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Norwegian Cruise Line

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5.5

Overall Score

Author: Kalicia Bateman

LAST UPDATED: August 27th, 2021
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The Good

  • Entertainment for all ages
  • First class amenities
  • Many destinations to choose from

Entertainment for all Ages

There are a variety of onboard amenities for travelers of all ages. Activities for adults include spa and salon treatments, fitness classes, casinos, and bars and lounges. Programs for children and teenagers are available where they can enjoy arts and crafts, play video games, participate in pool parties, and compete in sports tournaments. There are also plenty of unique activities to enjoy onboard Norwegian Cruise Lines. Guests can participate in comedy workshops, take dance lessons, or learn bartending and cooking skills. Wine and beer tastings are available. Children can dance and sing with Dora the Explorer, or have breakfast with SpongeBob Square Pants. Norwegian tries to accommodate a number of different guests on each and every cruise. They have options for single guests, couples, and families traveling together. Cruises are available from one night to 48 days and offered year round.

Destinations

  • Destinations include: Alaska, Bahamas and Florida, Bermuda, Canada and New England, Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, Mexican Riviera, Pacific Coast, Panama Canal, South America, Transatlantic, and Weekend Cruises

Featured Cruise Trips

  • Seven Day Bermuda, Round-trip New York Starting From $999/USD Per Person: With pink sand beaches, colorful underwater life, and fantastic shopping, it's a good thing you'll have the chance to treasure everything this pristine isle has to offer. Adventures in Bermuda also include some of the world's most exclusive golf courses.
  • Six Day Canada & New England from New York Starting From $699/USD Per Person: Cruisers will experience delectable local fare and coastlines so picturesque you'll stand back in amazement. Enjoy a mouthwatering lobster lunch in Halifax, visit the Bay of Fundy in St. John, and watch sailboats pull into the harbor in Portland, Maine. New England brings on the charm, while Canada offers stunning natural landscapes on this six day Norwegian cruise.

Cruises to the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, and Europe

  • Caribbean: $349-$1,949 per person
  • Alaska: $399-$2,029 per person
  • Mexico: $449-$1,089 per person
  • Europe: $299-$3,799 per person

Amenities

All meals are included in the price of the cruise except for meals purchased at specialty restaurants. Reservations can be made up to three months prior to departure. Even with a reservation, expect waiting times upon arrival at the restaurant. You can expect to find all types of cuisine onboard the ship. Computerized screens throughout public areas tell guests how busy a restaurant is and if there is any available seating. Other amenities included on all cruise ships include:
  • Personalized service
  • 24-hour trained and certified suite butler
  • Concierge service
  • Courtyard valet
  • Escort to your suite
  • Exclusive access to The Haven Courtyard area with private pool, sundeck, hot tub and fitness area
  • Priority embarkation and disembarkation
  • Distinctive platinum keycard
  • Priority boarding of tenders to shore
  • Complimentary limousine service from pier to airport (for Garden Villa guests)
  • Sparkling wine, bottled water, and fruit on embarkation day (For two bedroom villa, Courtyard Penthouse, Spa Suite, and Penthouse only)
  • 24-hour room service
  • Mini-bar and espresso/cappuccino machine
  • Special Haven Menus
  • Gourmet treats delivered to your suite each evening
  • Invitations to an exclusive breakfast and lunch
  • Cocktail party with ship's officers
  • Bliss Collection by Norwegian pillow-top mattress
  • Fine linens, feather duvet, and pillow
  • Plush bathrobes, slippers, and oversized towels

Safety

Norwegian Cruise Lines also takes the safety of their guests seriously. They have implemented a number of precautions to make sure that both their staff and the travelers are not exposed to anything that could threaten their health. These precautions include:
  • Norwegian Cruise Lines collect health questionnaires at the pier to identify anyone that already has symptoms and place detailed health information fact sheets in each stateroom at embarkation. These fact sheets outline potential symptoms of concern and instructs guests on what to do if they are experiencing those symptoms.
  • Once onboard, Norwegian Cruise Lines recommends and requests that all guests carefully observe the good hygiene practice of washing their hands before eating and after using the restroom. They also encourage frequent use of the hand sanitizer dispensers strategically located throughout the ship.
  • If a guest is diagnosed as having any symptoms, they are asked to stay in their stateroom until their symptoms abate. They receive free medical treatment and medications.

