Norwegian Cruise Line

NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line (ncl.com) was founded in 1966 under the name "Norwegian Caribbean Line" by two shipping magnates, Knut Kloster (Norwegian, 1929-2020) and Ted Arison (Israeli, 1924-1999).

Passenger shipping operations began with one vessel (cruiseferry/combined cruise ship and car ferry) operating on short and affordable Caribbean round trips from the USA. When Ted Arison left NCL in 1972 to establish CCL-Carnival Cruise Lines, Knut Kloster acquired more ships to expand NCL's Caribbean operations.

In April 2025, NCLH signed an agreement to transfer its two SUN-class/oldest vessels (Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun) to Cordelia Cruises India. The ships will start operations, respectively, in 2026 (Cordelia Sky) and 2027 (Cordelia Sun).

Company History and Changes

Founded in 1966, NCLH-Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd is an American-Bermudian corporation headquartered in Miami (Florida USA) and is a publicly traded company (NASDAQ) listed on the NYSE (NYC).

In 2014, NCLH's major shareholders were three corporations: Genting Group (Malaysian/25%), Apollo Global Management (American/24%), and TPG Capital (American/7%), with the remaining shares publicly owned.

NCL's current President and CEO is David J. Herrera (since July 2023), who succeeded Harry J. Sommer (2020-2023).

NCLH's current President and CEO (since July 2023) is Harry J. Sommer, who succeeded Frank J. Del Rio (2015-2023). NCLH's Executive VP and CFO (Chief Financial Officer) is Mark Kempa.

In 2023-2025, Frank Del Rio served NCLH as Senior Advisor to the Board of Directors.

• David Herrera (with NCLH since 2015) previously served as NCL’s Chief Consumer Sales and Marketing Officer, as well as NCL's Senior VP of Strategy and Corporate Development. From 2012-2015, he was employed by Prestige Cruise Holdings as Senior Advisor to Jason Montague (Prestige's CEO and Chairman). Along with Herrera, Adam Malone was promoted to Chief Marketing Officer in 2023, succeeding Michael Tomoleoni.
• Before joining NCLH, Frank Del Rio founded Oceania Cruises in 2002 (with Bob Binder and Joe Watters) and was the President of Prestige Cruise International Inc (now Prestige Cruise Holdings Inc, the parent company of Oceania and Regent) from 2002 to 2014, until its acquisition by NCL in September 2014.

NCLH's SVP, Port Development & Construction Management team is led by Juan Kuryla, who served as PortMiami's Director and CEO from 2014-2021. NCLH's Executive VP of Vessel Operations is Patrik Dahlgren, who succeeded Robin Lindsay (now NCLH's Executive VP of Newbuilds and Refurbishments) in June 2023. NCL's CSMO (Chief Sales & Marketing Officer) is Jason Krimmel.

Since February 2025, NCL's VP of Strategic and National Accounts is Derek Lloyd, who succeeded Brennan Quesnele (now Oceania Cruises' Senior VP of Sales).

In 2017, NCLH held a worldwide cruise market share of 9.5% (passengers) and 12.8% (revenue). NCLH (shipowner) owns and manages the fleets of three subsidiary companies/sister brands: NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania, and RSSC-Regent Seven Seas. According to Q4 2020 stats, NCLH was the world's 4th-largest cruise ship owner by combined fleet's passenger capacity (8.3%), preceded by Carnival (39%), Royal Caribbean (24%), and MSC (11.5%).

NCLH's ownership is equally shared by Star Cruises (subsidiary of Genting Hong Kong / GHK multinational corporation specializing in resorts, leisure, and gambling) and Apollo Global Management (one of the world's largest alternative asset management companies).

• In 2011, NCL held about 8% of the global market share. By 2018, NCL's global market share increased to about 20%, ranking it the world's 3rd-largest passenger shipping company (after Carnival and RCCL-RCG).
• In January 2013, NCL went public. In 2013, the company had revenues of USD 2.57 billion (a 13% increase over 2012).
• On August 31, 2014, NCLH announced it was in "advanced talks" to buy Miami-based Prestige Cruise Holdings Inc (owner of RSSC-Regent and Oceania) for USD 3.025 billion (including debt assumption). Prestige's owner, Apollo Global Management, also owned 20% of NCLH. The acquisition agreement was announced on September 2, and the purchase was completed on November 19, 2014.
• In mid-August 2017, Apollo, GHK, and TPG Global-affiliated funds began selling 15 million NCLH shares to underwriters (Barclays Capital, Citigroup Global Markets, Goldman Sachs). The negotiated fixed price per share was USD 54.57, for a total value of USD 0.8185 billion.
• Until 2015, GHK was NCLH's principal shareholder. The corporation began selling its stake in order to acquire Crystal Cruises, expand Star Cruises in Asia, and create (in 2016) the premium brand Dream Cruises.

On February 21, 2012, NCL Corporation Ltd (fully owned by NCLH) acquired Sixthman Ltd (a 2001-founded music festival company) for USD 7.5 million. Since 2012, Sixthman has operated as a theme cruise charter company serving mainly NCL.

