what are the best norwegian cruises

10 Best Norwegian Cruise Line Ships

Norwegian Cruise Line, established in 1966, has grown to become one of the leaders in the cruise industry. Their pioneering “Freestyle Cruising” concept offers guests a relaxed, resort-style cruise, breaking away from traditional cruise norms. This means no fixed dining times, relaxed attire, and more lounges, bars, theaters, and other entertainment and activity options.

With such a diverse fleet, choosing the right ship can be a challenge. In this article, we’ve taken the guesswork out of the equation. We rank the best Norwegian Cruise Line ships, taking into account what each of these vessels offer. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sea traveler, this post will help you find the best Norwegian Cruise Line ship for your vacation.

Table of Contents

Best Norwegian Cruise Ships (NCL) Ranked and Reviewed

1. norwegian bliss – overall score: 9.8/10.

Launched in April 2018 and refurbished in 2021, Norwegian Bliss offer passengers a memorable cruising experience. We were impressed with the range of cabin layouts, from one-person Studios to The Haven villas, penthouses, and suites. If you’re looking for a touch of luxury, The Haven accommodations come with perks like private sun decks, king-sized beds, and 24-hour butler service.

For entertainment, you won’t run out of things to do. The ship has a race car track, laser tag, and even a virtual rollercoaster in the arcade. We found the 19 bars, nightclubs, and lounges perfect for unwinding after a day of fun. And when you’re craving food, there’s a choice of three Main Dining Rooms, a buffet restaurant, and a 24-hour pub. If you’re in the mood for something different, there are 13 other eateries offering everything from Mexican to Texas-style barbecue.

However, it can feel crowded at times, especially around the pool area. So, if you’re someone who values a bit more personal space, this is something to consider.

2. Norwegian Joy – Overall Score: 9.7/10

Launched in 2017, Norwegian Joy initially served the Asian market before transitioning to cater to Western cruisers. We really like its two-level race track on the top deck, which offers a unique go-karting experience at sea. If you’re into tech and games, the Galaxy Pavilion provides a lot of interesting virtual reality games.

Deck 8 is a hub of activity, hosting a variety of restaurants and bars. Evening entertainment includes the Broadway show “Footloose” and comedy performances. It’s worth noting that while there’s a plethora of activities onboard, some come with an additional fee.

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Accommodation options on the Norwegian Joy cater to a range of preferences and budgets. The attentive crew ensures a comfortable stay for all guests. However, some travelers find the pool deck layout, featuring two smaller pools separated by a space, a bit odd.

3. Norwegian Encore – Overall Score: 9.5/10

Introduced in 2019, the Norwegian Encore has quickly become a favorite among cruisers. This ship is a celebration of the arts, with the Tony Award®-winning musical “Kinky Boots” headlining its entertainment lineup. The Encore’s cabins are a blend of luxury and practicality. The Haven suites, with their spacious layouts and dedicated butler service, are a an excellent choice for those who want an upscale experience.

If you’re into racing, the ship has the longest racetrack at sea. For those who enjoy tech, the Galaxy Pavilion offers a range of virtual reality games. And for evening entertainment, the Choir of Man show is worth checking out. For food, there are six main restaurants and 12 specialty spots. You can grab a quick bite at an American diner or sit down for some Japanese hibachi. When it’s time to rest, you have a range of room options, from solo traveler Studios to the more private Haven staterooms.

A heads-up: some areas, especially popular dining spots, can get a bit busy during peak times. And like any other NCL ship, be prepared for extra charges.

Related: Best Carnival Cruise Ships

4. Norwegian Escape – Overall Score: 9.4/10

The Norwegian Escape, with its unique design and offerings, stands out in the NCL fleet. The ship’s expansive spa and wellness area promises relaxation like no other, making it a haven for those looking to unwind. The cabins, ranging from the luxurious Haven suites to the cozy inside cabins, cater to every traveler’s preference.

Food enthusiasts will find a plethora of dining options, from the French-inspired Le Bistro to the flavors of the East at Bayamo. The ship’s entertainment lineup, including Broadway-style shows and live music, ensures guests are always entertained.

5. Norwegian Breakaway – Overall Score: 9.1/10

The Norwegian Breakaway provides a holistic cruise experience. Launched with the promise of blending luxury with fun, the Breakaway delivers on every front. The ship’s staterooms, from the opulent Haven suites to the ocean-view cabins, are designed to offer comfort and stunning views.

Gourmands will revel in the ship’s dining options, with the seafood haven of Ocean Blue being a standout. Entertainment is varied and engaging, from Broadway hits like “Rock of Ages” to the unique Cirque Dreams.

6. Norwegian Getaway – Overall Score: 8.8/10

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The Norwegian Getaway offers a getaway like no other. This ship is a paradise for those seeking both relaxation and adventure. Its Aqua Park, featuring the fastest waterslides at sea, is a major highlight. Accommodation options are diverse, with the Studio cabins for solo travelers being a unique offering. Dining is a global affair, with options like the Tropicana Room offering complimentary dining and the Illusionarium promising a magical dining experience.

7. Norwegian Epic – Overall Score: 8.7/10

Living up to its name, the Norwegian Epic offers an epic cruising experience. This ship is known for its entertainment options, with the Epic Theater hosting award-winning shows. The staterooms, especially the studio cabins with exclusive access to the Studio Lounge, are a highlight. Dining on the Epic is a treat, with options ranging from the classic Taste & Savor to the upscale Cagney’s Steakhouse.

8. Norwegian Dawn – Overall Score: 8.6/10

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The Norwegian Dawn, with its classic design and modern amenities, promises a cruise experience that’s both nostalgic and contemporary. The ship’s Garden Villas, offering three bedrooms, a private garden, and a hot tub, are the pinnacle of luxury. Dining options like the Bamboo Asian restaurant offer a culinary journey, while entertainment venues like the Stardust Theater promise engaging shows every night.

9. Norwegian Gem – Overall Score: 8.6/10

The Norwegian Gem is a jewel in the NCL fleet. This ship, with its 6 hot tubs and a 1,000-seat theater, ensures guests have a variety of entertainment options. The staterooms, from the Penthouse to the Inside cabins, are designed for comfort. Dining on the Gem is a diverse experience, with the Grand Pacific offering classic dishes and the Orchid Garden serving Asian delicacies.

10. Norwegian Jade – Overall Score: 8.5/10

The Norwegian Jade, with its unique Mediterranean offerings, stands out in the NCL lineup. The ship’s Courtyard Villas, offering private pools and sundecks, are a luxury offering. Dining is a global affair, with options like Jasmine Garden providing an Asian flair and the Alizar offering contemporary dishes. The ship’s entertainment, from comedy shows to dance numbers, ensures guests are always engaged.

Best Norwegian Cruise Line Ships Ranking Methodology

When it comes to ranking the best Norwegian Cruise Line ships, our approach is both comprehensive and objective. Here’s a breakdown of our methodology:

Data-Driven Approach: Our rankings are not based on personal biases or opinions. Instead, we’ve aggregated data from multiple trusted sources, including customer reviews, expert analyses, and industry reports. This ensures that our list is both accurate and representative of the broader cruising community’s experiences.
Customer Reviews: One of the primary metrics we consider is feedback from passengers. By analyzing reviews from various platforms, we gain insights into the real-world experiences of those who’ve sailed on these ships. This helps us understand the strengths and weaknesses of each vessel from a passenger’s perspective.
Transparency: While we strive to provide the most accurate rankings, it’s essential to note that our team has only been on a few Norwegian Cruise Line ships. Therefore, our list is primarily based on the data we’ve gathered and not on personal experiences.

Choosing the Best NCL Ship for You:

Selecting the right ship for your cruise adventure can make all the difference. Norwegian Cruise Line offers a diverse fleet, each ship tailored to cater to specific traveler needs. Here are some tips and considerations to help you make an informed choice:

1. Traveling Style:

Family-Friendly: If you’re traveling with family, especially kids, look for ships with amenities like kids’ clubs, family cabins, and water parks. Ships like the Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Bliss are known for their family-oriented activities.
Couples-Oriented: For a romantic getaway, consider ships that offer couples’ spa treatments, intimate dining options, and adult-only zones. The Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Getaway provide a more romantic ambiance

2. Ship Age and Experience:

Newer Ships: If you’re looking for the latest amenities, cutting-edge entertainment, and modern designs, opt for the newer ships in the fleet, such as the Norwegian Encore.
Classic Experiences: For a more traditional cruise feel with a touch of nostalgia, the older ships like the Norwegian Dawn or Norwegian Jade might be more to your liking.

3. Dining Preferences

NCL is known for its ‘Freestyle Dining’ concept, allowing guests flexibility in their dining choices. However, each ship offers a unique set of restaurants. If you have specific culinary preferences, research the dining options available on each ship.

4. Entertainment Options

From Broadway-style shows to live music and comedy acts, entertainment varies across ships. If entertainment is a priority, check the lineup of shows and activities on offer.

5. Itinerary and Destinations

While the ship’s amenities are crucial, the destinations it sails to are equally important. Ensure the ship you choose sails to the locations you’re eager to explore.

Last but not least, consider your budget. While all NCL ships offer a luxury experience, the cost can vary based on the ship’s age, itinerary, and cabin type.

FAQs on the Best NCL Ships

The most luxurious ship in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet is the Norwegian Prima. Introduced in 2022, Norwegian Prima was designed to be more upscale than its predecessors. The ship boasts the largest variety of suites in the NCL fleet, with 13 categories, including the most expansive three-bedroom suites of any new cruise vessel. The highlight of Norwegian Prima is “The Haven,” an upscale luxury zone that spans eight decks. This area houses 107 of the ship’s suites, a vast private indoor lounge, private outdoor lounge and pool areas, and an exclusive restaurant. The entire ship exudes a more refined ambiance, reminiscent of Norwegian’s higher-end sister brands, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

The biggest Norwegian is the Norwegian Encore. Launched in 2019, it spans 169,116 gross tons and can host up to 3,998 passengers. As part of the Breakaway-Plus class, the Encore is renowned for its expansive go-kart track, laser tag area, and the immersive Galaxy Pavilion virtual reality zone. Alongside these attractions, it offers a variety of dining and entertainment options, ensuring a memorable experience for its guests.

According to reviews and our testing methodology, the best NCL ship is Norwegian Bliss. But ultimately, the best ship for you depends on your preference and taste. NCL offers a fleet of 19 ships, each with its own unique offering. The newer ships offer a lot of features and activities, so they’re great for families. But if you want somewhat quiet and a classic cruising experience, older ships can be a lot of fun too. Depending on your preference, you can choose a NCL ship that’s just right for you. If you’re exploring other cruise lines, we’ve also put together a list of the best Princess Cruise ships and best Royal Caribbean Cruise ships .

Sheryll holds an MA in Journalism and English from NYU. With over 7 years of experience in the cruise industry, she brings a blend of insightful reporting and firsthand cruising knowledge.

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Best Norwegian Cruise Ship

Norwegian Cruise Line is one of the largest cruise companies in the world, and they remain a favorite among people who enjoy going on cruises. Their ships sail to all parts of the planet, and they’re known for amazing service and a great amount of freedom for passengers.

NCL has some 16 ships in their fleet currently, and we’ve decided to rank them! Below is a list of the best Norwegian cruise ships, with some of the best (and worst) things about each of the magnificent ships in their fleet!

The Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

The Norwegian Cruise Line is one of the best and most popular cruise lines in the world. It was founded in Miami, Florida, and the company offers cruises to pretty much every destination on the planet. They will take you to Asia, Europe, the Caribbean – you name it, they have a cruise for you.

The company also has 16 different cruise ships that sail all over the planet. We’ll rank those ships from best to worst, to help you figure out which ship is the best fit for you. It’s worth noting that even the “worst” ships from NCL are better than what some other companies offer, so don’t dismiss a ship just because it ranks low on the list. In some cases, the rating is low because it only offers cruises to few destinations, which could be exactly what you’re interested in!

Norwegian Joy

It’s widely agreed that the Norwegian Joy is the NCL’s best cruise ship. With modern and spacious suites, eight specialty restaurants, and full-scale Broadway productions, it’s easy to see why this ship gets so much love from travelers.

The Norwegian Joy also offers The Haven cabins as their most luxe experience. Their priciest option includes a 24-hour butler and a private sundeck, which is just about enough to make you forget that there are about 5,000 other people on the ship with you.

You’ll also have plenty of things to do while you sail around the world on the Norwegian Joy, thanks to the wide variety of entertainment options for travelers. In addition to stand-up comedy shows and full-scale Broadway productions, the ship also has duty-free shops, a spa, a racetrack, a casino, two aqua parks, a fitness center, and a laser tag arena, among other things. There’s also a 24-hour pub, in case your idea of entertainment is a bit more hedonistic.

The Norwegian Joy sails from the Americas to ports across the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Alaska, the Pacific Coast, and the Mexican Riviera. It’s also worth noting that NCL’S best cruiser is also one of their most affordable ones, with cruises that start at a little over 500 Euros!

Norwegian Escape

The Norwegian Escape is a magnificent cruise ship that made its debut in 2015. She can carry 4,266 passengers and 1,733 crew members, and she’s a cruiser that appeals to multiple generations with entertainment options that range from an aqua park to a proper casino.

The ship has 18 different dining venues onboard, 11 of which are specialty restaurants. It’s absolutely perfect if you enjoy trying out different things every day, but it does mean that it’s never going to be easy to decide where you want to eat. Other highlights of the Norwegian Escape include the company’s first-ever wine bar (The Cellars) and the District Brew House.

Accommodation options are diverse ranging from small studio cabins to the luxe The Haven suites that give you access to a private sundeck and a 24-hour butler service. There’s also a variety of things to do on-board, whether you’re into shopping, spa treatments, live theatre, gambling, or stand-up comedy.

The Norwegian Escape sets sail from New York City, Miami, Orlando, Copenhagen, Rome, and London, taking thousands of passengers on cruises to the Caribbean, Bermuda, and select destinations in Europe.

Norwegian Bliss

The Norwegian Bliss is one of NCL’s most popular cruisers capable of carrying a little over 4,000 passengers and some 1,700 crew members. Accommodation options include everything from a single bed to a private villa with butler service, so there’s something for everyone’s budget.

