Sunday, March 31, 2024

The Best Family Cruises for 2021 NCL Travel Blog

best norwegian cruise ships

The top decks of a few Norwegian ships — mostly the bigger ones — also have a ropes course, a climbing wall or both. What you'll find on the top decks of Norwegian ships will vary quite a bit depending on the vessel. The line's smaller ships will have at least one or two pools, sunning areas and usually a sports court area — but not all that much else. All but one Norwegian ship (Pride of America) has a casino, and on the line's bigger vessels, they are huge operations. The casino on Norwegian Encore has more than 300 slot machines and 26 table games (including blackjack, roulette, poker and craps), plus its own bar.

Kid-Friendly Activities:

If you want to partake in specialty dining reservations, Wi-Fi, Norwegian cruise excursions or upgraded beverage packages, you'll have to pay fees (sometimes bundled for greater savings). Depending on how long you want to sail and where you're going, you can find cruises as brief as two nights and as long as 21 days or more. If you’re scrolling through endless Norwegian Cruise Line reviews, let this complete guide to the cruise company give you the larger overview of what sets this brand apart from the rest. There are some interesting innovations from Norwegian that other cruise lines have since adopted, but they started here. The Norwegian Star is another ship that underwent extensive renovations as part of the Norwegian Edge program. The updates brought quite a variety of new adult-only venues, including the guest-favorite O’Sheehan’s Bar And Grill and NCL’s first 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar.

What is the newest NCL ship?

While it may not offer the same level of luxury as some other cruise lines, it is a great choice for families and budget-conscious travelers who want a fun and memorable vacation at sea. It’s a wonderful vacation opportunity where you’ll be able to spend quality time together while having fun and exploring new destinations. The best cruises for kids offer a variety of things to do and sights to see, along with plenty of dining options to keep even the finickiest eater happy.

Travel Destinations

The most luxurious ship in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet is the Norwegian Prima. Introduced in 2022, Norwegian Prima was designed to be more upscale than its predecessors. This area houses 107 of the ship’s suites, a vast private indoor lounge, private outdoor lounge and pool areas, and an exclusive restaurant. The entire ship exudes a more refined ambiance, reminiscent of Norwegian’s higher-end sister brands, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. NCL is known for its ‘Freestyle Dining’ concept, allowing guests flexibility in their dining choices.

Is Norwegian Kid Friendly?

The Haven suites range from 322 to 1,458 square feet in size and offer the ultimate in luxury and privacy. Norwegian Prima is the first in a new class of ships by NCL, designed to redefine cruising experiences. With a guest capacity of 3,099, the ship offers the most outdoor deck space of any new cruise ship. In the quest to find the best Norwegian cruise ship tailored to your preferences, it's clear that the Norwegian fleet offers a diverse range of options, each catering to different travel styles and interests. And when it comes to booking your dream cruise seamlessly and uncovering the best cruise deals, look no further than our platform, Cruisebound.

This cruiser appeals to travelers of all ages thanks to the diverse entertainment options. Children can spend time at age-appropriate clubs or the pool, while adults explore the many different bars, lounges, and restaurants aboard the Norwegian Jade. There are 13 restaurants to choose from, seven of which are specialty eateries that cost a little extra. The cruiser can transport up to 3,963 passengers and 1,646 crew members, so she’s one of the company’s larger ships in the fleet. She appeals to a wide variety of travelers thanks to the diverse amenities on board.

best norwegian cruise ships

Which Norwegian Cruise ship is best for families?

The cruise line offers itineraries that visit ports such as Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway. In addition, passengers can also opt for a cruise that includes a visit to the Hubbard Glacier. Overall, Norwegian Cruise Line offers a wide range of accommodation types to suit every traveler’s needs and budget. From affordable inside cabins to luxurious suites and The Haven, guests are sure to find the perfect option for their next cruise vacation. Inside cabins are the most affordable option and range from 142 to 172 square feet in size. They are perfect for travelers who plan to spend most of their time exploring the ship and its amenities.

