When Norwegian Cruise Line introduced freestyle cruising in the early 2000s, it changed the industry permanently. The idea was simple but radical: remove the rigid structure that had defined cruising for decades — the fixed dining times, the assigned tables, the formal nights — and replace it with the kind of flexibility that modern travelers actually want. Two decades later, the concept has been widely imitated but never quite matched by the line that invented it.

At Marquis Vacations, Norwegian is one of our most-booked cruise lines, and for good reason. It delivers a genuinely enjoyable, high-quality experience across a wide range of budgets and travel styles — from families with young children to couples celebrating milestone anniversaries to groups of friends traveling together for the first time.

The Fleet: Something for Everyone

Norwegian operates one of the most diverse fleets in the industry, ranging from the massive Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore (among the largest cruise ships ever built, carrying over 4,000 guests) to the more intimate Norwegian Spirit and Norwegian Sky. The right ship depends entirely on what you're looking for.

For families and groups who want maximum entertainment options — waterslides, go-kart tracks, laser tag, Broadway-caliber shows, dozens of dining venues — the larger ships deliver an almost overwhelming abundance of things to do. For couples and smaller groups who prefer a more relaxed pace, the mid-size ships offer a more manageable, less crowded experience while still delivering Norwegian's signature service and dining quality.

The Haven: Norwegian's Ship-Within-a-Ship Luxury

If there is one Norwegian product that consistently exceeds expectations, it is The Haven — a private, keycard-access enclave within the larger ships that functions as a luxury boutique hotel within the broader cruise experience.

The Haven typically occupies the top decks of the ship and includes a private pool and sundeck, a dedicated restaurant (with open seating and a menu that rivals any specialty restaurant on board), a private lounge and bar, and a concierge team that handles every request. Haven guests board and disembark through a private terminal, bypass all lines, and have priority access to every venue on the ship.

The Haven suites themselves are genuinely luxurious — the two-story Garden Villas on some ships are among the most spectacular accommodations at sea, with private outdoor terraces, separate living and dining areas, and butler service. For travelers who want the Norwegian experience with a level of privacy and service that the general ship population doesn't receive, The Haven is the answer.

The Dining: Freestyle at Its Best

Norwegian's freestyle dining philosophy means you eat when you want, where you want, with whom you want — and the options are extensive. Most ships offer 20 or more dining venues, ranging from the main dining rooms (included in the fare) to specialty restaurants covering everything from Japanese teppanyaki to French cuisine to Brazilian churrascaria.

The specialty restaurants require a reservation and a cover charge, but the quality is genuinely impressive — particularly Cagney's Steakhouse, which serves USDA prime beef and has a loyal following among repeat Norwegian guests, and Ocean Blue, the seafood restaurant that appears on several ships and consistently earns strong reviews.

Norwegian's dining packages — which bundle multiple specialty restaurant visits at a reduced per-meal cost — are worth considering for guests who plan to eat out of the main dining rooms regularly. Our advisors can help you determine whether a package makes sense for your sailing.

The Entertainment: Broadway Comes to Sea

Norwegian has invested heavily in entertainment, and the results are impressive. Several ships feature full Broadway productions — Kinky Boots, Footloose, and Six have all appeared on Norwegian ships — performed in purpose-built theaters with professional casts. The production values are genuinely high, and the shows are a highlight of many guests' sailings.

Beyond the main theater, Norwegian ships offer comedy clubs, dueling piano bars, karaoke venues, and the Howl at the Moon rock and roll piano bar that has become a signature Norwegian experience. The entertainment options are extensive enough that guests rarely find themselves at a loss for something to do in the evenings.

The Itineraries: Every Ocean, Every Season

Norwegian sails to over 300 destinations across every ocean, with particular strength in the Caribbean (year-round), Alaska (summer), Europe (spring through fall), and Bermuda. The Caribbean itineraries are among the most popular, with sailings from Miami, New York, and New Orleans covering the Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean.

The Alaska sailings are exceptional — Norwegian's ships are well-suited to the Inside Passage, and the combination of glacier viewing, wildlife spotting, and port calls in Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan makes for one of the most memorable cruise experiences available from North American ports.

European itineraries cover the Mediterranean, the British Isles, the Norwegian fjords, and the Baltic — with the fjords sailings being particularly spectacular. Sailing into Geirangerfjord or Nærøyfjord on a Norwegian ship is an experience that stays with you.

Is Norwegian Right for You?

Norwegian is an excellent choice for first-time cruisers who want a full-featured, high-energy experience; for families with children of all ages; for groups of friends traveling together who want maximum flexibility; and for travelers who want the Haven experience — genuine luxury within a larger ship environment.

It is less ideal for travelers seeking the most intimate, quiet, or ultra-luxury experience at sea — for those guests, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection or a smaller luxury line may be a better fit. Our advisors will always help you find the right match.

Planning Your Norwegian Cruise

Haven suites and the most popular cabin categories on peak sailings book quickly — particularly for summer Alaska and holiday Caribbean itineraries. Marquis Vacations has preferred partner status with Norwegian Cruise Line, providing our clients with priority booking access, onboard credits, and the benefit of our direct relationships with the Norwegian team.