A Review of Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line began operations in 1966 with one ship, the Sunward, which offered cruises from Miami, Florida to the Caribbean. During the next five years four more ships were added. In 1979, NCL purchased the SS France, the largest cruise ship in the world at that time, and renamed it the Norway. The company was on it's way to becoming one of the world's largest cruise lines, and a leader in revolutionizing the industry.

Norwegian Cruise Lines introduced "Freestyle Cruising" in 2001 whereby passengers are free to choose when, where and with whom to take their meals. More flexible disembarking procedures were also installed, alleviating the stress of everyone trying to leave the ship at the same time. Also improved were casino services and entertainment, creating the need for additional staff and crew. The end result was a more relaxed vacation atmosphere.

In the wake of 9/11, vacationers stopped flying for the most part. With air travel declining, cruise ships were forced to home ports in the United States; however, there was a shortage of ports. NCL began using ports all over the United States as new 'home ports', thus creating "Homeland Cruising," with ships within driving distance and reducing the dependence on air travel.

About Norwegian Cruise Line Fleet

Norwegian Cruise Line is making advancements in their fleet as well as in the company. The oldest of the line dates back to the early 1990's. These ships, Norwegian Dream, Norwegian Wind and Norwegian Majesty have all been stretched and refurbished, creating a large addition mid-ship for more public rooms and cabins. In an effort to continue to offer only top-of-the-line service, Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that these ships will be cut from their fleet by 2010 and replaced with ships built exclusively for "Freestyle Cruising". By 2010, they plan to offer the youngest fleet in the world.

The best of "Freestyle Cruising" can be found on the newer ships. In 2001, the Norwegian Sun, was the first ship built expressly for this purpose. It was followed by the Norwegian Star also in 2001 and the Norwegian Dawn in 2002. The Norwegian Spirit and Norwegian Jewel debuted in 2005, and Norwegian Pearl set sail in 2006. The Norwegian Gem is scheduled for launch in October 2007, and twin ships are on track for release in 2009 and 2010. Each of these newer ships offer ten restaurants, passenger capacity of over twenty-three hundred and are capable of speeds greater than twenty-five knots.

About Norwegian Cruise Line Cruise.

Each ship offers multiple restaurants, many open twenty-four hours a day. Room service is available around the clock with a limited menu. The restaurants range from all you care to eat buffets to steak house style to sushi bars. The menus are as varied as the restaurants themselves and the "Chocoholic Buffet" is offered on every ship. While the dress code is informal, no jeans, tank tops, or shorts are permitted during dinner; however there are a few formal nights for those who enjoy dressing up.

The casinos are roomy with a variety of popular games and gaming lessons are offered every day throughout the cruise. Norwegian Cruise Line takes their entertainment seriously and it shows in the caliber of their offerings. Broadway-style musical productions are always a crowd pleaser, while lounges and dance clubs offer live bands and DJs. The bars are large and well staffed, spread out throughout the ship, both inside and out.

Each ship has a fitness center outfitted with state-of-the-art exercise equipment and juice bars, as well as a spa offering traditional massage and body wraps, as well as teeth whitening and acupuncture. Jogging tracks, basketball hoops, and shuffle board are on the outside decks. Select ships also offer bowling, snorkel lessons, and golf.

Additionally, each ship has a card room, movie theater, library, conference rooms and a chapel large enough for small weddings. For children and teens there are kiddie pools, junior dance clubs and babysitting services, as well as counselors to provide activities for all ages.

Cabin sizes average one hundred and thirty-five square feet for inside and outside cabins. This is small in comparison to other cruise lines and the older ships have fewer balcony rooms. There are Garden Villa suites, Owners suites and Penthouse suites. These offer three bedrooms suites with private balconies, pools and hot tubs. While the regular cabins are adequate for the average cruiser, the upscale suites are available if the budget isn't a problem.

The Norwegian Cruise Line employs an international crew and staff. Well educated, respectful and available to meet your every need, your cruise experience is their top priority. Tipping is not necessary as there is a ten dollar per person per day fee added to the onboard account; however, the staff always appreciate personal gratuity.

About Norwegian Cruise Line Itineraries.

With the inception of "Homeland Cruising," Norwegian Cruise Line has become a world leader in low-cost 7 day cruising. Ships sail seasonally from Washington to Alaska, from the east coast to the Caribbean and Bermuda, and from California to Hawaii. They also offer cruises to Mexico, South America and Europe, encompassing some 200 ports around the world. 2008 will see cruises scheduled to the Mediterranean, the Baltics and the British Isles.

From Alaska to Hawaii, the Caribbean to New York, Norwegian Cruise Line has a cruise to fit most destinations, preferences and budgets.