If you’re after a cruise holiday with total flexibility, award-winning entertainment, and something for everyone in the family, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) ticks all the boxes. With their Freestyle Cruising approach, you’re in control—no fixed dining times, no strict dress codes, just freedom to cruise your way.
From waterparks and go-kart tracks to Broadway-style shows and serene adults-only spaces, NCL’s ships are designed for all kinds of travellers—whether you’re bringing the kids, cruising as a couple, or going with a group.
One of the things that makes Norwegian Cruise Line stand out is the variety across its fleet. Whether you want big, bold, and buzzing or something a little more intimate, NCL has a ship that feels just right — and it’s all served up with their famous “Freestyle Cruising” approach, where flexibility and choice are the name of the game.
Here’s a quick guide to the different classes of ships you’ll find with NCL:
Breakaway Class: Designed for non-stop fun, Breakaway Class ships (like Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway) are all about choice. You’ll find multiple dining venues, a huge waterpark, a ropes course high above the ocean, and vibrant nightlife options from Broadway-style shows to lively bars.
Breakaway Plus Class: Taking it up a notch, Breakaway Plus ships (like Norwegian Escape, Encore, Bliss, and Joy) offer even more dining, more entertainment, and more luxury. You’ll find features like the Speedway (a thrilling racetrack at sea), open-air laser tag, the Observation Lounge for panoramic views, and an expanded Waterfront promenade.
Prima Class: The newest and most innovative ships in the fleet, starting with Norwegian Prima and Viva. These ships focus on elevated design, more outdoor space, infinity pools, and first-of-their-kind experiences like The Drop — the world’s first freefall dry slide at sea. Expect stylish interiors and a more spacious, upscale feel throughout.
Epic Class: Norwegian Epic stands alone in her own class, famous for her bold design. Think a vibrant nightlife scene, a great Aqua Park, the famous Ice Bar, and unique stateroom layouts like the Wave Balcony rooms.
Jewel Class: If you’re after a slightly smaller, more classic cruise experience without losing that NCL energy, the Jewel Class (like Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Jade) could be your match. They offer a more relaxed atmosphere, plenty of speciality dining, and itineraries that reach ports bigger ships often can’t.
Dawn and Sun Classes: These mid-size ships (like Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Dawn) are all about flexibility, offering a comfortable, classic cruise feel with lots of choice and personality — perfect if you want a less crowded vibe but still love good dining and entertainment options.
Pride of America: In a class all her own, Pride of America is dedicated to cruising around Hawaii year-round. She’s got a bright, Americana style and offers the perfect way to explore the islands without ever having to unpack more than once!
One of the things that makes Norwegian Cruise Line stand out is the variety across its fleet. Whether you want big, bold, and buzzing or something a little more intimate, NCL has a ship that feels just right — and it’s all served up with their famous “Freestyle Cruising” approach, where flexibility and choice are the name of the game.
Here’s a quick guide to the different classes of ships you’ll find with NCL:
Breakaway Class: Designed for non-stop fun, Breakaway Class ships (like Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway) are all about choice. You’ll find multiple dining venues, a huge waterpark, a ropes course high above the ocean, and vibrant nightlife options from Broadway-style shows to lively bars.
Breakaway Plus Class: Taking it up a notch, Breakaway Plus ships (like Norwegian Escape, Encore, Bliss, and Joy) offer even more dining, more entertainment, and more luxury. You’ll find features like the Speedway (a thrilling racetrack at sea), open-air laser tag, the Observation Lounge for panoramic views, and an expanded Waterfront promenade.
Prima Class: The newest and most innovative ships in the fleet, starting with Norwegian Prima and Viva. These ships focus on elevated design, more outdoor space, infinity pools, and first-of-their-kind experiences like The Drop — the world’s first freefall dry slide at sea. Expect stylish interiors and a more spacious, upscale feel throughout.
Epic Class: Norwegian Epic stands alone in her own class, famous for her bold design. Think a vibrant nightlife scene, a great Aqua Park, the famous Ice Bar, and unique stateroom layouts like the Wave Balcony rooms.
Jewel Class: If you’re after a slightly smaller, more classic cruise experience without losing that NCL energy, the Jewel Class (like Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Jade) could be your match. They offer a more relaxed atmosphere, plenty of speciality dining, and itineraries that reach ports bigger ships often can’t.
Dawn and Sun Classes: These mid-size ships (like Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Dawn) are all about flexibility, offering a comfortable, classic cruise feel with lots of choice and personality — perfect if you want a less crowded vibe but still love good dining and entertainment options.
