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AWARD-WINNING CRUISE SHIPS

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

Explore Our Ships

Norwegian Aqua

Norwegian Aqua

Prima class.

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

Norwegian Bliss

Norwegian Bliss

Breakaway plus class.

  • Northern Europe
  • Panama Canal
  • Extraordinary Journeys
  • Pacific Coastal
  • Ship 168,028 Gross Register Tonnage
  • Guest 3,958 Guest Capacity double occupancy
  • Year 2021 Refurbished Year Built 2018

Norwegian Breakaway

Norwegian Breakaway

Breakaway class.

  • Mediterranean
  • Canada & New England
  • Ship 145,655 Gross Register Tonnage
  • Guest 3,903 Guest Capacity double occupancy
  • Year 2020 Refurbished Year Built 2013

Norwegian Dawn

Norwegian Dawn

  • Greek Isles
  • Ship 92,250 Gross Register Tonnage
  • Guest 2,290 Guest Capacity double occupancy
  • Year 2021 Refurbished Year Built 2002

Norwegian Encore

Norwegian Encore

  • Ship 169,116 Gross Register Tonnage
  • Guest 3958 Guest Capacity double occupancy
  • Year 2019 Year Built

Norwegian Epic

Norwegian Epic

  • Ship 155,873 Gross Register Tonnage
  • Guest 4,070 Guest Capacity double occupancy
  • Year 2020 Refurbished Year Built 2010

Norwegian Escape

Norwegian Escape

  • Ship 164,998 Gross Register Tonnage
  • Guest 4,218 Guest Capacity double occupancy
  • Year 2022 Refurbished Year Built 2015

Norwegian Gem

Norwegian Gem

Jewel class.

  • Ship 93,530 Gross Register Tonnage
  • Guest 2,344 Guest Capacity double occupancy
  • Year 2022 Refurbished Year Built 2007

Norwegian Getaway

Norwegian Getaway

  • Year 2020 Refurbished Year Built 2014

Norwegian Jade

Norwegian Jade

  • South America
  • Ship 93,558 Gross Register Tonnage
  • Guest 2,352 Guest Capacity double occupancy
  • Year 2022 Refurbished Year Built 2006

Norwegian Jewel

Norwegian Jewel

  • Ship 93,502 Gross Register Tonnage
  • Guest 2,330 Guest Capacity double occupancy
  • Year 2022 Refurbished Year Built 2005

Norwegian Joy

Norwegian Joy

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

Norwegian Luna

Norwegian Luna

Norwegian Pearl

Norwegian Pearl

  • Year 2021 Refurbished Year Built 2006

Norwegian Prima

Norwegian Prima

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

Norwegian Sky

Norwegian Sky

  • Ship 77,104 Gross Register Tonnage
  • Guest 1,944 Guest Capacity double occupancy
  • Year 2024 Refurbished Year Built 1999

Norwegian Spirit

Norwegian Spirit

  • Australia & New Zealand
  • Ship 75,904 Gross Register Tonnage
  • Guest 1,972 Guest Capacity double occupancy
  • Year 2022 Refurbished Year Built 1998

Norwegian Star

Norwegian Star

  • Ship 91,740 Gross Register Tonnage
  • Guest 2,298 Guest Capacity double occupancy
  • Year 2021 Refurbished Year Built 2001

Norwegian Sun

Norwegian Sun

  • South Pacific
  • Ship 78,309 Gross Register Tonnage
  • Guest 1,878 Guest Capacity double occupancy

Norwegian Viva

Norwegian Viva

  • Ship 142,500 Gross Register Tonnage
  • Guest 3,195 Guest Capacity double occupancy
  • Year 2023 Year Built

Pride of America

Pride of America

  • Ship 80,439 Gross Register Tonnage
  • Guest 2,150 Guest Capacity double occupancy

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Norwegian Cruise Line: The Complete Guide

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Table of Contents

About Norwegian Cruise Line sailings

Norwegian cruise line destinations, norwegian cruise line cruise prices, what is the best norwegian cruise line ship, what’s included on ncl cruises, ncl firsts in the industry: what is norwegian known for, ncl loyalty program: latitude rewards, norwegian cruise line credit card, what is ncl known for.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is one of the top players in large-ship cruising, and its fleet is seeing one of its biggest refits in decades with its new Prima fleet of ships. Norwegian Cruise Line ships are also known for their colorful hull art that makes them stand out in ports around the world.

