Cruise Frog guide

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is a large mainstream cruise line based in the Miami area and owned by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, which also runs Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Knut Kloster and Ted Arison founded it in 1966, and it grew as Norwegian Caribbean Lines before taking its current name. Under Star Cruises ownership in the early 2000s it launched Freestyle Cruising, which dropped fixed dinner times and formal dress in favor of open seating and many restaurants, an approach much of the industry later copied.

Official site

Style

Mainstream

big ships with lots to do and fares for most budgets

Best for

  • Families
  • First-time cruisers
  • Friends and groups
  • Solo travelers
  • Multigenerational groups

Fleet rating

No ships rated yet.

About Norwegian Cruise Line

The fleet has 20 ships, from the 1998-built Norwegian Spirit to Norwegian Luna, which arrived in 2026, with the larger Norwegian Aura due in May 2027. Pride of America is the only US-flagged ship and sails around Hawaii all year; the others sail the Caribbean and Bahamas from Miami, Port Canaveral, Tampa, Jacksonville, New York, Philadelphia, Galveston and San Juan, and spend other seasons in Alaska, Bermuda, Europe, Asia and the South Pacific. Norwegian Sky left in September 2026 for India's Cordelia Cruises, and Norwegian Sun is due to follow in 2027.

Sailings range from three-night weekend trips to two-week voyages and longer crossings, and many Caribbean cruises call at the line's private island, Great Stirrup Cay, or at Harvest Caye in Belize. The newest ships add race tracks, waterslides, food halls and tribute shows, and the top suites are sold as The Haven. Drinks packages, specialty dining and Wi-Fi are sold as extras or bundled into fare promotions.

What Norwegian Cruise Line is known for

Norwegian is best known for the relaxed Freestyle style it introduced: no set dinner times, few dress rules and a long list of restaurants, bars and shows, plus solo staterooms on many ships and resort-style stops at Great Stirrup Cay and Harvest Caye. Its newest ships draw attention for headline attractions such as the Speedway race tracks and the Aqua Slidecoaster on Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna, and it sails from more than a dozen homeports, many of them in the United States.

On the other side, much of what makes the ships appealing is extra: specialty restaurants, drinks and Wi-Fi are add-ons or come through fare promotions, so the cost of a trip depends heavily on what is bought. Satisfaction surveys have been weak lately; a 2026 Consumer Reports survey of nearly 19,000 cruise passengers ranked Norwegian last of 19 lines, with low marks for food, service, value and onboard activities. The fleet also spans almost three decades, so a cruise on Norwegian Spirit differs a lot from one on Norwegian Luna.

Who it's for

Norwegian suits travelers who want flexibility: families and groups of friends who like to eat when and where they please, first-time cruisers looking for a short Bahamas or Caribbean trip from Florida, New York, Philadelphia or Galveston, and solo travelers who can book a solo stateroom instead of paying for two. Multigenerational groups will find waterslides and race tracks for younger guests and adults-only areas such as the Vibe Beach Club. Its long Europe, Alaska, Asia and South Pacific itineraries give repeat cruisers plenty of choice, and Pride of America is a simple way to see several Hawaiian islands in a week.

Travelers who want an all-inclusive fare, small and quiet ships or refined cuisine should look at premium or luxury lines instead, including NCLH's own Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Anyone who dislikes crowds should note that the largest ships carry around 4,000 guests at double occupancy.

Families
kids' clubs, family cabins, things for every age
First-time cruisers
easy to book, short itineraries, nothing intimidating
Friends and groups
nightlife, group dining, connecting cabins
Solo travelers
studio cabins, low or no single supplement, easy to meet people
Multigenerational groups
something for grandparents and grandchildren alike

How it rates

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None of Norwegian Cruise Line's ships has been rated yet. A line's rating is the average of its ships' scores.

