Norwegian Cruise Line

Overview

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 mega-size 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.

When the pent-up demand in North America for European cruises reached a fever pitch, Norwegian Cruise Line rose to the challenge by deploying three of its newest and most feature-filled Freestyle Cruising vessels to the Mediterranean and Baltic seas. Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Jade, and Norwegian Gemall launched since 2005make up the NCL European fleet for 2008. With some of the largest suites at sea, and an abundance of interconnecting staterooms in most categories, these ships are particularly attractive for family groups. With the hassle of set dining times removed, its possible to spend more time ashore without the worry of missing dinner.

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 NCLthe 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 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 dancerssome 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.

7665 Corporate Center Drive, Miami, FL, 33126. 305/436-4000 or 800/327-7030. www.ncl.com. Cruise Style: Mainstream.