If you decide to book The Haven suite, you will also get access to a private restaurant and sun-deck, which is pretty amazing. Regular people can choose between three main dining rooms, a buffet restaurant, and 13 coffee shops and a la carte eateries for a quick bite, whenever they’re not in the mood for room service. The ship also has 16 lounges, bars, and nightclubs to choose from, making the Norwegian Bliss one of the best cruisers for those who like to party.

The assortment of nightclubs and bars mostly appeals to young adults, but the ship offers a wide variety of entertainment options for guests of all ages. There are aqua parks and clubs for kids, a casino, miniature golf, laser tag, and a race track, among other amenities.

This NCL cruiser departs from ports in LA, NYC, Miami, Seattle, and Vancouver, taking thousands of guests to explore destinations like the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Panama, and the Pacific Coast.

Norwegian Pearl

The Norwegian Pearl is most popular for affordable weekend cruises to the Bahamas. The round trip from Miami starts at some $370, which is one of the most popular cruises for the ship.

She can hold up to 2,394 passengers and 1,072 crew members, so she’s one of the company’s smaller ships. The ship sets sail from NYC, Miami, and Quebec to various destinations in the Panama Canal, Caribbean, Canada, and New England. The length and type of cruises mostly attract families, so it’s no surprise that the ship offers a wide variety of entertainment options for both adults and children.

One of the guest-favorites is the LifeStyle Room – an entertainment venue where families can go bowling, play basketball, or just spend time playing cards. The ship also has a youth club for children of various ages, so that parents can have some grown-up time without the little ones.

Other amenities of the Norwegian Pearl include a casino, a spa, seven eateries, and seven specialty restaurants, the most popular of which is Cagney’s Steakhouse.

Norwegian Gem

The Norwegian Gem is one of NCL’s oldest cruise ships and the last one they ever made in the Jewel class. She’s a relatively small cruise ship capable of carrying 2,394 passengers and 1,070 crew members.

This is one of NCL’s best family cruisers, with youth clubs for kids between the ages of 3 and 17, family-friendly entertainment, and quite a few family cabins. The Norwegian Gem also offers The Haven suites, which come with their own restaurant, private sun decks, and 24-hour butler service.

The ship has 15 different dining venues, seven of which are specialty restaurants that are available to guests for an extra fee. There are also multiple sports courts, a spa, and several pools for lots of fun during the day. Fun in the evenings usually includes live musical performances with country music concerts being the most frequent option.

The Norwegian Gem sets sail from ports in New York City, Boston, San Francisco, and Quebec. The cruises take the guests to destinations in the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Canada, Panama Canal, and New England.

Norwegian Jewel

The Norwegian Jewel is a cruise ship in the namesake Jewell class cruise line. She’s capable of transporting 2,376 passengers and a little over a thousand crew members, so she remains of NCL’s smaller cruisers. She’s also one of the oldest ships the company still has in operation, as she’s been around since 2005. The ship was renovated in 2018, so all the onboard amenities are pretty much brand new.

Just like most other ships in the Jewel Class, this cruiser is best suited for families thanks to a wide variety of family-friendly activities. There are age-appropriate clubs for the youngest passengers, as well as waterslides and a video arcade. While the kids are enjoying themselves, parents can relax at the spa, try their luck at the casino, or have fun at the various sports facilities.

Alternatively, adults can just relax at one of the 15 different eateries and 13 lounges and bars. Some of those are specialty restaurants with extra fees, but with service so good they’re worth every penny.

Norwegian Sun

The Norwegian Sun is a small cruise ship with a total capacity of 1,936 passengers and 906 crew members. Despite being one of the smallest cruisers in the fleet, she boasts very spacious cabins and staterooms that occupy between 145 and 191 square feet. They’re actually larger than cabins on NCL’s newer and bigger ships, making the Norwegian Sun a great option for travelers who like having some extra space.

The cruiser was renovated in 2018 when it received quite a few updated venues like the Bliss Ultra Lounge and the Los Lobos Cantina. The renovation was part of the Norwegian Edge program, which included $400 million worth of upgrades over two years on NCL’s fleet.

As for the Norwegian Sun, the cruiser remains a favorite among both families and solo travelers. She boasts 14 dining venues, eight of which are specialty restaurants, a spa, a golf driving net, and an art gallery, among others. There are also quite a few bars and lounges, a casino, entertainment venues with live shows, and even age-appropriate clubs for kids.

The ship sails to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Alaska, and Panama Canal among other destinations, and it’s a great option for travelers from Seattle, Orlando, and Vancouver.

Norwegian Dawn

The Norwegian Dawn is another mid-size cruiser that was renovated entirely in the last few years. Although she’s been around for a while, updated amenities include fan-favorites from other cruisers, like The Cellars wine bar and the Los Lobos Mexican restaurant.

The ship is very popular with families thanks to the age-appropriate clubs for kids and teens, a dinosaur-themed pool, and a spacious video arcade. There are also many amenities for adults, including six hot tubs, a spa center, a casino, and 14 different dining venues. Eight of those are specialty restaurants that are available to guests at an extra fee, and they also include fan-favorites from other cruisers like the Brazilian Steakhouse and the 24-hour O’Sheehan’s Bar & Grill.

The ship’s accommodation options also underwent extensive renovations, and they now include staterooms, cabins, and villa suites. The villas can sleep up to seven passengers each, and they remain a favorite among families.

The Norwegian Dawn sets sail from New York, Tampa, Venice, Rome, and Barcelona, transporting passengers throughout Europe, or to the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Panama Canal.

Norwegian Epic

The Norwegian Epic is one of NCL’s largest cruisers, capable of transporting around 4,100 passengers and 1,724 crew members. She also offers some very affordable cruises, with 7-night Barcelona round trips going for as little as $500.

The massive cruiser appeals to passengers of all ages thanks to a wide variety of entertainment options for everyone. The youngest guests can join age-appropriate youth clubs, while adults enjoy themselves however they want. Passengers can have fun at the bowling alley or the vast sports complex during the day and relax in the ice club or one of the 16 different eateries in the evenings. The cruiser also boasts bars, lounges, a comedy club, and a venue with live theatrical performances in the evenings.

Such a vast ship also comes with many different accommodation options, ranging from tiny staterooms for singles to The Haven villas. The Norwegian Epic offers a luxurious experience for everyone who books their most expensive villas, with access to a concierge lounge, courtyard, a private bar, and a private restaurant.

The ship sets sail from Rome and Barcelona for trips in Europe, and Puerto Rico, and Miami for cruises in the Caribbean.

Norwegian Getaway

The Norwegian Getaway was renovated in 2019, which brought a variety of interesting new features to the cruiser. There’s a waterfront area lined with shops and restaurants, a brand new venue for live music, and a full-service Starbucks on board.

The cruiser can transport up to 3,963 passengers and 1,646 crew members, so she’s one of the company’s larger ships in the fleet. She appeals to a wide variety of travelers thanks to the diverse amenities on board. There are age-appropriate clubs for the youngest guests, excellent bars and lounges for singles looking to have fun, and a plethora of fun and romantic things to do for couples.

Accommodation options are diverse as well, ranging from small studio cabins to The Haven luxury suites that offer guests 24-hour butler service and access to a private sun deck. The Norwegian Getaway sails in the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and Europe.

Norwegian Sky

The Norwegian Sky is a relatively small cruiser most popular for weekend trips to the Bahamas. She is one of the oldest cruisers in NCL’s fleet, but the 2019 renovations brought some much-needed upgrades.

The cruiser now boasts fully renovated staterooms, a full-service Starbucks, new lounges, bars, restaurants, and more. The Norwegian Sky now offers 10 different restaurants passengers can choose from, as well as sports courts, a fitness center, and a spa. There are also age-appropriate clubs for the youngest passengers, a video arcade, and a special pool for kids.

The cruiser ship is one of NCL’s smallest, capable of transporting 2,004 passengers and 899 crew members. Guests can choose between four different room types, ranging from small cabins to suites that are up to 835 square feet.

The Norwegian Sky currently sails only to the Bahamas on weekends. Rates for a three-night Miami round trip start at just a little over $300.

Norwegian Star

The Norwegian Star is another ship that underwent extensive renovations as part of the Norwegian Edge program. The updates brought quite a variety of new adult-only venues, including the guest-favorite O’Sheehan’s Bar And Grill and NCL’s first 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar.

In addition to the adult-only spaces, the cruise ship also offers a variety of entertainment options for the youngest passengers. There are kids’ clubs, teen lounges, and several pools for the youngsters. Adults can also spend time at the casino, spa, and they can enjoy live entertainment at several venues.

The Norwegian Star is a mid-size cruiser capable of carrying 2,348 passengers and 1,031 crew members. Accommodation options onboard include everything from small cabins to spacious suites, but without the most luxurious suites that have their own butlers.

It’s worth noting that the Norwegian Star is a cruiser you choose because of the destination, not because of amenities onboard. She’s one of a few ships that take passengers to unique destinations like Greenland, Iceland , and Antarctica , among others.

Pride Of America

Pride Of America is a ship meant to stand out in every single way. For one, she’s the only ship in the fleet that doesn’t have the word “Norwegian” in the name. Two, the ship only sails to Hawaii, and she’s NCL’s only ship that offers Hawaii cruises year-round. If you’re hyped about Hawaii, Pride Of America is the best NCL cruise ship for you.

However, the ship is not named Pride Of America just because it sails to Hawaii so often. She is home to a few other distinctly American sights, including themed venues like the South Beach Pool and the SoHo Art Gallery. The ship also has several NCL classics like the Mandara Spa, Cagney’s Steakhouse, youth clubs for kids and teens, and Rock-a-Hula – the only luau-inspired show in the entire fleet.

The Pride Of America ship can transport up to 2,186 passengers and 927 crew members. That’s nearly a 2:1 ratio of passengers to crew members, so you get a rather hands-on experience on this ship.

Accommodation options are diverse, ranging from Studio staterooms to large suites for families. It’s worth noting that the Studio staterooms are for singles, and passengers staying in those rooms get exclusive access to the Studio lounge. Pride Of America has 13 different restaurants on board, seven of which are specialty restaurants with additional fees.

Norwegian Jade

The Norwegian Jade is one of the older ships in the fleet, but she got fully renovated in 2017. The ship is capable of transporting 2,402 passengers and 1,037 crew members to destinations in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean.

This cruiser appeals to travelers of all ages thanks to the diverse entertainment options. Children can spend time at age-appropriate clubs or the pool, while adults explore the many different bars, lounges, and restaurants aboard the Norwegian Jade. There are 13 restaurants to choose from, seven of which are specialty eateries that cost a little extra.

Accommodation options are also varied, ranging from 138 square feet cabins to luxe villas of 4,700 square feet. The luxurious villas (The Haven suites) include balconies, living and dining areas, and even access to a private courtyard.

Norwegian Breakaway

The Norwegian Breakaway is a large cruiser with a capacity for 3,963 passengers and 1,657 crew members. She’s a popular ship for family cruises, thanks to a wide variety of entertainment options for kids and teens. There are the standard age-appropriate clubs that most ships in the fleet offer, but the Norwegian Breakaway also has a special aqua park for children and a three-level sports complex.

There’s also an aqua park just for adults, as well as a variety of entertainment shows ranging from rock’n’roll concerts to stand-up comedy. The ship also boasts about 25 different dining options that include fan favorites from other cruisers like Cagney’s Steakhouse.

In terms of accommodation options, the Norwegian Breakaway boasts a nice variety of rooms. There’s everything from studios for singles to The Haven villas that are the most luxurious type of accommodation in the fleet. Even some of the smaller suites come with extra perks, but private balconies, dining, and lounge areas are reserved for guests staying in The Haven suites.

The Norwegian Breakaway sails to destinations in Canada, New England, the Bahamas, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.

Norwegian Spirit

The Norwegian Spirit is last on the list, so she should be the worst cruiser in NCL’s fleet. Although she’s not quite as nice as some of the other options, it’s still a great cruise ship with all the amenities you could possibly need for a comfortable trip. There’s a water park, a basketball court, a casino, and youth clubs for the youngest passengers.

The cruiser also boasts 14 different dining venues that were all updated in the 2017 renovations of the ship. Half of those are specialty restaurants and some of the guest favorites include Le Bistro and Bier Garten.

Accommodation options are a bit lacking, at least when compared to some of the other ships in the fleet. There are four types of cabins to choose from, ranging from rooms for singles to suites for families. The Norwegian Spirit doesn’t offer any luxurious suites with butler service, but it’s worth noting that all rooms have room service.

This cruiser sails to a variety of destinations in Europe, South Africa, Australia, Asia, and North America.

About the Author Anna Timbrook

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Norwegian Cruise Line Review – Ships, Destinations, Dining, and More

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Norwegian Cruise Line Review – Ships, Destinations, Dining, and More

Basic information, departure ports, private ports/islands, onboard activities, dining and beverages, accommodations, latitudes rewards, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Norwegian Cruise Line has been around since 1966. Since that time, it’s grown to be one of the largest cruise lines in the world. It has been an innovator in the cruise industry by being the first cruise line to eliminate set dining times with their Freestyle Cruising program.

A Norwegian ship is easy to spot since each one’s hull is adorned with bright artwork, some of which have been done by world-famous artists like Peter Max, Guy Harvey, and David “Lebo” Le Batard.

With 17 ships sailing to over 450 destinations across the world, there’s a Norwegian cruise to suit every traveler’s dreams!

Name: Norwegian Cruise Line

Parent Company: Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (which also owns Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises)

Number of Ships: 17

Destinations: 450+

Loyalty Program: Latitudes Rewards

Credit Card : Norwegian Cruise Line ® World Mastercard ®

Norwegian currently operates 17 cruise ships:

Norwegian Bliss
Norwegian Breakaway
Norwegian Dawn
Norwegian Encore
Norwegian Epic
Norwegian Escape
Norwegian Gem
Norwegian Getaway
Norwegian Jade
Norwegian Jewel
Norwegian Joy
Norwegian Pearl
Norwegian Sky
Norwegian Spirit
Norwegian Star
Norwegian Sun
Pride of America

Norwegian Encore, built in 2019, is the newest ship in the NCL fleet. In 2022, the new Leonardo class of ships will be introduced.

Hot Tip: Think you can’t use miles and points to book a cruise? Think again. Check out our ultimate guide to booking a cruise using miles and points.

Norwegian sails to over 450 destinations from 17 departure ports across Europe and North America.