Company Changes 2018-2021

In 2018, NCLH had 8 ships on order (7 for NCL, 1 for RSSC), with deliveries planned for 2019-2027. The newest class (PRIMA/fka LEONARDO) has a GT tonnage of 142,500 tons and a passenger capacity of 3,300. For the PRIMA-class ships, NCL trademarked the names Aqua, Bella, Luna, Ombra, Prima, Vela, Viva, and Ultima (all with the prefix Norwegian).

On July 30, 2018, following the industry's "eco-trend," NCL announced the ban of fleetwide single-use plastic straws. The policy also includes NCL's private islands, Great Stirrup Cay (Bahamas) and Harvest Caye (Belize). As a result, more than 50 million plastic straws are eliminated annually.

In June 2019, NCL announced its exclusive partnership with Scarpetta Restaurants via LDV Hospitality (USA-based boutique hospitality company specializing in unique restaurant and bar experiences). As part of the deal, the fleet's first "Onda by Scarpetta" restaurant was introduced on the newbuild Norwegian Encore (2019), offering premium dining experiences fleetwide. The new restaurant joins Scarpetta's land-based restaurants in NYC, The Hamptons (Long Island NY), Miami FL, Philadelphia PA, Newport RI, Las Vegas NV, and London OH. The menu of "Onda by Scarpetta" features the unique flavors of modern Italian cuisine, including a selection of beautifully presented seafood, signature dishes, daily handmade pasta, and traditional gourmet desserts. The restaurant's interior is designed similarly to its land-based counterparts, featuring walnut wood and Calacatta marble.

Since January 2020, NCL customers have been required to pay USD 9.95 per room service order. The mandatory fee was introduced in April 2015, and the only exceptions to this rule are Haven Suite passengers and Continental Breakfast orders.

On January 1, 2020, NCL became the industry's first major company to eliminate single-use plastic beverage bottles fleetwide (through a partnership with the 2012-founded JUST Goods Inc).

In August 2021, NCL signed a partnership with Starbucks to deliver the coffee brand fleetwide (on all liners by Q4 2022) and at NCL's private island resorts in the Bahamas (Great Stirrup Cay) and Belize (Harvest Caye). This deal made Starbucks coffee available at all restaurants (including MDRs) and self-serve stations at the buffet-style restaurant Garden Café (on select ships). Starbucks was introduced by NCL in 2018 (on Norwegian Bliss), and Norwegian Sky became the first ship in the world to offer Starbucks' Nitro Cold Brew (nitrogen-infused beer).

Company Changes 2022

On June 6, 2022, NCLH announced an expansion of its fleetwide sustainability program "Sail & Sustain." Extending its animal welfare policy, the shipowner is now fully committed to responsible animal food sourcing practices (regarding pork, chicken, eggs, and seafood) within the global fleet's supply chain. The goal is that by 2025, the fleetwide (NCL, Oceania, Regent) will source only cage-free eggs, crate-free pork, certified sustainable seafood, and chicken purchased from American and Canadian suppliers who meet GAP (Global Animal Partnership) standards.

On June 14, 2022, NCL signed a partnership deal with Flow Beverage Corporation (a USA-based health & wellness-focused company) for its "Flow Alkaline Spring Water" to become NCL's official water fleetwide. Flow Beverage's water is sourced from Seawright Springs (Augusta County, Virginia), has a pH of 8.1, and comes in a fully recyclable carton (made of 75% renewable materials) with a plant-based cap.

On October 3, 2022, NCLH signed an MoU with MAN Energy Solutions for retrofitting all MAN 48/60 diesel engines in the global fleet to dual-fuel (running on both diesel and methanol).

In November 2022, NCL launched its Military Appreciation Program (for USA armed forces members only). In August 2024, the program was expanded to include active and retired USA and Canadian personnel (and their spouses and dependents) from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Perks include special onboard experiences/amenities and a 10% cruise discount for all voyages fleetwide.

Since December 2022, fleetwide (on all NCL ships), soft drinks from The Coca-Cola Company have been offered. According to the new NCL-Coca-Cola contract, the brand's beverages replaced the onboard soda fountains, and all the old bar equipment was replaced.

Company Changes 2023

In January 2023, NCLH announced its newly-established brand "Experiences At Sea." The new program is a partnership with NCL's subsidiary "Sixthman Festivals at Sea" and NCL's CM&I division (Charters, Meetings & Incentives). NCLH's new brand annually schedules several themed B2Bs/back-to-back cruises/consecutive itineraries for Norwegian Pearl, targeting corporate clients as well as incentive and affinity-focused customers from NCLH's fleet (NCL-Norwegian, Oceania, RSSC-Regent). Experiences At Sea is managed by Anthony Diaz (Sixthman's CEO and CM&I's Senior VP). Voyages are usually themed around music (Rock, Country, Pop, Blues, Broadway celebrity performances, etc.), as well as LGBTQIA+/Atlantis Events, Comedy Influencers, Sports, and others. The itineraries are in the Caribbean (roundtrips from Miami) and all visit NCLH's private islands—The Bahamas' Great Stirrup Cay and Belize's Harvest Caye.

In October 2023, NCL announced that starting in January 2024, the company will have approximately 1000 solo staterooms fleetwide (across 19 ships). NCL also introduced three new cabin categories (Solo Inside, Solo Oceanview, Solo Balcony), with pricing/availability depending on itinerary, destination, and demand. Additionally, Spa Staterooms fleetwide were recategorized in January 2024 to increase Mandara Spa's availability and allow access to the Thermal Suites for all cabin categories.