Pride of America: In a class all her own, Pride of America is dedicated to cruising around Hawaii year-round. She’s got a bright, Americana style and offers the perfect way to explore the islands without ever having to unpack more than once!
If you’re dreaming of a cruise experience that blends all the excitement of a big, lively ship with the exclusivity of a luxury retreat, you’re going to love The Haven by Norwegian Cruise Line. It’s NCL’s private’ ship within a ship’ concept — designed for guests who want a little extra privacy, personalised service, and plenty of space to unwind.
When you book The Haven, you unlock a world of added benefits right from the start. Priority embarkation and disembarkation, a personal concierge, 24-hour butler service, and exclusive access to The Haven’s private areas onboard — it’s luxury cruising made easy. Your butler will even unpack your luggage if you want, so you can start relaxing from the moment you step onboard.
The accommodation options are also seriously impressive. The Haven offers some of the most luxurious suites at sea — from elegant Penthouse Suites to sprawling Owner’s Suites with wraparound balconies and private hot tubs. Whichever suite you choose, you’ll enjoy stylish décor, plush furnishings, and plenty of thoughtful touches that make every day feel effortless.
One of the standout features of The Haven is its collection of private spaces. Guests can enjoy a private pool and sundeck, a dedicated lounge with premium drinks, and The Haven Restaurant, which serves beautifully curated meals in an elegant and intimate setting. It’s the perfect way to enjoy world-class dining without the crowds.
And the best part? You still have full access to everything the rest of the ship has to offer — from Broadway shows and buzzing bars to gourmet speciality dining — whenever you fancy stepping back into the action.
In short, The Haven is all about elevating your cruise to something truly special — a perfect mix of exclusivity, flexibility, and luxury that feels personal every step of the way.
If you’re dreaming of a cruise experience that blends all the excitement of a big, lively ship with the exclusivity of a luxury retreat, you’re going to love The Haven by Norwegian Cruise Line. It’s NCL’s private’ ship within a ship’ concept — designed for guests who want a little extra privacy, personalised service, and plenty of space to unwind.
When you book The Haven, you unlock a world of added benefits right from the start. Priority embarkation and disembarkation, a personal concierge, 24-hour butler service, and exclusive access to The Haven’s private areas onboard — it’s luxury cruising made easy. Your butler will even unpack your luggage if you want, so you can start relaxing from the moment you step onboard.
The accommodation options are also seriously impressive. The Haven offers some of the most luxurious suites at sea — from elegant Penthouse Suites to sprawling Owner’s Suites with wraparound balconies and private hot tubs. Whichever suite you choose, you’ll enjoy stylish décor, plush furnishings, and plenty of thoughtful touches that make every day feel effortless.
One of the standout features of The Haven is its collection of private spaces. Guests can enjoy a private pool and sundeck, a dedicated lounge with premium drinks, and The Haven Restaurant, which serves beautifully curated meals in an elegant and intimate setting. It’s the perfect way to enjoy world-class dining without the crowds.
And the best part? You still have full access to everything the rest of the ship has to offer — from Broadway shows and buzzing bars to gourmet speciality dining — whenever you fancy stepping back into the action.
In short, The Haven is all about elevating your cruise to something truly special — a perfect mix of exclusivity, flexibility, and luxury that feels personal every step of the way.
When you cruise with Norwegian, you’re not tied down to set dining times, assigned tables, or strict dress codes — and that’s precisely the way they like it. Thanks to their signature Freestyle Dining concept, you can eat what you want, when you want, and where you want. It’s all about flexibility, choice, and making every mealtime fit around your holiday, not the other way around.
There’s a brilliant range of complimentary dining included in your cruise fare. You’ll find beautifully designed main dining rooms with ever-changing menus, casual favourites like the buffet and poolside grills, and grab-and-go options perfect for days when you’re in adventure mode. Whether you’re after a leisurely breakfast, a quick bite between shore excursions, or a three-course dinner, there’s always something delicious waiting.
If you fancy elevating your dining experience even further, Norwegian’s speciality restaurants (available for a small extra charge) are a real treat. You could indulge in premium steaks at Cagney’s Steakhouse, savour authentic Italian dishes at Onda by Scarpetta, dive into fresh seafood at Ocean Blue, or enjoy a bit of theatrical fun at the hibachi-style Teppanyaki. There are also sushi bars, French bistros, Mexican cantinas, and gourmet burger joints dotted across the fleet, meaning there’s always something new and exciting to try.
