Cruise Guides > Norwegian Cruise Line / NCL

Norwegian Cruise Line

In the last few years, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has developed a new kind of cruise that separates them the rest of the cruise industry. Dubbed "Freestyle Cruising", this type of cruise presents many options for those traveling with this popular cruise line.

Freestyle Cruising is all about choice. For example, passengers are given a myriad of choices for dining, with as many as 10 different restaurants on some of Norwegian's ships. You might choose sushi one night, tapas the next, and an elegant Italian meal on the following evening. Also gone are the pre-determined seatings, tying passengers to a particular time for meals each day. No one ever has to dress up on one of Norwegian's freestyle cruises if they prefer not to do so. Activities are plentiful but if you prefer to just relax, that's fine, too. This go-as-you-please routine has proven quite popular with both families and individuals who prefer a less structured cruise environment and NCL's addition of extra crew members allows everything to run smoothly.

Norwegian Cruise Line travels to a number of destinations but is considered the Hawaii specialist. Their new U.S. Flag-brand, NCL America, offers inter-island cruises on three excellent ships - Pride of America, Pride of Aloha, and the new Pride of Hawaii. Seven-day cruises take guests to four Hawaiian islands - Oahu, Maui, The Big Island, and Kauai. Longer 10 or 11-day cruises are available on the Norwegian Wind and include a stop at Fanning Island.

Additional destinations include Alaska, Florida and the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Europe, the Mexican Riviera, the Panama Canal, and South America.

NCL's Freestyle Connection program works with you to secure affordable airfare, airport transfers, and pre- and post-cruise tours in and around your port city.

Norwegian Cruise Line boasts a fleet of 12 fine ships, many of them new within the last few years, and the initiation of the Freestyle Cruising concept prompted the renovation of some of the older ships. NCL's vessels are big and modern, with spacious staterooms, large public areas like dining rooms and theaters, and excellent amenities such as glittery casinos, state-of-the-art fitness centers, sensuous spas, and Internet cafes. The Norwegian Star is the company's $440 million mega-ship, complete with rooftop Garden Villas, 13 lounges and clubs, and 10 restaurants. The Star travels to both Alaska and the Mexican Riviera.

Activities are plentiful onboard and shore excursions are varied and exciting, including historical tours, nail-biting adventures, and visits to some of the world's most beautiful beaches. Kids can be entertained all day long by NCL's Kid's Crew program. This energetic program, supervised by a carefully chosen staff, features everything from poolside activities to arts and crafts to pajama parties. There's also a Teen's Crew, offering age-specific activities for youth from 13-17, including teen-only dance parties and special rooms for video games, computer surfing, or just hanging out with new friends.