Company Changes 2024

In January 2024, NCLH signed a 10-year partnership (through 2034) with ABB Ltd (a Swedish-Swiss technology corporation founded in 1988) for upgrades and new equipment for NCL-operated vessels. The deal includes 18 vessels (14 existing plus 4 newbuilds/2025-2028) and covers preventive maintenance and scheduled ABB Azipod propulsion system maintenance fleetwide. Additionally, ABB will supply propulsion control system upgrades to 11 vessels and install shore-power connections on 4 vessels.

Company Changes 2025

(news ID 14403) In January, it was announced, and in February, the agreement between NCLH and Fincantieri was signed for four new-class/larger ships for NCL (total value approximately EUR 9 billion/USD 9.34B). Each unit will be around 226,000 GT tons, with 5100 berths and a maximum capacity of 8300 (pax+crew). The ships will be constructed at Fincantieri Monfalcone and delivered in 2030, 2032, 2034, and 2036.

Fun Facts (Company & Ships)

NCL's list of "cruise industry firsts" includes the first-ever fly-cruise deals (under the name "Cloud 9 Cruises"), the first ships capable of ferrying cars, the first cruise company with a private island (Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas), and the first company to develop new Caribbean seaports of call (Jamaica's Ocho Rios). Both NCL's first vessels—Sunward (1966) and Starward (1968)—were car ferries, but later their car decks were refitted into cabin decks (housing staterooms) and a two-deck-high theatre lounge.

A new chapter in NCL's history was marked in 1979 when the company purchased the Transatlantic ocean liner SS France, thoroughly refitted it, and renamed it SS Norway. The liner's drydock conversion cost over USD 100 million, but it was money well spent. Bigger than any other passenger liner at the time, SS Norway offered extra space for a great variety of onboard entertainment, thus starting the new era of "ship cruise for fun" and creating the age of mega-liners.

NCL-Norwegian is a travel brand representing one of the world's top five major cruise shipping companies (following Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and MSC). It is best known for its revolutionary "Freestyle Cruising" (trademarked) concept, signifying no fixed dining times or seatings and no formal dress code required fleetwide.

The list of NCL's destinations includes all the world's most popular ship travel regions—Alaska and Hawaii, Europe (including UK itineraries), the Bahamas-Caribbean and Bermuda, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. Under the brand name "Norwegian Capricorn Line" (1997-2001), NCL operated exclusively in Australia and New Zealand. A new era for the company began in 2002 when it purchased the first Project America vessel (then under construction). The future Pride of America was towed (as a hull) from its initial building yard at Pascagoula (MS, USA) to be completed in Germany by Lloyd Werft.

NCL-Norwegian is a travel brand representing one of the world's top five major cruise shipping companies (following Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and MSC). It is best known for its revolutionary "Freestyle Cruising" (trademarked) concept, which features no fixed dining times or seatings, and no formal dress code required fleetwide.

The list of NCL's destinations includes the world's most popular cruise regions: Alaska and Hawaii, Europe (including UK itineraries), the Bahamas, Caribbean, Bermuda, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. Under the brand name "Norwegian Capricorn Line" (1997-2001), NCL operated exclusively in Australia and New Zealand. A new era for the company began in 2002 when it purchased the first Project America vessel (under construction at the time). The future Pride of America was towed (as a hull) from its initial building yard at Pascagoula (MS, USA) to be completed in Germany by Lloyd Werft.

Pride of America is the largest US-flagged passenger ship homeported in Honolulu for year-round roundtrips to the Hawaiian Islands. Due to financial considerations, the other NCL America ships in Hawaii – Pride of Aloha (now Norwegian Sky) and Pride of Hawaii (now Norwegian Jade) – were later transferred to the company's international fleet.

NCL's Caribbean itineraries always include a visit to the company's Bahamian private island Great Stirrup Cay (purchased in 1977). A port of call exclusively for NCL ships, Great Stirrup's vacation experience starts and ends with the "Bahama Rama Mama" tender boat (capacity of 300 passengers).

On October 17, 2012, NCLH and Meyer Werft reached an agreement for the construction of two new Breakaway-Plus class vessels, with scheduled delivery in 2015 and 2017. The order for the second ship was placed in July 2013. In September 2013, the two new ships were named Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Bliss through an online campaign. The "Breakaway-Plus" project's contract value was estimated to be EUR 1.4 billion (USD 1.92 billion). Two more ships were ordered on July 14, 2014, to enter service in 2018 and 2019.

For FY2017 (fiscal year), NCLH reported the following data:

• GAAP ("Generally Accepted Accounting Principle") net income was USD 760 million (USD 633.1 million in FY2016).
• The adjusted GAAP was USD 907.7 million (USD 776.3 million in 2016).
• EPS ("Earnings Per Share") was USD 3.31 (USD 2.78 in 2016).
• The adjusted EPS was USD 3.96 (USD 3.41 in 2016).
• NCLH's Net Revenue was USD 4.2 billion (11.2% increase over 2016 / USD 3.8 billion).
• The adjusted ROIC (Return On Invested Capital) for 2017 was 16.26%.
• NCLH's total revenue reached USD 5.4 billion (10.7% increase over 2016 / USD 4.9 billion).
• Gross Yield (yield on investments before the deduction of taxes and expenses) increased by 4.4%.
• Adjusted Net Yield increased by 5% (Constant Currency basis).
• Marine fuel expenses in 2017 were USD 361 million.

