Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), founded in 1966 by Norwegian shipping magnate Knut Kloster, is a leading American cruise company renowned for its innovation, and it’s modern fleet. With 19 state-of-the-art ships, NCL boasts one of the most dynamic and contemporary fleets in the industry, and the fleet is ever-growing, with another 8 ships on order. Their vessels are organized into six distinct classes, including the Sun, Dawn, Jewel, Breakaway, and Breakaway Plus classes, with the Norwegian Epic, Pride of America, and Norwegian Spirit each occupying their own unique class. NCL sails to over 300 sought-after destinations across all seven continents, offering a diverse range of itineraries, from over 40 global departure points. Among its signature stops are Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s exclusive private island in the Bahamas, and the resort-style destination of Harvest Caye in Belize.

Continue reading to discover why Norwegian Cruise Line is a top choice for cruising, whilst I also share my personal experience onboard the stunning Norwegian Encore during an unforgettable Alaskan cruise.

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Discover Unmatched Value with NCL’s More at Sea™ Program

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) continues to set the standard for cruise value with its innovative More at Sea™ program. Previously known as Free at Sea™, this 2025 upgrade brings even more inclusions, offering passengers incredible savings and an unparalleled cruise experience. Available on all sailings of three nights or more, More at Sea™ delivers a more inclusive and luxurious journey at sea.

Premium Beverage Package

Guests aged 21 and over can indulge in a premium beverage package that covers an impressive selection of spirits, cocktails, wines by the glass, seltzers, bottled and draft beers. With 108 different cocktails and popular premium brands like Grey Goose Vodka, Mount Gay Rum, Casamigos Tequila, and Suntory Toki Japanese Whiskey, there’s something for every taste.

On my NCL cruise (back when it was still Free at Sea™), I enjoyed cocktails like Piña Coladas and Manhattans, along with wine, beer & bubbles—all included. While I did pay a small surcharge for a premium glass of wine one evening, the included options were plentiful and excellent. For those seeking even more indulgence, NCL offers an upgrade to an ultra-premium drink package. Pro tip: purchase upgrades before your cruise to save money. Gratuities are included in the package, adding to the value.

Specialty Dining

NCL’s specialty restaurants elevate onboard dining to an art form. From smoky BBQ at Q Smokehouse to elegant French cuisine at Le Bistro, the variety is unmatched. Other favorites include Teppanyaki, Moderno Churrascaria, Ocean Blue, and Cagney’s Steakhouse, *vary per ship

The number of included specialty dining nights depends on your stateroom type and the cruise length, and it applies to the first two guests in the stateroom. Want more culinary adventures? Additional dining packages are available for purchase before or during your trip, with significant savings if booked in advance.  I most certainly took advantage of this and upgraded to include 2 more, to help me in my goal of eating my way round the ship!  Gratuities are already covered in your specialty dining package.

Wi-Fi Package

Stay connected with NCL’s Wi-Fi package, powered by Starlink. Guests receive up to 150 minutes of high-speed internet per person, depending on the cruise duration. This package is available for one device per person, and upgrades can be purchased to cover additional devices or unlimited access.

During my cruise, the internet speed was excellent—perfect for working remotely or staying in touch. Just remember, it’s one login per device, so plan accordingly or opt for an upgraded package if you need simultaneous access on multiple devices.

Shore Excursion Credit

Enhance your port days with a $50 USD shore excursion credit per port, available for the first guest in each stateroom. This perk makes it easy to explore destinations without breaking the bank.

Reduced Rates for Third and Fourth Guests

Travelling with family or friends? Select sailings offer significantly reduced rates for the third and fourth guests when they share a stateroom with the first and second guests. To maximize savings, consider upgrading to a suite for added space and luxury. Terms and conditions apply.

Choose Your Perfect Stateroom: Options for Every Traveller

NCL offers an impressive range of staterooms to suit every travel style and preference, ensuring your cruise experience is as comfortable and personalised as possible. *Varies by ship

The Haven by Norwegian®
Perched at the top of the ship, The Haven is a luxurious sanctuary offering spacious, beautifully appointed accommodations. Haven guests enjoy exclusive perks like 24-hour butler service, a dedicated concierge, and access to private spaces, making this enclave a true retreat within the ship.

Suites
For those craving extra space and opulence, NCL’s suites cater to couples, families, or groups of up to eight. These suites feature expansive balconies, lavish living areas, and spa-like bathrooms. Guests staying in suites enjoy premium perks, including butler and concierge services, an exclusive suite menu, complimentary champagne, and more.

Balcony and Club Balcony Suites
Perfect for families or couples, these staterooms come with comfortable seating areas, convertible beds, and plenty of storage. The private balconies provide ever-changing views, ideal for soaking in sunrises, sunsets, and stunning natural scenery. I stayed in a Balcony Stateroom on my Alaskan cruise, and I highly recommend it as a minimum—spacious, practical, and with a private balcony perfect for nature watching.

Oceanview and Inside Staterooms
For budget-conscious travellers, oceanview staterooms (featuring porthole windows) and inside cabins (no windows) are excellent options. These staterooms offer great value for those who spend most of their time exploring the ship and destinations.

Solo Travellers
NCL goes above and beyond for solo adventurers with studios, inside, oceanview & balcony staterooms designed exclusively for single occupancy—no single supplement required. These cabins also grant access to the Studio Lounge, a chic social space available on select ships, making it easy to meet fellow solo travellers.