Norwegian Cruise Line has 1 private island in the Bahamas called Great Stirrup Cay. Activities offered on the island include snorkeling, kayaking, zip-lining, paddle boarding, and more!

If luxury is what you’re after, you can rent a private villa at Silver Cove. Each villa comes with a private bathroom, a TV with on-demand movies, air conditioning, a retractable glass wall, and access to the upscale Silver Cove buffet.

You won’t go hungry during your day at Great Stirrup Cay. You can make your own tacos at Abaco Taco, grab a quick bite at the food truck, Tropic Like It’s Hot, or enjoy lunch at the Jumbey Beach Grill. You’ll also find 3 bars on the island — Bacardi Bar, Bertram’s Bar, and Patron Bar.

Featured Shore Excursion

If you’d prefer to explore beyond Great Stirrup Cay, you can book the exclusive shore excursion at this port to visit the famous swimming pigs! Your excursion includes round-trip transportation to Treasure Island to interact with these playful piggies.

Hot Tip: Want to make sure you’re getting the best price on your cruise? Check out our list of the best websites to book your cruise at the lowest price to get started.

There is so much to do on a Norwegian cruise! In addition to cruise ship staples like pools, a casino, art auctions, Broadway-style shows, and a spa, Norwegian also offers lots of unique and thrilling activities including:

Kids’ Aqua Park
Ropes course
Virtual reality
The Waterfront oceanfront promenade
Waterslides: Ocean Loops, Free Fall, The Epic Plunge, The Whip

Note that some of these activities may come with additional fees, and not every activity is available on every ship.

Hot Tip: When booking your cruise, make sure you’re using the right credit card to maximize your benefits. See our guide to the best credit cards to book cruises for some guidance.

Norwegian Cruise Line was a pioneer with its Freestyle Dining program. There are no set dining times or assigned seats, as is customary with “traditional” dining on many cruise lines. You can dine whenever and where ever you wish. Plus, there is never a formal night requirement.

Complimentary Dining

Main dining rooms (up to 3 per ship)
O’Sheehan’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill
Asian Fusion
24-hour room service

Specialty Dining

Norwegian offers a selection of specialty dining restaurants that come with an additional cost (some offer à la carte pricing while others come with a flat per person charge). Not all of these locations are available on every ship.

Bayamo by Ocean Blue
Cagney’s Steakhouse
Food Republic
Margaritaville
Moderno Churrascaria
Pincho Tapas Bar

Hot Tip: You can purchase specialty dining packages ahead of time so you can enjoy these restaurants without having to worry about payment. Packages start at 3 specialty meals for $99.

Bars and Beverages

A Norwegian ship can feature up to 22 different bars and lounges including:

5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar
Bliss Ultra Lounge
Great Outdoors
The Humidor Cigar Lounge
Magnum’s Champagne and Wine Bar
Maltings Beer and Whisky Bar
O’Sheehan’s Bar and Grill
Shaker’s Martini Bar
Skyy Vodka Ice Bar
Sugarcane Mojito Bar
Vibe Beach Club
Waves Pool Bar

As typical with many cruise lines, some beverages aren’t included in the cost. If you would prefer to pay for your drinks upfront, you can purchase a beverage package:

The Corks and Caps Wine and Beer Package includes soft drinks plus beers and wines by the glass. The cost is $65 per person per day.
The Premium Beverage Package includes soft drinks, select spirits, cocktails, wines by the glass, and bottled or draft beer up to and including $15 each. The cost is $99 per person per day.
The Premium Plus Beverage Package includes soft drinks, beers, spirits, cocktails, wines by the glass and select bottles of wine with dinner, plus sparkling water, energy drinks, and specialty coffees. The cost is $128 per person per day.

For the 3 packages above, you must be 21 years old or older to purchase. If 1 person purchases a package, everyone (over 21 years old) residing in the same stateroom or additional staterooms that were under the same form of payment is required to purchase it. Anyone under 21 years of age on the same reservation will be required to purchase the Soda Program.

The Soda Program provides endless fountain soda throughout your cruise. The cost is $5.95 per person per day for ages 12 and under. For anyone over the age of 12, the cost is $7.95 per person per day.

Bottom Line: Beverage packages must be purchased for the entire length of the cruise . A 20% gratuity and beverage service charge will be added to all beverage package purchases.

Norwegian offers many different types of staterooms to accommodate all kinds of travelers. Whether you’re traveling solo or with the whole family, on a budget or looking to splurge, you’ll find a stateroom that will suit your needs.

Here are some of the highlights:

If you’re traveling by yourself, check out the Studios on Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss, and Pride of America. These 1 person accommodations are designed for the solo traveler — and priced accordingly.

At approximately 100 sq. ft., these mini rooms have just the essentials, but you’ll also get access to the Studio Complex and Lounge, a shared space where you can relax, order room service, watch TV, and meet your neighbors.

A Family Balcony Stateroom comes with a location that’s near the kid-friendly action, including the youth program and pool deck, and it sleeps up to 4 passengers.

If a spa experience is what you’re after, consider booking a Spa Suite, Mini-Suite, or Balcony Stateroom . These relaxing rooms are located close to the Mandara Spa and include access to the Thermal Spa Suites, sauna, hydrotherapy pools, steam room, and heated loungers.

For the ultimate in luxury at sea, try out The Haven by Norwegian . The Haven collection features the most luxurious staterooms located at the top of the ship. You’ll have access to a concierge and 24-hour butler, plus the private sundeck (complete with pool and hot tub) reserved just for Haven guests. Select ships also offer a private Haven bar and restaurant.

Courtyard Penthouse With Balcony - Norwegian Haven

Hot Tip: Make sure you don’t forget anything — check out our printable cruise vacation packing list!

Latitudes Rewards is Norwegian Cruise Line’s loyalty program. Each tier is determined by the number of points you have earned.

You’ll earn 1 point for each cruise night (for example, you would earn 7 points for a 7-night cruise)
Earn an additional 1 point per night when you book a Concierge, Suite, or Haven stateroom
Earn an additional 1 point per night if you book a Latitude Rewards Insider Offer

Latitudes Rewards perks vary by tier — here are some of the highlights (each level of status includes all benefits offered by lower tiers):

Bronze: Priority check-in at the pier, a bottle of sparkling wine in your stateroom, free artwork for attending the art auctions
Silver: Exclusive onboard cocktail party, discounts on shore excursions, photos, and spa treatments while in port
Gold: Priority tender tickets, discounted laundry service, priority disembarkation
Platinum: Priority embarkation, dinner for 2 and a bottle of wine at Cagney’s or Le Bistro, free internet minutes
Platinum Plus: Dinner with ship officers, priority restaurant and entertainment seating.
Ambassador: Complimentary 7-day cruise

Norwegian Cruise Line has been a cruise industry leader since the 1960s. Whether you want to sail the Caribbean, explore Europe, or journey through exotic destinations in Asia, Norwegian has you covered.

It was the first cruise line to eliminate the traditional set dining times when it introduced Freestyle Dining, allowing guests to eat at any time at up to 28 different locations on each ship.

Plus, if you sail with Norwegian multiple times, you’ll be able to take advantage of their loyalty program, Latitude Rewards, which offers benefits like priority check-in, discounts on shore excursions, priority tender tickets, and even a free cruise!

Whether you’re looking for a quiet, relaxing room for 1, or are living it up with a big group, you’ll find lots of different staterooms to choose from on a Norwegian ship.

Norwegian is among the world’s largest cruise lines and offers everything from simple, budget-friendly vacations to all-out luxury sailing. The choice is yours!

Interested in other cruise lines? Check out of fact sheets of Carnival , and Princess Cruise Lines to see what other options are awaiting you.

Carnival Cruise Line Review — Ships, Destinations, Dining, and More

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Norwegian Cruise Line: The Complete Guide

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Table of Contents

About Norwegian Cruise Line sailings

Norwegian cruise line destinations, norwegian cruise line cruise prices, what is the best norwegian cruise line ship, what’s included on ncl cruises, ncl firsts in the industry: what is norwegian known for, ncl loyalty program: latitude rewards, norwegian cruise line credit card, what is ncl known for.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is one of the top players in large-ship cruising, and its fleet is seeing one of its biggest refits in decades with its new Prima fleet of ships. Norwegian Cruise Line ships are also known for their colorful hull art that makes them stand out in ports around the world.

The company dates back to 1966 when it got its start as a Norwegian shipping company. Today, it has become one of the more popular mainstream cruise brands and is part of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, which also includes the Regent Seven Seas and Oceania brands.

If you’re scrolling through endless Norwegian Cruise Line reviews, let this complete guide to the cruise company give you the larger overview of what sets this brand apart from the rest. There are some interesting innovations from Norwegian that other cruise lines have since adopted, but they started here.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

NCL sails around the world with numerous routes from the U.S. to Caribbean destinations as well as around the Mediterranean and Baltic Seas.

Its loyalty program, onboard amenities and variety of cabin types offer something for every type of traveler.

Cabin types: You can expect a range of different cabin sizes and layouts ranging from solo-traveler interior studios and inside cabins for as many as four people to ocean view and balcony cabins. A wide range of suites are also available. The Prima class of ships feature the largest suites, some of which have private whirlpools on the balcony and as many as three bedrooms.

Main U.S. routes: NCL has plenty of North America sailings from U.S. ports to Alaska, Bermuda, Canada and New England. There are also sailings to the Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico and the Panama Canal, among others.

Loyalty program: NCL's Latitudes Rewards loyalty program, which issues one point for every night sailed as well as bonus points for booking suites or participating in certain promotions. At each elite tier, members earn onboard benefits like discounts, laundry service and special event access. The more you travel with NCL, the more benefits you can earn.

NCL spans the globe with sailings to every continent (even Antarctica) on a wide range of ships. They leave from both U.S. coasts as well as from Hawaii — where NCL has operated inter-island Hawaiian sailing for almost two decades.

Antarctica.

New Zealand.

Pacific Islands.

Panama Canal.

South America.

Depending on how long you want to sail and where you're going, you can find cruises as brief as two nights and as long as 21 days or more.

» Learn more: The pros and cons of cruises

You'll find lots of good deals on Norwegian, but cruise fares will fluctuate based on the destination, time of year and other variables. You’ll want to keep these factors in mind when booking a cruise, as they'll affect the price of the trip:

Time of year.

Trip duration.

Destination.

Ship class.

Cabin type.

You can find cruise bargains for as low as $350 on four-night cruises, but if you want to splurge and do a longer cruise, expect to pay as much as $4,600 or more (especially if you book a suite or a Haven category room).

Of course, the fare will always vary depending on which cabin type you book.

» Learn more: The best ways to book a cruise

(Image courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)

When it comes to which NCL ship is best, that depends on what you're looking for in a cruise. If you're traveling with a family, for example, water slides, amusement park-style games and multi-bedroom suites may be important. This means you may prefer one of the line’s newest Prima Class ships: Norwegian Prima or Norwegian Viva.

If you're looking for a romantic vacation, perhaps you'll want a smaller ship or a cabin in The Haven, which is a hotel-within-a-hotel concept with more personalized service. The Haven is only available on select Norwegian ships, including Encore, Viva and Prima.

What is the newest NCL ship?

Norwegian Viva launched in the summer of 2023, making it the newest ship for NCL. It has special features like a three-tier race track, the fastest slides at sea, a food hall with 11 complimentary eateries and a sustainable cocktail bar.

» Learn more: Do you need a passport for a Caribbean cruise?

On any NCL cruise, these benefits are always included:

Accommodations in the category you select at booking.

All meals in snack and buffet restaurants, main dining rooms and, when available, the food hall.

Free non-bottled water, juice, hot chocolate, and some coffees and teas.

Fitness center access.

Shows and entertainment.

Pools and kids pool play area.

Onboard activities.

Government fees and port taxes.

If you want to partake in specialty dining reservations, Wi-Fi, Norwegian cruise excursions or upgraded beverage packages, you'll have to pay fees (sometimes bundled for greater savings).

» Learn more: Are cruises all-inclusive?

Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered many features aboard its ships, some of which other cruise lines have imitated. These are some of the special features you'll find aboard some or all of the ships in NCL’s fleet.

Freestyle dining: open-seating in restaurants with extended hours and no reservations.

Private island: Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas is a private island for cruise passengers. NCL was the first cruise company to offer access to a private island, and it spurred a growing trend in the industry.

Full Broadway theater productions.

Onboard internet cafe.

Bowling alley at sea.

Bar entirely made out of ice, called the Skyy Vodka Ice Bar .

Studio accommodations for solo travelers, with a private lounge.

Sustainability-focused onboard bar with zero waste.

Collection of NFTs from a cruise company, available for sale.

Race track at sea.

Latitude Rewards awards members with points based on each night they sail, and they can earn bonus nights when booking certain categories of suites.

Occasional promotions also offer double-night credit. You will only earn cruise points on eligible sailings where you are paying a traditional fare; promotional sailings with a heavy discount might not be eligible, although you would still receive the benefits at your tier. Also, sailings on sister lines do not qualify for Latitude Rewards cruise points.

As you accrue nights, you earn elite status that delivers onboard benefits that grow with each status tier.

Latitude Rewards levels

The loyalty program has seven levels, from Bronze to Ambassador. The full roster of onboard amenities can be found on the Norwegian Cruise Line website . There are some extra perks that come with certain tiers.

How to earn Latitudes Rewards points

Earn one point for every night you spend on a sailing and double points in suites or The Haven category accommodations.

How to redeem points

This program does not offer any points to redeem. Instead, you would earn benefits on future cruises related to your particular elite tier. Ambassador members (700+ points) earn a free 7-night cruise.

Spending on the Norwegian Cruise Line® World Mastercard® won’t earn you Latitude Rewards points (the only way to do that is by sailing with NCL), but it will earn you WorldPoints. This currency can be redeemed for onboard credits on future sailings, Norwegian Cruise Line shore excursions and other travel experiences. The card has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for world travelers.

With the Norwegian Cruise Line® World Mastercard, you earn WorldPoints as follows:

3x points on NCL sailings.

2x points on eligible airfare and hotel purchases.

1x point on everything else.

Earn 20,000 WorldPoints, which is good for a $200 onboard credit or discount toward a future cruise, if you spend $1,000 or more in the first 90 days the account is open.

How to redeem WorldPoints

Each WorldPoints point is equivalent to one cent, which you can then redeem for things such as:

Stateroom upgrades.

Travel discounts.

Last-minute cruises.