Accommodations

There are a number of accommodations to choose from. Garden Villas provide panoramic views of the ocean, roof terraces and private Japanese-styled gardens. Owner's Suites come equipped with queen-sized beds, living rooms, whirlpool tubs and walk-in closets. Penthouse Suites, Ocean View Staterooms, and Inside Staterooms are also available. Rooms come equipped with all the standard amenities to provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience while onboard.
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The Bad

  • High cover fees for restaurants
  • Long lines for all activities
  • Can be very crowded

High Fees and Long Lines

Norwegian's specialty restaurants charge a $15 to $99 per person cover fee apart from the cost of the meals. Expect to stand in long lines for all activities onboard including dining options. Announcements are frequent and loud.

Large Crowds

Accommodations in standard cabins are a bit smaller than other cruise lines. Since Norwegian ships can accommodate a large number of guests, expect large crowds. If this is a problem for you, you can choose to upgrade to a first-class section where it is more spacious to get around.

No Offshore Excursions

Offshore excursions are not included in the price. Be prepared to pay lots of extra charges for dining options, beverages, and some of the activities during the length of your cruise.
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The Bottom Line

Norwegian Cruise Lines is a great choice for family-friendly entertainment. The freestyle cruising experience provided by Norwegian Cruise Lines allow families to relax and enjoy their vacation without being tied down to strict rules. The only downsides are the long lines and expensive meals. However, there are plenty of activities for children, teenagers, and adults to enjoy. Norwegian Cruise Lines is also an excellent choice for single passengers as well as an inexpensive way to travel to desired exotic locations worldwide. We recommend booking a cruise with Norwegian Cruise Lines.
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Star Rating

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4.1

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253 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

53%

4 grade

28%

3 grade

4%

2 grade

5%

1 grade

9%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

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Quality

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Service

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Trustworthiness

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Kathleen Bargo Pleasant Valley, NY

I sailed on the Breakaway leaving from New York. My husband and I felt the ship was over price. Most of the crew were very unprofessional. First night we dine in the Italian restaurant, food was just terrible had to send back the soup twice it never came out hot. The pasta which was oil and garlic was all stuck together. The French speciality restaurant was just as bad? They drop a dish on the floor pick up the dish and left to food on the floor. Had lunch at the pub asked for chocolate ice cream told me only vanilla or there will be a charge. I can keep going on and on. The ship was so crowd you couldn't get a seat by the pool. This was our 8th cruise first with NCL never again. They seems to nickle and dime.

11 years ago

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Brian Hicksville, NY

I have cruised with NCL (as well as Carnival, Princess, and Royal Caribbean) for a total of 6 cruises. Of these, I'd say NCL is the worst. They "nickel and dime" passengers the worst (all cruises do so to some extent, but not nearly as bad). The cabin was the smallest I've stayed in. The free included dining facilities are overcrowded (which I believe is part of their business plan to "encourage" passengers to go to the "paid" choices). I wouldn't say I'd never cruise on them again, but all other things being equal, they'd be my last choice. I'd only go back on NCL if it was a great deal and/or a specific itinerary that was unique to NCL.

11 years ago

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Karen Mcmorrow/Beck Brockton, MA

Your cruise line is the worst! Never will I ever sail with you people again! Your captain of the ship back in 2008 almost killed all of us, He knew even before we left for that trip it was going to be bad, but he chose to go anyway! I had 9 other women with me averaging from 20 years old to 80 years old and almost all of them were 1st time cruisers! Always remember the old saying, YOU CAN'T MAKE A 1ST IMPRSSION A 2ND TIME!!!! Lousy service on a beat up ship that looked like the titanic after we went through that storm!!!! When I got back on land I called your LOUSEY RUDE C/S AND NOONE WAS EVEN WILLING TO TALK AND HELP OUT THIS SITUATION.......

11 years ago

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Richard Anderson Brandon, FL

Both times we cruised on Norwegian were horrible. The first time was so bad we decided to try a different ship just to see if it could have been that ship or that crew. It wasn't. The second was just as bad. Entertainment was terrible, long lines at the dining room, and the cabin was like a broom closet. Free style dining was a joke, and if I pay for a cruise and the food, I don't expect to have to pay twice for my meals. Expensive and not worth it. We refuse to go on their ships again. I'll take my money and go where it's more appreciated. Complaints did no good, and most of the time, they were not even answered. Never again.

11 years ago

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judith mitrowski South Windsor, CT

I will never cruise Norwegian Cruise LInes again. First they lost my luggage for 6 hours and finally after having to go to the courtesy desk to claim my luggage I was told that it was my fault because the luggage tag from the cruise line was ripped off in the handling. So whos fault was that. Second the indoor pool was suppose to be handicapped accessible so I paid the extra 200 for it and then couldn't use it because the warm pool and hot tub were not handicapped accessible. I told the girl at the desk and she just looked at me and laughed. The service on this ship stunk. The cruise personnel were not very friendly only to the ones they want.

