We recommend NCL to our clients who want maximum flexibility and zero pretense. NCL invented “Freestyle Cruising” back in 2000, throwing out rigid dining times, formal nights, and stuffy dress codes in favor of “cruise your way.” Their philosophy is simple: your vacation, your rules. Whether you want to dine at midnight in shorts or spend all day by the pool, NCL’s relaxed vibe lets you do exactly what makes you happy. The More at Sea bundles mean you don’t have to worry about WiFi and beverage costs piling up onboard.

The NCL Experience

NCL’s newest generation of ships, the Prima Class, carry around 3,100 passengers in 1,646 staterooms, making them smaller than NCL’s previous 4,000+ passenger ships. These ships prioritize outdoor space with Ocean Boulevard (a wraparound waterfront promenade), plus go-kart tracks on Norwegian Prima and Viva that span three levels and 1,400 feet. You’ll also find laser tag, rock climbing walls, and expansive pool decks designed for active fun. The Haven provides a “ship-within-a-ship” luxury experience with its own private restaurant, pool deck, concierge, and 24-hour butler service exclusively for suite guests.

Unique NCL Experiences

NCL offers a wide variety of experiences onboard, whether you want a quiet spa-focused cruise or adventure in the water park. The go-kart tracks on Norwegian Prima and Viva let you race at 30 mph across three decks with ocean views – it costs $15 for 10 laps or $199 unlimited for the cruise. The thermal suites feature hydrotherapy pools, charcoal and Finnish saunas, salt rooms with Himalayan salt walls, infrared saunas, experiential showers, and an ice room where snow is dumped for you to rub on your body. The relaxation zone features heated stone loungers at the very front of the ship with floor-to-ceiling windows. Day passes run around $59 per person.

Entertainment Excellence

Norwegian Aqua debuts “Revolution: A Celebration of Prince” – featuring hits like “Let’s Go Crazy,” “Purple Rain,” and “Little Red Corvette”. Other productions include “Red, White, & British” (David Bowie and Queen tribute), “Bring Back the 90s,” and “ICONS: The Bands”. One guest reviewing NCL Aqua entertainment said the shows were “incredible” while another noted they “loved this ship!!”. The ship also features “Elements: The World Expanded,” plus “Mini Moments of More” – surprise flash mob performances throughout the ship that keep things spontaneous.

Food on Board

The Indulge Food Hall features 11 different food concepts from Indian tikka and pad thai to Texas BBQ and charcuterie, all ordered via iPad at your table and delivered hot. The Local Bar & Grill serves what many consider “the best Reubens at sea bar none”, while specialty restaurants include Onda by Scarpetta (Italian with outstanding pizza), Nama (innovative sushi), and Hasuki (teppanyaki dinner show).

The Haven Experience

The Haven includes 107 suites on Prima Class ships, compared to Celebrity’s Retreat which typically has around 90-100 suite guests. The Haven Restaurant serves the same menu every night with surf and turf featuring filet mignon and lobster tail, plus prime rib, lamb chops, and porcini risotto. As one Haven guest noted: “You can ask for more of anything. One night my wife didn’t feel like beef so got two lobster tails”. Your 24-hour butler brings daily treats and can arrange specialty dining in your suite, while the concierge uses what guests jokingly call the “paddle of power” for priority seating at shows.

Studio Cabins & Solo Experience

NCL excels at solo cruising with dedicated 99-square-foot Studio cabins designed specifically for one person. As one Reddit reviewer noted: “It felt like paradise, almost as if I had my own hidden retreat”. The exclusive Studio Lounge offers free coffee, snacks, beer/wine (with beverage package), and daily solo meetups at 5pm with a dedicated activities coordinator. “The Studio Lounge was my favorite part of the cruise. I met so many interesting people and had a blast at the parties!” said one guest. NCL also offers Solo Balcony, Solo Oceanview, and Solo Inside staterooms at single-occupancy rates across their fleet, plus they’ve been expanding solo options by adding more studios during ship refurbishments.

2026 Itineraries of Interest

10-Day Greek Isles: Norwegian Viva from Venice to Istanbul, June 21-July 1, 2026, with overnight in Istanbul and late departures in Santorini and Mykonos (from $1,899) (source)

9-Day Western Mediterranean: Norwegian Epic from Barcelona to Rome, multiple dates May-October 2026, with overnight in Monaco and late departure from Livorno for Florence day trips (from $1,299) (source)

11-Day British Isles: Norwegian Sky from Southampton, May-September 2026, including NCL’s debut in Portree, Scotland with overnight in Hamburg (from $1,649) (source)

12-Day Asia: Norwegian Jade from Singapore, March 2026, exploring Thailand, Vietnam, and Hong Kong (from $1,589) (source)

Pricing per person based on double occupancy, correct as of September 24, 2025