pairings
Gold Rush Saloon
cocktail
Western-themed cocktails and live music
Skyline Bar
cocktail
Outdoor deck bar with panoramic ocean views
Aloha Cafe & Bar
pool
Poolside tropical drinks and light snacks
Pink's Champagne Bar
cocktail
Premium champagne and sparkling wines
Hollywood Theater
theater
Main theater featuring Broadway-style productions and musical revues
Mardi Gras Cabaret
comedy
Intimate venue for comedy shows and adult entertainment
Waikiki Bar
music
Live Hawaiian music and hula performances
Gold Rush Casino
casino
Full-service casino with slots, table games, and poker
Santa Fe Lounge
music
Live music venue with dancing and entertainment
Deck parties
music
Outdoor deck parties with live DJ and dancing
Main Pool
pool
Large central pool area with surrounding deck space
Kids Pool
pool
Dedicated children's pool area with shallow water
Adult Pool
pool
Adults-only pool area for quiet relaxation
Hot Tubs
pool
Multiple hot tubs located throughout the ship
Mandara Spa
spa
Full-service spa offering massages, facials, and body treatments
Body Waves Fitness Center
gym
Modern fitness facility with cardio and strength equipment
Mandara Salon
salon
Hair and beauty salon services
Thermal Suite
thermal
Relaxation area with heated loungers and therapeutic facilities
Guppies Nursery
Supervised childcare for infants and toddlers
Kids Crew
Supervised activities and games for children
Teens Club
Teen-only space with games, activities, and social events
Basketball Court
sports
Half-court basketball area on upper deck
Golf Putting Green
sports
Practice putting green with ocean views
Ping Pong Tables
sports
Table tennis tables for competitive play
Shuffleboard
games
Traditional cruise ship deck game
Jogging Track
sports
Outdoor track for walking and jogging around upper deck

Ratings & Scores

How Norwegian Cruise Line stacks up across key categories that matter most to cruisers.

Best For

Overall cruise line ratings based on experience type

Family
8/10
Romance
7/10
Party
7/10
Relaxation
7/10
Food
8/10
Entertainment
9/10
Service
8/10
Value
7/10

Ship Ratings

Individual ship performance ratings across categories

Norwegian Prima
Overall
8.7/10
Cabins
8.5/10
Dining
8.8/10
Entertainment
8.5/10
Service
8.3/10
Pride of America
Overall
7.8/10
Cabins
7.5/10
Dining
8.0/10
Entertainment
7.5/10
Service
8.0/10

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Popular Itineraries

Browse Norwegian Cruise Line's most popular routes organized by region. See day-by-day port stops, duration, and starting prices.

Alaska
7-Night Alaska Glacier Bay
7 nights · Norwegian Prima · from Seattle
$1015
per person
Day 1: Seattle → Day 2: At Sea → Day 3: Juneau → Day 4: Skagway → Day 5: Glacier Bay National Park → Day 6: Ketchikan → Day 7: At Sea → Day 8: Seattle
Families Couples Relaxation
View Details
Bahamas
4-Night Bahamas
4 nights · Norwegian Prima · from Miami
$580
per person
Day 1: Miami → Day 2: Great Stirrup Cay → Day 3: Nassau → Day 4: At Sea → Day 5: Miami
Families Couples Relaxation
View Details
Eastern Caribbean
7-Night Eastern Caribbean
7 nights · Norwegian Prima · from Miami
$1015
per person
Day 1: Miami → Day 2: At Sea → Day 3: Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas → Day 4: Philipsburg, St. Maarten → Day 5: Road Town, Tortola → Day 6: Great Stirrup Cay → Day 7: At Sea → Day 8: Miami
Families Couples Relaxation
View Details
Mediterranean
7-Night Western Mediterranean
7 nights · Norwegian Prima · from Rome (Civitavecchia)
$1015
per person
Day 1: Rome (Civitavecchia) → Day 2: Livorno (Florence/Pisa) → Day 3: Cannes → Day 4: Barcelona → Day 5: At Sea → Day 6: Naples → Day 7: At Sea → Day 8: Rome (Civitavecchia)
Families Couples Relaxation
View Details

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Cabin Guide

Compare cabin types and categories across the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet. From cozy inside staterooms to luxurious suites, find the perfect fit for your voyage.