NCL Ship Refurbishments

Ship refurbishments were the cornerstone of "The Norwegian Edge" (a fleetwide upgrade program). Drydock refurbishments began in October 2015 with the NCL Epic, followed by NCL Gem in November 2015. The scheduled drydocks for 2016 included the Pride of America, NCL Dawn, and NCL Sun. These drydocks were longer than usual for NCL ships, with some lasting up to three weeks.

By the end of 2017, all NCL liners (except NCL Jewel) had been refurbished, with the Jewel undergoing updates in 2018. The "Norwegian Edge" project covered 11 vessels—specifically, all ships launched before NCL Breakaway (2013). On all these ships, NCL added new venues and extensively remodeled restaurants (including La Cucina Italian, Cagney's Steakhouse, Le Bistro French, and Moderno Churrascaria Brazilian). The decor in the main dining rooms (MDRs) and Lido buffets was updated, and most public spaces (including lounges, bars, and complimentary food stations) received new furniture and flooring. Some spaces were completely redesigned.

Another major upgrade was to the shipwide Wi-Fi, the installation of interactive digital signage boards and wayfinders, new teak flooring on open decks, new carpeting in hallways and corridors, and the addition of more shaded seating areas, private cabanas, and loungers/deck chairs on sundecks.

NCL's new drydock refurbishment program (2016-2018) had a budget of over USD 400 million. Along with the fleet upgrades, it also included enhancements to onboard culinary and enrichment programs, private island upgrades, and improved cruisetour/destination amenities and services. Detailed refurbishment reviews for each vessel can be found on their CruiseMapper deckplan pages.

As part of the program, NCL's private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay, was upgraded. This project resulted in the construction of new facilities, the addition of new bars and lounges, and the renovation and redesign of existing venues. The Haven Suite passenger experience was also enhanced. For more details on these changes, visit the island link above.

In November 2017, MAN PrimeServ, a division of the marine engine manufacturer "MAN Diesel and Turbo," confirmed an order from NCLH for SOLAS insulation upgrades on all 9 liners (44 diesel engines total) in the NCL fleet. MAN supplied the necessary equipment for all engines with a power output of 375+ kW, which included heat insulation, spray protection, resistance to flammability, and fluid density. These upgrades were applied to all NCL ships with MAN marine diesel engine models 48/60B, 48/60A, and 58/64. The project was scheduled for completion in 2018.

NCL Cruise Ship Dining Packages

On each of its ships, NCL offers up to 28 dining options. In 2016, all ships introduced upgraded main dining room menus (complimentary), with new à la carte priced menu items. These upgraded complimentary menus offer a wider variety of appetizers, soups, salads, signature entrees, and desserts. New additions include seafood offerings such as fresh grouper, shrimp ceviche, and seared scallops.

• Since January 31, 2016, NCL expanded the brand's specialty dining menus on the Norwegian Escape and introduced them fleetwide. These new menus apply to at-fee restaurants, including Cagney's Steakhouse, Le Bistro (French cuisine), La Cucina (Italian cuisine), Moderno Churrascaria (Brazilian Steakhouse), and Teppanyaki (sushi). New menu items include Bouillabaisse, pan-seared scallops, sea bass filet, veal medallions, antipasti, risotto, and Osso Buco Alla Milanese.
• NCL has partnered with the ACF (American Culinary Federation) to provide training and certification for the fleet's dining and culinary teams.
• Since August 2015, NCL has offered specialty dining packages fleetwide. The new package prices start at USD 59 per person (for a 3-day package purchased prior to departure). These deals help save on the cover charges of all onboard specialty restaurants, including Teppanyaki, Cagney's Steakhouse, Moderno Churrascaria, La Cucina, and Le Bistro.
• Specialty dining packages allow NCL passengers to dine at à la carte-priced and cover-charge restaurants for an additional cost ranging from USD 7-15. The following is a list of restaurants and the cover charge/fixed fee in USD (shown in brackets): sushi bar ($7), Raw Bar ($7), Pincho Tapas Bar ($7), Bayamo ($10), Illusionarium ($10 general- and $15 premium seating), Cirque Dreams ($10 general-, $15 premium-, and $35 VIP seating), Ocean Blue ($15), Dear John Hughes ($15).
• Packages can be purchased at discounted pricing online (prior to departure) or onboard (but only during the first two days of the itinerary). On 3-day itineraries, NCL dining packages are available for purchase only on the 1st/embarkation day. Specialty dining reservations can be made online (within 90 days prior to departure) or onboard.

NCL is known for its high-quality shipboard food, restaurants, unique dining concepts, and well-trained, certified chefs, waiters, and sommeliers.

• Almost all shipboard food (98%) is made from scratch onboard, including all sauces, bread, pastries, and desserts.
• All ships have full-service butcheries.
• All fish is purchased whole and cut and trimmed onboard.
• Itinerary-based regional dishes and local beers and wines are always available.
• On the NCL Bliss, two new restaurants were introduced: Q (a Texas BBQ smokehouse serving smoked meats, brisket, beef-pork ribs, pulled pork, and various sides) and Los Lobos (Mexican cuisine, also serving tequilas and mezcals).