Where Norwegian Cruise Line sails

Ships in service

Ships

20 in service
Norwegian Aqua at Southampton, March 2025Norwegian Aqua2025 · 156,300 GT · 3,565 guests · Caribbean · BahamasNorwegian Aqua is the first Prima Plus-class ship, a larger development of the Prima design at about 156,300 gross tons with 3,565 guests at double occupancy. Fincantieri built…Norwegian Bliss in Seattle, May 2022Norwegian Bliss2018 · 168,028 GT · 4,010 guests · Alaska · CaribbeanNorwegian Bliss is a Breakaway Plus-class ship of about 168,000 gross tons with 4,010 guests at double occupancy, built by Meyer Werft and in service since April 2018. She was…Norwegian Breakaway in Cozumel, Mexico, January 2023Norwegian Breakaway2013 · 145,655 GT · 3,903 guests · Canada and New England · BermudaNorwegian Breakaway is the first of two Breakaway-class ships, about 145,700 gross tons with 3,903 guests at double occupancy; her name came from a public naming contest…Norwegian Dawn leaving Boston Harbor, 2014Norwegian Dawn2002 · 92,250 GT · 2,290 guests · Mediterranean · BahamasNorwegian Dawn, sister ship of Norwegian Star, is a Dawn-class vessel of about 92,250 gross tons with room for 2,290 guests at double occupancy. Meyer Werft in Papenburg…Norwegian Encore leaving Victoria, British Columbia, May 2026Norwegian Encore2019 · 169,116 GT · 3,958 guests · Mexican Riviera · AlaskaNorwegian Encore is the fourth and last Breakaway Plus-class ship and, at about 169,100 gross tons, the largest ship in Norwegian's current fleet, with 3,958 guests at double…Norwegian Epic at George Town, Cayman Islands, November 2016Norwegian Epic2010 · 155,873 GT · 4,070 guests · Mediterranean · CaribbeanNorwegian Epic is a one-of-a-kind ship of about 155,900 gross tons carrying 4,070 guests at double occupancy, built at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique yard in Saint-Nazaire…Norwegian Escape leaving Bremerhaven, Germany, for sea trials, 2015Norwegian Escape2015 · 164,998 GT · 4,218 guests · Caribbean · BahamasNorwegian Escape was the first Breakaway Plus-class ship, built larger than the original Breakaway pair at about 165,000 gross tons and 4,218 guests at double occupancy. Meyer…Norwegian Gem, November 2022Norwegian Gem2007 · 93,530 GT · 2,388 guests · Mediterranean · CaribbeanNorwegian Gem is the last of the four Jewel-class ships, built by Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, and in service since 2007, with about 93,500 gross tons and room for 2,388…Norwegian Getaway at Harvest Caye, Belize, January 2025Norwegian Getaway2014 · 145,655 GT · 3,903 guests · Bahamas · CaribbeanNorwegian Getaway is Norwegian Breakaway's sister, built by Meyer Werft and delivered in January 2014, with about 145,700 gross tons and 3,903 guests at double occupancy. She was…Norwegian Jade at Valletta, Malta, February 2011Norwegian Jade2006 · 93,558 GT · 2,352 guests · Asia · AlaskaNorwegian Jade is a Jewel-class ship of about 93,600 gross tons carrying 2,352 guests at double occupancy. Meyer Werft built her in 2006 as Pride of Hawaii for Norwegian's NCL…Norwegian Jewel approaching Icy Strait Point, Alaska, July 2022Norwegian Jewel2005 · 93,502 GT · 2,368 guests · Northern Europe · CaribbeanNorwegian Jewel is the lead ship of the Jewel class, four sisters of about 93,500 gross tons built by Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany. She entered service in 2005, carries…Norwegian Joy at Kochi New Port, Japan, July 2017Norwegian Joy2017 · 167,725 GT · 3,776 guests · Alaska · BahamasNorwegian Joy is the second of four Breakaway Plus-class ships, about 167,700 gross tons with 3,776 guests at double occupancy, built by Meyer Werft and delivered in April 2017…Norwegian Luna leaving PortMiami, April 2026Norwegian Luna2026 · 156,300 GT · 3,565 guests · Bermuda · CaribbeanNorwegian Luna is the second Prima Plus-class ship and Norwegian Aqua's sister, about 156,300 gross tons with 3,565 guests at double occupancy. Fincantieri delivered her at…Norwegian Pearl at Astoria, Oregon, May 2013Norwegian Pearl2006 · 93,530 GT · 2,344 guests · Bermuda · CaribbeanNorwegian Pearl is the third Jewel-class ship, built by Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, and in service since late 2006, with about 93,500 gross tons and 2,344 guests at double…Norwegian Prima off George Town, Grand Cayman, January 2023Norwegian Prima2022 · 143,535 GT · 3,195 guests · Caribbean · Northern EuropeNorwegian Prima is the first Prima-class ship, built by Fincantieri at Marghera, Italy, and in service since August 2022, with about 143,500 gross tons and 3,195 guests at double…Norwegian Spirit at Pier 66, Seattle, July 2022Norwegian Spirit1998 · 75,904 GT · 1,972 guests · South Pacific · Australia and New ZealandNorwegian Spirit is the oldest and smallest ship in Norwegian's current fleet, a Leo-class vessel of about 75,900 gross tons carrying 1,972 guests at double occupancy. Meyer…Norwegian Star at Hoek van Holland, May 2020Norwegian Star2001 · 91,740 GT · 2,298 guests · Northern Europe · MediterraneanNorwegian Star is a Dawn-class ship of about 91,700 gross tons carrying 2,298 guests at double occupancy; at 294 meters long she was built close to the limit for the original…Norwegian Sun in Seattle, July 2022Leaving Sep 2027Norwegian Sun2001 · 78,309 GT · 1,878 guests · Panama Canal · MediterraneanNorwegian Sun is a mid-sized ship of about 78,300 gross tons with room for 1,878 guests at double occupancy, built by Lloyd Werft in Bremerhaven, Germany, and christened in Miami…Norwegian Viva at Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, March 2024Norwegian Viva2023 · 143,535 GT · 3,195 guests · Caribbean · MediterraneanNorwegian Viva is Norwegian Prima's sister, delivered by Fincantieri at Marghera on August 3, 2023, and sailing her maiden voyage a week later. She measures about 143,500 gross…Pride of America seen from Aloha Tower, Honolulu, May 2010Pride of America2005 · 80,439 GT · 2,180 guests · HawaiiPride of America is the only US-flagged ship in Norwegian's fleet, a vessel of about 80,400 gross tons carrying 2,180 guests at double occupancy that sails seven-day round trips…