The company dates back to 1966 when it got its start as a Norwegian shipping company. Today, it has become one of the more popular mainstream cruise brands and is part of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, which also includes the Regent Seven Seas and Oceania brands.

If you’re scrolling through endless Norwegian Cruise Line reviews, let this complete guide to the cruise company give you the larger overview of what sets this brand apart from the rest. There are some interesting innovations from Norwegian that other cruise lines have since adopted, but they started here.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

NCL sails around the world with numerous routes from the U.S. to Caribbean destinations as well as around the Mediterranean and Baltic Seas.

Its loyalty program, onboard amenities and variety of cabin types offer something for every type of traveler.

Cabin types: You can expect a range of different cabin sizes and layouts ranging from solo-traveler interior studios and inside cabins for as many as four people to ocean view and balcony cabins. A wide range of suites are also available. The Prima class of ships feature the largest suites, some of which have private whirlpools on the balcony and as many as three bedrooms. 

Main U.S. routes: NCL has plenty of North America sailings from U.S. ports to Alaska, Bermuda, Canada and New England. There are also sailings to the Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico and the Panama Canal, among others. 

Loyalty program: NCL's Latitudes Rewards loyalty program, which issues one point for every night sailed as well as bonus points for booking suites or participating in certain promotions. At each elite tier, members earn onboard benefits like discounts, laundry service and special event access. The more you travel with NCL, the more benefits you can earn. 

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NCL spans the globe with sailings to every continent (even Antarctica) on a wide range of ships. They leave from both U.S. coasts as well as from Hawaii — where NCL has operated inter-island Hawaiian sailing for almost two decades.

Antarctica.

New Zealand.

Pacific Islands.

Panama Canal.

South America.

Depending on how long you want to sail and where you're going, you can find cruises as brief as two nights and as long as 21 days or more.

» Learn more: The pros and cons of cruises

You'll find lots of good deals on Norwegian, but cruise fares will fluctuate based on the destination, time of year and other variables. You’ll want to keep these factors in mind when booking a cruise, as they'll affect the price of the trip:

Time of year.

Trip duration.

Destination.

Ship class.

Cabin type.

You can find cruise bargains for as low as $350 on four-night cruises, but if you want to splurge and do a longer cruise, expect to pay as much as $4,600 or more (especially if you book a suite or a Haven category room).

Of course, the fare will always vary depending on which cabin type you book.

» Learn more: The best ways to book a cruise

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(Image courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)

When it comes to which NCL ship is best, that depends on what you're looking for in a cruise. If you're traveling with a family, for example, water slides, amusement park-style games and multi-bedroom suites may be important. This means you may prefer one of the line’s newest Prima Class ships: Norwegian Prima or Norwegian Viva.

If you're looking for a romantic vacation, perhaps you'll want a smaller ship or a cabin in The Haven, which is a hotel-within-a-hotel concept with more personalized service. The Haven is only available on select Norwegian ships, including Encore, Viva and Prima.

What is the newest NCL ship?

Norwegian Viva launched in the summer of 2023, making it the newest ship for NCL. It has special features like a three-tier race track, the fastest slides at sea, a food hall with 11 complimentary eateries and a sustainable cocktail bar.

» Learn more: Do you need a passport for a Caribbean cruise?

On any NCL cruise, these benefits are always included:

Accommodations in the category you select at booking.

All meals in snack and buffet restaurants, main dining rooms and, when available, the food hall. 

Free non-bottled water, juice, hot chocolate, and some coffees and teas.

Fitness center access.

Shows and entertainment.

Pools and kids pool play area.

Onboard activities.

Government fees and port taxes.

If you want to partake in specialty dining reservations, Wi-Fi, Norwegian cruise excursions or upgraded beverage packages, you'll have to pay fees (sometimes bundled for greater savings).

» Learn more: Are cruises all-inclusive?

Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered many features aboard its ships, some of which other cruise lines have imitated. These are some of the special features you'll find aboard some or all of the ships in NCL’s fleet.

