Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) set sail in 1966 with an entirely new concept: regularly scheduled Caribbean cruises from the then obscure port of Miami. Good food and friendly service combined with value fares established NCL as a winner for active adults and families. With the introduction of the now-retired SS Norway in 1979, NCL ushered the era of cruises on mega-size ships. Innovative and forward-looking, NCL has been a cruise-industry leader for four decades.

Noted for top-quality, high-energy entertainment and emphasis on fitness facilities and programs, NCL combines action, activities, and a variety of dining options in a casual, free-flowing atmosphere. Freestyle cruising was born when Asian shipping giant Star Cruises acquired NCL -- the new owners were confounded that Americans meekly conformed to rigid dining schedules and dress codes. All that changed with NCL's introduction of a host of flexible dining options that allow passengers to choose open seating in the main dining rooms or dine in any of a number of à la carte and specialty restaurants at any time and with whom they please.

More high jinks than high-brow, entertainment after dark features extravagant Broadway and Las Vegas-style revues presented in main show lounges by lavishly costumed singers and dancers -- some of the most talented and professional at sea. Other performers might include comedians, magicians, jugglers, and acrobats. Passengers can get into the act by taking part in talent shows or step up to the karaoke microphone. Live bands play for dancing and listening passengers in smaller lounges, and each ship has a lively disco. Passengers on some ships are treated to performances and improvisation workshops featuring players from Chicago's world famous Second City company, training ground for some of the most gifted comedians in movies and stars of Saturday Night Live.

Casinos, bingo sessions, and art auctions are well attended. Adult games, particularly the competitive ones, are fun to participate in and provide laughs for audience members. Goofy pool games are an NCL staple, and the ships' bands crank up the volume during afternoon and evening deck parties. It's lively and enjoyable, even if you just watch the action from a lounge chair.

From a distance, most cruise ships look so similar that it's often difficult to tell them apart, but NCL's largest, modern ships stand out with their distinctive use of hull art. Each new ship is distinguished by murals extending from bow to mid-ship.

When others scoffed at year-round sailings to the Caribbean from New York City, NCL recognized the demand and has sailed with such success that they have increased capacity; Norwegian Spirit has now joined Norwegian Dawn by making New York a home port. To ensure satisfaction, you can take advantage of a Winter Weather Guarantee if foul weather threatens to ruin your vacation plans. Should departure from New York be delayed by more than 12 hours due to weather, you're given the choice of a $100 per person onboard credit or, if you decide to cancel your cruise, you receive a full cruise credit on a future sailing.

Food

Main dining rooms serve what is traditionally deemed Continental fare, although it's about what you would expect at a really good hotel banquet. Some of the best dishes are those listed on the popular President's Menu. Created in conjunction with former White House chef Henry Haller (and offered once during seven-night cruises), it features favorites of past Presidents and First Ladies. Health-conscious menu selections are nicely prepared from Cooking Light magazine's recipes, and vegetarian choices are always available.

Where NCL really shines is the specialty restaurants, especially the French-Mediterranean Le Bistro (on all ships), the Pan-Asian restaurants, and steak houses (on the newer ships). As a rule of thumb, the newer the ship, the wider the variety since new ships were purpose-built with as many as 10 or more places to eat. You may find Spanish tapas, an Italian trattoria, a steak house, and a Pan-Asian restaurant complete with a sushi and sashimi bar and teppanyaki room. Some, but not all, carry a cover charge or are priced à la carte and require reservations. An NCL staple, the late-night Chocoholic Buffet continues to be a favorite event.

Fitness & Recreation

Mandara Spa offers unique and exotic spa treatments fleetwide on NCL, although facilities vary widely. Spa treatments include a long menu of massages, body wraps, and facials and the latest trends in hair and nail services are offered in the salons.

State-of-the-art exercise equipment, jogging tracks, and basic fitness classes are available at no charge. There's a nominal fee for personal training, body composition analysis, and specialized classes such as yoga and Pilates. The Dive-In snorkel and scuba program offers novices the opportunity to participate in shipboard lessons to prepare for underwater exploration in ports of call as well as when visiting NCL's own private island.

Your Shipmates

NCL's mostly American cruise passengers are active couples ranging from their mid-30s to mid-50s. Many families enjoy cruising on NCL ships during holidays and summer months, particularly on Caribbean itineraries. Longer cruises and more exotic itineraries attract passengers in the over-55 age group.

Dress Code

Resort casual attire is appropriate at all times; however, the option of one formal evening is available on all cruises of seven nights and longer. Most passengers actually raise the casual dress code a notch to what could be called casual chic attire.

Junior Cruisers

For children and teens, each NCL vessel offers Kid's Crew program of supervised entertainment for young cruisers ages 2 to 17. Younger children are split into two groups from age 2 to 5 and 6 to 12; activities range from storytelling, games, and arts and crafts to dinner with counselors, pajama parties, and treasure hunts.

Evening group and private babysitting services are available for a fee. Parents whose children are not toilet trained are issued a beeper to alert them when diaper changing is necessary. Children under age two cruise free with their parents, and there's no minimum age for infants.

For teens age 13 to 17, options include sports, pool parties, teen disco, movies, and video games. Some ships have their own cool clubs where teens hang out in adult-free zones.

Service

Somewhat inconsistent, service is nonetheless congenial. Although crew members tended to be outgoing Caribbean islanders in the past, they have largely been replaced by Asians who are well-trained, yet are inclined to be more reserved.

Tipping

A fixed service charge of $10 per person, per day is added to shipboard accounts. For children ages 3 to 12, a $5 per person per day charge is added; there's no charge for children under age three. An automatic 15% gratuity is added to bar tabs. Staff members are encouraged to go the extra mile for passengers and are permitted to accept cash gratuities. Passengers in suites who have access to concierge and butler services are asked to offer a cash gratuity at their own discretion.

Past Passengers

Upon completion of your first NCL cruise you're automatically enrolled in Latitudes, the club for repeat passengers. Membership benefits include exclusive savings and discounts, specially designated Latitudes Member Cruises with members-only amenities and events on board, an onboard liaison -- the Port & Cruise Consultant -- to answer questions at sea, onboard booking discounts and credits, special check-in at select ports, complimentary subscription to the quarterly magazine, members-only cocktail reception hosted by the captain, and special discounts at the Internet Café.

Norwegian Cruise Line.
Phone: 305/436-4000 or 800/327-7030
www.ncl.com