Whatever you’re in the mood for — whether it’s a casual burger in your flip-flops or a candlelit steak dinner — dining on Norwegian is all about choice, freedom, and a whole lot of flavour.
When you cruise with Norwegian, you’re not tied down to set dining times, assigned tables, or strict dress codes — and that’s precisely the way they like it. Thanks to their signature Freestyle Dining concept, you can eat what you want, when you want, and where you want. It’s all about flexibility, choice, and making every mealtime fit around your holiday, not the other way around.
There’s a brilliant range of complimentary dining included in your cruise fare. You’ll find beautifully designed main dining rooms with ever-changing menus, casual favourites like the buffet and poolside grills, and grab-and-go options perfect for days when you’re in adventure mode. Whether you’re after a leisurely breakfast, a quick bite between shore excursions, or a three-course dinner, there’s always something delicious waiting.
If you fancy elevating your dining experience even further, Norwegian’s speciality restaurants (available for a small extra charge) are a real treat. You could indulge in premium steaks at Cagney’s Steakhouse, savour authentic Italian dishes at Onda by Scarpetta, dive into fresh seafood at Ocean Blue, or enjoy a bit of theatrical fun at the hibachi-style Teppanyaki. There are also sushi bars, French bistros, Mexican cantinas, and gourmet burger joints dotted across the fleet, meaning there’s always something new and exciting to try.
Whatever you’re in the mood for — whether it’s a casual burger in your flip-flops or a candlelit steak dinner — dining on Norwegian is all about choice, freedom, and a whole lot of flavour.
When it comes to entertainment, Norwegian Cruise Line knows how to bring the fun, from action-packed days to unforgettable nights. Whether you want to soak up the sun with some poolside fun or dance the night away after a show-stopping performance, there’s always something happening onboard.
During the day, there’s no shortage of ways to stay entertained. Take on the waterslides at the Aqua Park, race around the Speedway (yes, a real racetrack at sea!), play a round of mini golf, or test your skills in a high-tech laser tag battle. Prefer something a little more chilled? Join a trivia contest, catch a cooking demonstration, or unwind with a yoga class — the choice is yours. And if you’re sailing with little ones (or teens), there’s a packed schedule of fun just for them, too.
When the sun goes down, the energy levels go up. Norwegian’s evening entertainment is genuinely world-class, with Broadway-calibre shows like Burn the Floor, Jersey Boys, and Beetlejuice The Musical lighting up the stage. You’ll find live music everywhere — from piano bars to rock clubs — plus hilarious stand-up comedy, themed parties under the stars, and late-night venues where the DJ keeps the dance floor buzzing well into the night.
And because it’s Norwegian, everything is designed around freedom and choice, so you can drop into a show, join a pub crawl, or grab a cocktail and see where the night takes you!
When it comes to entertainment, Norwegian Cruise Line knows how to bring the fun, from action-packed days to unforgettable nights. Whether you want to soak up the sun with some poolside fun or dance the night away after a show-stopping performance, there’s always something happening onboard.
During the day, there’s no shortage of ways to stay entertained. Take on the waterslides at the Aqua Park, race around the Speedway (yes, a real racetrack at sea!), play a round of mini golf, or test your skills in a high-tech laser tag battle. Prefer something a little more chilled? Join a trivia contest, catch a cooking demonstration, or unwind with a yoga class — the choice is yours. And if you’re sailing with little ones (or teens), there’s a packed schedule of fun just for them, too.
When the sun goes down, the energy levels go up. Norwegian’s evening entertainment is genuinely world-class, with Broadway-calibre shows like Burn the Floor, Jersey Boys, and Beetlejuice The Musical lighting up the stage. You’ll find live music everywhere — from piano bars to rock clubs — plus hilarious stand-up comedy, themed parties under the stars, and late-night venues where the DJ keeps the dance floor buzzing well into the night.
And because it’s Norwegian, everything is designed around freedom and choice, so you can drop into a show, join a pub crawl, or grab a cocktail and see where the night takes you!
When it comes to family cruising, Norwegian Cruise Line has thought of everything. From the moment you step onboard, you’ll find endless ways for every generation to have fun — whether you’re splashing around together at the Aqua Parks or giving the kids a little independence in their own dedicated spaces.
