Why Norwegian Cruise Line: 10 Compelling Reasons

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Thinking about an NCL cruise? Are you wondering if NCL is the right pick for your next cruise? Well, we’ve got ten solid reasons why Norwegian Cruise Line is an excellent choice.

We’re avid fans of Norwegian Cruise Line, with multiple sailings, including a memorable experience in the Haven on the Norwegian Getaway. While our experience with the Norwegian Epic wasn’t a highlight, it didn’t deter us from booking another Norwegian cruise soon after.

So, why Norwegian Cruise Line?

Norwegian Cruise Line sets itself apart with the innovative Freestyle Cruising concept and top-notch entertainment options. The best part? They make cruising both affordable and high-quality. This cruise line is a top choice for a laid-back and comfortable vacation. With Freestyle Cruising, guests can personalize their experience by dining, dressing, and enjoying the cruise on their terms.

We feel at home when we cruise with NCL.

featured blog image with text | why cruise norwegian

Selecting a cruise line is as crucial as choosing the itinerary. This article aims to clarify why Norwegian Cruise Line is an great choice for a cruise vacation, providing compelling reasons to consider booking with them on your next cruise research.

However, if NCL doesn’t align with your preferences, that’s fine. Numerous other cruise lines cater to a variety of preferences and needs.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we earn a commission at no extra cost. Please refer to our full disclosure for details.

Have you cruised with NCL? What do you love about cruising NCL?

Table of Contents

Why Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line may be the ideal option if you’re considering taking a cruise vacation. Here are ten compelling reasons to book a Norwegian Cruise.

1. NCL Are Pioneers of Freestyle Cruising

Why Norwegian Cruise Line? The standout reason is their groundbreaking Freestyle Cruising concept. It’s the driving force behind our choice to sail with them.

Norwegian Cruise Line leads freestyle cruising, meaning no fixed dining times or obligatory formal nights on their ships.

Dine at your preferred time and venue, with a myriad of dining options to choose from.

Norwegian Cruise Line is the perfect pick for a carefree cruise experience, where attire and dining schedules are up to you.

2. Casual Dress Code

Freestyle cruising extends to a casual dress code—no need for formal wear on a Norwegian cruise.

Most nights, the dress code is relaxed. There’s “Norwegian’s Night Out” on the first full day, offering a chance to dress up a bit, though it’s optional.

Even then, the atmosphere remains laid back, and you can comfortably wear shorts for dinner.

Norwegian is the hassle-free choice for those averse to packing formal wear, making cruise prep a breeze.

Note certain specialty restaurants may call for long pants/jeans and no tank tops for men, but the overall experience remains comfortably casual throughout the cruise.

Read More: What to Avoid Wearing on a Cruise

3. Entertainment and Onboard Activities

The Entertainment on NCL

Norwegian cruise ships have top-notch entertainment, a vital part of the cruising experience and a key reason we keep returning. Their ships feature Broadway-like (and sometimes actual Broadway shows), comedians, and acrobatic performances every night, with the majority included in your cruise fare.

For stellar entertainment, Norwegian is the ultimate choice.

Onboard Activities on NCL

Norwegian Cruise Line offers many onboard cruise activities. From water slides, go-karts, arcade games, and laser tag to competitions, trivia, Deal or No Deal, and Bingo, their ships are fun. There’s always something happening throughout the ship, thanks to the cruise director and their team, who host various daily activities, including nightly themed parties.

Norwegian is the ideal pick for a cruise with a wealth of onboard activities.

4. Great Value for the Money

Norwegian Cruise Line is your top choice for a budget-friendly cruise without compromising quality. While not the cheapest, they provide substantial value for the price. Positioned as a mid-priced cruise line, they offer numerous inclusions, delivering a resort-style experience without breaking the bank.

Although other cruise lines may be cheaper, choosing them might mean sacrificing quality. If affordability without compromise is your goal, Norwegian is the ideal option.

Keep an eye on their frequent sales and promotions, making their cruises even more pocket-friendly.

5. Modern Accommodations

norwegian joy cruise ship cabin 9900 | sofa bed, double bed, balcony

Norwegian Cruise Line provides various accommodations, catering to all preferences, from basic inside cabins to lavish suites. They offer specialized options for families, solo travelers, and those with special needs.

Their modern and sleek designs set their cruise cabins apart, a departure from the typical uninspiring wood features found on other ships.

Newer ships in the industry are now taking cues from Norwegian, breaking away from standard cabin plans to create a more resort-like atmosphere. Have you seen their new Prima Class ships?

For an exclusive and luxurious cruise experience, explore The Haven by Norwegian—a ship-within-a-ship concept that, while pricey, offers unparalleled amenities and where you can get treated like royalty.

Read more: Key Items to Bring on Your Cruise

6. Solo-Friendly Cruising

Solo Cabin on NCL Prima | Source: NCL Multimedia

Norwegian Cruise Line is a standout choice for solo travelers.

