Why should we cruise with NCL?
We asked NCL why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...
No schedules. No stipulations. Just award-winning entertainment and diverse dining options from the only cruise line built for versatile vacationing. NCL's award-winning ships are designed for you to enjoy as you choose while cruising to beautiful destinations around the world. Add a wide range of superb dining options and spectacular entertainment and you'll experience your best holiday ever.
What destinations are NCL exploring this season?
Alaska Asia Australia & New Zealand Canada & New England Caribbean Central America & Panama Europe & Med Greek Islands More...NCL snapshot
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The low down on NCL from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) stands out for its relaxed “Freestyle Cruising” style - more flexibility, fewer formalities, and a resort-like onboard vibe. NCL’s Free at Sea inclusions can add strong value for travelers who want drinks, some specialty dining, Wi-Fi and shore credits bundled into their booking, helping to make their total trip costs easier to predict. If you want a cruise that feels casual, choice-rich and good-value, Norwegian is often an excellent option; if you want the most family attractions, a more traditional cruise atmosphere, or a more premium “quiet luxury” feel, competitors like Royal Caribbean, Princess, Holland America read more or Celebrity may be a better match.
Who cruises with NCL?
Couples, solo travellers and families; freestyle cruisers who like to holiday on their own schedule.
What are NCL known for?
Freestyle Cruising with no fixed dining times, award-winning entertainment and top-deck innovation including racetracks at sea.
Are NCL's fares all-inclusive?
No.
What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?
Guests need to pay for shore excursions, WiFi, specialty dining, spa and salon services, selected onboard activities, some entertainment and certain beverages and services.
Are gratuities included?
Gratuities are included for Australian and New Zealand passengers. They are not included for North American passengers.
Are shore excursions included?
No.
Is there WiFi on board?
Yes, charges apply or is included in NCL’s Free At Sea™ package.
Does NCL have a loyalty program?
No. Latitudes Rewards only.
Is NCL a family friendly cruise-line?
Yes. NCL are a popular family option with family-friendly accommodation, comprehensive youth programs and family-friendly amenities.
Are any onboard activities included?
Sports court games, outdoor pools and hot tubs, select onboard presentations, the ropes course and ziplining.
Are there casinos on board your ships?
Yes, except on Pride of America.
Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?
Specialty onboard seminars, go-kart sessions, laser tag, video arcade games and bowling incur additional charges.
Are there specialty restaurants on board NCL's ships?
Yes. Specialty restaurants are available and charges apply. Upgrade to NCL’s Free At Sea™ to add premium beverages, specialty dining, shore excursion credit and Wi-Fi.
Are there dining packages for purchase?
Yes. Upgrade to NCL’s Free At Sea™ to add specialty dining.
Are non-alcoholic beverages included?
No.
Are alcoholic beverages included?
No.
Do NCL sell any beverage packages?
Yes. Upgrade to NCL’s Free At Sea™ to add premium beverages, specialty dining, shore excursion credit and Wi-Fi.
Do NCL offer room service?
Yes. Complimentary 24/7 room service is available; charges apply for alcohol orders.
Are spa and salon services available?
Yes. Spa and salon services are available for an additional charge.
Are there gyms onboard NCL's ships?
Yes.
Are fitness classes available onboard NCL's ships?
Yes. Charges apply.
Do NCL offer personal training?
Yes. Charges apply.
Are there self-service laundry facilities?
No.
Do NCL offer a laundry service?
Yes. Charges apply.
Recent NCL reviews
I liked the variety of food at the buffet and at Indulge. Dined at Hudson twice, it was very nice, beautifully decorated, gracious service - no one ever made me feel uncomfortable as someone dining solo.
Shore Excursions - Belfast to the Giant’s Causeway (I was on a waitlist - which never “officially” cleared, but there were some available seats at the last minute so I got on. I’d recommend booking those excursions ASAP) Cork — ship had to skip that port of call b/c stormy weather. Halifax - I went on excursion to Peggy’s Cove - cute, very New England, enjoyed a delish lobster roll.
Service - Cabin steward was efficient, friendly, helpful. Staff at dining establishments also very nice. Buffet got crowded but seating could always be found in the Palomar. Some of the staff for booking excursions or dealing with wi-fi were somewhat disorganized so definitely follow-up on questions or issues.
Downside: Ehe upselling! Starting from when I booked, all through the cruise. e.g. I missed getting daily itineraries and notices on paper delivered to my cabin - encouraged to always check on-line, but that wasn’t always up to date. Yes, it saves paper, but somehow the promos for pricey spa services and “art” auctions etc *were* delivered on paper to the cabin. I could barely hear announcements from the Captain but the announcements from the cruise director about opportunities to buy buy buy were always loud and clear. A friend had sent me a gift for the cruise — a 12-pack of bottled (actually canned) water, which I never received. And then it took weeks to get a refund (alto NCL reps kept calling back — to try and sell her a cruise). The nickel-and-dime-ing is annoying, but it’s probably the same on many other cruise lines.