Freestyle dining: open-seating in restaurants with extended hours and no reservations. 

Private island: Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas is a private island for cruise passengers. NCL was the first cruise company to offer access to a private island, and it spurred a growing trend in the industry.

Full Broadway theater productions.

Onboard internet cafe.

Bowling alley at sea.

Bar entirely made out of ice, called the Skyy Vodka Ice Bar .

Studio accommodations for solo travelers, with a private lounge.

Sustainability-focused onboard bar with zero waste.

Collection of NFTs from a cruise company, available for sale.

Race track at sea.

norwegian cruise website

Latitude Rewards awards members with points based on each night they sail, and they can earn bonus nights when booking certain categories of suites.

Occasional promotions also offer double-night credit. You will only earn cruise points on eligible sailings where you are paying a traditional fare; promotional sailings with a heavy discount might not be eligible, although you would still receive the benefits at your tier. Also, sailings on sister lines do not qualify for Latitude Rewards cruise points.

As you accrue nights, you earn elite status that delivers onboard benefits that grow with each status tier.

Latitude Rewards levels

The loyalty program has seven levels, from Bronze to Ambassador. The full roster of onboard amenities can be found on the Norwegian Cruise Line website . There are some extra perks that come with certain tiers.

How to earn Latitudes Rewards points

Earn one point for every night you spend on a sailing and double points in suites or The Haven category accommodations.

How to redeem points

This program does not offer any points to redeem. Instead, you would earn benefits on future cruises related to your particular elite tier. Ambassador members (700+ points) earn a free 7-night cruise.

Spending on the Norwegian Cruise Line® World Mastercard® won’t earn you Latitude Rewards points (the only way to do that is by sailing with NCL), but it will earn you WorldPoints. This currency can be redeemed for onboard credits on future sailings, Norwegian Cruise Line shore excursions and other travel experiences. The card has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for world travelers.

With the Norwegian Cruise Line® World Mastercard, you earn WorldPoints as follows:

3x points on NCL sailings.

2x points on eligible airfare and hotel purchases.

1x point on everything else.

Earn 20,000 WorldPoints, which is good for a $200 onboard credit or discount toward a future cruise, if you spend $1,000 or more in the first 90 days the account is open.

How to redeem WorldPoints

Each WorldPoints point is equivalent to one cent, which you can then redeem for things such as:

Stateroom upgrades.

Travel discounts.

Last-minute cruises.

Onboard credits.

Car rentals.

Hotel stays.

Gift cards.

» Learn more: The best cruise lines

No, but you can pay for a Wi-Fi package, which starts at $29.99 per day per device.

No, but all sailings do include accommodations, activities, food and beverages, and entertainment. There is the ability to purchase extra benefits on each ship.

There are several drink package options on NCL sailings:

Non-alcoholic

The Unlimited Soda package includes all fountain soda drinks for $9.95 per person per day.

The Unlimited Starbucks package includes all Starbucks drinks for $12.95 per person per day.

An adult over the age of 21 could opt for a non-alcoholic drink package, but that means everyone else on their reservation must also get non-alcoholic drink packages.

Premium offers most drinks that cost $15 and under. You can pay the difference if you choose a more expensive drink. This unlimited package costs $109 per person per day.

Premium Plus offers even more drink options, mostly premium and top-shelf category labels, bottled water, Starbucks drinks and energy drinks for a flat price of $138 per person per day.

Keep in mind that alcoholic drink packages must be purchased for all people above the age of 21 in the same reservation, and those under 21 must pay for the soda package. The policy is intended to prevent people over the age of 21 from getting alcoholic drinks for other members of their party that did not pay for the alcoholic drink package.

Norwegian Cruise Line offers sailings at different price points to a global range of destinations. It is also known for its beautiful hull art, pioneering Freestyle Dining and adding buzzworthy amenities like its frigid yet delightful Skyy Vodka Ice Bar, which ranks among the best cruise line bars anywhere.

Plus, with activities like race tracks, NCL cruises are fun for all types of travelers, and its loyalty program can provide added perks along the way.

(Top photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card

on Bank of America's website

1.5x-2x Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

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