11 years ago

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Ann-Michelle Roberts Miami, FL

BECAUSE THERE IS NO SCORE LOWER THAN ZERO!!! On the week of June 27th I boarded the Norwegian Cruise ship, The Getaway, with my family. This was my first time using a cruise line other than the Carnival and I was told by my agent that this would be a great adventure for my family and me. I came on the ship with the expectations of a wonderful cruise maybe even better than the usual Carnival Cruise. When I checked in I forgot my passport in my suitcase and the crew member asked me to retrieve it. When I went to retrieve my passport in my suitcase I was surprised to see that my suitcases had been abandoned. I was in utter shock! I went through my suitcase and no one even noticed. That was very scary for me. I couldn't believe that my suitcases were left out like that. We were one of the first guests on the ship and when I ask a crew member where I could get food for my children. She was very dismissive and explained she couldn't help me. I then asked her if she worked on the ship and she explained that she did so I asked her once more about where I could get food for my children and she snapped at me and stated on the 15th floor. She was so abrupt and rude. I thought after that one bad experience the rest of the trip would be a success but I was wrong. I went to the lido bar area to order a drink and was ignored until I flagged a bartender down. He then turned to me and helped the lady beside me. After 10 minutes I was finally helped. This was very confusing to me because everyone else around me was being helped; even those who had reached the bar after me. I received similar treatment at each bar. It became clear to me that my race was playing a role in why I wasn't being treated fairly. I asked my husband and sister if they received that same treatment and they all agreed that they were being looked down. I then went to the customer service area to discuss my on board account. My agent stated that each member of my party would have unlimited drinks and $50 extra spending cash. When I reached the stand the crew member was very rude. She refused to help me and made me wait 30 minutes until I finally asked to speak to her supervisor. Thank goodness her supervisor was very helpful and competent. At around 7pm our family of eight gathered to eat dinner at Savor. This was the worst service my family and I have ever received. It took as an hour to get our entrée and we ordered. The worst part was that all of our food was cold. Our drinks were always empty and we constantly had to ask other servers for drinks. I thought a change of restaurant would change our experience. I was wrong we continued to have the same horrific experience. Two days before the cruise ended we discovered the noodle bar and were able to finally enjoy our meals as a family. The next day I was at the pool with my 18 year old niece and 23 year old daughter and we were constantly being ambushed by one particular pool staff. He continuously asked the young adults to leave the pool because he said they were not 18 years of age. They had to show their key card to the crew member before they were finally left alone. I understood that the girls looked young but I couldn't understand why my girls were being harassed when there was clearly young children at the pool. It was clear to me that RACE played a role in the way my family was being treated. The worst part of the trip was when my son came to me after being embarrassed in front of all of his peers on the last night of the cruise. I was horrified to find out that awards were given to some of the teens in the teen lounge. My son received a horrific award that I was shocked would even be considered for an award. The award was “Most Likely to go to Jail”. My son is not on the path of going to jail, he is a bright young man who has a future before him. I will not stand for anyone to make my son feel like he is not capable of success. How dare those staff members. This company lacks integrity and I am disgusted by it. Due to all of the circumstances listed above my family and I had a horrific experience on this trip. Ann-Michelle Roberts

11 years ago

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Teddy Jungbluth Baytown, TX

We sailed on the Epic and Getaway and could have not ask for a better cruise on either one. We just returned from a Alaska cruise on the Jewel. It was horrible!!!!!!. The only thing I can say that was great were the bands that played in the bar and the ship be very clean all the time.. We had sewage running out into our sink in the bath room. The plumber came to fix it and could not believe it. I took pictures of it and showed customer service and got no were with that. They did seem to care at all. It really put a damper on the vacation knowing I was drinking water that had no telling in it. NCL you dropped the ball on this cruise. I did not think this would have happen on NCL.

11 years ago

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Cathy Whitestone, NY

I have sailed twice with Norwegian . The first time was extremely expensive as they nickel and dime you for everything. However, the last time was the worst experience I ever had! Our neighbors were four young men in their twenties. They were very loud and vulgar until four am every morning. We called security each night this occurred and they told us there was nothing they could do for us. The young men had different young ladies over each night. The last night we complained, the girls threw beer bottles at us. We were told by security to stay in and lock our doors because they were afraid for our safety! We were moved on the last day - a room which was empty all cruise long! My suggestion don't waste your money! We LOVE Carnival!