Onboard credits.

Car rentals.

Hotel stays.

Gift cards.

» Learn more: The best cruise lines

No, but you can pay for a Wi-Fi package, which starts at $29.99 per day per device.

No, but all sailings do include accommodations, activities, food and beverages, and entertainment. There is the ability to purchase extra benefits on each ship.

There are several drink package options on NCL sailings:

Non-alcoholic

The Unlimited Soda package includes all fountain soda drinks for $9.95 per person per day.

The Unlimited Starbucks package includes all Starbucks drinks for $12.95 per person per day.

An adult over the age of 21 could opt for a non-alcoholic drink package, but that means everyone else on their reservation must also get non-alcoholic drink packages.

Premium offers most drinks that cost $15 and under. You can pay the difference if you choose a more expensive drink. This unlimited package costs $109 per person per day.

Premium Plus offers even more drink options, mostly premium and top-shelf category labels, bottled water, Starbucks drinks and energy drinks for a flat price of $138 per person per day.

Keep in mind that alcoholic drink packages must be purchased for all people above the age of 21 in the same reservation, and those under 21 must pay for the soda package. The policy is intended to prevent people over the age of 21 from getting alcoholic drinks for other members of their party that did not pay for the alcoholic drink package.

Norwegian Cruise Line offers sailings at different price points to a global range of destinations. It is also known for its beautiful hull art, pioneering Freestyle Dining and adding buzzworthy amenities like its frigid yet delightful Skyy Vodka Ice Bar, which ranks among the best cruise line bars anywhere.

Plus, with activities like race tracks, NCL cruises are fun for all types of travelers, and its loyalty program can provide added perks along the way.

(Top photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card

on Bank of America's website

1.5x-2x Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

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Norwegian cruise line holdings ltd. (nclh): a good day trading stock to buy now.

We recently compiled a list of the 10 Best Stocks For Day Trading . In this article, we are going to take a look at where Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NCLH) stands against the other day trading stocks.

At the press conference held on September 18, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell reiterated the central bank's commitment to its dual mandate of achieving maximum employment and price stability. He noted that the U.S. economy has remained strong, with GDP increasing at a steady rate of 2.2% in the first half of the year, while inflation has significantly moderated.

While the labor market has softened somewhat, it continues to show strength, with the unemployment rate still relatively low at 4.2%. Inflationary pressures have reduced, although inflation remains slightly above the 2% target, as core PCE prices have risen by 2.7% over the past year.

In light of these developments, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) chose to lower its policy interest rate by 50 basis points, a move intended to ease monetary policy. Powell explained that this action reflects growing confidence that labor market strength can be maintained, while inflation continues to decrease toward the Fed’s target. Powell emphasized the Fed’s flexibility in its approach and noted that future rate changes will depend on incoming data and the evolving economic landscape.

When questioned about the likelihood of future rate cuts, Powell said that each decision would be data-driven and made on a meeting-by-meeting basis. The Summary of Economic Projections (SEP) suggests a federal funds rate of 4.4% by the end of the year, with further reductions expected in the years ahead, which points to expectations of lower inflation and slightly higher unemployment.

Expert Opinion on Current Economic Conditions

At a CNBC interview on September 23, Stephanie Link, Chief Investment Strategist and Portfolio Manager at Hightower said that the market’s current state of confidence is driven by the belief that the Fed is successfully managing a soft landing and preparing for a cycle of rate cuts. She expects better-than-expected economic growth and earnings forecasts, despite the ongoing volatility in the market.

Link noted the strong recent data, which include improved retail sales, manufacturing, and housing permits, along with jobless claims at a four-month low. This backdrop supports earnings growth and any market weakness presents a buying opportunity, especially in sectors like technology, financials, and industrials.

When asked about her stock picks, Link highlighted Exxon, as she mentioned its low valuation, attractive forward earnings, and the recent acquisition of Pioneer. She expects this acquisition to drive significant production growth and sees multiple upcoming catalysts, such as an analyst meeting in December and new projects next year.

Although oil prices remain volatile due to geopolitical factors in the Middle East, Link downplayed the concerns about higher prices and said that the oil giant generates substantial profits even at lower oil prices. She said that the sector’s ability to return cash to shareholders through dividends and buybacks sees further upside in energy stocks despite the sector lagging recently.

Our Methodology

For this article, we identified over 35 stocks with a beta of over 2.5. Next, we narrowed the list to 10 stocks with the highest 5-year beta and average trading volume of over 10 million. The 10 best stocks for day trading are listed in ascending order of their beta. We also mentioned the hedge fund sentiment around each stock which was taken from Insider Monkey’s database of over 900 elite hedge funds.

Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points ( see more details here ).

A luxurious cruise ship overlooking a stunning horizon, highlighting the variety of its itineraries.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH )

5-year Beta (monthly): 2.71

Average Volume: 12,845,288

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 31

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NCLH) is making significant strides in the cruise industry as it operates a diverse portfolio that includes Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. With a modern fleet of 32 ships and approximately 66,500 berths, the company offers voyages to around 700 destinations worldwide.

It has ambitious growth plans, with 13 new ships scheduled for delivery by 2036, including five expected between 2025 and 2028. The expansion is a sign of the company's confidence in the recovery and future potential of the cruise market. It takes it spot among the best stocks for day trading.

For the second quarter, the company generated a record total revenue of $2.4 billion, which marked an 8% increase from the same period in 2023, and it was credited to a 4% increase in capacity. With a GAAP net income of $163.4 million and EPS of $0.35, Norwegian Cruise (NYSE:NCLH) is benefiting from a rebound in consumer demand.

Occupancy rates have also exceeded expectations, reaching 105.9% in the second quarter, and the company forecasts an average occupancy of 105.2% for the full year 2024. The strong performance highlights the growing appetite for cruise vacations, as evidenced by the surge in advanced ticket sales for 2025 sailings.

CEO Harry Sommer has emphasized the solid demand for cruises, which has been instrumental in achieving record results. As more travelers look to explore the world through cruising, the cruise operator is well-positioned to capture this interest. The recent introduction of Norwegian Luna, an innovative addition to the fleet unveiled on September 18, further improves the company's appeal.

The vessel is designed to elevate the cruising experience and features modern amenities and accommodates around 3,550 guests. It is set to launch in April 2026 with voyages to popular Caribbean destinations.

With these strong financial results, growing occupancy rates, and the launch of new ships, Norwegian Cruise (NYSE:NCLH) is not just recovering from past challenges but seems to be moving toward a prosperous future.

In the second quarter, 31 hedge funds had stakes in Norwegian Cruise (NYSE:NCLH), with total positions worth $526.303 million. As of June 30, Citadel Investment Group has increased its stake in the company by 11998% to 6.9 million shares worth $130.491 million and is the most significant shareholder.

Overall NCLH ranks 10th on our list of the best stocks for day trading. While we acknowledge the potential of NCLH as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is promising and trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock .

Read Next: $30 Trillion Opportunity: 15 Best Humanoid Robot Stocks to Buy According to Morgan Stanley and Jim Cramer Says NVIDIA ‘Has Become A Wasteland’ .

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey .

Everything you want to know about cabins and suites on Norwegian Cruise Line ships

Picking a cabin on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship isn't always easy.

For starters, there are a huge number of cabins available on some Norwegian ships. The line is known for operating some of the world's biggest cruise vessels — ships so big that some have more than 2,000 cabins each.

However, it's not just the sheer volume of cabins that makes choosing a room on a Norwegian ship a challenge. It's also the number of cabin categories.

On some of Norwegian's largest ships, including Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Joy, there are a whopping 39 different types of cabins — each a little different from the last.

The backstory here is that Norwegian ships are designed to appeal to a wide demographic, including travelers willing to spend at a wide range of price points. That's prompted Norwegian to offer a wide mix of cabin types.

The room choices the line offers on its ships range from relatively low-cost, windowless inside cabins measuring just 135 square feet (perfect for the budget traveler) to massive, multi-room suites that can be more than 50 times that size.

At the high end, the accommodations are aimed at affluent travelers who, for whatever reason, prefer the megaship experience to being on a luxury ship, and they truly are among the most spectacular accommodations at sea. Some, such as the giant Garden Villas found on six Norwegian ships — Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Star — sprawl over thousands of square feet and have as many as three bedrooms plus separate living rooms and dining rooms.

Related: The ultimate guide to Norwegian Cruise Line

A Norwegian Cruise Line cabin primer

As is typical for many cruise ships, Norwegian vessels offer cabins in four broad categories: Windowless "inside" cabins, ocean-view cabins, balcony cabins and suites.

On newer Norwegian ships, the majority of the cabins are balcony cabins. Cruise lines over the years have discovered that cruisers will pay a significant premium to have a balcony with their cabin, and that's prompted a rush to add more balcony cabins to ships.

However, Norwegian's newer vessels are also known for a large number of suites, including suites that are part of upscale private complexes called The Haven.

On Norwegian's 4-year-old Norwegian Encore, for instance, 19% of the 2,040 cabins are suites — a huge percentage for a large, mass-market cruise ship. On Royal Caribbean 's 4-year-old Symphony of the Seas, which launched at almost the same time as Norwegian Encore, by contrast, just 7% of cabins are suites. On Carnival Cruise Line 's 4-year-old Carnival Panorama, just 3% of cabins are suites.

Here is a breakdown of the cabin types on Norwegian Encore, which is typical for the line's newer ships:

Inside cabins: 453 (22%). Ocean-view cabins: 111 (5%). Balcony cabins: 1,090 (53%). Suites: 385 (19%).

On older Norwegian ships (and, in general, all older cruise ships), there are fewer suites — sometimes far fewer. Only 1% of the cabins on Norwegian's oldest vessel, the 1998-built Norwegian Spirit, are balcony cabins.

Inside cabins and oceanview cabins make up nearly half of all cabins on Norwegian Spirit. Here is a breakdown of the cabins on that vessel:

Inside cabins: 387 (29%). Ocean-view cabins: 223 (17%). Balcony cabins: 708 (58%). Suites: 18 (1%).

The takeaway here is that you'll have a tougher time locking down a suite on an older Norwegian ship than on a newer vessel. If you're planning a cruise on one of the line's older vessels and a suite is a must, you'll want to book early to make sure you get one.

Within each of the four broad categories of cabins on Norwegian ships, you'll find multiple subcategories. Norwegian Encore, for instance, has 16 different types of suites alone, from a Club Balcony Suite Guarantee (Category MX) that measures 249 square feet to The Haven Deluxe Owner's Suite with Large Balcony (Category H2) that measures nearly six times that amount.

In general, Norwegian cabins have a modern look with clean lines and contemporary furniture, plus lots of storage cleverly worked into the design.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Norwegian ship

Inside cabins on Norwegian Cruise Line ships

These are the cabins you stay in when you're on a tight budget. On any Norwegian ship, they are almost always the least expensive option when you're booking a cabin, and you can often save considerable money by booking an inside cabin versus an ocean-view or higher-level cabin.

What you'll give up, of course, is that ocean view. Your room will have four walls and no windows offering a glimpse of the outside world. In some cases, you'll find an inside cabin with a window opening up onto a hallway, but the view will be of nothing more than the hallway.

You'll also be in a very small room. Most inside cabins on the ship used in the examples above, Norwegian Encore, measure just 149 square feet. That's about 7% smaller than the typical ocean-view cabin on the vessel, which measures 160 square feet. The typical balcony cabin on Norwegian Encore is 175 square feet, not including a 30- to 110-square-foot balcony.

Related: Why windowless inside cabins aren't so bad

Of note, Norwegian is well-known for one particular type of inside cabin: unusually tiny, interior studio cabins designed for solo travelers.

Norwegian first added such cabins to a ship in 2010, on the then-new, 4,070-passenger Norwegian Epic. They were such a hit the line quickly began adding them to more vessels.

Measuring just 100 square feet but superbly designed to maximize storage space, the solo rooms on Norwegian Epic (there are 128 in all) are clustered around an exclusive Studio Lounge with a bar and television area where solos can mingle at daily hosted happy hour gatherings.

Since 2010, Norwegian has added similar solo cabin complexes with exclusive lounges to seven more new ships. Norwegian Encore has an 82-cabin solo complex spread over three decks.

The similarly sized Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Bliss also have 82-cabin solo complexes, while the smaller Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway have solo areas with 59 cabins. The line's two newest ships, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva , have 73 solo cabins.

Related: I've been on nearly every Norwegian ship. Here are my first impressions of Norwegian Prima

Norwegian also offers four solo cabins on its Hawaii- based Pride of America.

In most cases, these studio cabins have windows that face an interior hallway, though some solo cabins have windows and balconies.

Ocean-view cabins on Norwegian Cruise Line ships

With an ocean-view cabin, you get a window looking out to the sea but not an attached balcony where you can sit outside and enjoy the fresh air.

Norwegian's newer ships have relatively few such cabins, as generally cabins that face outward are now built with balconies.

In general, ocean-view cabins on Norwegian ships are bigger than inside cabins but not quite as big as balcony cabins (when comparing their interior space). However, you sometimes can find ocean-view cabins that are significantly bigger than what is typical for a balcony cabin. This is sometimes the case for ocean-view cabins at the front of ships, where there can be relatively large but odd-shaped rooms with windows but no balconies.

Several recent Norwegian vessels have some quite large ocean-view cabins at their fronts that measure from 240 to 372 square feet. Dubbed Family Oceanview Stateroom with Large Picture Window, they are designed to hold up to five people and are marketed to families.

Related: The ultimate guide to Norwegian's Latitude Rewards loyalty program

Balcony cabins on Norwegian Cruise Line ships

Balcony cabins are what everyone wants these days, and Norwegian is delivering with huge numbers of balcony cabins on all its newest ships.

On the line's new Prima-class ships, which began debuting in 2022, around 57% of rooms are balcony cabins — and that number jumps even higher if you include suites on the ship that have balconies (see below for more details on suites on Norwegian vessels).

Including suites, the percentage of cabins on the first two ships in the series to debut (Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva) that have balconies jumps to 64%. The percentage is even higher on the line's newest Breakaway-plus class vessels, at a very high 72%.

The typical Norwegian balcony cabin has a contemporary look with clean lines and relatively minimalist furniture. Norwegian balcony cabins typically offer twin beds that can be converted into a queen bed, a built-in desk area and a sofa that often pulls out into an additional bed.

