Norwegian Cruise Line

Overview

Norwegian Cruise Line.

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 in the era of cruises on megasize ships. Innovative and forward-looking, NCL has been a cruise-industry leader for four decades, and is as much at home in Europe as it is in the Caribbean.

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 has meant an end to rigid dining schedules and dress codes. NCL ships now offer a host of flexible dining options that allow passengers to eat in the main dining rooms or any of a number of à la carte and specialty restaurants at any time and with whom they please. Now co-owned by Genting Hong Kong Limited and Apollo Management, a private equity company, NCL continues to be an industry innovator.

More high jinks than high-brow, entertainment after dark features extravagant Las Vegas-style revues presented in main show lounges by lavishly costumed singers and dancers. 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. Some ships include shows by Chicago's world-famous Second City improvisational comedy company. With the launch of Norwegian Epic in 2010, the Blue Man Group and Cirque Productions (a U.S.-based company somewhat similar in style to Cirque du Soleil) join NCL's talent line-up.

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.

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 midship.

When others scoffed at winter cruises to the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Florida from New York City, NCL recognized the demand and has sailed with such success that others have followed in its wake. A Winter Weather Guarantee is offered should foul weather threaten to spoil your vacation plans. If departure from New York is delayed for more than 12 hours due to weather, you will receive an onboard credit of $100 per person on your current departure, or, if you decide to cancel your cruise, you will receive a cruise credit equal to the amount you paid to use on a future NCL cruise within one year and any reasonable incidental expenses you incur in rearranging your travel plans. 7665 Corporate Center Dr., Miami, FL, 33126. 305/436-4000 or 800/327-7030. www.ncl.com. Cruise Style: Mainstream.