IN THIS STORY
- Intro ›
- Carnival Cruise Lines ›
- Celebrity Cruise Line ›
- Cruise West ›
- Crystal Cruises ›
- Cunard Line ›
- Disney Cruise Line ›
- Holland America Line ›
- Norwegian Cruise Line ›
- Princess Cruises ›
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises ›
- Royal Caribbean International ›
- Seabourn Cruises ›
- SeaDream Yacht Club ›
- Silversea ›
- Windstar Cruises ›
But Wait—There's More
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- 7 Perfect Days in 7 Popular European Ports ›
- High Design Cruises ›
- Cruises for People Who Hate Cruising ›
- World's Best Cruise Lines 2010 ›
- Best Cruise Deals Around the World ›
- Best European Cruises ›
- Luxury for Less ›
- Slickest Suites at Sea ›
- Next Generation Cruising ›
- All-Access Cruises ›
Norwegian Cruise Line
Number of ships: 13
Ship capacity: 1,078 to 2,394 passengers
Price range: Inexpensive
The audience: This line attracts a varied bunch of couples and families with its rock-bottom deals, especially in the Caribbean. After all, it's hard to resist a one-week Caribbean cruise for less than $500.
Strengths: NCL has done a lot to change the way cruises operate today. Its "freestyle" cruising concept—which did away with dress codes and assigned tables—was radical in 2000. Other lines have followed, but none offer as many restaurant choices, everything from a Hawaiian restaurant to sushi bars, teppanyaki grills, and tapas bars (quality varies, however). The entertainment is equally creative: NCL consistently one-ups the competition when it comes to stage shows, including comedy acts by Chicago's Second City troupe and Bollywood-inspired productions complete with contortionists and fire-eaters.
Weaknesses: The fleet is large, and ships vary from new and impressive to old and, well, old. (Guess which ones you get for the cheap, short sailings?)
Insider tip: The top-of-the-line villa suites on the new Pride of Hawaii have a private courtyard, pool, and Jacuzzi tub in a gardenlike atmosphere that feels truly exclusive. If you have expensive taste, but a limited budget—or want large-ship amenities—these are worth a look.
Itineraries: After 9/11, Norwegian launched a Homeland Cruising concept, moving its ships to U.S. ports such as New York, Boston, Baltimore, and Los Angeles. These are still popular, as are Alaska, Caribbean, and Hawaii sailings, such as a seven-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu (from $679 per passenger; villa suites from $1,749 per person).
Norwegian Cruise Line
Tel: 866 234 0292
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