There are age-appropriate clubs for the youngest guests, excellent bars and lounges for singles looking to have fun, and a plethora of fun and romantic things to do for couples. The massive cruiser appeals to passengers of all ages thanks to a wide variety of entertainment options for everyone. The youngest guests can join age-appropriate youth clubs, while adults enjoy themselves however they want. Passengers can have fun at the bowling alley or the vast sports complex during the day and relax in the ice club or one of the 16 different eateries in the evenings. The cruiser also boasts bars, lounges, a comedy club, and a venue with live theatrical performances in the evenings.

best norwegian cruise ships

Also, some ships have private restaurants just for passengers staying in The Haven. Two found across the entire fleet are Cagney's, the line's signature steakhouse, and Le Bistro, a fine French restaurant. Every ship also has an Italian restaurant, called Onda by Scarpetta or La Cucina. There also are churrascaria restaurants called Moderno on most Norwegian vessels. The Garden Villas also have private outdoor sun decks and courtyards with hot tubs.

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On the Norwegian Encore you’ll find the Broadway hit, Kinky Boots, which is about following your dreams and acceptance. Norwegian introduced a new ship in the Breakaway Plus class called Norwegian Bliss in early 2018. Infants and toddlers ages 6 to 35 months can participate in the Guppies activity program, but they must be accompanied by a parent. There is supervised group childcare available during limited hours, but no private in-room babysitting.

Experience the diversity of cultures as you island-hop through The Caribbean on your family cruise. A Caribbean cruise is a wonderful, educational vacation for your entire family to enjoy. With convenient sailings from Miami, New Orleans, New York, Orlando, San Juan, and Tampa — and 13 ships to choose from, including the incredible Norwegian Bliss — you're sure to find the ideal family cruise. Norwegian Cruise Line offers sailings at different price points to a global range of destinations. It is also known for its beautiful hull art, pioneering Freestyle Dining and adding buzzworthy amenities like ice bars and race tracks to its ships. NCL cruises are fun for all types of travelers, and its loyalty program can provide added perks along the way.

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Most cruise lines that offer sailings to Hawaii only offer a limited number of such trips during a few months each year. Norwegian, by contrast, offers sailings around the Hawaiian Islands out of Honolulu every week of the year — the only cruise line in the world to do so. Norwegian will typically deploy around half of its 19 ships to the continent from spring to fall, making Europe its biggest focus for more than half the year. Norwegian also sometimes offers Europe cruises in the winter — albeit typically with just one ship. When you sail with Norwegian Cruise Line, you are cruising on the most innovative and accommodating fleet on the high seas.

The highlights of the ship are often the adult-only areas, including the Vibe Beach Club, Spice H2O sun deck and the beautiful Mandara Spa. Norwegian Cruise Line has a promotion called “free at sea”, where one of the frequent offers is a kids sail free promo (or at reduced rates). The Norwegian Bliss is a fun and beautiful cruise ship, which will provide you with great family getaway.

Norwegian Gem is very similar to other ships in the Gem class, and so doesn’t have any particular features or notable attractions to shout about. It’s still a good mid-size cruise ship that doesn’t feel too crowded though, and there’s enough on board to keep families and couples entertained with ease. This tells you that Encore’s slight shift in focus to maximising family areas isn’t as important as the adults-only spaces that Bliss has. It’s still a very popular ship – and people do love the exclusive Onda restaurant – but most cruisers prefer that extra adults-only space that Bliss has in comparison. To find out, I’ve ranked all of the NCL ships from best to worst, based on customer review data. So sit back and enjoy reading about the NCL cruise ships that people love and what makes them so special.

The Norwegian Cruise Line is one of the best and most popular cruise lines in the world. It was founded in Miami, Florida, and the company offers cruises to pretty much every destination on the planet. They will take you to Asia, Europe, the Caribbean – you name it, they have a cruise for you. However, Regent Seven Seas Cruises also offers all-inclusive pricing, which means that passengers don’t have to worry about additional charges for things like drinks, shore excursions, and specialty dining. This can make it a more cost-effective option for passengers who want a luxury experience without breaking the bank. Ocean-view cabins are slightly larger than inside cabins and offer a view of the ocean.

