Norwegian Cruise Line
4.1
5.5
Overall Score
Author: Kalicia Bateman
LAST UPDATED: August 27th, 2021
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.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.The Bottom Line
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Mary M McNulty Milton, MA
I have sailed aboard NCL Dawn for the past three Junes, out of Boston Harbor to Bermuda. Deck 10 Room 10700 and this year room 10698. The Entertainment in the Atrium was great Twice as Nice duo , last year and this year Masquerade Duo Cherry and David Phillips, fantastic performed a variety each set, loved them. The food not so great, Venetian Main Dinning area pretty good, Cagney Steak house for $30.00 plus very good. Staff more than kind and courteous, Stewart for our room wonderful, Guest services Awful could care less and gave that attitude, never looked us in the eye, acted like go AWAY!!! Bad impression for NCL. Beds awful, couch in stateroom love seat awful, Balcony chairs awful. Had a great time in spite of the shotcomings, Dawn is old, worn but very clean.
11 years ago
Janice Chapman Haines City, FL
We cruised on the Jade in the Med. The cruise was an OK cruise if I think of staying in a 3 star floating hotel. The destinations were what we went for so those were great. Not real impressed with the entertainment and the food wasn't very impressive. We tried some of the extra fee options and were not impressed at all. Worst steaks and service ever. Would I cruise with Norwegian again. Yes if they are going to some place I want to see at a cheaper price than others. I will just have lower expectations this time. We have been spoiled by going on Disney.
11 years ago
June Roy Fitchburg, MA
Took the Dawn out of Boston to Bermuda July 3, 2015 to July 10, 2015. Worse bar servers ever!! Karaoke bar made drinks all night with the wrong alcohol for several nights. Barely no servers by the main pool. No fun daytime activities by the pool. Except White Hot Night. Room steward was average at best. Main dining room was exceptional for servers and food quality. Would have to think twice about going Norwegian again.
11 years ago
Euvila Shields Foristell, MO
We cruised on the Sun and found it to be too small and not enough to do. The same people are used in different shows so even if you see a different one. you see the same entertainers/spokespeople. The food was so so and not available at all times. There was no way to communicate with friends unless you pay a really high price. The staff were friendly and accommodating. If I cruise with NCL again, it will be on a larger ship.
11 years ago
Teresa Kingsport, TN
We sailed on the Pride of America in Hawaii, a few weeks back. We were disapointed in the food on board ship, and the beds were not cruise ship quality.
The shows were good and the Ship was pretty. Was disapointed that they have a lot going on aboard the ship during the day. We took the land and sea package, and was well pleased with all excursions. The hotel was great, the overall experience was good, but the ship didn't live up to other cruise ships that I have been on.
11 years ago
Teresa Kingsport, TN
i cruised with the Pride of America in Hawaii. The crusie was an average cruise. Not real impressed with the rooms and the food wasn't very impressive. Would I cruise with Norwegian again. Maybe. I don't want to judge the whole cruise line by that one cruise.
11 years ago
patti Lindenhurst, NY
we had lots of trips with ncl love leaving out of new York and free style crusing but when I left to get off ship I forgot something in the bathroom called lost and found told me to call in a few day and nothing show up at this point I can now trust the cabin boy we took very good care of him and I know it was left there
11 years ago
Keith Tampa, FL
Our cruises on the Epic were epic. Our cruise on the Getaway not so much. The new ships are NOT anywhere as nice as the Epic. So much so that we are trying a different cruise line for our next cruise.
11 years ago
JOHN CROWE Tewksbury, MA
I was verry unhappy with owr cabin we were in 11616 and there was noise above us all night long.it was not like thah the last time we had that cabi and this was owr 6th cruise to Bermuda .I donot think I will go again.
11 years ago
Paul Ceria Fayetteville, NC
My wife was injured in a fall on the Norwegian Sun. It was very obvious that their doctor regarded her not as a patient, but rather as a possible law suit against the line.
11 years ago
Anthony Ramirez El Cajon, CA
Very bad dining plans main dining was not that good and i refuse to pay for dining.
11 years ago
Review Source
Tom Gourley Pleasant Grove, UT
A lower end cruise line known for larger ships, typical ports of call, and lower pricing
6 years ago