Private cruise island enhancements

NCL Norwegian expanded the company's plans for its Bahamian privately-owned island Great Stirrup Cay and the exclusive luxury resort destination Harvest Caye (Belize). Harvest Caye Port features a large swimming pool, private beach, a shallow lagoon for watersport activities, private cabanas available for rent, and a rich diversity of flora and fauna.

Great Stirrup Cay was last enhanced in 2014 and, by spring 2017, added several new offerings and amenities (for details, see the island's review above).

NCL's all-inclusive cruise packages

Since 2017, NCL has offered all-inclusive itineraries in select markets. The company's new program, called "Premium All Inclusive," is included in NCL's fares. The program is only available to travelers from select countries and destinations, including cruises to Alaska, Hawaii, Asia, Bermuda, the Caribbean, Europe, Panama Canal, and South America.

• The list of "select countries" includes Scandinavia, Russia, Belgium, the Netherlands, Liechtenstein, Portugal, Poland, Romania, Croatia, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Greece, Malta, Cyprus, Turkey, Morocco, Libya, Tunisia, Angola, and Algeria.
• Passengers aged 21 and older enjoy drinks-inclusive sailings with unlimited spirits, bottled and draft beers, wines (by the glass), cocktails (priced up to USD 15), light beers, soft drinks, and juices. The NCL 18% gratuity is also included. A 20% discount is applied to onboard purchased bottles of wine, champagne, and sparkling wines.
• Passengers aged 20 and younger enjoy unlimited soft drinks, water, and juices (excluding freshly squeezed) in all onboard bars, lounges, and restaurants throughout the cruise. The 18% gratuity is also included.
• The new NCL package also includes 1 liter of bottled water per person per day (in the stateroom) and specialty coffees (in all restaurants at mealtimes).
• All gratuities and service charges related to the new all-inclusive onboard services are included in the ticket price.
• Passengers in "The Haven" staterooms and those in suites receive 250 minutes of free WiFi, USD 100 in OBC (onboard credit), and complimentary specialty restaurant reservations (3 dinners on itineraries of 3-9 nights and 4 dinners on 10+ night itineraries).

NCL's "Premium All Inclusive" deals were introduced on April 3, 2017, and apply to all cabin categories. Since September 2017, NCL has offered the "Premium All-Inclusive Plus" package, which includes five additional benefits for passengers booking select port-intensive longer voyages (9 nights or longer) across all worldwide destinations. The additional perks are a 250-minute internet package, a 120-minute phone package, USD 50 shore excursion credit (per port), up to GBP 75 hotel credit (in select ports), and up to GBP 150 flight credit.

In 2015, the "fare-inclusive open bars" program was introduced on the NCL Sun and NCL Sky ships for all passengers aged 21 and older. However, this program was discontinued in 2019 (effective for itineraries on or after September 7, 2019).

Through NCL's "Free at Sea" program on both ships, passengers continue to enjoy an unlimited open bar, complimentary specialty dining, free WiFi, excursion credits, and free or reduced airfare for family members.

In October 2024, NCL announced the "More At Sea" package (effective fleetwide since January 1, 2025) as an upgrade to the "Free At Sea" package. More At Sea includes USD 50 OBC/credit per excursion (for the first passenger), free flight (for the second passenger), and free passage (for the third and fourth passengers/select voyages).

NCL's Priority Access

In 2019, NCL began testing a program called Priority Access, which allows new customers to purchase the perks generally associated with NCL's loyalty program (Latitudes). "Priority Access" is currently being tested on two ships (Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Breakaway) with prices ranging from USD 69 to 199 per stateroom.

Priority Access passengers receive:

• Priority check-in, security, boarding, tendering, and debarkation (at the homeport)
• Access to the daily complimentary Room Service Breakfast Menu
• USD 50 Spa Credit (available on port days only)
• Canapés (delivered on the 2nd day of the voyage)

Priority Access prices (per stateroom) are:

• USD 69 - for itineraries of 3-5 days
• USD 99 - for itineraries of 6-9 days
• USD 149 - for itineraries of 10-15 days
• USD 199 - for itineraries of 16+ days

During this test period in 2019, Priority Access was limited to 25 cabins per voyage.

NCL cruise ship weddings

Since 2016, NCL has offered weddings at sea, including same-gender ceremonies. Weddings are performed by the ship's captain.

• These offerings are currently available only on the company's newest (largest) vessels of the Breakaway- and Breakaway-plus classes.
• Previously, couples were not allowed to marry at sea, but only ashore (in ports along the itinerary). They also had to provide a marriage certificate before participating in an onboard ceremony. Under NCL's new policy, cruise ship captains can perform wedding ceremonies on the ship, using a Bahamas-issued marriage license.
• NCL also offers legal same-gender ceremonies. These ceremonies are only available in port destinations where such marriages are recognized by local law. In the USA, these destinations include Hawaii, Boston, MA, NYC New York, Los Angeles, CA, Seattle, WA, Florida (Miami, Port Canaveral, Tampa), as well as Vancouver, BC (Canada).
• NCL's "Wedding at Sea" package includes a bridal bouquet, a matching boutonniere, a wedding cake for two, and a champagne toast. The company also provides an experienced wedding coordinator.
• In addition to the "Wedding at Sea" program, NCL also offers harborside ceremonies (when the ship is docked in ports of call along the itinerary), destination weddings (beach and resort), and vow renewals.

