They are the Norwegian vessels most packed with restaurants, bars, entertainment and over-the-top attractions. While not quite as big as Royal Caribbean's giant, Oasis-class ships, they are firmly in the pantheon of the world's cruising giants. On the big-ship end of the spectrum, Norwegian's four relatively new Breakaway Plus-class vessels - Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Escape - are the line's premier offerings. The key, depending on your tastes, is getting on the right ship in the fleet. Norwegian thus appeals both to cruisers who like a giant resort vibe and those who prefer something more modest. However, Norwegian's 10 older ships are much more modest in size, measuring around 75,000 to 94,000 tons and carrying closer to 2,000 passengers at double occupancy. Related: How to book a cruise with points and miles At around 143,000 to nearly 170,000 tons, all eight currently rank among the 50 biggest cruise ships in the world (although their rankings will shift downward as more big ships debut). The line's eight newest ships are big, bustling floating megaresorts that can carry upwards of 3,000 to 4,000 passengers at double occupancy (and even more with every berth filled). Indeed, Norwegian is essentially two cruise lines in one. More than half of its fleet is comprised of vessels that, by today's standards, are considered almost midsize.

The line doesn't just operate giant ships, though. 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. Norwegian is the world's fourth-largest cruise line by passenger capacity, with 18 ships that together offer 53,681 berths. Norwegian's newest ship, Norwegian Prima, debuted in 2022.

In some cases, its ships have an exclusive area full of high-end cabins and suites called The Haven that comes with its own private pools, lounge areas and even restaurants. Still, as we'll explain below, it offers a wide range of accommodations, some of which fall squarely in the luxury segment. Norwegian is also a mass-market brand, not a luxury cruise operator. That said, the line does offer some smaller ships that aren't quite as big and bustling as its giants. If you want an intimate cruise experience, Norwegian probably isn't a good choice. Its largest vessels are among the biggest cruise ships at sea (they must be, to accommodate everything mentioned above). Just to be clear, Norwegian is a big-ship line. If you had to compare Norwegian ships to something on land, you'd probably say they were like floating versions of the casino resorts you find in Las Vegas. Put it all together, and you have vessels with a very lively atmosphere - particularly at night. Norwegian ships are also loaded with bars, lounges and nightclubs, including always-busy casinos. You'll find everything from music halls with Beatles cover bands and dueling piano bars to theaters with some of the most elaborate shows at sea - including some big-name Broadway productions. Norwegian vessels also offer lots of options for daytime fun but are particularly well known for evening entertainment. There's no rule saying you must, though.įor more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter. When it's time for dinner, if you want to dress up, fine.

Instead of a few big main restaurants with fixed seating times, Norwegian ships offer a wide range of eateries and no assigned seating times - just make a reservation. The Miami-based cruise line pioneered the idea of 'freestyle cruising' - cruising without rigid dining schedules, dress codes and formal nights - and it's still the go-to line for vacationers who want a floating resort experience with a casual, laissez-faire vibe. Looking for a cruise where you can do what you want, whenever you want, without a lot of structure and rules? Norwegian Cruise Line could be your brand.

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