Balcony cabins on Norwegian ships typically measure a bit over 200 square feet, including the balcony space, but some can be significantly bigger.

On Norwegian Encore, a category of balcony cabins known as Large Balcony cabins (category B6) measure 331 square feet, due to enormous balconies that measure 155 square feet. The ship also offers aft-facing balconies (category B1) that measure up to 426 square feet, again due to unusually large balconies.

Related: 6 reasons to book a balcony cabin

Suites on Norwegian Cruise Line ships

As mentioned above, Norwegian is known for a large number of suites on its ships. It's also known for some of the very biggest suites in the entire cruise industry.

The Garden Villas found on Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Star are truly stunning, with living areas with glass walls looking over the pool areas of the ships. They have as many as three bedrooms plus separate living rooms and dining rooms.

Some of the Garden Villas measure as much as 6,694 square feet — more than twice the size of the typical home in the United States.

Among notable extras, the Garden Villas have private outdoor sundecks and courtyards with hot tubs. Additionally, the Garden Villas on Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Star include private outdoor dining areas and steam rooms.

On more than half of Norwegian's ships, many of the top suites are part of an exclusive, keycard-accessed area called The Haven. Aimed at luxury travelers, The Haven complexes are located at the very top of the vessels and often come with private lounges, pools, sunning areas and even restaurants.

Related: 7 reasons to splurge on a cruise ship suite

Depending on the ship, top suites can come with such perks as private butlers and concierges who attend to your every need; access to a private restaurant; a private suite lounge and sun deck; reserved seating in entertainment venues; and priority boarding and disembarkation.

Just be ready to look through a lot of suite types if you're booking a Norwegian ship. Some Norwegian ships have up to four types of Penthouse suites available, for instance, and three kinds of family suites.

Bottom line

Norwegian has something for everyone when it comes to cabins on its ships.

You can book a small, inside cabin that will get you on board one of the line's vessels at a very reasonable cost or a super suite that will set you back many times more but that comes with all sorts of perks.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
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A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
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Protect Your Trip »

The 26 best new cruise ships for 2024.

Check out these exciting new vessels before booking your next cruise.

The Best New Cruise Ships

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Cruising is one of the fastest growing sectors of tourism, with passenger numbers projected to reach 37.2 million by 2025, according to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Cruise lines are responding to this growth by building new (and often, larger) vessels with all the bells and whistles, including technological advancements that are more environmentally friendly and create the capability to use alternative fuels.

U.S. News has compiled this roundup of new cruise ships that have just set sail or are scheduled to launch later in 2023 and in 2024, plus a preview of new ships coming in 2025 and beyond. The list includes everything from expedition and luxury yacht-style vessels to reimagined ships and megaships – plus the debut of a brand-new cruise line.

New ships for 2023
New ships for 2024
New ships for 2025 (and beyond)

Oceania Vista: May 2023

Oceania Cruises' Vista ship Atrium with staircase.

Courtesy of Oceania Cruises

Top feature: Luxurious, distinctive spaces

Fares begin around: $2,899 per person (double occupancy) for a 10-night Caribbean cruise

Sails to: Mediterranean, Caribbean

Debuted in May 2023, Oceania Vista is the first ship in Oceania Cruises ' new Allura class and the line's first new ship in 10 years. The 1,200-passenger, all-veranda vessel features a fresh interior design inspired by nature. The elegant new signature spaces include the dramatic Grand Staircase, the reimagined Martinis bar, the clubby Grand Lounge and 180-degree ocean views from the floor-to-ceiling windows at Horizons.

Another highlight of the new ship is the luxurious Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center. Elevated dining concepts on Oceania Vista include the new venue Ember, wellness-inspired cuisine at Aquamar Kitchen and The Bakery at Baristas, which specializes in French and Italian pastries.

Book an Oceania cruise on GoToSea, a service of U.S. News.

Carnival Venezia: May 2023

Exterior of Carnival Venezia outside St. Thomas.

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Top feature: Italian-style ship

Fares begin around: $419 per person (double occupancy) for an eight-night cruise to the Bahamas

Sails to: Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada and New England, Panama Canal

Originally built for the Chinese cruise market in 2019, Carnival Venezia first sailed throughout Asia under the Costa Cruises brand. It headed to Europe in 2020, then was reintroduced as a Carnival Cruise Line vessel in 2023. The rebranded ship, now homeported in the U.S., features Carnival's "Fun Italian Style" concept, with Venetian-style artwork and the Piazza San Marco atrium – not to mention Italian-inspired beverages and dishes at venues like Frizzante, Amari, Marco Polo, the Canal Grande Restaurant and La Strada Grill.

The 4,090-passenger ship has classic Carnival favorites, too, like Bonsai Teppanyaki, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Piano Bar 88 and the Serenity Bar. Guests will also find Carnival's Serenity Adult-Only Retreat, three kids clubs, the outdoor SportSquare and onboard water park WaterWorks.

Find a Carnival cruise on GoToSea.

Resilient Lady: May 2023

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

Top feature: New and exciting entertainment offerings

Fares begin around: $2,550 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night cruise to the Greek islands

Sails to: Europe, Middle East, Asia, Australia and South Pacific

Virgin Voyages' third adults-only ship , Resilient Lady , debuted with its MerMaiden voyage sailing the Greek islands in May 2023. The new 2,762-passenger ship offers the same features as its sister ships, including more than 20 dining venues with menus created by Michelin-starred chefs, an impressive fitness and wellness program, and superyacht-inspired cabins.

The immersive entertainment is one highlight on the new Virgin ship, with shows like rock 'n' roll "Persephone," a concept from the Brooklyn nightclub House of Yes produced by Kaleidoscope Immersive. The Supper Club Series featuring Another Rose is a new show by Randy Weiner of theatrical performance "Sleep No More." The evening with the Supper Club includes a dining experience with cabaret and acrobatic performances in a tale of ill-fated love.

Explore Virgin Voyages deals on GoToSea.

MSC Euribia: June 2023

Courtesy of MSC Cruises

Top feature: Commitment to sustainable cruising and environmental stewardship

Fares begin around: $219 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Northern Europe cruise

Sails to: Northern and Western Europe

The LNG-powered MSC Euribia has several features that exemplify the line's commitment to sustainable cruising , including an advanced onboard wastewater treatment system and energy-saving equipment like smart heating, air conditioning and ventilation. MSC Euribia's hull, decorated with the hashtag #SaveTheSea, was designed by artist Alex Flämig and is also a symbol of MSC Cruises ' dedication to preserving our fragile marine ecosystem.

One of the most striking features on MSC's fifth (and final) Meraviglia-class ship is the two-story Galleria Euribia. The 360-foot-long Mediterranean-style promenade – lined with shops, restaurants and bars – sits beneath the longest LED dome at sea. Another highlight is the Carousel Lounge at the aft of the ship. The new space features floor-to-ceiling windows, indoor and outdoor areas, and Big Band at Sea: a 19-piece in-house group of musicians and entertainers. MSC Euribia can accommodate up to 6,327 passengers.

Compare MSC Cruises on GoToSea.

Viking Saturn: June 2023

The Deluxe Veranda Stateroom aboard the Viking Star.

Courtesy of Viking

Top feature: "Residential design" (found on all Viking ocean vessels)

Fares begin around: $2,799 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Mediterranean cruise

Sails to: Mainland Europe, British Isles, Iceland, Mediterranean and India

The 930-passenger Viking Saturn is the ninth ship in the Viking Ocean Cruises fleet and identical in design to its eight sister ships. The all-veranda vessel offers six categories of accommodations ranging from the 270-square-foot Veranda Stateroom to the spacious 1,448-square-foot Owner's Suite. On board, guests will enjoy the sleek, elegant Scandinavian-inspired public spaces and lounges. The line's enrichment program includes lectures with resident historians, TED Talks and sessions with world-renowned guest speakers. There are eight dining venues featuring destination-focused cuisine, the Nordic Spa with its snow grotto, two pools and hot tubs, and a sports deck.

Book a Viking Ocean cruise on GoToSea.

Norwegian Viva: August 2023

Guests in Haven Courtyard and pool aboard the Norwegian Viva:.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Top feature: Indulge Food Hall

Fares begin around: $629 per person (double occupancy) for an eight-night Greek islands cruise

The line's second Prima-class ship, Norwegian Viva mirrors the elevated design of sister ship Norwegian Prima . The new ship features six complimentary dining venues, including globally inspired dishes at Indulge Food Hall, pub fare at The Local Bar & Grill and 270-degree ocean views at the beautifully redesigned main restaurant, Hudson's.

The Haven on Viva is the most exclusive and spacious private enclave in Norwegian Cruise Line 's fleet; it was designed by one of Italy's leading designers, Piero Lissoni. Guests will also find updated styling at Mandara Spa. There's no shortage of entertainment on Viva; it's home to the first free-fall dry slide in the world, a three-story racetrack, high-tech mini-golf and the musical "Beetlejuice." Viva has the capacity to carry up to 3,099 guests.

Find a Norwegian Cruise Line itinerary on GoToSea.

Explora I: August 2023

The Conservatory Pool & Bar on the Explora I.

Courtesy of Explora Journeys

Top feature: Luxury details and design, with a focus on sustainability

Fares begin around: $3,000 per person (double occupancy) for a six-night cruise to the Caribbean and Columbia

Sails to: Mediterranean and Western Europe, Caribbean and Central America, U.S. (including Hawaii) and Canada, Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula

Explora I is the first of six luxury vessels for new cruise line Explora Journeys. Owned by the Aponte family and MSC Group, the elegant 922-guest ship combines Swiss precision with modern European craftsmanship, offering suites and residences that are comfortable and spacious enough to be considered "homes at sea."

Guests can explore 14 decks offering nearly 27,000 square feet of outdoor space. Lounge at four pools (one with a retractable glass roof), book a rejuvenating body treatment at the spa, work out at the fitness center or browse the boutiques. There are also six dining venues, 12 bars and lounges, and a Chef's Kitchen for culinary classes and private dining. Regional wine pairings will accompany the onboard dining experience, which includes Pan-Asian, Mediterranean and French cuisine, as well as classic steakhouse offerings.

Compare Explora Journeys cruises on GoToSea.

Silver Nova: August 2023

S.A.L.T. Kitchen aboard the Silver Nova.

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Top feature: Ship's asymmetrical deck plan, which offers more open spaces and higher ceilings

Fares begin around: $3,850 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night cruise to Central and South America

Sails to: Caribbean, Central America, South America, U.S. West Coast, Alaska, Canada, Asia, Australia and New Zealand

Silversea Cruises' newest ship is the 728-guest Silver Nova . The 12th vessel in the fleet is ultra-luxurious and offers one of the highest space-to-guest ratios in the industry. Two highlights are the ship's asymmetrical design and aft suites, which have 270-degree views. Silver Nova's nine dining options include S.A.L.T. Kitchen's destination-inspired menus, Silversea 's classic dining experience at Atlantide and French cuisine at La Dame. Silver Nova is also Silversea's most environmentally friendly vessel yet.

Explore Silversea cruises on GoToSea.

Seven Seas Grandeur: November 2023

Regent Suite Bathroom aboard the Seven Seas Grandeur.

Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas

Top feature: "Journey in Jewels," the first Fabergé egg at sea

Fares begin around: $3,799 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night cruise to Mexico and Central America

Sails to: Mediterranean, Caribbean and Panama Canal

The 746-passenger Seven Seas Grandeur will be Regent Seven Seas Cruises' third Explorer-class vessel when it launches late this fall. While Grandeur is similar to its two sister ships, Explorer and Splendor , the new vessel features updated lounges, restaurants, spa spaces and suites. The line's signature Regent Suite – coming in at an impressive 4,443 square feet – has also been redesigned by Miami firm Studio DADO.

A few additional standout spaces include the art nouveau design of the Observation Lounge (located at the bow of the ship) and the reimagined Serene Spa. The stunning new Compass Rose is the ship's main dining room. Meanwhile, the onboard art collection is also notable: Seven Seas Grandeur will set sail with the first Fabergé egg at sea.

Compare Regent Seven Seas cruises on GoToSea.

Celebrity Ascent: November 2023

Private dining room at Le Voyage restaurant aboard the Celebrity Ascent.

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Top feature: 32 restaurants, bars and lounges, including the redesigned Le Voyage by Chef Daniel Boulud

Fares begin around: $756 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night cruise to Puerto Rico and the Caribbean

Sails to: Europe, Caribbean

The fourth ship in Celebrity Cruises' Edge class, Celebrity Ascent , will accommodate up to 3,260 passengers and offer the same features as other ships in the series. There are 32 bars, lounges and restaurants, including the newly designed Le Voyage by Chef Daniel Boulud.

Other favorites from the Edge-class ships will return on Ascent, such as the multideck Sunset Bar and an open-air Rooftop Garden with floating pools that are cantilevered over the edge of the ship. It's also home to Celebrity's Magic Carpet, a multipurpose 90-ton deck that moves up and down the side of the ship between Decks 2, 5, 14 and 16; it's used for everything from tendering passengers to hosting happy hours and private functions and late-night parties. Guests will also find Celebrity 's innovative Infinite Veranda staterooms and the exclusive ship-within-a ship concept of The Retreat.

Book a Celebrity Cruises itinerary on GoToSea.

Carnival Jubilee: December 2023

Top feature: Two new ocean-themed zones, Currents and The Shores

Fares begin around: $669 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise

Sails to: Western Caribbean

Carnival's newest ship in the Excel class, Carnival Jubilee , will offer six zones (fun themed areas) for up to 6,631 passengers. The LNG-powered vessel features two new zones: Currents and The Shores. Currents is an immersive space with innovative technology such as LED windows and a wave-shaped LED Ceiling. Located on Decks 6 and 7, the space offers new venues for imbibing, dining and listening to live music, such as casual bar Inks, Ph.D and stylish lounge The Golden Mermaid. This is also where you'll find Emeril's Bistro 717.

The Shores, located on Deck 8, features a three-deck-high art installation of a school of fish, a boardwalk, and vibrant colors throughout the indoor and outdoor spaces. Dining and bar venues include Rudi's Seagrill, Cucina del Capitano and Marina Bar. Enjoy other returning Carnival favorites on Jubilee such as the BOLT sea coaster, Waterworks, SportSquare, the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat, Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina.