If you decide to book The Haven suite, you will also get access to a private restaurant and sun-deck, which is pretty amazing. Regular people can choose between three main dining rooms, a buffet restaurant, and 13 coffee shops and a la carte eateries for a quick bite, whenever they’re not in the mood for room service. The ship also has 16 lounges, bars, and nightclubs to choose from, making the Norwegian Bliss one of the best cruisers for those who like to party. The Norwegian Breakaway-Plus class ships are the best Norwegian Cruise Line ships for families.

The best Norwegian Cruise Line ship for every type of traveler

best norwegian cruise ships

This secluded area is reserved for guests staying in the most lavish accommodations, including the luxurious Haven Suites and Penthouses. If you're sure Norwegian is your line, look for a travel agent who specializes in trips with the brand. You want someone who understands all the little quirks that are unique to Norwegian's cabin categories and, preferably, has done ship inspections to see the cabins firsthand. A good travel agent will quiz you about your particular interests, travel style and preferences, and steer you to the perfect cruise line, ship, itinerary and cabin for you. They can also help you if something goes wrong just before, during or after your voyage. All vessels operate on a cashless system with any onboard purchases you make posting automatically to your onboard account.

Norwegian Prima

Overall, Norwegian Cruise Line offers a high-quality cruising experience that is both fun and relaxing. With its diverse fleet and range of onboard amenities, NCL is a great choice for travelers looking for a memorable vacation at sea. Another highlight of the NCL fleet is the wide range of entertainment options available onboard. Each ship features multiple venues for live music, comedy shows, and theatrical performances. Some ships even have their own water parks, go-kart tracks, and laser tag arenas. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is a popular cruise line that offers a variety of itineraries and onboard experiences.

What is the newest NCL ship?

The Norwegian Escape has over 25 dining options and 14 bars, so there are endless options when it comes to eating. Many of the restaurants are the same as those on the Norwegian Epic and the Norwegian Joy as well. However the Norwegian Epic remains popular and has a fan following of cruisers who love this ship, and some of it’s more unique features. Were your kids hoping to take part in one of the onboard Nickelodeon or Nick Jr. experiences? Unfortunately, NCL's collaboration with Nickelodeon to provide Nick-themed entertainment aboard select ships ended in late 2015. A Hawaii cruise is packed with many amazing things to do, including experiencing its unique Polynesian culture and gorgeous natural beauty, such as beaches, waterfalls, canyons, and volcanoes.

What is NCL known for?

It’s worth noting that the Studio staterooms are for singles, and passengers staying in those rooms get exclusive access to the Studio lounge. Pride Of America has 13 different restaurants on board, seven of which are specialty restaurants with additional fees. However, the ship is not named Pride Of America just because it sails to Hawaii so often. She is home to a few other distinctly American sights, including themed venues like the South Beach Pool and the SoHo Art Gallery. The ship also has several NCL classics like the Mandara Spa, Cagney’s Steakhouse, youth clubs for kids and teens, and Rock-a-Hula – the only luau-inspired show in the entire fleet. The cruiser ship is one of NCL’s smallest, capable of transporting 2,004 passengers and 899 crew members.

What is the biggest Norwegian Cruise ship?

With a guest capacity of 2,394, this ship is a floating haven of leisure and excitement. Whether you’re exploring castles and cathedrals in Europe or taking an Extraordinary Journey, Norwegian Dawn offers a wide range of spacious accommodations and itineraries to make your cruise unforgettable. Norwegian Epic sets the stage for an unforgettable journey, offering itineraries that span the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and Transatlantic routes. With a guest capacity of 4,100, this ship is a floating marvel of entertainment and luxury. For wellness enthusiasts, the Mandara Spa features detoxifying saunas and state-of-the-art pools.