NCL cruise ship lifeguards

In April 2017, NCL announced it would employ certified lifeguards on some of its vessels (in summer 2017) and fleetwide by 2018. This made NCL the third major cruise line to have shipboard lifeguards, following Disney and Royal Caribbean.

• The onboard lifeguards are stationed only at the family pools during scheduled swimming pool hours. These lifeguards will be "American Red Cross" trained and certified.
• NCL also offers complimentary swim vests for both adults and children. Parents can obtain safety vests at the Lido Deck's towel station during daytime hours.
• The first NCL ships with lifeguards will be the Norwegian Epic (homeported in Port Canaveral), Norwegian Escape (Miami), Norwegian Getaway (Miami), and Norwegian Breakaway (NYC New York).
• NCL began testing monitoring through CCTV cameras at family pools (on the fleet's largest ships) in 2015. The decision to add full-time lifeguards was made to increase safety on pool decks. However, it is important to note that lifeguards do not replace parental supervision, and parents (or legal guardians) remain the best prevention for onboard accidents.
• DCL-Disney has employed certified lifeguards since 2013. RCI-Royal Caribbean has employed lifeguards since February 2017 as part of the line's "water safety program." RCI's lifeguards wear special uniforms (bright red and white) and are stationed at every onboard swimming pool, including the Solarium (adults-only retreat) during opening hours.

NCL stateroom upgrades

In February 2017, NCL launched a new (industry-first) cabin upgrade program that allows already-booked passengers to bid for upgrades to higher-category staterooms.

• The "Norwegian Upgrade Advantage" program was tested and approved by a group of top travel agencies. The entire system is automated and does not require travel agent intervention, and it pays commissions on the enhanced fare.
• NCL's Senior Sales VP Camille Olivere commented: "After final payment, guests can bid on an upgrade, and there's a little dial that will show them in red, yellow, or green the likelihood their bid will be accepted. When NCL offers the cabin upgrade to the guest, we email the travel agency of record so they can see that the guest has been offered the ability to upgrade. If the bid is accepted, we notify the agency. The agency has to do absolutely nothing."
• Once passengers' bids are accepted, they are assigned to an available higher-level stateroom (e.g., interior to oceanview, oceanview to balcony, balcony to suite, or The Haven staterooms). However, they cannot choose the exact stateroom number to which they are assigned.

(NEW) NCL cruise gratuities (2022)

IMPORTANT: Since January 1, 2023, NCL's fleetwide daily tips are USD 25 (for The Haven staterooms) and USD 20 (for Club Balcony and below cabin categories).

Daily gratuities are per person (pp) and were effective between April 1st and December 6, 2022.

• USD 16 pp (for interior, oceanview, and balcony staterooms, both adults and children) - increased from USD 13.99 pp (effective since April 1, 2018) and USD 14.50 (2021).
• USD 18 pp (for Club Balcony Suites receiving concierge/butler services) - increased from USD 16.99 pp (effective since April 1, 2018) and USD 17.50 (2021).
• USD 20 pp (for The Haven Suites)

Gratuity increases apply to all NCL vessels, except for the Norwegian Sky (which is drinks-inclusive). On the NCL Sky ship, standard cabin and mini-suite passengers pay USD 19 per day, while suite passengers pay USD 22 per day.

Daily gratuities are an automatic service charge added to the passenger's onboard account each day.

Passengers can prepay gratuities.

The gratuities are split between the ship's staff (dining, housekeeping, cabin stewards, butlers, concierges, and support staff).

Onboard specialty restaurants (à la carte-priced or cover charge venues) add an 18% gratuity service charge.

NCL Cruise Cancellation Policy

Since January 2016, NCL adjusted its final payment and cancellation policies. Under the new cruise cancellation policy, booked NCL customers will incur penalties closer to the departure date when canceling.

Before 2016, for itineraries 6 days or longer, cancellations made 56 to 75 days prior to embarkation guaranteed a full refund. Under the new policy, final payments for itineraries 6 days or longer are due 90 days prior to departure (as opposed to the old policy's 75 days). Cancellation penalties now begin 89 days prior to the departure date.

NCL's cruise deposit schedule also changed. Previously, for itineraries 6 to 9 nights long, booked customers had to put down a USD 250 pp (per person) deposit. After January 2016, this was changed to USD 250 pp for itineraries 7 to 9 days and USD 100 pp for itineraries 2 to 6 nights long.

Final payments for holiday sailings (Christmas and New Year) are now due 120 days prior to departure dates, excluding Norwegian Sky.

(Coronavirus crisis) passenger shipping pause 2020-2021

Due to the COVID pandemic, NCLH's entire fleet (all vessels of the brands NCL-Norwegian, RSSC-Regent, and Oceania) has an expanded cancellation policy. All bookings on pre-scheduled itineraries (departures from March 14, 2020, through April 30, 2021) were given the option to cancel (up to 48 hours prior to departure) without penalties.

