Norwegian Cruise Lines

Freestyle Cruising

Norwegian Cruise Lines were the first to break the rigid cruise mold. Not only did they start the freestyle craze, where you choose when, where and with whom you eat, they also introduced 'Homeland Cruising' with ships deploying from non-standard ports. Thanks to NCL, you no longer have to find your way to Fort Lauderdale to set sail. New York, Baltimore, San Diego and Charlotte are a few of the other American home ports. Even their Flash-driven website has a different approach. With their willingness to embrace change, it makes you wonder what innovations they have in mind for the near future.

Why Go?

• Casual cruising without the standard time and dress restrictions
• More entertainment options, more restaurants, more staff
• Flexible disembarkation - no hurry up and wait

Passenger Profile

Thanks to their flexible approach and reasonable pricing, NCL attracts the cruise-curious. With the mix of many first-time cruisers, honeymooners and families on vacation, there's an air of excitement that you might not find on ships where most passengers are seasoned pros. That said, the Europe and New England / Canada cruises appeal to well-traveled retired couples more than young first-timers.

Staterooms

Although the staterooms are smaller than the competition's, extra service makes up for lack of size. Even the most modest room receives turn-down service and a chocolate on the pillow.

Dining

As part of their freestyle approach, not only have they ditched restrictive dress codes, but NCL provides more dining options than other cruise lines - up to 13 restaurants per ship. Choices range from chic bistros serving up French cuisine to trendy sushi bars. The chocolate buffet and 24-hour room service provide even more flexibility.

Onboard Highlights

• Activities - Four age-specific children's programs, yoga, spas, arcades and even bowling (the first honest-to-goodness bowling alley at sea) will keep the whole family entertained.
• Nightlife - With some of the best casinos at sea, outstanding floor shows and more options than other ships of the same size, you'll want to stay up all night.
• Theme Cruises - While they don't offer week-long theme cruises, their one- or two-day dinner and dance excursions and weekend getaways let you escape even when it's not vacation time.

Shore Excursions

In keeping with their freestyle approach, the shore excursions offer variety. You can snorkel, go horseback riding, bike or just take the old-fashioned route and sightsee. Designed for families, couples or solo travelers, you can find the right trip to suit your style.

Need to know

• Dress Code - Unlike most cruise lines, there are no formal nights. Dress is cruise casual at any time of the day or night. However, with a few culturally sensitive exceptions, the fine dining restaurants don't allow jeans, shorts, cut-offs, tank tops, t-shirts, swimwear or bare feet at dinner.
• Tipping - A fixed service charge will be added to your onboard account. While their official policy insists that there is genuinely no need to tip, but you should feel free to do so if you have a desire to acknowledge particular individuals. Unlike other cruise lines, tips are not automatically added to the beverage tabs. Concierge and butler services are not included in the pooled gratuities, and should be tipped for exemplary service.
• Smoking - Smoking is allowed in designated bar areas, outside on open decks and in the cabins (which are sanitized after each cruise). All other areas on the ship are non-smoking.
• Internet - While some ships offer in-room Internet access, all ships allow you to email anytime at the 24-hour Internet Cafés using the personalized email address printed on your cruise ticket. The NCL website contains up-to-date details about wireless service, laptop rentals and other internet access information