Dining & Drinks

*Venues vary by ship – the below relates specifically to Norwegian Encore.

One of my favorite parts of cruising with NCL is undoubtedly the dining and drinks experience. On the Norwegian Encore, I made it my mission to explore as many culinary delights as possible—though even with my best efforts, I couldn’t try it all! *Venues vary by ship

Casual & Main Dining Options
The Garden Café, the ship’s buffet restaurant, offered an impressive variety of fresh and delicious options to suit every palate. The pizza slices sprinkled with chili flakes were a standout for me! While breakfast at the Garden Café was very busy, I found a more serene start to my mornings at Savor or Taste, two included à la carte Main Dining restaurants. These venues serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a fantastic rotating menu that kept me coming back for more.

For a quieter breakfast or lunch, the Observation Lounge was a hidden gem. Its panoramic views paired with light bites made it a peaceful retreat. Plus, the lounge often featured live entertainment, like a pianist or singer, in the afternoons and evenings—perfect for enjoying a sundowner or aperitif.

Specialty Dining Experiences
My cruise fare included two specialty dining experiences, but I opted to upgrade and add two more—and I’m so glad I did! Here are my top picks:

• Onda by Scarpetta: This Italian gem was my favourite, with exquisite dishes and a refined ambiance.
• Los Lobos: A Mexican restaurant with guacamole prepared tableside and bold, flavorful dishes.
• American Diner: Delicious cheeseburgers and fries served in a retro setting.
• Teppanyaki: A dinner and a show! The teppanyaki chefs were as entertaining as the food was delicious.

I also splurged on a meal at Q Texas Smokehouse, which featured a live band and melt-in-your-mouth ribs—a dining experience well worth the surcharge. Unfortunately, I missed out on Food Republic, but I’ve heard their dumplings are a must-try for next time!

Main Dining Highlights
I dined twice at Manhattan, a Main Dining restaurant featuring impressive windows that provided breathtaking sunset views. The food was fantastic, and with More at Sea™, I could have indulged in even more appetisers and desserts, one is never enough!

Sweet Treats & 24/7 Options
For dessert lovers, the hand-crafted chocolates at Coco’s are almost too beautiful to eat (but worth every bite). Gelato cones became a daily indulgence for me—no regrets! I also loved the Local Bar & Grill, a 24-hour venue serving salads, hot dogs, and late-night desserts whenever hunger struck.

Bars & Beverage Highlights
The drinks onboard were as diverse as the dining options. I sampled a mojito flight at Sugarcane Bar, a delightful and refreshing experience. At Cellars Wine Bar, I joined a wine and chocolate tasting, one of several unique pairing events available. The District Brewhouse became a favourite hangout, filled with laughter, dancing, and great brews.

Kids & Teens Clubs on NCL

Travelling with kids or teens? NCL makes sure everyone has an amazing time at sea with their complimentary youth programs.

Splash Academy, designed for children aged 3-12, offers age-appropriate groups packed with engaging activities. From Circus School and sports challenges to creative play, pizza-making, and video games, there’s never a dull moment. It’s a fantastic way for kids to make friends and enjoy their own onboard adventure.

For teens aged 13-17, Entourage is the ultimate hangout. By day, it’s a laid-back clubhouse with everything teens love—video games, movies, music, arts, sports, and more. By night, it transforms into a vibrant dance club where they can socialize and have fun in a safe and supervised environment.

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Shore Excursions

I won’t dive too deep into shore excursions here, as I’ve already shared more about my Alaskan adventures in another blog, which you can check out here for a detailed look at the excursions I took.  That said, I can say that the excursions I participated in were top-notch—well-organized, engaging, and offered some truly memorable experiences.

A few highlights include dog-sledding in Juneau, a jaw-dropping visit to the Davidson Glacier (which remains one of my favorite moments), and bear spotting in Ketchikan. There were a fantastic selection of excursions available, whether you’re interested in exploring a Totem Park, soaring over glaciers by helicopter, or riding the Scenic Pass Railway—something I regret missing, but will definitely make time for on my next trip!

No matter your interests—nature, history, architecture, food, or drink—there’s an excursion to match your preferences, each offering something unique and unforgettable.

If you’d prefer to explore on your own, there’s plenty of time to wander through each port at your leisure. Just remember—if you’ve booked a ship’s excursion, they will never leave without you, but you’re on your own if you’re on your own!

Spa & Fitness

This brings me to one of my absolute favorite places onboard—the Spa. While I know there’s a fully equipped gym onboard (I even spotted a spin class happening), my knowledge of it ends there—I was on my way to a massage!

The Mandara Spa is where true relaxation begins. They offer great discounts on sail-away day, and I wasted no time booking myself three indulgent treatments. From a soothing hot stone massage to a rejuvenating facial, and finally, a luxurious massage atop a heated quartz crystal bed—each experience was pure bliss.

For ultimate relaxation, the Thermal Suite is a must. I opted for a pro-rata pass for the final few days of my cruise (availability-dependent) and vowed to invest in a full 7-day pass on my next trip. The Thermal Suite features saunas, steam rooms, ice and snow rooms, vitality pools, and more. Relaxing on a heated lounger with endless sea views? Absolute heaven!

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Thank you to NCL for the wonderful opportunity to cruise with them and the use of some images – most images author’s own.  Plan your perfect NCL cruise today, contact TS Travel.