Ships
NCL: Norwegian Dawn (2002), Norwegian Epic (2010), Norwegian Gem (2007), Norwegian Jade (2006), Norwegian Jewel (2005), Norwegian Pearl (2006), Norwegian Spirit (1998), Norwegian Star (2002), Norwegian Sun (2001)
NCL?America: Pride of America (2005)
About the company
Norwegian Cruise Line, the originator of contemporary cruising, was founded in 1966 by three Norwegian shipping companies as Norwegian Caribbean Line. The line was bought by Star Cruises in 2000, and has been replacing its older, smaller ships with brand new, larger vessels. NCL also operates NCL America, with mostly American crews and a base in Hawaii. Most comments in this section apply to both brands.
Freestyle Cruising is how NCL describes its operation. Its fleet is diverse, so the cruise experience can vary, although this makes for interesting character variation between the various ship categories. There is more standardization aboard the larger, newer ships. The senior officers are the only thing that’s Norwegian – except aboard NCL America vessels, where they are mostly American.
Choose this line for a good all-round family cruise with a sporty, contemporary feel, interesting itineraries (many from “Homeland USA” ports) and lots of dining choices, particularly aboard the newest ships.
Most standard cabins are small, though they have reasonably attractive decor and are functional. Closet and drawer space is limited aboard the newest ships.
? Frequent passengers’ club: Latitudes
So what’s it really like?
If this is your first cruise, you should enjoy a good overall vacation in an upbeat setting. The onboard lifestyle is contemporary, fresh, creative and sporty, with a casualness typical of youthful city dwellers, and with its “eat when you want” philosophy, the shipboard ambiance is casual. So is the dress code – indeed, the waiters may be better dressed than many passengers. The staff is congenial, and you’ll find a high percentage of females in cabin and restaurant service departments – more than most major cruise lines. However, revenue centers are everywhere, including “inch of gold,” tee shirts, and sunscreen lotion, all sold at tables on the open decks adjacent to swimming pools.
All ships can provide an almost full-size newspaper from a wide choice of US and European titles on the Multicast satellite delivery system (the cost: $3.95 per newspaper, per day). You can also make a special request for your favorite newspaper that’s not in the list, although it may cost more.
NCL ships are best suited to first-time young and young-at-heart couples, single passengers, children and teenagers who want upbeat, color-rich surroundings, plenty of entertainment lounges and bars, and high-tech sophistication – all in one programmed but well packaged cruise vacation.
There’s plenty of lively music, constant activity, entertainment, and food that’s mainstream and acceptable but nothing more – unless you pay extra to eat in the “alternative” dining spots. All this is delivered by a smiling, very friendly service staff who lacks polish but are willing. In the latest wheeze to extract revenue, NCL has started “Backstage Tours,” costing $55 or $150 (depending on what’s included).
? NCL’s Private Island (Great Stirrup Cay): Only coffee and ice-water are free (there’s no iced tea), and all other drinks are charged.
Decor
The newest ships have colorful, eye-catching designs on their hulls, differentiating them from the competition.
Gratuities
A fixed $10 per person per day service charge is added to your onboard account. Children over 13 pay the full adult rate; those aged 3–12 pay $5 per day, and under-3s pay nothing. A 15% gratuity is added to bar, wine and spa charges. Onboard currency: the US dollar.
Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2010