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Icon of the Seas: January 2024

Top feature: Largest cruise ship in the world, carrying up to 7,600 passengers

Fares begin around: $1,930 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise

Sails to: Eastern and Western Caribbean

Icon of the Seas is the first Icon-class vessel in the Royal Caribbean International fleet – and the first new class of ship since 2014. When the massive vessel debuts in January 2024, it will replace Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas as the largest ship at sea (Icon of the Seas is 6% larger). The ship features eight distinct neighborhoods – including the new Surfside neighborhood, a colorful space geared toward family fun with kids clubs, Splashaway Bay, themed eateries and bars, adjacent staterooms and more.

There are four additional new neighborhoods as well. Thrill Island features Category 6, the largest water park at sea, while Chill Island boasts the line's first swim-up bar and The Hideaway features the first suspended infinity pool at sea. AquaDome, the impressive glass-enclosed space at the top of the ship, is home to the AquaTheater, panoramic ocean views, a waterfall, and bars and restaurants.

Sun Princess: February 2024

Park19 lookout and splash pad on the Sun Princess.

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Top feature: Princess Cruises' largest ship and the first in the line's Sphere class

Fares begin around: $577 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise

Sails to: Caribbean, Mediterranean

Sun Princess will have many new attractions when it launches in early 2024. It has the most balconies on any Princess Cruises ' ship, and you'll find exciting new dining, activity and entertainment offerings. One notable highlight is Park19, a top-deck space with activities for kids of all ages, including the Sea Breeze Rollglider, the first ride of its kind on a cruise ship. This new attraction soars 19 decks high and offers unparalleled views of the ocean below.

Cruisers can enjoy additional spaces like a two-story dome that is a pool during the day and a stage for shows at night; the European-inspired Piazza, which offers ocean vistas from nearly every angle; the Princess Arena, a high-tech performance space; the elegant three-story Horizons Dining Room; and the new Wake View Terrace with an infinity pool. There are also new styles of accommodations and expanded offerings for young children, tweens and teens. Sun Princess can accommodate up to 4,300 passengers.

Queen Anne: May 2024

The Bright Lights Society show bar on Cunard Line's Queen Anne.

Courtesy of Cunard Line

Top feature: The Pavilion, a glass-enclosed pool area with a retractable roof

Fares begin around: $1,199 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Western Mediterranean cruise

Sails to: Canary Islands, Mediterranean, Northern and Western Europe, Iceland, British Isles, Australia, Asia, Africa and Indian Ocean

When Queen Anne launches in spring 2024, it will be Cunard Line's 249th ship since the company's inception in 1840, and the line's first new vessel in 14 years. The 3,000-passenger ship will feature a fresh, modern design, yet still give a nod to the Cunard's art deco past.

Once on board, guests will discover new entertainment venues like the Bright Lights Society show bar and more wide-open spaces throughout the ship, as well as Cunard 's first two-story theater. New international dining options include Japanese restaurant Aji Wa with sushi and omakase menus, plus Indian cuisine at Aranya. Queen Anne also offers an extensive health and wellness program in collaboration with health group Mareel that features a large thermal suite, a spa pool and a top-deck wellness studio.

Find a Cunard cruise on GoToSea.

Utopia of the Seas: July 2024

The Ultimate Abyss slide on Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas.

Top feature: Three- and four-night ultimate weekend getaways

Fares begin around: $471 per person (double occupancy) for a three-night Bahamas cruise

Sails to: Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay (Royal Caribbean's private island)

Utopia of the Seas will be Royal Caribbean's sixth (and final) Oasis-class ship when it debuts in summer 2024. With a capacity of 5,668 passengers, the vessel will join the line's other Oasis- and Icon-class ships as the largest cruise ships sailing on the high seas. The ship will have the same eight neighborhoods as other Oasis-class ships, including Central Park, The Boardwalk and the Pool & Sports Zone.

The 40-plus food and beverage options will include new additions like the Pesky Parrot bar and a themed "mixed reality" dining experience that takes place on a train. A reimagined playscape is another addition, with nets, games, puzzles, slides and climbing walls for junior cruisers. The line's Ultimate Abyss – a dry slide with 10 stories of thrilling twists and turns – will now stretch an additional 43 feet, making it the longest dry slide at sea.

Explora II: August 2024

Top feature: Luxurious cabins

Fares begin around: $4,500 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Mediterranean cruise

Sails to: Caribbean and Central America, Mediterranean, Arabian Peninsula and Red Sea, India, Indian Ocean and Africa

As sister ship to Explora I, Explora II will offer the same transformative travel experience for 922 guests. The luxury vessel will feature 461 oceanfront suites with private terraces. Cruisers can take advantage of 11 culinary options across six dining venues, a dozen indoor and outdoor bars and lounges, and a Chef's Kitchen. Guests will also have access to four pools, 64 private cabanas and wellness facilities.

Silver Ray: Summer 2024

Top feature: One of the most spacious ships ever built; extraordinary space-to-guest ratio

Fares begin around: $4,000 per person (double occupancy) for a nine-night cruise to South America

Sails to: Mediterranean, Northern Europe, British Isles, South America, Caribbean and Central America

Silver Ray, Silversea's second Nova-class ship, is scheduled to set sail in summer 2024. The 728-passenger, low-emissions vessel will offer the same advanced hybrid fuel technologies as its sister ship, Silver Nova. It will also have Silver Nova's horizontal layout and asymmetrical design, creating more open public areas and providing suites with 270-degree views. In addition, guests on board the luxury vessel will have their choice of eight dining venues and a wide selection of bars and lounges, including The Marquee, a new alfresco restaurant.

Viking Vela: December 2024

Top feature: Larger than Viking's other ocean vessels, carrying up to 998 passengers

Fares begin around: $4,999 per person (double occupancy) for a 12-night northern lights cruise

Sails to: Scandinavia, British Isles, Iceland

Measuring 748 feet long and 101 feet wide, Viking Vela will be the line's largest ship when it debuts at the end of 2024. It will accommodate 68 more passengers than its sister ships, but feature Viking's signature veranda staterooms, public spaces, amenities and dining venues. Seasoned Viking cruisers can look forward to favorites like The Nordic Spa, the Wintergarden, Mamsen's, the Explorers' Lounge, the Sports Deck, Manfredi's Italian Restaurant and The Chef's Table.

Disney Treasure: December 2024

Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Top feature: Debut of new Disney Parks-inspired onboard venues

Fares begin around: $4,028 per person (double occupancy) for a seven-night Caribbean cruise

Sails to: Eastern and Western Caribbean, Castaway Cay (Disney Cruise Line's private island)

Fans of Disney Cruise Line will find many familiar venues, attractions and restaurants on the new Disney Treasure, sister ship of Disney Wish . However, there will also be plenty of new features, including the theme of the ship: adventure. The Grand Hall, inspired by the movie "Aladdin," is designed with dark shades of blue, turquoise and gold and features a golden statue of a magic carpet with Aladdin and Jasmine.

Plaza de Coco replaces Disney Wish's "Frozen" dining experience with a two-night Mexican, "Coco"-themed theatrical dinner show. Meanwhile, "Disney The Tale of Moana" – a Broadway-style production based on the film "Moana" – will be exclusive to Disney Treasure. Adults will also find new lounges, such as the Jungle Cruise-themed Skipper Society and the Periscope Pub, which is inspired by "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea." Disney Treasure can carry up to 4,000 passengers.

Explore Disney Cruise Line deals on GoToSea.

MSC World America: Spring 2025

MSC's new futuristic ship – and sister ship to MSC World Europa – will be based in Miami and sail the Caribbean. The LNG-powered, 6,762-passenger ship will offer more than 420,000 square feet of public space and many of the attractions found on World Europa, such as the MSC Luna Park Arena and World Galleria. There will also be more than 30 dining venues, bars and lounges, as well as the line's private enclave, MSC Yacht Club.

Oceania Allura: June 2025

Oceania Allura will be the eighth ship in Oceania's fleet, the second vessel of the line's Allura class and the sister ship to Oceania Vista. The 1,200-passenger Allura will offer the same upscale amenities as Vista, as well as a new Chef's Studio and one of the highest space-to-guest and staff-to-guest ratios in the cruise industry. Allura is scheduled to debut in June 2025.

Star Princess: August 2025

Star Princess is scheduled to set sail in 2025 as the sister ship to Sun Princess. The 4,300-passenger, LNG-powered ship will offer the same features as Sun Princess, including the Dome, the Piazza and the line's Signature Collection Suites. The vessel will also have 29-plus restaurants and bars.

Star of the Seas: Summer 2025

Royal Caribbean plans to introduce Star of the Seas – the second Icon-class vessel and sister to Icon of the Seas – in summer 2025.

Disney Cruise Line: 2025

Disney purchased the former Global Dream from Genting's Dream Cruises in 2022, when it was still being built at the German shipyard MV Werften. Disney plans to base the ship in Singapore for at least five years, offering Disney vacations to the Southeast Asian market. When it launches in 2025, the vessel will be the line's seventh ship and is expected to carry 6,000 passengers. Another newly built, currently unnamed Disney ship is planned to debut in 2025, as well.

Norwegian Cruise Line: 2025 and beyond

The third Prima-class ship is expected to be approximately 10% larger than the first ship in the class, Norwegian Prima (143,535 gross tons). The following ships for the line are anticipated to be even larger, with the fifth and sixth Prima-class vessels (debuting in 2027 and 2028) weighing as much as 171,000 gross tons.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity's fifth Edge-class ship will be more eco-friendly, thanks to the addition of a new tri-fueled engine model and the capacity to store three different kinds of fuel, including methanol. The effort toward net-zero emissions and more sustainable cruising is a partnership between Royal Caribbean, the French shipyard Chantiers de L'Atlantique and the technology firm Wärtsilä. A debut date for this ship has not yet been announced.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed to destinations around the globe on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, luxury yachts, expedition vessels and traditional masted sailing ships. She used her extensive experience with cruises to write this article. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

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Norwegian Cruise Line ships from newest to oldest — the complete list

W hat's the newest Norwegian Cruise Line ship? Knowing the answer is more important than you might think if you're planning a Norwegian cruise.

The newest Norwegian cruise ship is typically also the Norwegian ship with the most modern, up-to-date cabins and the most enticing mix of restaurants, bars and attractions. It's the right choice if you want the creme de la creme of the Norwegian fleet as your floating home away from home.

Right now, the newest Norwegian cruise ship is Norwegian Viva , which debuted in August 2023. It's the second ship in Norwegian's new Prima Class of vessels that began debuting in 2022 with the arrival of Norwegian Prima .

Other relatively new Norwegian Cruise Line ships include Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Joy. All began sailing in the last seven years.

In all, Norwegian operates 19 cruise vessels. On average, the line comes out with about one new ship every 18 months, and it typically keeps vessels in its fleet for between 20 and 30 years before retiring them. The oldest Norwegian Cruise Line ship, Norwegian Spirit, is 26 years old.

Norwegian's newest ships are generally far bigger and much more amenity-packed than its older ships. If you crave a lot of activities on a Norwegian cruise vacation, you'll want to stick to vessels built in the last 13 or so years.

Related: The 9 classes of Norwegian Cruise Line ships, explained

In many cases, Norwegian Cruise Line's oldest cruise ships — built in the 1990s and early 2000s — are just half the size of the line's newest vessels and have fewer venues on board. Still, even these smaller ships offer many attractions compared to some vessels at competing lines.

Here is a list of every Norwegian Cruise Line ship currently in operation, ranked from newest to oldest.

1. Norwegian Viva

Maiden voyage : 2023

Size : 143,535 gross tons

Passenger capacity : 3,099

2. Norwegian Prima

Maiden voyage : 2022

3. Norwegian Encore

Maiden voyage : 2019

Size : 169,116 gross tons

Passenger capacity : 3,998

4. Norwegian Bliss

Maiden voyage : 2018

Size : 168,028 gross tons

Passenger capacity : 4,004

5. Norwegian Joy

Maiden voyage : 2017

Size : 167,725 gross tons

Passenger capacity : 3,804

6. Norwegian Escape

Maiden voyage : 2015

Size : 164,998 gross tons

Passenger capacity : 4,266

7. Norwegian Getaway

Maiden voyage : 2014

Size : 145,655 gross tons

Passenger capacity : 3,963

8. Norwegian Breakaway

Maiden voyage : 2013

9. Norwegian Epic

Maiden voyage : 2010

Size : 155,873 gross tons

Passenger capacity : 4,100

10. Norwegian Gem

Maiden voyage : 2007

Size : 93,530 gross tons

Passenger capacity : 2,394

11. Norwegian Pearl

Maiden voyage : 2006

12. Norwegian Jade

Size : 93,558 gross tons

Passenger capacity : 2,402

13. Norwegian Jewel

Maiden voyage : 2005

Size : 93,502 gross tons

Passenger capacity : 2,376

14. Pride of America

Size : 80,439 gross tons

Passenger capacity : 2,186

15. Norwegian Dawn

Maiden voyage : 2002

Size : 92,250 gross tons

Passenger capacity : 2,340

16. Norwegian Star

Maiden voyage : 2001

Size : 91,740 gross tons

Passenger capacity : 2,348

17. Norwegian Sun

Size : 78,309 gross tons

Passenger capacity : 1,936

18. Norwegian Sky

Maiden voyage : 1999

Size : 77,104 gross tons

Passenger capacity : 2,004

19. Norwegian Spirit

Maiden voyage : 1998

Size : 75,904 gross tons

Passenger capacity : 2,032

What is the newest Norwegian Cruise Line ship?

The newest Norwegian Cruise Line ship is Norwegian Viva. As noted above, it debuted in August 2023 . Measuring 143,535 gross tons and carrying 3,099 passengers at double occupancy, it's almost identical to Norwegian's last new ship, Norwegian Prima. Both ships are part of the line's new six-ship Prima Class series, which will be rolling out through 2028.

Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Prima are notably smaller vessels than other new Norwegian cruise ships unveiled over the past 15 years, but they still have nearly as many restaurants, bars, showrooms and deck-top attractions as you'll find on the bigger vessels.

TPG sailed on the maiden voyages of Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Prima and has covered them extensively. For more on the ships, see the following guides and reviews:

5 things I love about Norwegian Viva — and 5 that disappoint me
I've been on nearly every Norwegian ship; here are my first impressions of Norwegian Prima
$12 for a drink made from leftover banana peels? My strange night out at Norwegian Prima's 'zero-waste' bar
Norwegian Prima has a ridiculously big go-kart track — here's why I loved it
Can luxury cruisers fall in love with Norwegian Prima? TPG finds out
Did Norwegian Cruise Line make its new ships too small? Executives hint at an answer

What is the oldest Norwegian Cruise Line ship?