11 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

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Nancy Fort Myers, FL

We were on a family vacation, thirteen in total. The grandchildren had a great time with all of the activities but as an adult I thought it was very average. There are not enough pools on the ship. It was packed around the adult pool and the "small" family pool was out of control. Also, they charge for everything they can. Room service has a $7.95 delivery charge. They wanted to charge us $100 to just take the pictures for our family, not to mention the cost of the pictures. No one served coffee in the buffet at all. The dishes were not picked up off of the tables in the buffet. No one cleaned outside during the day. Cups and dirty dishes were everywhere. Oh the positive side, the bathroom was the nicest we have had for a mini suite. The rooms are on the small side and the balcony was tiny. Will not sail again with Norwegian.

11 years ago

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Jenn Kennedy Wappingers Falls, NY

We sailed on the Breakaway to Bermuda over the 4th of July week. We loved the ship but the crew was horrible. We paid for the dining package and only found that one server at Le Bistro named Sheila seemed to enjoy her job. We also had the beverage package and at one point the bartender Santos at Maltings bar (outside) accused me of giving my son my drinks because he happened to meet us at the bar and he had the same kind of drink. Santos even made it a point to say something to me and then proceeded to have a server follow us to make sure that i was drinking my drink. Never again will I cruise with NCL.

11 years ago

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Kathy Williams Bangor, ME

Horrible from start to finish. From diapers in the pool to not being able to get a drink, this cruise had it all. Forget cruising in a suite; I spent thousands on my room and couldn't get a dining reservation because they gave away so many dining packages. Same with beverage packages. It was terrible and a complete 180 from this same cruise last year. Save your money and try any other line; this one is floundering.

11 years ago

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John Rafferty Topeka, KS

Did the ncl cruise around Hawaii. Of course the islands were amazing. Not a good experience onboard. Biggest fault was the crew. It was all young American. They were more interested in dates and parties. Did not like the anytime dining. Prefer traditional. Plus they could not get an order right. We are not that picky. But do want what we ordered. After a couple of days we ate on shore.. Hopefully things have improved since we sailed with them.

11 years ago

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John Ramirdo Moreno Valley, CA

We cruised the Sun for 21 days Panama Canal and central America....the ship is small too old, small shower the carpet in the room is are old dirty....food is not good they serve Indian food with curry not much selection after 8 days I stop eating there food....just wondering there Chef is got to be from India too much Indian food....I will never ride the Sun again even its for free....the crew was great very friendly.

11 years ago

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Michael Williamstown, NJ

I have cruised on NCL numerous times and I have obtained Platinum Status in their rewards program. I have another trip planned this winter in the Sun to South America. My only complaint was with the Jade. I have taken 3 Med cruises on the Jade and I must say that the food is very very very poor quality in the main dining room. The Buffet and Gourmet dining rooms were fine the the main dining room and service was extremely poor and I will never sail on the Jade again.

11 years ago

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Skip Natoli Suffern, NY

The Norwegian Breakaway was like being in a crowded subway during rush hour. The upper deck was wall to wall lounge chairs strewn all over like an obstacle course. And, forget about getting in the swimming pool. You couldn't even see it. I have photos if anyone is interested email me.

11 years ago

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Ron Wojcik Levittown, PA

Traveled with a large group and had a hard time in the dinning room service was terrible and the staff was not very nice. Crew on ship were not friendly and I think ignored most of the passengers. Would not consider Norwegian for any future cruise.

11 years ago

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Judy Cleri Chino Hills, CA

Worst vacation of our lives. NCL's customer service is horrible. They are probably a good curise line if there are no issues, but Lord help you if there are. Their customer service is no existing. We have sailed with them numerous times and this will be the last ever!

11 years ago

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Carol East Greenwich, RI

We will not cruise w/ NCL. We will stick w/ Royal Caribbean, Princess, Carnival and HAL. NCL's food was terrible, both quality and quantity. Most of the wait staff was good, they had no control over the food that was offered.

11 years ago

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Lucy K. Bristol, CT

Very unhappy with Norwegian. A Caribbean cruise in Feb.2014 ,after a year of planning, was cancelled because Norwegian booked a private charter for that month. Think we'll stick with Princess and/or Royal Caribbean. David & Lucy Krause

11 years ago

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jim pooler South Easton, MA

I hated every thing about the epic I am a silver member and will look at different cruise lines next trip food bad ship design poor activies poor had to pay for any good show.service fees gratuity they try to suck every penny from you. time to look at another cruise lin!!!!!

11 years ago

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Ozzie Dover, DE

Sailed with them once, not very good. Thought we'd try another ship to see if it would be better, it wasn't, in fact it was worse. Won't sail with them again.

11 years ago

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lindee Seattle, WA

It was horrible, the food was awful the on board pricing for things was very exspensive as was everything on board.

11 years ago

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Ann Fisher Waltham, MA

Ship was dirty. Food expensive and not good. Crew was indifferent. Would not cruise with them again

11 years ago