Overall, I’ve learned to ignore the upselling, and enjoyed the cruise. I’d do it again (if the price hadn’t tripled since last year). There is an active FB group for NCL passengers, lots of reviews pros/cons there.
The $450 for the Internet cafe was expensive and the cheap, food and beverage package at $900 American dollars was outrageous - but at least it saved us the compulsory tip of 20% on every drink purchased.. The food on the ship was plentiful and filling but nothing special and the specialty restaurants at an additional cover charge of $120 American for the one specialty we took, was overpriced and over valued. And $610 USD for simple medical services that in Australia would've cost about $30 was a rip off and a packet of common antibiotics which in Australia would cost $24, was on the ship, $240 that is 8 USD s a pill!
And the crowning disappointment was with the one shore excursion we decided to buy from Norwegian. Immediately we paid for it my knee gave way making it impossible to do the walking on that tour, but there was no chance of getting a refund, - so that was another $140 American wasted. The cruz director and his deputy were absolutely hopeless and at the morning television presentation they told us little about what we should be doing that day but comprised mainly banal chatter between the two of them that we only watched once because we couldn't believe how bad it was. We saw mention of a turndown Service which never occurred in our mini suite, and the movies offered were awful.
But on the positive note, their tender operations were better than other lines, and nearly all of their wait staff were helpful and friendly although some had very little understanding of English. The couple of production shows were very ordinary and most of the entertainment seemed to consist of single or duo artists, or the cruz director interviewing and embarrassing guests, or yet another Trivia, which of course would cost the cruz company next to nothing! We would only cruise Norwegian again if it was the only ship going where we wanted to go at the time we wanted.
NCL's most popular trips this month...
Why should we cruise with Royal Caribbean?
We asked Royal Caribbean why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...
Royal Caribbean International is known for driving innovation at sea and has continuously redefined cruise holidays since its launch in 1969. Each successive class of ships is an architectural marvel and pushes the envelope of what is possible on a cruise ship. Onboard, the global cruise line has debuted countless industry 'firsts' – such as rock climbing, ice skating and surfing at sea – to capture the imagination of families and adventurous holiday-makers alike. Throughout, guests sail on exciting itineraries to some of the world’s most-popular read more destinations and enjoy Royal Caribbean’s friendly and engaging service.
What destinations are Royal Caribbean exploring this season?
Alaska Asia Australia Canada & New England Caribbean Central America Europe & Med Greek Islands More...Royal Caribbean snapshot
Total No. CruisesDeparturesAvg. cruise lengthAvg. price per day (by cabin type)No. of ShipsAll-Inclusive levelOnboard currencyOur thoughts...
The low down on Royal Caribbean from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...
Royal Caribbean is a good cruise line for travellers who want the most onboard activities, mega-ship resort energy and family-friendly cruising with private-destination style beach days (including Perfect Day at CocoCay). Compared with competitors, Royal Caribbean typically wins on ship size, attraction density and variety, while alternatives often win by specialisation - Virgin Voyages for adults-only, NCL for flexible "Freestyle" cruising, Princess for frictionless service tech, Celebrity for premium modern design, and MSC Yacht Club for their ship-within-a-ship luxury enclave.
Who cruises with Royal Caribbean?
Families and couples, including semi-retired and retired travellers.
What are Royal Caribbean known for?
Entertainment-packed ships, state-of-the-art onboard experiences and thrills.
Are Royal Caribbean's fares all-inclusive?
No.
What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?
Budget for alcoholic beverages, WiFi, specialty dining, shore excursions and selected onboard activities or experiences.
Are gratuities included?
Yes for Australian and New Zealand guests only.
Are shore excursions included?
No.
Is there WiFi on board?
Yes. Charges apply.
Does Royal Caribbean have a loyalty program?
Yes. Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Azamara offer reciprocal benefits to members enrolled in their loyalty programs.
Is Royal Caribbean a family friendly cruise-line?
Yes. Royal Caribbean is a genuinely family-friendly cruise line with comprehensive children’s programs and facilities for families, including accommodation for large groups.
Are any onboard activities included?
Sports courts, rock-climbing walls, waterslides, surf riders, language, dance and craft classes, select onboard thrills, skydiving simulators, observation capsules and on some ships - games spaces and ice-skating rinks. Activities vary by ship.
Are there casinos on board your ships?
Yes.
Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?