Norwegian Prima · 3,099 guests · 20 decks
Category Type Size Max Guests Balcony Accessible Key Perks
Interior Stateroom Inside Cabin 160 sq ft 4 —
—
Ocean View Stateroom Ocean View 180 sq ft 4 —
—
Balcony Stateroom Balcony 200 sq ft 4 —
—
Junior Suite SUITE Suite 300 sq ft 4 —
Priority boarding Dedicated check-in Concierge service
Grand Suite SUITE Suite 550 sq ft 6 —
Butler service Priority boarding Private dining options
Pride of America · 2,186 guests · 15 decks
Category Type Size Max Guests Balcony Accessible Key Perks
Interior Stateroom Inside Cabin 160 sq ft 4 —
—
Ocean View Stateroom Ocean View 180 sq ft 4 —
—
Balcony Stateroom Balcony 200 sq ft 4 —
—
Junior Suite SUITE Suite 300 sq ft 4 —
Priority boarding Dedicated check-in Concierge service
Grand Suite SUITE Suite 550 sq ft 6 —
Butler service Priority boarding Private dining options

Gratuity & Fee Transparency

Know exactly what to expect for daily gratuities and service charges on Norwegian Cruise Line. No surprises at checkout.

Detail Info
Daily Gratuity Rate $20.00 per person/day
Suite Gratuity Rate $25.00 per person/day
Auto-Added to Bill? Yes
Prepaid Option Available

Cancellation & Booking Policy

Important details about deposits, final payments, and cancellation penalties for Norwegian Cruise Line bookings.

Deposits

A deposit is typically required at the time of booking to secure your cabin and rate. Deposit amounts vary by cabin type and sailing length. Your travel agent can confirm the exact amount for your chosen voyage.

Final Payment

Final payment is due before your sailing date. The deadline varies by itinerary length — typically 75-90 days prior for standard sailings, and further out for holiday or peak-season voyages.

Cancellation Penalties

Cancellation fees increase the closer you get to the sailing date. Early cancellations may receive a full refund minus a processing fee, while last-minute cancellations may be non-refundable.

Full Policy Details
Norwegian Cruise Line's cancellation policy varies by booking type and cancellation timing. For standard bookings, deposits range from $250-$450 per person and are fully forfeited for cancellations made within 120 days of departure. Cancellation penalties increase as the sail date approaches: 75-121 days before departure incurs 25% of total cruise fare, 31-74 days requires 50% payment, 15-30 days demands 75% of the fare, and cancellations within 14 days of departure forfeit 100% of the cruise cost. Final payment is typically due 75 days before departure for most bookings. Travel protection plans are available at booking and can provide coverage for cancellation due to covered reasons including illness, injury, or other qualifying circumstances. Suite and Haven bookings may have different penalty structures, and promotional fares often carry more restrictive cancellation terms. Guests are encouraged to review their specific booking's cancellation terms and consider purchasing travel insurance for maximum flexibility.
Travel insurance recommended
Book early for best rates
Agent can navigate policy details

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about cruising with Norwegian Cruise Line, answered.

You can book directly through NCL's website, call their reservation center, or work with a travel agent. Online booking offers real-time cabin selection, dining reservations, and shore excursion planning. Early booking often includes perks like free specialty dining, beverage packages, or WiFi.

Your cruise fare includes accommodations, main dining room meals, most onboard entertainment, fitness center access, pools, and kids' club activities. Specialty dining, beverages (except water, tea, and coffee), gratuities, shore excursions, spa services, and WiFi are additional charges.

NCL's Freestyle Cruising means no formal dress codes. Resort casual attire is appropriate throughout the ship, including main dining rooms. Some specialty restaurants may request smart casual dress, but jackets and ties are never required.

Automatic service charges of $15.50 per person per day (for most staterooms) are added to your onboard account. These charges can be adjusted at the guest services desk, and you can prepay gratuities when booking your cruise.

NCL offers complimentary Splash Academy kids' clubs for ages 3-12 and Entourage teen programs for ages 13-17. Activities include arts and crafts, games, sports, teen-only areas, video arcades, and supervised group activities throughout the day and evening.

Online check-in begins 21 days before sailing. Arrive at your designated boarding time with required documents (passport or birth certificate with government-issued photo ID). Security screening, check-in, and boarding typically takes 30-60 minutes.

Cancellation penalties vary by fare type and timing. Standard cancellations made 121+ days before departure forfeit the deposit ($250-$450 per person). Cancellations closer to sailing date incur higher penalties, with 100% penalty for cancellations within 14 days of departure.

