Norwegian cruise fares typically include your stateroom, meals in complimentary dining venues like main dining rooms and buffets, select non-alcoholic beverages, and access to a variety of onboard entertainment and activities. Port fees and taxes are also usually bundled into the total price.
Norwegian is known for "Freestyle Dining," offering flexible meal times and a range of complimentary options like main dining rooms and buffets. Additionally, their ships feature numerous specialty restaurants, such as steakhouses, Italian, and Teppanyaki, available for an extra charge.
Onboard Norwegian, entertainment often includes Broadway-style shows, live music, comedy acts, casinos, and themed parties. Depending on the ship, activities can range from pools and sports courts to unique attractions like race tracks, virtual reality complexes, or water parks.
Norwegian's cancellation policy depends on the fare type and how far from the sailing date you cancel, with penalties increasing closer to departure. It's essential to review the specific terms and conditions for your booking, as cancellation fees can range from a deposit loss to the full cruise fare.
Norwegian automatically adds a daily service charge or gratuity to your onboard account to recognize the service provided by crew members, such as stateroom attendants and dining staff. These charges can often be prepaid before your cruise or adjusted onboard in certain circumstances.
For most Norwegian cruises, infants must be at least 6 months old at embarkation, though some longer voyages require infants to be 12 months old. Passengers under 21 typically need to be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older in the same stateroom, unless they are a married couple or meet specific conditions.
Norwegian generally accommodates various dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and common allergies, in their main dining rooms and buffets. It is recommended to notify the cruise line of any special dietary requirements at the time of booking and confirm with dining staff once onboard.
Required travel documents for a Norwegian cruise vary by itinerary; U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises may use a birth certificate and government ID, but a valid passport is strongly recommended for all travel and often mandatory for international ports or air travel. Non-U.S. citizens should always check passport and visa requirements for all countries visited.
Norwegian operates a fleet of twenty-one ships, encompassing ten distinct classes. The most seasoned ship has been sailing for 27 years, and the most recent addition was launched in 2026.
Norwegian cruises during the the peak season of summer are considerably more expensive than the low seasons of winter, spring, and fall. On average Norwegian is moderately expensive compared to other cruise operators. Take a look at the illustration below for the average cost per day by month.
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