Specialty onboard seminars may incur a charge. Video arcade games incur a fee, and some onboard thrills may offer only one complimentary use. Some themed dinners and in-suite movies also cost extra.
Are there specialty restaurants on board Royal Caribbean's ships?
Yes. Specialty restaurants are available; charges apply and the range may differ between ships.
Are there dining packages for purchase?
Yes.
Are non-alcoholic beverages included?
Basic non-alcoholic drinks are included for free in your cruise fare, but specialty non-alcoholic beverages like soda, mocktails, and premium coffee cost extra unless you buy a drink package.
Are alcoholic beverages included?
No. All alcoholic beverages must be purchased.
Do Royal Caribbean sell any beverage packages?
Yes. Packages are available for non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages.
Do Royal Caribbean offer room service?
Yes. A convenience charge applies to each order except continental breakfast items. Grand Suites and higher categories do not pay the convenience fee.
Are spa and salon services available?
Yes. Spa and salon services are available and charges apply.
Are there gyms onboard Royal Caribbean's ships?
Yes.
Are fitness classes available onboard Royal Caribbean's ships?
Yes. Group fitness classes are complimentary, although selected special training classes may incur additional charges.
Do Royal Caribbean offer personal training?
Yes. Charges apply.
Are there self-service laundry facilities?
No.
Do Royal Caribbean offer a laundry service?
Yes. Charges apply.
Recent Royal Caribbean reviews
As happens, Mother Nature rules, so we had to miss Napier, but stops including Picton (South Island), Tauranga, Auckland and Bay of Islands were great. Entertainment and other activities were terrific, especially the stage show “We Will Rock You”.
I would thoroughly recommend a cruise on Royal Caribbean and be sure to use Global Journeys.
Royal Caribbean's most popular trips this month...
The Verdict - Norwegian Cruise Line vs Royal Caribbean
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and Royal Caribbean are both contemporary cruise lines with large ships, plenty of dining and entertainment, and itineraries around the world. Royal Caribbean generally pushes further with big-ticket attractions and family facilities, while NCL’s Freestyle Cruising delivers a more casual experience with no set dining times and plenty of flexibility. With so much variation between ships, your choice may ultimately come down to the specific vessel rather than the cruise line.
Which ships will suit me best?
Both fleets range from more traditional ships to large resort-style vessels packed with activities. Royal Caribbean’s newer ships are particularly focused on the ‘wow factor’, with attractions such as surf simulators, waterparks, bumper cars, the North Star observation capsule and neighbourhood-style precincts. NCL also offers plenty of innovation, including The Waterfront, racetracks on selected ships and newer attractions such as the Aqua Slidecoaster. Accommodation ranges from inside cabins through to large suites on both lines, although NCL’s The Haven is a particular standout, offering an exclusive enclave with its own suites and facilities.
Which is better for families?
Both are excellent family cruise lines, but Royal Caribbean goes further with dedicated family facilities and activities. Its Adventure Ocean program caters for children and teens, while newer ships add extensive waterparks, splash zones, climbing walls, surf simulators and family accommodation. NCL also has children’s programs, family-friendly cabins and plenty to keep everyone entertained, but if you’re travelling with kids and want the biggest possible range of dedicated family attractions, we’d give Royal the edge.
Which is better for couples?
There’s plenty for couples on both lines, whether you want action or relaxation. Royal offers adults-only spaces such as the Solarium alongside a huge range of entertainment and activities, while NCL’s Freestyle approach makes it particularly easy to dine when and where you like, enjoy The Waterfront or retreat to more exclusive areas such as The Haven. Both have busy nightlife, live entertainment and specialty dining, so this is another area where the individual ship is likely to matter more than the brand.
Which is better for solo travellers?
This is one area where NCL has a clear point of difference. Norwegian pioneered the Studio concept and now offers Solo Balcony, Oceanview, Inside and Studio accommodation across its fleet, priced specifically for one guest. Dedicated Studio guests on selected ships also have access to a private Studio Lounge where they can meet other solo travellers. Royal Caribbean has limited single-occupancy cabins on selected Quantum and Oasis Class ships, but the choice is considerably smaller, so NCL generally offers more flexibility for travellers cruising alone.
Which offers better value?
Base fares and inclusions are broadly similar, with drinks, Wi-Fi, specialty dining and shore excursions generally costing extra on both lines. Royal regularly runs discounted fares and onboard credit promotions, while Australian and New Zealand guests can upgrade to NCL’s Free at Sea package for a daily charge, currently adding premium beverages, specialty dining, Wi-Fi and shore excursion credits. The better value will depend on the ship, sailing and extras you’ll actually use, so it’s worth comparing the total holiday cost rather than the headline fare.
