Founded in 1966, Miami-based Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), part of global cruise company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (which also owns Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises), is the third-largest cruise line in the world in terms of cruise passengers. NCL has become well-known for its colourful ships featuring a pop-icon style painted hull.
Ship was spotless and crew were fabulous. Entertainment lacklustre, food only OK. Itinerary 8 out of ten, however port timings disappointing. Booked complete package including hotels and transfers, these were all very good. Also had more at sea which worked very well for us, very good value for money overall
This was our 5th cruise with NCL (all on different ships) and whilst we had a good time, we were slightly disappointed with the Joy. The food was not as good as we have had on previous NCL cruises and the entertainment on offer was decidedly "underwhelming"
Having only cruised once before NCL was top of my list for our next cruise and it did not disappoint. But of a hairy start due to a flight delay but once we arrived at the terminal it was nothing but plain sailing from there. Beautiful ship couldn't tell that it was one of the older ones in the fleet. We had a balcony stateroom which was a lovely size. Pool area was great obviously got busy but there were plenty of beds on the other decks that it was never a problem finding one. Food was great in all the restaurants if you get the chance try the speciallity ones, but have to say the buffet was one of the best I've ever experienced and never had to queue. What made the cruise particularly special was the crew always friendly and helpful with the exception of guest services ironically!
Would love to sail on the Pearl again to see the changes after the scheduled refurb.
Norwegian Prima lived up to her name, providing us a great cruise experience from New York through the Carribean and back. Entertainment, dining, bars and restaurants all top notch as were cabin, crew and Ports O Call. Highlights ? From being perched on a steel girder 63 floors up Top of The Rock at Rockerfeller centre, recreating the iconic image of the steel crew at lunch during Rockerfeller construction in 1932 to the balmy breeze and warm beach days of St Thomas, St Kitts and Tortola, this cruise was a magical mixture of seasons and cultures. Fabulous.
Key issues included .... 1. Missed Two (2) Ports of call !!!! (excuses made) 2. our Son refused use of Golf & Gymn when days later any child was useing 3. Incompetent management of Complaints on board & worse with Head Office (refunded us just the Tips so staff suffered) No Escalation action. 4. Balcony Stateroom turned out very small - could not pass through without everyone on their bed / Bed Lamp was behind my head 5. Communications were always faulty included wrong locations ; wrong dates ; different on TV to announcements & hard copy 6. Health & Safety of Safety Briefing was a tick box ; buffet had boiling tea alongside children running past . 7. "Golf" was an old net and had three Left Handed clubs.
* What was good = Main Dining & Housekeeping.
We are Platinum members of NCL and have felt letdown by NCL. The standards have dropped. The privileges have been reduced and the shows are not as spectacular as before. We enjoyed the destinations and the food.
We were right by the engine which was very noisy and the extra money we paid for the outside cabin was a small rusty porthole not worth looking out of.
We were moved to a cabin away from the noise even though we were initially told that the ship was full.
Despite these issues we enjoyed the cruise.
Excellent itinerary, food good, bathroom no issue, even with 2 teenagers sharing the cabin, entertainment great, condition of the ship very good. We had a great time and would book again without a second thought...
Out here, the Memories Make Themselves.Introducing Norwegian Aura™ - our newest and biggest ship ever. Designed to draw you closer to the sea - with open-air spaces that flow effortlessly from thrill to relaxation in one seamless escape, day to night.
Come aboard Norwegian Sky® and discover a more intimate and traditional cruising experience. Sail the Bahamas, Greek Isles, go on one of Norwegian's Extraordinary Journeys, and more on this ship.
As the only ship sailing year-round from Honolulu, Pride of America® offers your ideal Hawai'i cruise holiday. Say aloha to a sea of relaxation with our onboard hot tubs, saunas and the award-winning Mandara Spa®.
This ship is a treasure not to be missed! Step aboard Norwegian Jewel® and discover elegant décor, modern comforts, and a relaxed vibe. Cruise to unforgettable destinations across the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Caribbean, and Canada & New England.
Ready to follow the sun instead of a timetable? Featuring a classic design and elegant interiors, Norwegian Sun® offers you a refined atmosphere for exploring top destinations worldwide.
The Ultimate JoyrideGet ready for the ultimate joyride with Norwegian. Come aboard Norwegian Joy® and discover everything that awaits you on board. A variety of staterooms, adults-only Vibe Beach Club and the Thermal Suite at Mandara Spa — all dedicated to relaxation and rejuvenation.
Ready to break away from your everyday routine? As one of our larger ships, Norwegian Breakaway® offers everything you need to feel a world away whilst cruising to top destinations. Take a Caribbean cruise and swim with dolphins, step back into history on a Mediterranean Cruise, or just enjoy relaxing days on a Transatlantic voyage.
Norwegian Escape® offers the ultimate playground at sea for all ages. Take hanging out to new heights on the ropes course and dare to walk the plank, which extends eight feet over the side of the ship.
Searching for the ideal retreat? Discover a sea of possibilities on Norwegian Getaway®. Enjoy the best seat in the house at any table along the quarter-mile promenade, The Waterfront, where delicious cuisine, unique bars and lounges, and breathtaking sunsets await. Savour a wide array of complimentary and speciality dining, including our signature French restaurant. Hang with your crew at the action-packed Sports Complex and Ropes Course. Experience the thrill of The Whip and Free Fall water slides. Or slow things down—way down—with a massage at Mandara Spa.
Norwegian Cruise Lines' laidback cruising style is well-suited to passengers who don't like to have their cruise holiday mapped out for them.
Instead, cruises have been designed for passengers who value choice and flexibility, hence why the line's ships offer so much choice.
As the line that introduced go-kart racing at sea, you can be sure Norwegian is all about delivering fun to its passengers, who are of all ages. That being said, it’s not surprising that with thrilling activities such as laser tag and immersive VR experiences, NCL attracts a large number of families.
Norwegian is also known for its award-winning solo cruises, with special single cabins and reduced single supplements on board its ships.
Destinations
Ocean-going Norwegian Cruise Line sails to destinations all over the world including Asia, Africa, Alaska, Australia, New Zealand, Bahamas, Canada and New England, the Caribbean, Hawaii, the Mediterranean, Mexico Riviera, Northern Europe, the Panama Canal, South America, and the Pacific Coast in addition to offering transatlantic cruises.
Norwegian also owns two private islands – Harvest Caye in Belize and Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas – which passengers can enjoy.
Dining
Board with an appetite. NCL's Breakaway Plus-class ships are home to up to 21 dining venues and the challenge lies in trying to visit them all.
Every ship has a couple of main restaurants and a buffet, both included in your fare. As are venues such as O'Sheehan's Neighborhood Bar and Grill; Topsiders, an al fresco bar and grill; and an array of Asian restaurants.
Specialty restaurants – such as Cagney's, NCL's signature steakhouse, upscale French restaurant, Le Bistro, and Onda by Scarpetta, a popular Italian – all cost extra. World of Cruising tip? If you're planning on dining at several specialty restaurants, consider purchasing one of NCL's dining packages so as to save money.
