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Few cruise lines endured so many changes and remained afloat as Norwegian Cruise Line. Founded in 1966 with the purchase of an 830-ton steamer, the cruise line today operates a modern fleet. While originally known for low-cost Caribbean cruises, you'll now find NCL vessels in New England/Canada, Alaska, Hawaii and Bermuda. .
In 2001, NCL made a radical change with the introduction of "Freestyle Cruising", which attracts cruisers seeking a less regimented style of travel. Featuring open seating dining and the choice of eating in a variety of restaurants, the three ships built for "Freestyle Cruising" are Norwegian Sun (2001) and the 2,240-passenger sister ships Norwegian Star and Norwegian Dawn. Aboard Star and Dawn, three out of ten restaurants have surcharges. The rest of the fleet also converted to "Freestyle Cruising". Additional dining options were added to Norwegian Wind, Norwegian Dream, Norwegian Majesty, Norwegian Sea and Norwegian Crown.
Post 9/11 NCL was first to offer "Homeland Cruising", moving Norwegian Dawn to New York for year round Bahamas/Florida itineraries and inaugurating "NCL America" a major Hawaii program.
Two vessels similar to Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Star are on order for delivery in August 2005 and February 2007. Norwegian Jewel, will be the first of the pair while the second has yet to be named. Both will be slightly larger at 92,000-tons and will feature modifications in both technical and passenger areas. The new "Bar Central" connects three venues - a martini bar, champagne and wine bar and beer and whiskey pub. Both of the new ships will have a passenger capacity of 2,400 and be capable of 24-25 knot speeds.
Another ship on order for May 2007 is a new design, combining the features of NCL's Freestyle Cruising ships which have been introduced since 2001. This vessel will have 2,430 berths and all outside staterooms and suites will have private balconies - a total of 840.
NCL has launched NCL America for year-round cruising in Hawaii. History was made in February 2003 when a bill was passed by Congress giving NCL exclusive rights to operate the NCL America ships on year-round, inter-island Hawaii service without having to call at a foreign port. In order to do this, the ships must sail under the U.S. Flag, with American crews and will be subject to all U.S. laws, including taxation and environmental regulations. Pride of Aloha entered service on weekly sailings from Honolulu on July 4, 2004. She will be followed by Pride of America in June, 2005 and Pride of Hawaii in the summer of 2006.
As part of the NCL America division, the line has purchased two former American flagships, the S.S. United States and the Independence. Plans for the two vessels have yet to be announced.
The Norwegian Cruise Line Experience
NCL attracts many first time cruisers seeking a low- to mid-price cruise vacation, primarily in the Caribbean. Many changes have taken place with the implementation of "Freestyle Cruising" which includes flexible dining with multiple restaurants, increased entertainment options, improved casino services, increased staffing and flexible debarkation arrangements. A major change is the switch to open seating dining, allowing you to dine when and where you like. Passengers are encouraged to try a different restaurant and style of cuisine every night of their cruise. (Waiters' tips are added to your onboard account and can be increased or decreased at your discretion.)
Lavish Broadway production shows are scheduled aboard these ships. Internet addicts will love the new Internet cafes. While cuisine in the main dining rooms is not gourmet fare, all the ships boast a variety of alternative restaurants with outstanding gourmet and ethnic cuisine. NCL's popular "Chocoholic Buffets" are also popular on all ships.
Fitness and sports programs vary by ship. Learn from the pros on NCL's Tee-Up Golf cruises, featured in Europe, Hawaii, Bermuda and the Caribbean while the Dive-In Snorkeling program is featured in the Caribbean, Bermuda and Hawaii. Aboard the fleet you'll find sports courts for paddleball, volleyball or basketball, golf nets and jogging tracks.
While the staff is normally warm and friendly, we've found this company's weakness is food, frequently over cooked and under spiced. The Bistro, a restaurant with a surcharge, is very good and worth visiting.
Fellow Passengers
Many first-time cruisers and honeymooners; during summer vacations and school vacations, families with children; Europe and New England/Canada attract couples aged 55+
Special Programs
"Dive-in Snorkeling"; Children's and teen programs; Sports Afloat program; enrichment lectures on some itineraries. Shore excursions are outlined on the NCL web site.
Taking The Kids
NCL's "Kid Crew" is available on all ships except on Europe sailings for Junior Sailors, ages 2-5; First Mates ages 6-8; Navigators, ages 9-12 and Teens ages 13-17. Note that staff members do not change diapers. If your Junior Sailor is not potty-trained, you will be given a beeper so the staff can notify you when you need to change your child's diaper. Cribs are available.
There is no longer any in-cabin private babysitting on NCL however group babysitting for ages 2 to 12 is available from 10pm to 1am each evening and on port days, from 9am to 5pm for a fee.
NCL has a policy of restricting casino admission to passengers 21 years of age and older.
Past Passenger Program
Latitudes, NCL's past passenger program, sponsors special member cruises world-wide throughout the year; benefits include quarterly newsletter, priority embarkation, onboard cocktail party, and Latitudes Visa and Transmedia dining cards. For more information call 800-343-0098.
Tipping
NCL automatically adds a service charge to your shipboard account which covers all service personnel. The amount is $10 per person per day for passengers age 13 and over; $5.00 per day for children age 3 - 12 and no charge for children under the age of three. Aboard the U.S. crewed Pride of Aloha, the amount cannot be adjusted and no additional tipping is required or recommended. Currently, aboard the rest of the fleet, if passengers choose to change the amount, they can do so at the Purser's Office. However, from May 2005 the service charge will non-adjustable fleet wide.
A 15 percent gratuity is automatically added to all bar tabs and spa services on all vessels.
Rates
NCL's Early Bird Fares offer up to 50 percent savings. See your travel agent for other promotions including 'Sale of All Sails' specials and Guarantees. Sample fares, per person, double occupancy, Early Bird discounts or Guarantees, start as low as
- Norwegian Crown, 7-night Bermuda $699
- Norwegian Dawn, 7-night Bahamas & Florida, $549
- Norwegian Dream, 7-night Caribbean
- Norwegian Dream, 12-night Europe, $1,799
- Norwegian Majesty, 7-night Bermuda, $699
- Norwegian Majesty, 7-night Caribbean, $679
- Norwegian Sea, 7-night Caribbean $499
- Norwegian Sun, 7-night Caribbean, $499
- Norwegian Sun, 7-night Alaska, $699
- Norwegian Spirit, 7-night Alaska, $699
- Norwegian Spirit, 9-night Caribbean, $799
- Norwegian Star, 8-night Mexican Riviera, $649
- Norwegian Star, 7-night Alaska, $599
- Norwegian Wind, 10-night Hawaii, $1,199
- Pride of Aloha, 7-night Hawaii, $799
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