Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is the ultimate “casual cruise line” which pioneered the concept of flexible dining at a time when cruising was locked into the traditional first and second sittings for mealtimes. Since then, NCL cruises and the firm’s “Freestyle Cruising” concept has not only expanded on its own ships, but spread across the cruising industry at large. Passengers taking an NCL holiday can expect to dine in a wide range of speciality restaurants, ranging from French to Italian to Japanese, in addition to the main dining rooms. NCL cruise ships are also noted for their innovative features with the newest ships, Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Gem each boasting the first bowling alley at sea and a rock-climbing wall.

As a result of such flexibility, NCL cruise holidays are perfect for families, first-timers and passengers wanting a laid-back cruising experience where they are free to do whatever they want, whenever they want. The wide range of staterooms also means the line’s ships can cater for a diverse range of passengers from couples to family groups. Its newer vessels have been designed to offer a “small ship within a big ship” ambience with courtyard and garden villas clustered together in their own private area of the ship. Some have their own hot tubs while others have access to a private pool accessible only to other passengers in the same type of accommodation. Younger passengers on an NCL cruise have plenty of distractions with excellent children’s clubs, kids’ goody bags and Teen Passports with soft drinks vouchers.

There’s no shortage of facilities on NCL cruise holidays with the numerous bars, lounges and restaurants. Evening entertainment tends to revolve around the main theatre where extravagant Broadway-style shows are staged or there are quieter alternatives in the piano bars and live music venues. Passengers looking for an NCL cruise can choose from 12 ships. The company claims to have the youngest fleet in the cruise industry following the launch of three ships in the last three years. It mainly cruises through the Caribbean in winter and the Mediterranean and Alaska in summer, and offers sailings from US ports. For customers looking for more exotic NCL cruises, it also has the separate NCL America offering voyages through the Hawaiian islands.