NCL FAQs – 28 Best Questions About Norwegian Cruise Line

Absolutely! NCL has two programs for kids aged 3 to 17, Splash Academy and Entourage, plus the newer ships have entertainment options like arcades, water slides, bungee, go-karts, laser tag, zip line, or ropes course. Check with the ship you’ll be sailing on to see which options are available.

Norwegian’s cancellation policy focuses on the number of days you’re cancelling before the start of the cruise. Penalties kick in at the 120-day mark and increase as your sail date nears. Full information on their current policy can be found on their website.

Instead of formal nights, NCL has “Dress Up or Not” nights where it’s your choice. There will usually be one or two of these nights on a seven-night cruise. This is a good opportunity for family portraits or having your pic taken with the captain.

Norwegian Cruise Line is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NYSE: NCLH), which also owns Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

At this writing, the Viva is the newest ship in the NCL fleet, to be joined by the Aqua in April of 2025.

NCL is known for freestyle cruising, and was the first cruise line to eliminate set dining times, which allows guests to choose their own schedule.

Norwegian’s customer service number is 1 (866) 234-7350. Its hours of operation are Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. – Midnight ET, and Saturday to Sunday : 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. ET.

Not at this time, but you are welcome to wear a mask if you choose to.

The largest NCL ship by weight is the Encore, which has 169,116 Gross Register Tonnage and is 1,094 feet long in overall length.

Norwegian has payment plans through Uplift, which has so interest-free plans and others with interest. See NCL’s website for more info.

Like all cruise lines, NCL has its pros and cons. Here’s my take on the subject.

No, they don’t, but they do offer laundry service.

NCL has its Free at Sea program, which for certain sailings may offer (with limitations): free open bar, free specialty dining, free wi-fi, free third and fourth guests in a cabin, free excursions, and free airfare.

Norwegian Joy, Bliss, Encore, Prima, and Viva all have go-karts.

Yes, Norwegian offers a 10% discount to service members and their spouses, as well as veterans.

In the United States, Norwegian sails out of Baltimore, Boston, Galveston, Honolulu, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York City, Orlando and Beaches, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Seward, and Tampa.

The Haven is available on the Bliss, Breakaway, Epic, Encore, Escape, Getaway, Gem, Jade, Jewel, Joy, Pearl, and Prima, and will be available on the Viva.

Only purified or distilled water for CPAP machines or making baby’s formula is allowed to be brought onboard Norwegian ships. Norwegian will provide distilled water for CPAP machines on request.

Yes, you can bring sealed bottles of wine onboard. At embarkation, they will be checked, and you will be charged a corkage fee of $15.00 USD for a 750-ml Bottle or $30.00 USD for a 1,500-ml magnum bottle. Box wines aren’t allowed onboard.

Yes, in fact, Norwegian was the first cruise line to build solo cabins, which they call studios. Norwegian has studio cabins on the Bliss, Breakaway, Encore, Escape, Getaway, Epic, Pride of America, and Prima. They have also recently increased the number of solo cabins.

Yes, Norwegian has two programs for kids aged 3 to 17, Splash Academy and Entourage. They will be safe and supervised, enjoying fun activities with kids their own age. (Note that Norwegian Spirit does not offer youth programs.)

NCL has its Free at Sea program, which for certain sailings may offer (with limitations): free open bar, free specialty dining, free wi-fi, free third and fourth guests in a cabin, free excursions, and free airfare.

Yes, but it’s relaxed compared to how you used to have to dress on a cruise. NCL suggests “cruise casual” for most situations, and “smart casual” for main dining rooms and specialty restaurants. Men will need long pants for smart casual situations. For more information, check out our post or their website.

NCL occasionally offers free airfare for the second guest in a cabin on certain cruises with its Free at Sea program. See their website for current offers.

NCL allows up to two pieces of luggage per person brought onboard, weighing up to 50 pounds each. If you’re flying, you’ll also need to abide by your airline’s requirements.

No, unfortunately, they don’t.

Basically, you can’t bring aboard items considered weapons, irons, explosive substances, illegal drugs, dangerous items, etc. For a comprehensive list, see NCL’s website.

Yes, all NCL ships except Pride of America have a casino. Note that casinos are not allowed to operate when nearing or leaving a port, or in the vicinity of Hawaii. If you gamble on an NCL ship, be sure to join Casinos at Sea and get their player’s card.