Eventually, NCLH canceled all NCL voyages leaving between March 14, 2020, and July 2021.

Listed below are all NCL ships and their scheduled first departure dates/homeports - BLISS (Oct 24, 2021/Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles), BREAKAWAY (Sept 26, 2021/Bermuda from NYC), DAWN (Dec 8, 2021/Tampa), ENCORE (Aug 7, 2021/Alaska from Seattle), EPIC (Sept 5, 2021/Mediterranean-Barcelona), ESCAPE (Nov 13, 2021/Port Canaveral), GEM (Aug 15, 2021/Caribbean from La Romana, Dominicana), GETAWAY (Sept 13, 2021/Mediterranean-Rome), JADE (July 25, 2021/Mediterranean-Athens), JEWEL (March 29, 2022/Miami), JOY (Nov 20, 2021/Miami), PEARL (Dec 23, 2021/Miami), SKY (March 2, 2022/Miami), SPIRIT (May 7, 2022/Alaska from Seattle), STAR (April 3, 2022/Mediterranean from Barcelona), SUN (May 5, 2022/Alaska from Seattle), PRIMA (Sept 3, 2022/Maiden Voyage/Europe-Baltic from Amsterdam), VIVA (June 15, 2023/Maiden Voyage/Mediterranean), PRIDE OF AMERICA (April 9, 2022/Hawaii from Honolulu).

• In late March 2021, NCL canceled all voyages scheduled for the ships ENCORE (Alaska from Seattle), JEWEL (Alaska from Vancouver-Seward), Sun (Alaska from Seattle), BLISS (Alaska from Seattle), JADE (Europe-Baltic-Mediterranean), JOY (Bermuda from New York), GEM (Bermuda from Boston, Canada New England from Boston-Quebec).
• In early April 2021, NCL announced new schedules for the ships JADE (7-day Mediterranean-Greek Islands from Athens/starting July 25), JOY (7-day Caribbean from Montego Bay, Jamaica/starting August 15), and GEM (7-day Caribbean from La Romana-Punta Cana, Dominicana/starting August 15). Previously, the ships were planned to restart as follows - JOY (October 19, 2021/Caribbean from Miami), GEM (Oct 29, 2021/Bermuda from NYC), JADE (January 2, 2022/South Africa from Cape Town). JOY's ex-Greece program was canceled in May. GEM's ex-Dominicana program was canceled in June.
• In late May 2021, the Caribbean roundtrips from Montego Bay, Jamaica (Aug 7 to Oct 9) for JOY, and BLISS's Alaskan program from Seattle (Aug-Oct) were canceled.
• In late June, the restart of 5 ships (Pride of America, DAWN, JOY, SKY, STAR) was delayed until March 2022.

All NCL cruise ships are either new or have been recently refurbished. As seen in the list below, the oldest ship (NCL Sky) is only 14 years old. NCL's fleet is one of the largest and most innovative in the world. NCL ships are large (ranging from big to very large), well-equipped, and offer an array of amenities and onboard activities while sailing globally.

In 2023, NCL launched its largest-ever Europe-Mediterranean itinerary program, deploying 10 ships in the region (Breakaway, Dawn, Epic, Gem, Getaway, Jade, Prima, Sun, Star, and Viva).

In 2008 (June-August), NCL began homeporting at the Baltimore MD/Maryland Cruise Terminal, offering 10-day round trips to Bermuda (St George's) with the ship Norwegian Majesty/now Crown Iris (1992-built as Royal Majesty for Majesty Cruise Line, in service with NCL from 1997-2009). In fall 2023, NCL resumed operations out of Baltimore, homeporting two ships: Norwegian Sky (September-October) and Norwegian Sun (November-December).

NCL's 2024-2025 schedule includes four new/maiden call ports: Mina Salman-Manama, Bahrain (visited by Norwegian Sky), Sokhna-Cairo, Egypt (Norwegian Sun), Avarua/Rarotonga Island, Cook Islands NZ (Norwegian Sun), and Akita City, Japan (Norwegian Spirit).

(NEW) NCL Cruises from Jacksonville, Florida

In January 2024, JAXPORT's Board of Directors approved a 3-year agreement with NCL for seasonal homeporting in Jacksonville, FL (November through April each year until 2028).

Starting in November 2025, Norwegian Gem will offer round trips visiting The Bahamas and Eastern Caribbean destinations.

Norwegian Gem's ex-Jacksonville schedule (during its inaugural season 2025-2026) includes mainly 4-5 day itineraries to The Bahamas (Great Stirrup Cay, Freeport, Nassau), as well as three 12-day and two 11-day Eastern Caribbean itineraries (visiting Great Stirrup Cay, Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, St. Thomas USVI, St. John’s Antigua, Basseterre St. Kitts, and San Juan Puerto Rico).

NCL Ships' Itineraries Overview

Ship deployments, homeports, and itineraries 2025-2026

CARIBBEAN

Sailing roundtrip from New York, Norwegian Prima offers 10- to 12-day Caribbean cruises beginning November 2024 through March 2025, visiting Puerto Plata, San Juan, Basseterre, St. Thomas, Tortola, and Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda.