The Latitudes Rewards program offers four tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Benefits include priority check-in, exclusive events, onboard credit, laundry discounts, and complimentary internet minutes. Points are earned based on the number of cruise days completed.

Latitudes Rewards

Latitudes Rewards is Norwegian Cruise Line's loyalty program that automatically enrolls guests after their first cruise and rewards them based on the number of cruise points earned from completed sailings.

How to Join: Guests are automatically enrolled after completing their first Norwegian Cruise Line cruise and begin earning points based on cabin category and cruise length.
White
1 cruise point
Bronze
2 cruise points
Silver
4 cruise points
Gold
7 cruise points
Platinum
15 cruise points
Ambassador
28 cruise points
White
1 cruise point
  • 10% discount on specialty dining
  • Priority access to shore excursion bookings
  • Complimentary room service menu
Bronze
2 cruise points
  • 25% discount on specialty dining
  • Priority tender service
  • Complimentary room service delivery
  • 10% discount on Norwegian Cruise Line beverage packages
Silver
4 cruise points
  • 50% discount on specialty dining
  • Priority boarding
  • Complimentary room service
  • 20% discount on beverage packages
  • Priority disembarkation
Gold
7 cruise points
  • Complimentary specialty dining for 2 guests
  • Priority boarding and disembarkation
  • Complimentary room service
  • 30% discount on beverage packages
  • Laundry service discount
Platinum
15 cruise points
  • Free specialty dining for party
  • Priority everything access
  • Complimentary internet package
  • 50% discount on beverage packages
  • Priority spa reservations
  • Complimentary laundry bag
Ambassador
28 cruise points
  • Behind-the-scenes ship tour
  • Exclusive Ambassador events
  • Priority dining reservations
  • Complimentary beverage package
  • Priority suite upgrade consideration
  • Personal concierge service
Visit Latitudes Rewards Official Page

Guest Reviews

Real experiences from Norwegian Cruise Line guests. See what cruisers loved, what could improve, and their tips for first-timers.

Solid cruise with room for improvement
By Robert H. · 2024-06-01 · Oceanview
Pros
  • Unique Hawaii-only itinerary
  • Relaxed atmosphere
  • Good value for Hawaii vacation
Cons
  • Limited onboard activities
  • Older ship amenities
Food: 3/5 Service: 4/5 Cabin: 3/5 Entertainment: 3/5 Value: 4/5
Plan shore excursions in advance
Good time with friends despite some issues
By Amanda T. · 2025-02-01 · Suite
Pros
  • Spacious suite accommodations
  • Great nightlife and bars
  • Professional spa services
Cons
  • Inconsistent food quality
  • Crowded during peak hours
Food: 3/5 Service: 3/5 Cabin: 5/5 Entertainment: 4/5 Value: 3/5
Splurge on specialty dining for better meals
Solo adventure exceeded expectations
By David L. · 2024-11-01 · Balcony
Pros
  • Easy to meet people
  • No single supplement on this booking
  • Excellent entertainment options
Cons
  • Some activities geared toward couples
  • Balcony felt unnecessary when traveling alone
Food: 4/5 Service: 4/5 Cabin: 4/5 Entertainment: 5/5 Value: 4/5
Attend the solo traveler meetups
Beautiful Hawaii but showing its age
By Jennifer K. · 2024-09-01 · Oceanview
Pros
  • Incredible Hawaiian itinerary
  • No sea days - always at port
  • Authentic Hawaiian culture shows
Cons
  • Ship needs updating
  • Limited dining options
Food: 3/5 Service: 3/5 Cabin: 3/5 Entertainment: 4/5 Value: 3/5
Focus on the destinations rather than ship amenities
Great family vacation with some hiccups
By Mike R. · 2024-07-01 · Inside
Pros
  • Kids club was fantastic
  • Lots of free activities
  • Good value for money
Cons
  • Inside cabin felt cramped
  • Some dining venues had long waits
Food: 3/5 Service: 4/5 Cabin: 3/5 Entertainment: 4/5 Value: 5/5
Make dining reservations as soon as possible
Amazing first cruise experience
By Sarah M. · 2024-03-01 · Balcony
Pros
  • Stunning new ship with modern amenities
  • Excellent specialty restaurants
  • Friendly and attentive staff
Cons
  • Crowded pool areas during sea days
Food: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Cabin: 4/5 Entertainment: 5/5 Value: 4/5
Book specialty restaurants early

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