I’m not sure if you’ve ever been on a cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line. Manu cruise lovers consider it one of the best cruise lines in the world.
The value for money on their cruises is usually excellent, and there are a few things that definitely make them stand out from the rest.
But what are the features that everyone loves and appreciates about Norwegian? After giving it some thought and discussing it with fellow cruisers, we came up with 7 things Norwegian does better than any other cruise line.
1. Freestyle Dining
One of Norwegian’s biggest innovations, and maybe the hallmark of the brand, is Freestyle Dining.
If you usually cruise with Carnival or Royal, you are used to having fixed dining times and assigned seating.
NCL flipped this norm and was the first major, mass-market cruise brand to eliminate rigid dining schedules and set seatings across its fleet.
Want to eat dinner at 5:30 p.m. one night and 9:00 p.m. the next? No problem. Do you feel like dressing up or going casual? Both are perfectly acceptable.
This flexibility removes the pressure to adhere to a strict schedule and rules, which is perfect for anyone looking to relax 100% on vacation.
2. Award-Winning Entertainment
Norwegian (along with Royal Caribbean, I must admit) has earned a reputation for bringing Broadway-style entertainment to its ships.
On the fleet, you can find musicals like Jersey Boys, Kinky Boots, and Footloose, as well as live music in cozy lounges, dueling piano bars, comedy acts, and high-energy nightclubs. From my experience, everything is very curated to keep you entertained well into the night.
3. Innovative Ship Design and Activities
Norwegian’s fleet is also known for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on a cruise ship.
We often talked about the multi-level go-kart racetracks, the laser tag arenas, the rope courses, and the expansive waterparks.
They’ve also pioneered thoughtful public spaces, like the Waterfront promenade on ships such as Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway, allowing guests to dine and unwind with an open-air, ocean-side view.
These forward-thinking designs and innovations ensure you’ll never run short of things to do.
4. The Haven
Another thing that Norwegian has introduced, and you can’t find on any other cruise line is the Haven.
It’s like an enclave of suites that provides access to private lounges, special restaurants, private sun decks, butler service, and concierge assistance.
Basically, the Haven delivers a luxury experience that combines the best of both worlds: the amenities of a mega-ship paired with the intimacy of a boutique hotel.
It’s the perfect choice if you’re looking for a VIP treatment at sea; it’s a bit expensive but still quite worthwhile.
5. Destination Variety
Another interesting thing that I absolutely want to underline is the variety of the destinations that NCL ships reach.
Norwegian has a beautiful array of global itineraries that span the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Asia, and beyond.
I’ve also noticed that, unlike other cruise lines, they tend to add extra flourishes, such as overnight stays in popular ports, giving you more time to explore destinations in-depth.
6. It’s Multi-generational
Another interesting thing about Norwegian is that it’s really designed for everyone.
We are used to saying that Royal Caribbean is for families, Carnival is for young adults who want to have fun, Disney is perfect for those traveling with children, but NCL is really good for everyone.
On some ships, they even have studio cabins specifically for solo travelers with no single supplement and a private lounge for solo guests. You can see a pic of them in this article.
7. Top-Notch Private Islands
I know what you’re thinking: many cruise lines have private destinations in the Caribbean.
However, Norwegian’s Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas and Harvest Caye in Belize stand out for their unique offerings.
For example, the water is usually crystal-clear and it’s perfect for snorkeling or kayaking.
You’ll also find beachfront cabanas and villas, perfect if you’re looking for extra comfort and privacy. In Harvest Caye, you’ll find a local Belizean-inspired village area featuring many shops and dining options.
It seems that Norwegian curates its private ports like mini-resorts, where activities and amenities are designed to meet a variety of tastes.
BONUS POINT: The Ships
A quick short mention also the ship’s aesthetics. From the Breakaway and Getaway classes to the Prima class, it looks like Norwegian invests heavily in sleek and modern ship designs.
You’ve probably noticed the open deck areas like the Waterfront, where you can dine al fresco with ocean views, or the striking indoor décor featuring contemporary art and light installations.
Also, the wide variety of bars and restaurants is always styled with unique interior themes. Does all this make Norwegian the best cruise ship? Find out in this article, where we talk about the best cruise line in the world.
I have tried several of them but these are the most durable and sturdy.