For the second year, Norwegian Viva will homeport in San Juan, Puerto Rico (December 2024 through April 2025), offering 7-day roundtrips with zero sea days. The itineraries visit Castries and Bridgetown on the east, while select itineraries will call on the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao) and more on the west side of the Caribbean.

Norwegian Escape offers 7- and 14-day Caribbean voyages from December 2024 through March 2025 from Galveston, Texas. The vessel's 7-day Western Caribbean itineraries visit Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico, Roatan, Honduras, and Harvest Caye, Belize. For guests seeking an extended vacation, the 14-day Eastern Caribbean voyages include visits to Cozumel, Mexico, St. Thomas, USVI, Castries, St. Lucia, George Town, Grand Cayman, Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas, and more.

(2025) GREEK ISLES and HOLY LAND (Israel and Egypt)

Norwegian Viva, the second Prima Class ship set to debut in August 2025, offers select 7-day Greek Isles roundtrips from Athens, as well as 9- to 11-day voyages between Haifa (Tel Aviv-Nazareth, Israel), Athens (Piraeus), and Istanbul (Turkey) from May through November 2025.

The sailings will call at Iraklion, Santorini, Mykonos, and Rhodes in Greece, offer 15-hour long port stays in Ashdod (Jerusalem, Israel), and visit Alexandria and Port Said (Cairo), Egypt, allowing plenty of time for passengers to visit Giza's pyramids.

(2025) NORTHERN EUROPE

From May through September 2025, Norwegian Prima will sail a series of 10- and 11-day voyages from London (Southampton), England and Reykjavik (Iceland), offering itineraries calling on Geiranger, Norway, home to Geirangerfjord. The itineraries also call on Alesund, Flam, Bergen, Brussels/Bruges (Zeebrugge), Akureyri, Isafjordur, and Amsterdam.

(2025) SOUTHERN EUROPE-MEDITERRANEAN

Starting April 2025 through October 2025, Norwegian Breakaway will offer a series of 9- and 10-day roundtrip Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona with an overnight in Livorno (to Florence and Pisa), providing two days to explore the destination. The two itineraries will call on bucket-list destinations like Ibiza, Cagliari, Naples, Rome (Civitavecchia), Cannes, and more.

(2025) ALASKA

During the Alaska cruise season from late April through October 2025, Norwegian Joy returns to The Last Frontier and offers 9- and 10-day roundtrip sailings from Seattle, WA, providing guests with a longer experience. Her voyages include scenic sailings to Glacier Bay NP and Hubbard Glacier. Select cruises also visit Ketchikan and Icy Strait Point.

NCL Cruises to Cuba

In December 2016, NCLH (shipowner) received permission to operate cruises to Cuba, beginning in March 2017. The first-ever NCL ship to visit Cuba was Norwegian Sky.

• NCL Sky's itinerary program offered 4-night roundtrips from Miami that included Havana overnights. The itinerary also visited Great Stirrup Cay (Bahamas).
• In 2018, NCL expanded its Cuban program to a total of 63 itineraries, most of which included overnight stays in Havana.
• Norwegian Sun completed her first Cuban season (from Port Canaveral) with the last roundtrip on September 3, 2018. She then moved to Miami for select itineraries before the South American (fall/winter) season. As the first Port Canaveral-homeported vessel to Cuba, NCL Sun served over 30,000 tourists on 15 roundtrips (4-day Cuba itinerary) during the summer 2018 season, visiting Key West, Florida and Havana (overnight). Following the successful first season, NCL Sun returned to Port Canaveral in April 2019 with Cuban itineraries.

IMPORTANT: On June 4, 2019, the US Government announced new regulations (economic sanctions) that ended group travel to Cuba, including via US-homeported cruise liners, effective immediately. The ban applies to "private and corporate aircraft, cruise ships, sailboats, fishing boats, and other similar aircraft and vessels." The US travel restrictions impacted hundreds of pre-scheduled itineraries, which were adjusted to no longer stop in Cuban seaports.

NCL's Cuban program was based on two Florida-homeported liners: Norwegian Sky (from Miami) and Norwegian Sun (from Port Canaveral). Following the US government's June 2019-issued ban on group travel to Cuba from the USA, NCL revised all its scheduled itineraries visiting Cuban seaports. All planned departures beyond September 2, 2019, were automatically canceled. Cuba-visiting itineraries prior to September 2 were modified to exclude Havana and visit other Caribbean ports, including in the Bahamas (Great Stirrup Cay Island, Freeport, Nassau) and Florida (Key West).

According to current Cuban law, US citizens of Cuban origin (born in Cuba) are not allowed to visit the island country, including on cruise vessels. Regardless of their US citizenship status, Cuba-born Americans were denied booking on itineraries visiting ports in Cuba. However, this situation changed in April 2016 after Carnival Corporation negotiated with the Cuban government to allow ships with Cuban-born passengers. As a result, US citizens of Cuban origin are now allowed to visit the country on USA-Cuba charter flights. The Carnival-fathom line began Miami to Cuba voyages in May 2016.

Alaska Airlines offers regular nonstop flights to Havana from Los Angeles (California, USA). A 80-minute-long JetBlue flight from Fort Lauderdale (Florida) to Havana costs less than USD 100. Previously, air travel from the USA to Cuba was available only via charter flights.