Coming soon

Every new ship
Debuts May 2027Norwegian Aura2027 · 169,000 GT · 3,840 guests · Caribbean · BahamasNorwegian Aura is an upcoming Prima Plus-class ship being built by Fincantieri at Marghera, Italy, where she was floated out in April 2026. Norwegian says she will be its largest…

Former ships

All retired ships
ShipLeft
Norwegian SkySeptember 2026

Where to fly in

All ports

Quick answers

What is Norwegian Cruise Line known for?

Norwegian is best known for the relaxed Freestyle style it introduced: no set dinner times, few dress rules and a long list of restaurants, bars and shows, plus solo staterooms on many ships and resort-style stops at Great Stirrup Cay and Harvest Caye. Its newest ships draw attention for headline attractions such as the Speedway race tracks and the Aqua Slidecoaster on Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna, and it sails from more than a dozen homeports, many of them in the United States.

Who is Norwegian Cruise Line best for?

Norwegian suits travelers who want flexibility: families and groups of friends who like to eat when and where they please, first-time cruisers looking for a short Bahamas or Caribbean trip from Florida, New York, Philadelphia or Galveston, and solo travelers who can book a solo stateroom instead of paying for two. Multigenerational groups will find waterslides and race tracks for younger guests and adults-only areas such as the Vibe Beach Club. Its long Europe, Alaska, Asia and South Pacific itineraries give repeat cruisers plenty of choice, and Pride of America is a simple way to see several Hawaiian islands in a week.

Where does Norwegian Cruise Line sail?

Norwegian Cruise Line's ships in service sail Caribbean (14 ships), Bahamas (9 ships), Transatlantic (8 ships), Mediterranean (7 ships), Alaska (4 ships), Bermuda (4 ships), Panama Canal (4 ships), Northern Europe (3 ships), Mexican Riviera (3 ships), Canada and New England (2 ships), Hawaii (2 ships), Pacific Coast (1 ship), Asia (1 ship), Australia and New Zealand (1 ship) and South Pacific (1 ship).

Does Norwegian Cruise Line have new ships coming?

Yes: Norwegian Cruise Line has 1 new ship on the way: Norwegian Aura (debuts May 2027).

How many ships does Norwegian Cruise Line have?

Norwegian Cruise Line has 20 ships in service on Cruise Frog: Norwegian Aqua, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Gem, and 12 more.

Who owns Norwegian Cruise Line?

Norwegian Cruise Line is part of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.

Where is Norwegian Cruise Line based?

Norwegian Cruise Line is headquartered in Miami, Florida, United States. It has operated since 1966.

What is Norwegian Cruise Line's loyalty program called?

Norwegian Cruise Line's past-guest loyalty program is Latitudes Rewards.

What is the largest Norwegian Cruise Line ship?

Norwegian Encore is Norwegian Cruise Line's largest ship at 169,116 gross tons, carrying 3,958 guests.

Cruising with children

Norwegian’s youth programs can give school-age children and teens their own time, while families choose meals and activities together. Younger children require a different supervision plan.

Read the Norwegian Cruise Line family guide →

News about Norwegian Cruise Line and its ships

All cruise news
  1. 8 new cruise ships coming by the end of 2027, from Disney's Encanto ship to an 8,794-square-foot suite

    Lounge Frog

  2. Cruise loyalty programs compared: which lines give you a free cruise, and which just changed the rules

    Lounge Frog

  3. NCL's biggest ship ever arrives early: you can now book Norwegian Aura's first sailings from May 2, 2027

    Lounge Frog