The oldest Norwegian Cruise Line ship is Norwegian Spirit. Unveiled in 1998, it's not just the oldest Norwegian Cruise Line ship but the smallest Norwegian Cruise Line ship — far smaller than the newest Norwegian vessels. At 75,904 tons, Norwegian Spirit is less than half the size of recently unveiled Norwegian Encore, and it carries just 1,966 passengers — about 2,000 fewer than the Norwegian biggies.

In part because of its smaller size, Norwegian Spirit also offers fewer (but still quite a few) venues and attractions than newer Norwegian vessels. In all, you'll find 13 food outlets on Norwegian Spirit, including two main restaurants, a casual buffet eatery and versions of the line's signature Cagney's steakhouse and French-inspired Le Bistro. There are more than half a dozen bars and cafes.

Deck-top attractions on Norwegian Spirit include several pools, whirlpools, waterslides, a basketball court and a jogging track. The ship also has a casino, a spa, a nightclub and a theater.

What new Norwegian Cruise Line ships are coming?

Norwegian Cruise Line currently has eight new cruise ships on order — more than any other major cruise brand. The first to arrive will be Norwegian Aqua in April 2025. It'll be the third ship in the line's new Prima Class series.

Additionally, three more ships in this Prima Class series are on order for delivery in 2026, 2027 and 2028, respectively.

Related: The ultimate guide to Norwegian Cruise Line ships and itineraries

All four of these coming Prima Class ships, including Norwegian Aqua, will be somewhat bigger than the first two vessels in the series to allow for more cabins and public areas. The last two ships in the series will also be expanded to accommodate new, bigger fuel tanks that can hold methanol — a cleaner-burning type of fuel.

In addition to the four additional Prima Class vessels, Norwegian also has ordered four giant new ships that could start sailing between 2030 and 2036.

The as-yet-unnamed series of new ships will measure about 200,000 gross tons, which will make them about 18% bigger than the biggest ships currently in the Norwegian fleet.

These four big vessels are scheduled to be finished and ready to sail in 2030, 2032, 2034 and 2036, respectively.

All eight ships currently on order for the Norwegian Cruise Line brand will be constructed by Fincantieri, an Italy-based shipbuilding company.

What is the newest Norwegian Cruise Line ship available for booking?

Norwegian Aqua is the newest Norwegian Cruise Line ship you can book now. While the ship isn't yet sailing, its initial voyages scheduled for April 2025 are already on sale, as are future sailings through April 2026. The seven other Norwegian ships on order have yet to open for bookings.

What is the newest class of Norwegian Cruise Line ships?

The Prima Class is the newest class of Norwegian ships. For now, there are only two vessels in the class that you can sail — the recently unveiled Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Prima. The class will eventually be made up of at least six vessels.

The series is destined to massively expand Norwegian's footprint in the cruise business and, if all goes according to plan, significantly transform the brand. The line currently operates 19 vessels around the world. Assuming it doesn't retire any of its older ships over the next few years, it will grow to 23 ships by 2028 with the addition of four more Prima Class vessels.

Including the just-unveiled Norwegian Viva, that's a 28% increase in its fleet size in just five years.

At 143,535 tons, Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Prima are notably smaller than the vessels Norwegian has added to its fleet in recent years. The line's last new ship before the addition of the two vessels, the 2019-built Norwegian Encore, was about 18% bigger than Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Prima at 169,116 tons.

Norwegian executives have said the smaller size of the new Prima Class ships would give the line more options in designing itineraries; the vessels are able to access smaller ports around the world than the bigger Norwegian ships can.

What's the difference between newer and older Norwegian Cruise Line ships?

Newer Norwegian Cruise Line ships are generally bigger than older Norwegian ships — sometimes much bigger. As a result, they have room for many more onboard venues and attractions than the line's older vessels.

On Norwegian's relatively new Breakaway Plus Class vessels (Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Escape), you'll find multiple pools, waterslides, a kiddie splash zone and — on most of the ships — a sprawling go-kart racing track. Each vessel also offers real Broadway shows in big, state-of-the-art theaters, as well as sprawling spas, casinos that fill half a deck, dedicated children's play zones and more than 2,000 rooms.

Additionally, the two newest ships in this series, Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Joy, have large gaming and virtual reality zones called the Galaxy Pavilion.

In short, they're like giant floating versions of the megaresorts you find in the Orlando and Las Vegas areas, and they appeal to people who like a megaresort experience.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship

Norwegian's older ships, in many cases, are about half the size of the line's newer ships and lack many of the above features. They have a much more intimate feel, at least in the pantheon of relatively big, mass-market ships, and they hold far fewer people. While Breakaway Plus Class ships can hold around 4,000 passengers, based on double occupancy, the line's oldest vessels are only designed to carry about 2,000 passengers at double occupancy.

Norwegian's oldest ships are a good choice for vacationers who want to try Norwegian but aren't eager to travel with huge crowds. The oldest ships in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet thus appeal to a subset of Norwegian fans who prefer more intimacy in a cruise vessel and don't mind giving up some onboard amenities to get that. They are also often less expensive to sail on, on a per-day basis.

Related: Norwegian Cruise Line's Latitudes Rewards loyalty program guide: Everything you need to know

Because of their size, Norwegian's oldest ships can operate itineraries to places that aren't as easy for big ships to visit. Not all ports worldwide can handle a ship the size of Norwegian Encore.

Note that all Norwegian ships are regularly renovated and upgraded every few years, so even the oldest Norwegian cruise vessels have newer carpeting, updated furniture, modern decor in cabins and other updates. In many cases, their eateries and bars have been entirely renovated over the years with concepts that first debuted on newer vessels.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
8 cabin locations on cruise ships you should definitely avoid
Which cruise brand is best for you? A guide to the most popular lines
21 tips and tricks that will make your first cruise go smoothly
15 ways that cruising newbies waste money on their first cruise
The 15 best cruise ships for people who never want to grow up
Cruise packing list: The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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The best last-minute family cruise deals for the October half term

Autumn cruises can be a fantastic way to prolong summer, secure a great-value deal, and explore places off-season. They also promise an exciting adventure for little ones, too, whether it’s making the most of a ship’s amenities on sea days (hello, kids’ clubs ) or hopping off-shore to explore new destinations.

And with the average age of a cruise passenger estimated to now be 47, it’s no surprise many families are choosing to book a cruise during the school holidays. A cruise allows you to see a plethora of places without the need to unpack more than once, plus boarding a cruise often means you can forgo busy airports.

Whether you fancy sailing along California ’s Golden Coast this half term, swimming in the azure waters of the Caribbean , or embarking on a Halloween-themed cruise in the Bahamas , we’ve rounded up some of the best family-friendly deals for you to snap up in time for the upcoming October break.

MSC Cruises: northern Europe

Hamburg – rotterdam – zeebrugge – le havre – southampton – hamburg.

Whether it’s Hamburg’s scenic Planten un Blomen botanical gardens and their nightly dancing fountains, Rotterdam’s fun-packed Maritime Museum, or hunting for the best Belgian chocolate in Zeebrugge, children (and adults) will love this seven-night exploration of northern Europe . You’ll find plenty to entertain you – and them – on board MSC Preziosa , from West End-style shows to three pools (one undercover) and a splash park. There are also five free kids’ clubs on board, open from 9am to 11pm, so you can make the most of the facilities, or take some much-needed downtime.

Departs Hamburg 27 October 2024. From £749 per person for an interior cabin; flights not included

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Royal Caribbean: Bahamas & Perfect Day

Fort lauderdale – nassau – perfect day at cococay – fort lauderdale.

A favourite with families, Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas offers everything from a mini golf green, impressive water slides, a surf simulator, an ice-skating rink and a rock climbing wall. If you’re looking for some downtime during this four-night Caribbean cruise – or to pass a relaxing few hours in the tranquil adults-only Solarium – Royal Caribbean’s kids’ club caters for ages three to 11. Off-shore, kids can make the most of soft, sandy beaches and coral reef snorkelling in Nassau, as well as Royal Caribbean’s private island destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay, which offers a waterpark, unmissable views from a helium balloon, and a zip line. Be sure to look out for Royal Caribbean’s Kids Sail Free and Kids Sail for Less deals.

Departs Fort Lauderdale 28 October 2024. From £263 per person for an interior statetoom; flights not included

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P&O: Canary Islands Fly-Cruise

Tenerife – madeira - la palma – fuerteventura – tenerife.

For a half term with a difference, fly to Tenerife to kick off a seven-night Canary Islands cruise aboard P&O’s Azura . Tempting off-shore activities include whale-watching excursions and cable car trips to scenic Mount Teide in Tenerife, a visit to Ilha das Aves – a mini zoo home to 300 birds – in Madeira, and swimming in the turquoise seas of Fuerteventura. The two sea days are guaranteed to be fun-packed too with on-board amenities including an open-air cinema, children’s club and night nursery, four swimming pools and six whirlpool spas.

Departs 25 October 2024. From £929 per person for an inside cabin; includes return flights from Bristol

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Tui Cruises: Mediterranean Medley

Palma – valencia – barcelona – toulon – villefranche – livorno – palma.

Tui Cruise’s seven-night Mediterranean Medley aboard Marella Voyager is a great way to explore the Med this half term, whether that’s getting an obligatory family photo beneath the Leaning Tower of Pisa, or enjoying lunch at an underwater aquarium restaurant in Valencia. The newest vessel in the fleet, Marella Voyager , first set sail in June 2023, and has everything from an open-air cinema on deck 11 to pizza-making classes.

Departs 26 October 2024. From £1,486 per person; includes return flights from Bournemouth

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Celebrity Cruises: southern Caribbean Cruise

San juan – philipsburg – antigua – castries – bridgetown – roseau – san juan.

Calling at six ports, this seven-night round trip from Puerto Rico aboard Celebrity Summit calls at a number of scintillating Caribbean islands including Sint Maarten, Antigua, St Lucia, Barbados and Dominica. While off-shore excursions include scenic catamaran trips, there’s plenty to do on board, too, including Celebrity’s Camp at Sea entertainment programme, open 9am-10pm. If you’re looking for a room to house a big brood, the family veranda staterooms come with a spacious outdoor balcony, privacy partition and convertible sofas.

Departs 26 October 2024. From £623 for an ocean view cabin; flights not included

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Norwegian Cruise Line: Mediterranean: Italy, France & Spain

Barcelona – cannes – livorno – civitavecchia – naples – messina – valletta – cagliari – palma – barcelona.

For those with wiggle room around half term dates, Norwegian’s Mediterranean itinerary aboard Norwegian Escape promises a whistle stop tour of Italy, France and Spain. Ports of call on this 10-day Med tour include Barcelona, Cannes, Livorno, Civitavecchia, Naples, Messina, Valletta, Cagliari and Palma, giving little ones the chance to try plenty of local specialities, from pizza to pasta, gelato to tapas. Norwegian Cruise Line is a great option for families looking for flexibility, with no set time for dining. There’s also a complimentary kids’ club for those aged between three and 17, and Kids Sail Free deals take place around the year – keep your eyes peeled.

Departs 29 October 2024. From £758 for an inside cabin; flights not included

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Princess Cruises: 7-day Classic Californian Coast

San francisco – santa barbara – los angeles – san diego – ensenada - san francisco.

Revel in the delights of California’s Golden Coast and Baja California aboard Ruby Princess on this fun-filled seven-day cruise . Setting sail from San Francisco, the journey will transport you along California’s scenic coastline, with stop-offs along the way including Santa Barbara and Los Angeles . Families are sure to love trips to Alcatraz, just offshore from San Francisco, whale watching in Santa Barbara and visiting Universal Studios in LA. Ruby Princess also promises plenty for families on board, with the chance to enjoy top-deck stargazing, an indoor planetarium, family-friendly shows and Camp Discovery, the on-board kids’ club that caters for three-year-olds to teenagers.

Departs 26 October 2024. From £550 for an interior room; flights not included

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Disney Cruise Line: three-night Halloween on the Seas

Port canaveral – nassau – disney castaway cay – port canaveral.

From Broadway-quality shows to fireworks extravaganzas and the chance for children to meet their favourite characters, Disney cruises are always a great idea for families, and this one happens to coincide with Halloween. Guaranteed to be filled with spooky surprises, think Disney characters in Halloween fancy dress and spooktacular desserts. Halloween on the Seas aboard Disney Wish will call at Nassau and Disney’s private island, Disney Castaway Cay, with plenty of beach day treats and activities guaranteed. The short itinerary is also a great option if you’re considering booking your first family cruise.

Departs 31 October 2024. From £1,860 for a stateroom; flights not included

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2025 Hawaii Cruises: Explore the Hawaiian Islands & More

Taking a cruise to Hawaii lets you experience a superbly relaxing vacation filled with exotic sights, fragrant scents, and clear, warm water. When you book a Hawaiian cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line, you'll enjoy the luxuries and upscale amenities found aboard Norwegian Pride of America.

Imagine savoring a tropical drink while lounging by the pool, being mesmerized by hula dancers at a luau, or taking a guided shore excursion to historic or scenic destinations. You'll experience all this and more when you take a Norwegian cruise to the Hawaiian Islands.

Are you ready to visit the beautiful islands of Hawaii? Check out these cruises to Hawaii in 2025 on Norwegian for an exotic and relaxing vacation.

Ready to start planning? Explore all Hawaii cruises .

Norwegian's Year-Round Hawaiian Islands Cruise

The 7-Day Norwegian Pride of America Hawaiian Islands, Hawaii Inter-Island cruise is a year-round cruise vacation that starts in the bustling city of Honolulu on the island of Oahu. You'll have seven days with five ports of call to see the highlights of the Hawaiian islands.

Itinerary and Key Attractions

Arrive in Honolulu a day or two earlier than your departure day to explore Hawaii's largest city and its surroundings. You'll have sweeping views of the city and the shimmering blue water of the Pacific when you arrive at Diamond Head , one of Honolulu's prominent landmarks. Step back in history by taking a tour of Pearl Harbor and the National Cemetery of the Pacific . If you have time, take a trip to the North Shore of Oahu to watch surfers take on the big waves at Pipeline or Sunset Beach.