NCL’s ships are packed with family-friendly facilities. Think multi-story waterslides, splash zones for little ones, mini golf, bowling alleys, ropes courses, and even thrilling race tracks and laser tag arenas on some ships. There’s always something happening around the pool deck, too, with games, music, and live entertainment to keep the energy high. Plus, the whole family can enjoy dazzling evening shows, casual dining options, and adventurous shore excursions designed with kids in mind.
For younger cruisers, NCL’s award-winning kids’ clubs are a big highlight. The clubs are thoughtfully split by age, so everyone gets activities and entertainment just right for them:
Guppies (6 months – 3 years): A nurturing space where parents can join their little ones for sensory play and activities.
Splash Academy (3 – 12 years): Packed with creative play, sports challenges, themed parties, and treasure hunts, all led by energetic youth staff.
Entourage (13 – 17 years): A cool hangout space for teens, where they can chill out, make new friends, play games, dance, and even take part in teen-only events like movie nights and pool parties.
Everything is designed to give kids the freedom to have fun while giving parents the chance to relax, knowing they’re in safe hands.
With flexible dining, family-sized staterooms, amazing activities, and fantastic kids’ programmes included, Norwegian makes it easy to create unforgettable family memories — with just the right balance of together time and independent adventures.
When it comes to family cruising, Norwegian Cruise Line has thought of everything. From the moment you step onboard, you’ll find endless ways for every generation to have fun — whether you’re splashing around together at the Aqua Parks or giving the kids a little independence in their own dedicated spaces.
NCL’s ships are packed with family-friendly facilities. Think multi-story waterslides, splash zones for little ones, mini golf, bowling alleys, ropes courses, and even thrilling race tracks and laser tag arenas on some ships. There’s always something happening around the pool deck, too, with games, music, and live entertainment to keep the energy high. Plus, the whole family can enjoy dazzling evening shows, casual dining options, and adventurous shore excursions designed with kids in mind.
For younger cruisers, NCL’s award-winning kids’ clubs are a big highlight. The clubs are thoughtfully split by age, so everyone gets activities and entertainment just right for them:
Guppies (6 months – 3 years): A nurturing space where parents can join their little ones for sensory play and activities.
Splash Academy (3 – 12 years): Packed with creative play, sports challenges, themed parties, and treasure hunts, all led by energetic youth staff.
Entourage (13 – 17 years): A cool hangout space for teens, where they can chill out, make new friends, play games, dance, and even take part in teen-only events like movie nights and pool parties.
Everything is designed to give kids the freedom to have fun while giving parents the chance to relax, knowing they’re in safe hands.
With flexible dining, family-sized staterooms, amazing activities, and fantastic kids’ programmes included, Norwegian makes it easy to create unforgettable family memories — with just the right balance of together time and independent adventures.
Norwegian Cruise Line is perfect for:
Families Who Love Fun and Freedom
With amazing kids’ clubs, waterparks, family-friendly dining, and flexible entertainment, NCL is perfect for families who want a holiday that keeps everyone happy, with plenty of time together and apart.
Couples Looking for a Laid-Back Escape
Whether it’s sipping cocktails at sunset, enjoying a Broadway-style show, or relaxing in a private suite at The Haven, couples will love NCL’s blend of flexibility, luxury, and fun.
Friends and Groups Ready to Celebrate
With buzzing nightlife, endless dining options, and a party atmosphere that keeps the energy high day and night, NCL is ideal for friends or groups looking to cruise their way.
First-Time Cruisers Who Want It All
NCL’s Freestyle Cruising is perfect for newcomers — no set dining times, no strict dress codes, just a relaxed, easygoing way to experience all the excitement of life at sea.
Wondering if Norwegian Epic is the right cruise for you? Here’s my honest review covering dining, entertainment, cabins, and what to expect onboard this lively and unique ship.
Discover the exciting new entertainment shows launching across Norwegian Cruise Line’s ships, from 90s nostalgia to British rock tributes and more!
Step aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Prima and discover a next-level cruise experience featuring sleek interiors, standout specialty restaurants like Onda by Scarpetta and Cagney’s Steakhouse, thrilling top-deck attractions, and unforgettable live entertainment including a Fleetwood Mac tribute. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, Norwegian Prima delivers comfort, luxury, and adventure in one beautifully designed package.
Wondering if Norwegian Epic is the right cruise for you? Here’s my honest review covering dining, entertainment, cabins, and what to expect onboard this lively and unique ship.
Discover the exciting new entertainment shows launching across Norwegian Cruise Line’s ships, from 90s nostalgia to British rock tributes and more!