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The ships also have a higher crew-to-passenger ratio than many Norwegian ships, leading to better service. If it's swanky digs you're after (and you have the money to spend), you'll find plenty of options on these ships. When it comes to keeping kids entertained, Norwegian Cruise Line has a wide array of kid-friendly activities. They can splash and slide in the Kid’s Aqua Park or play a game of mini golf, plus there are swimming pools, some with multi-story corkscrew water slides, for the whole family to enjoy.

Norwegian Sky: Best for budget travelers

One of the highlights of any cruise is the dining experience, and the Norwegian Prima and Viva certainly deliver in this aspect. From elegant fine dining to casual eateries, there’s a culinary option to suit every palate. Whether you’re craving a juicy steak, fresh seafood, or international cuisine, you’ll find it all onboard these luxury cruise ships.In addition to the dining options, the ships also offer spacious public areas.

best norwegian cruise ships

On some ships, you'll also find Ocean Blue, a seafood restaurant; The District Brew House, a gastropub serving craft beers; and a Mexican spot called either Los Lobos or Los Lobos Cantina. Every vessel has some sort of sushi restaurant, often called Sushi or Wasabi, and there are hibachi-style teppanyaki restaurants on nearly every Norwegian vessel. Every vessel has two or three main restaurants and a casual buffet where meals are included in the fare — the latter is usually called the Garden Cafe. As mentioned above, the line also operates one ship (Pride of America) in Hawaii year-round. Pride of America notably operates with a mostly U.S. crew, in keeping with regulations governing cruise itineraries that only include U.S. ports. Norwegian thus appeals both to cruisers who like a giant resort vibe and those who prefer something more modest.

Cruises

So it feels a little harsh that this exciting, feature-packed ship is nearer the bottom of the list. Norwegian Breakaway launched the Breakaway Class for NCL and was considered to be a huge success, so it’s a surprise for it to be ranked so low down. The waterslides are incredible, although I couldn’t try all of them due to being pregnant at the time. Despite joining the fleet in 2004, the Norwegian Spirit is actually the oldest ship in the fleet, having been constructed in 1998. It doesn’t look old, thanks to attentive maintenance and upgrades, although it does mean it’s lacking the exciting features of its contemporaries in the fleet.

I’ve been on some – including the inaugural sailing for Norwegian Encore and the oldest ship Norwegian Spirit – but not enough that I can have a genuine opinion of my own on each ship. The Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Encore and the Norwegian Prima (coming soon) have a race track onboard the ship. Each Go-Kart race costs $15 per person or $200 for unlimited races throughout the cruise. The Norwegian Escape launched in 2015 and is the first ship from the Breakaway Plus-Class. When the Norwegian Epic debuted in 2009, it was one of the biggest ships in the world. To maximize your hard-earned vacation dollars, be sure to take advantage of the Free Extra Guests promotion on select cruises.

Norwegian Cruise Line has a fleet of 17 ships that offer a variety of experiences to its passengers. Here are some of the top Norwegian ships that offer a memorable cruising experience. In summary, Norwegian Encore offers a plethora of  family-friendly activities that make it difficult to experience everything in a single weeklong cruise with your kids. When it comes to finding the best Norwegian cruise ship for solo travelers, Norwegian Epic takes the spotlight. Solo travelers or retirees seeking specific features may find ships like the Norwegian Epic or Norwegian Sun better suited to their needs.

Consequently, Norwegian Sun tends to attract fewer families and caters more to an older crowd, primarily couples. This means you won't encounter extensive waterparks, go-kart tracks, or laser tag zones on this ship. Norwegian Prima stands out with its impressive range of suites, boasting 13 categories in total, including the largest three-bedroom suites on any new cruise vessel. If you're seeking luxurious accommodations and have the budget for it, you'll find ample choices on this ship. Access to the Studio Lounge is restricted to solo travelers staying in the dedicated solo cabins, ensuring an exclusive and intimate atmosphere for you and your fellow solo travelers.

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