When you're finished exploring Honolulu, board Norwegian Pride of America, which will depart from Honolulu. You'll spend the night at sea and wake up the next morning in the city and port of Kahului, Maui . While in Maui, book a snorkel tour to see colorful fish off the crescent-shaped volcanic crater Molokini , take the Road to Hana , or relax on one of Hawaii's best beaches at Poipu.

RELATED CRUISES: 7-Day Hawaii Inter-Island from Honolulu 15-Day South Pacific From Papeete to Sydney: Fiji, Moorea & Samoa 14-Day South Pacific From Honolulu to Papeete: Kauai, Maui & Moorea

On day four, you'll leave Kahului and arrive the next morning in Hilo, Hawaii , known as the Big Island. Spend the day strolling through the historic downtown and visiting the East Hawaii Cultural Center, or take a guided Hilo shore excursion to Volcanoes National Park , the secrets of Puna or Hamakua .

Day five finds you in Kona, Hawaii , where you can relax on one of the picturesque beaches, shop for souvenirs, or enjoy a guided Kona shore excursion of Historic Kona or the Gold Coast and Cloud Forest tour . After departing Kona, you'll again spend the night at sea and arrive at Nawiliwili, Kauai , where you'll spend the night on the Garden Island before departing on day seven.

While on this island, take a guided Kauai shore excursion of Waimea Canyon , known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Learn more about the history of Kauai when you visit Kamokila Hawaiian Village, and enjoy wandering through the Kauai Coffee Estate as you learn how coffee is grown, harvested, and roasted.

On your final day, you'll depart Kauai and arrive at the port in Honolulu for an early morning disembarkation.

Catch Breathtaking Sunsets in Hawaii on a Cruise with Norwegian

11-Day Oahu Explorer Cruisetour

On the 11-Day Oahu Explorer Hyatt Waikiki Standard View Cruisetour , you'll have a seven-day Hawaii cruise with five ports of call and three nights on land at the first-class Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa in Oahu, along with scheduled Norwegian shore excursions. On day one, you'll arrive at this stunning resort, check into your room, relax with a beverage, and enjoy fine dining at the hotel.

Your land adventure begins on day two with a guided tour of the Dole Plantation and Polynesian Cultural Center, where you'll learn about the history of pineapple cultivation on the islands. You'll be mesmerized by the dance, music, and culture of the early Hawaiian settlers from the nations of Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and New Zealand.

Put on your walking shoes for day three's activities, including a trip to Pearl Harbor and a tour of downtown Honolulu, where you can gaze upon the King Kamehameha statue and be in awe of the magnificent Iolani Palace.

See Wildlife in Hawaii such as Green Sea Turtles

On day four, your tour will take you to South Coast Landscapes and the Kualoa Ranch . You'll visit a working cattle ranch and a 4,000-acre private nature reserve. When you return to Norwegian Pride of America, you'll depart for your next port of call.

Your itinerary is similar to the Norwegian Hawaiian Islands agenda, but you'll spend day five sleeping overnight on the island of Maui, where you can take a shore excursion to Hana. On day nine, you'll spend the night on the island of Kauai, where you can enjoy a traditional luau. On day 10, you'll depart Nawiliwili, Kauai, and have an overnight cruise back to Honolulu for an early morning disembarkation.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Norwegian Cruise Line (@norwegiancruiseline)

Norwegian offers three cruises to the Hawaiian Islands in 2025, including the year-round seven-day Norwegian Pride of America Hawaiian Islands trip. Being on a cruise is a fabulous way to explore the four main Hawaiian islands without having to pack and unpack at each destination. When you're planning your Hawaiian Islands cruise vacation, sign up for emails to get discounts and promotions to help enhance your tropical getaway.

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Best Norwegian Cruises. U.S. News ranks 19 Best Norwegian Cruises based on an analysis of reviews and health ratings. Norwegian Joy is the top-ranked ship overall. But you can filter your search ...
Norwegian Cruise Line Ships Ranked Best To Worst (Based On Real
8. Norwegian Gem. Norwegian Gem is very similar to other ships in the Gem class, and so doesn't have any particular features or notable attractions to shout about. It's still a good mid-size cruise ship that doesn't feel too crowded though, and there's enough on board to keep families and couples entertained with ease.
The best Norwegian Cruise Line ship for every type of traveler
The best Norwegian Cruise Line ships for families, hands down, are the four giant, activity-packed ships of its Breakaway-Plus class: Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Escape. Of these, Norwegian Encore — the biggest of them all — is our top pick. At 169,116 tons and carrying 3,958 passengers, Norwegian Encore ...
10 Best Norwegian Cruise Line Ships
3. Norwegian Encore - Overall Score: 9.5/10. Introduced in 2019, the Norwegian Encore has quickly become a favorite among cruisers. This ship is a celebration of the arts, with the Tony Award®-winning musical "Kinky Boots" headlining its entertainment lineup. The Encore's cabins are a blend of luxury and practicality.
Norwegian Cruise Line: List of Ships, Reviews & More
Norwegian's 19-ship fleet sails all over the world, with itineraries lasting anywhere from three to 21 days. The cruise line is also planning to add longer sailings, fewer sea days and more days ...
Best Norwegian Cruise Line Ships for 2024
Staterooms. Best Norwegian Cruise Line Ships for Staterooms - Photo by Norweigan Cruise Line. Norwegian Prima - 4.327. Norwegian Escape - 4.275. Norwegian Encore - 4.269. Norwegian Viva - 4.251. Norwegian Bliss - 4.218.
Top Norwegian Cruise Line Ships for 2023
As the pioneer of the 'freestyle' dining concept, Norwegian Cruise Line is known for its diverse mix of included and specialty restaurants. These are the top five best Norwegian Cruise Line ships in food and dining for 2023: Norwegian Escape - 4.319. Norwegian Encore - 4.306. Norwegian Joy - 4.200. Norwegian Gem - 4.197. Norwegian Bliss - 4 ...
The best Norwegian Cruise Line ship for every type of traveler
The best Norwegian Cruise Line ships for families, hands down, are the four giant, activity-packed ships of its Breakaway-Plus class: Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy and Norwegian ...
A Guide to Scoring Norwegian Cruise Deals
The better deal is to book back-to-back, 7-night, one-way cruises, which are NCL's best Alaska cruise deals. If your itinerary is flexible, compare the port fees and taxes, which can vary ...
The Best Norwegian Cruise Ships For 2020: Cabins, Dining, Serv
14. Pride of America - 4.22. 15. Norwegian Dawn - 4.18. 16. Norwegian Sky - 4.12. 17. Norwegian Epic - 4.06. What We Expected: Newer ships generally receive better cabin ratings, and that was exactly the case here as Norwegian's three newest ships topped the list.
Norwegian Cruise Line destination guide: The 5 best places it sails
This is because Norwegian offers its Hawaii cruises on one of the only cruise ships in the world that meets the regulatory requirements allowing it to spend all its time in the destination. Norwegian's Hawaii trips take place on Norwegian's 2,150-passenger Pride of America, which has the rare distinction of being both U.S.-flagged and U.S.-crewed.
The ultimate guide to Norwegian Cruise Line ships and itineraries
Norwegian is the world's fourth-largest cruise line by passenger capacity, with 19 ships that together offer 56,780 berths. Smaller only than Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line and MSC Cruises, the brand has become increasingly known for having some of the biggest, most amenity-filled vessels at sea.
19 of the best Norwegian fjords cruises for 2024 and 2025
Puzzles. Magazines. This is a country of staggering natural beauty, from fjords and snow-capped peaks to the northern lights. These are the voyages and cruise lines that showcase them best.
Best Norwegian Cruise Ship
The Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) The Norwegian Cruise Line is one of the best and most popular cruise lines in the world. It was founded in Miami, Florida, and the company offers cruises to pretty much every destination on the planet.
Norwegian Cruise Line Review
With 17 ships sailing to over 450 destinations across the world, there's a Norwegian cruise to suit every traveler's dreams! Basic Information. Name: Norwegian Cruise Line. Parent Company: Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (which also owns Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises) Number of Ships: 17. Destinations: 450+ Loyalty Program ...
Norwegian Cruise Line: The Complete Guide
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is one of the top players in large-ship cruising, and its fleet is seeing one of its biggest refits in decades with its new Prima fleet of ships. Norwegian Cruise Line ...
Your Guide to the Ultimate Norway Cruise
Best Time for a Norway Cruise. A Kayaker in Tromso, Norway, at Sunset (Photo: V. Belov/Shutterstock) June through August is the best time for a Norway cruise, but voyages begin in May and run into ...
I went on 5 Norwegian Cruise Line sailings last year: These are my 15
Hayley Phillips. Hayley Phillips is a military spouse currently living in Florida and loves all things travel and travel planning. In 2023, I was able to sail on five different Norwegian Cruise Line ships, and it was an amazing year filled with many awesome cruise memories and opportunities to gain insight and knowledge about NCL.
The Best Options For A Norwegian Fjords Cruise In 2023
The Geirangerfjord is a popular location for a Norwegian fjords cruise. Historic coastal cities, seemingly endless coastline and the world-famous heritage fjords are just a few of the reasons why ...
Best Norwegian Cruise Line Ships for 2022
Best NCL Ships for 2022 - Photo by Norwegian Cruise Line Based on review data collected since the return to cruising, our members have fallen in love with Norwegian ships. Ranked on a 5-point scale, members have rated the overall ship quality, cabins, food and dining, service and staff, onboard activities, and entertainment.
25 BEST Norway Cruises 2024 (Prices
Oceania Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Holland America Line, Viking Ocean Cruises and Princess Cruises are several of the most popular cruise lines that sail to Norway.
Norwegian Fjords Cruises: Cruises to Norway
Experience Norway's spectacular fjords with Norwegian Cruise Line. On your cruise to Norway, explore a fairytale landscape of cascading waterfalls, lush forests and rugged mountains that seemingly slide into the sea. From fly fishing and kayaking to hiking and more, this country truly is an outdoor playground with a diverse lineup of activities.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH): A Good Day Trading Stock To
We recently compiled a list of the 10 Best Stocks For Day Trading. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NCLH) stands against the other ...
The ultimate guide to Norwegian fjord cruises
Five of the best cruises to book. Where to go. ... How to book: a seven-night Norwegian Fjords cruise calling at Stavanger, Ålesund, Olden, Innvikfjorden, Nordfjord and Bergen costs from £1,249 ...
Norwegian Cruise Line cabin and suite guide: Everything you want to
Picking a cabin on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship isn't always easy.. For starters, there are a huge number of cabins available on some Norwegian ships. The line is known for operating some of the world's biggest cruise vessels — ships so big that some have more than 2,000 cabins each.. However, it's not just the sheer volume of cabins that makes choosing a room on a Norwegian ship a challenge.
The 26 Best New Cruise Ships for 2024
See the best new cruise ships debuting in the coming years. ... The Haven on Viva is the most exclusive and spacious private enclave in Norwegian Cruise Line's fleet; it was designed by one of ...
Norwegian Cruise Line ships from newest to oldest
In many cases, Norwegian Cruise Line's oldest cruise ships — built in the 1990s and early 2000s — are just half the size of the line's newest vessels and have fewer venues on board.
The best last-minute family cruise deals for the October half term
Read more: The best Northern Lights cruises. Norwegian Cruise Line: Mediterranean: Italy, France & Spain ... Norwegian Cruise Line is a great option for families looking for flexibility, with no ...
2025 Hawaii Cruises: Explore the Hawaiian ...
As the only cruise line home porting in Hawaii, Norwegian has gained recognition for having the best Hawaiian itineraries by Porthole Cruise and Travel magazine. Dive into the exciting itineraries and unforgettable experiences awaiting you on a 2024 Hawaiian cruise vacation.

10 Best Norwegian Cruise Line Ships

Best Norwegian Cruise Ships (NCL) Ranked and Reviewed

2. Norwegian Joy – Overall Score: 9.7/10

4. Norwegian Escape – Overall Score: 9.4/10

5. Norwegian Breakaway – Overall Score: 9.1/10

6. Norwegian Getaway – Overall Score: 8.8/10

7. Norwegian Epic – Overall Score: 8.7/10

8. Norwegian Dawn – Overall Score: 8.6/10

9. Norwegian Gem – Overall Score: 8.6/10

10. Norwegian Jade – Overall Score: 8.5/10

Best Norwegian Cruise Line Ships Ranking Methodology

Choosing the Best NCL Ship for You:

1. Traveling Style:

2. Ship Age and Experience:

3. Dining Preferences

4. Entertainment Options

5. Itinerary and Destinations

FAQs on the Best NCL Ships

7 Best Carnival Cruise Ships

Best Norwegian Cruise Ship

The Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

Norwegian Joy

Norwegian Escape

Norwegian Bliss

Norwegian Pearl

Norwegian Gem

Norwegian Jewel

Norwegian Sun

Norwegian Dawn

Norwegian Epic

Norwegian Getaway

Norwegian Sky

Norwegian Star

Pride Of America

Norwegian Jade

Norwegian Breakaway

Norwegian Spirit

About the Author Anna Timbrook

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Norwegian Cruise Line Review – Ships, Destinations, Dining, and More

Table of Contents

Featured Shore Excursion

Complimentary Dining

Specialty Dining

Bars and Beverages

You’re our first priority. Every time.

Norwegian Cruise Line: The Complete Guide

About Norwegian Cruise Line sailings

What is the newest NCL ship?

How to earn Latitudes Rewards points

How to redeem points

How to redeem WorldPoints

How to maximize your rewards

Entertainment

New on Yahoo

Yahoo Finance

Expert Opinion on Current Economic Conditions

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH )

Everything you want to know about cabins and suites on Norwegian Cruise Line ships

A Norwegian Cruise Line cabin primer

Inside cabins on Norwegian Cruise Line ships

Ocean-view cabins on Norwegian Cruise Line ships

Balcony cabins on Norwegian Cruise Line ships

Suites on Norwegian Cruise Line ships

Bottom line

Protect Your Trip »

Oceania Vista: May 2023

Carnival Venezia: May 2023

Resilient Lady: May 2023

MSC Euribia: June 2023

Viking Saturn: June 2023

Norwegian Viva: August 2023

Explora I: August 2023

Silver Nova: August 2023

Seven Seas Grandeur: November 2023

Celebrity Ascent: November 2023

Carnival Jubilee: December 2023

Icon of the Seas: January 2024

Sun Princess: February 2024

Queen Anne: May 2024