Norwegian Cruise Lines

Although the name suggests the line runs solely Scandinavian cruises, NCL in fact began life offering cheap Caribbean cruises. However, its foundation is Norwegian and, as such, NCL cruises offer a totally different experience – very freestyle, very cool, very Scandinavian in fact. We at The Co-operative Travel recommend Norwegian Cruise Lines for anyone looking for laid-back luxury at sea.

Norwegian Cruise Lines aim to challenge everyone’s perception of what cruises are all about. In true Scandinavian fashion, they aim to liberate their guests from convention, emphasising freedom from the stresses of everyday life through the unique concept of Freestyle Cruising. There’s nothing quite like it anywhere else.

What is Freestyle Cruising?

NCL blends concepts of both the Norwegian and Caribbean lifestyles to its cruises. For a start, there are no formal dining areas or fixed dining times. You are not fixed to which restaurant you dine at, either – nor are there fixed places at the dining tables. Norwegian Cruise Lines continue this ethic throughout their ships – you do what you want to do, whenever you want to do it.

Of course, cruises in general are far less regimented than they once were, so what makes NCL special? Well, for a start the ships have the largest choice of accommodations of any cruise line, with a premium number of interconnecting suites and staterooms – ideal for larger groups and families. Rooms are stocked exactly as you want them, with customised mini-bars.

Disembarkation has no set time, so if you’re too tired to leave your memory foam mattress – just sleep on. You can take your meals whenever you like, with whomever you like, and unlike the “school dining hall” concept of some cruise lines, the restaurants (up to 13 on each ship) offer a variety of cuisines. Dress code is "resort casual" by day and the same by night – with one restaurant reserved for more posh occasions.

Sailing with Norwegian Cruise Lines

There are 12 ships in the fleet, all but one (the Pride of America) prefixed by the word “Norwegian.” The oldest, Norwegian Sky, is a truly classic beauty, glowing with teak, mahogany and crystal. At the other end of the scale, the sister ships Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Gem are the latest additions to the fleet, with innovative facilities like bowling alleys, climbing walls and large, interconnecting family suites.

We at The Co-operative Travel have NCL cruises to Alaska; the Caribbean; the US; the Adriatic; the European cities (with Norwegian Jade); the Baltic, Canada, Greece and the Mediterranean. There are especially themed Arctic cruises, and even one cruise that goes to Norway.