NCL started catering specifically to those cruising independently, offering well-designed studio cabins with a dedicated common area accessible exclusively to solo passengers with no additional supplement fees.

In 2023, they announced an expansion of solo category cabins throughout their fleet that didn’t corner solo travelers to just the studio cabins. Special rates are now available for solo cruises that want to book other cabin categories within the ship. And they still get access to the Solo Studio Lounge and its events.

Beyond accommodations, Norwegian provides diverse events and activities tailored for solo travelers to connect with fellow cruisers. We even encountered an inspiring story of an older couple who initially met as solo travelers on a Norwegian Cruise, staying in these unique solo cabins. Now, they continue to cruise and travel together.

7. Variety of Dining Options

Norwegian Cruise Line has a diverse range of dining options.

Cruising with NCL means enjoying many dining choices, from buffets to specialty restaurants—all at your own pace!

The only catch? Specialty restaurants come with an additional charge. Yet, their unique dining experiences can be well worth it, especially if you love trying new things on vacation.

Indulging in a meal at Le Bistro, their specialty restaurant, is just one of the reasons we keep booking Norwegian Cruises. Call us crazy, but we can’t get enough of their dessert – île Flottante.

Read More: 122 Quick & Helpful Cruise Tips

8. Norwegian’s Free-At-Sea Promotions

pina colada sitting on cruise ship pool chair

Norwegian Cruise Line consistently features their enticing Free-At-Sea promotions.

For the uninitiated, Free-At-Sea offers various complimentary perks based on your booked room category and cruise length. Timing matters, as sometimes all the perks are bundled for the best deal.

To maximize value, watch for Norwegian’s Free-At-Sea promotions when booking. These perks include a free beverage package, a specialty dining package (covering two dinners), complimentary shore excursions, free Wi-Fi minutes, and more. And the 3rd and 4th guests’ free promotion is a significant money-saver.

Note that “free” beverage packages and specialty dining incur gratuities/service fees. While the specialty dining fee is modest and, in our opinion, worthwhile, you’ll have to check if the service fee for the beverage package aligns with your drinking habits.

We explain everything you need about the NCL Free at Sea promotion, including drink prices and a handy calculator.

9. Inclusive Cruising

Norwegian Cruise Line stands out by being designed for everyone.

Unlike some cruise lines tailored to specific demographics, NCL welcomes families, solo travelers, honeymooners, and vacationers seeking diverse experiences.

You can tailor your vacation on a Norwegian cruise, whether you prefer a social or private atmosphere. Engage in major ship activities or find serenity in quiet areas. Opt for specialty dining or stick to the buffet—it’s entirely up to you.

The cruise experience is yours to shape. Unlike ships that may lack amenities for families, solo travelers, or those seeking modern luxury at a reasonable cost, Norwegian Cruise Line offers it all, from waterslides for kids to studio cabins for solos.

With Norwegian, there’s no pretense—just good old-fashioned fun with modern conveniences and a touch of luxury. They’ve elevated their cruise experience to ensure it appeals to everyone, making them a great in-between option compared to other major cruise lines.

10. Diverse Itineraries

Pool at Harvest Caye Belize — Norwegian Pearl docked in NCL’s Private Island, Harvest Caye, Belize.

Norwegian Cruise Line offers a broad range of itineraries to suit every preference, whether you’re after a quick getaway or an extended vacation.

A standout is their Hawaii itinerary aboard the Pride of America cruise ship, a year-round cruise covering the top Hawaiian islands in just seven days. Honolulu’s home port eliminates the need for lengthy sea days from the U.S. West Coast. It’s also the only American flagship cruise ship.

In addition to the popular Hawaii route, NCL offers a variety of other sought-after itineraries, including Bermuda, Alaska, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and more.

The Drawback: Nickel and Diming

While Norwegian Cruise Line remains our preferred choice, we can’t overlook the nickel-and-diming aspect.

NCL charges extra for various items across the ship, including certain foods, specialty coffee (like Starbucks), and a room service surcharge—expenses that other cruise lines might include in their cruise fares.

Even the service fees associated with their “free-at-sea” promotions raise eyebrows. Is it genuinely “free”? Arguably, they could incorporate it into the overall cruise price, but NCL does allow cruisers to save that money if they choose to.

Despite these considerations, neither we nor other cruisers are dissuaded from booking a Norwegian Cruise. Most of these fees don’t significantly impact our overall cruise experience.

FAQs

What is the Norwegian Cruise Line famous for?

Norwegian Cruise Line is famous for its Freestyle Cruising concept and innovative ships. Most recently, they are known as the first cruise ship to offer a race track at sea with their new vessels, Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Joy.

Is Norwegian a good cruise line?

Yes, NCL is a good cruise line. Norwegian is built with the modern cruiser in mind. They offer new ships with innovative features and plenty of activities and entertainment to keep guests of all ages happy.

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Kathy Ava

Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.