The Ultimate in Freestyle Vacations
Why Travelers Love NCL
- Freedom to Cruise Your Way: Norwegian’s signature “Freestyle Cruising” means no fixed dining times, no dress codes—just flexible fun and personalized itineraries.
- ward-Winning Fleet & Global Reach: With around 20 contemporary vessels sailing to nearly 350 destinations—including private escapes like Great Stirrup Cay and Harvest Caye—travelers enjoy a wealth of options.
- Vibrant Onboard Life: Expect Broadway-style entertainment, live music, themed bars, unique shows, and activities for all ages.
- Health & Safety First: Cleanliness is paramount—procedures include health questionnaires, sanitation stations, onboard medical care, and clear protocols if symptoms arise.
Key Passenger Info for Travelers
Freestyle Management Portal: Use My NCL to handle dining, shore excursions, entertainment bookings, and upload travel documents—even after booking.
Travel Documents:
- For most U.S.-based Caribbean, Bermuda, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Canada/New England departures: A valid passport, or proof of citizenship (e.g., birth certificate) plus government-issued photo ID.
- For inter-island Hawaii cruises: Only a photo ID required.
- For international sailings (e.g., Europe, Asia): A passport valid at least six months beyond return date is required; some ports may require visas.
The Norwegian Joy
The Norwegian Joy, a Breakaway Plus-class ship delivered in 2017 by Meyer Werft, offers a dynamic balance of high-octane entertainment and luxurious relaxation. At 167,725 gross tons with a guest capacity of around 3,776 (double occupancy) and 1,821 crew members, it’s one of NCL’s most versatile vessels
Originally built for the Chinese market, the Joy has since been reimagined for North America audiences—retaining standout features like its go‑kart track, bumper cars, and virtual reality pavilion, while aligning more closely with the rest of the NCL fleet.
A 2024 refurbishment elevated the onboard experience even further, introducing the largest Thermal Suite in the fleet and an expanded adults-only Vibe Beach Club, making it a top choice for travelers seeking both indulgence and serenity.
Yet despite these upgrades, Joy continues to surprise—its pools are compact, its go‑kart course tight and thrilling, and its specialty restaurants remain a standout for serious foodies.
🔗 Useful Norwegian Cruise Line Links for Travelers
- Required Travel Documents
- Prepare for Your Cruise
- Document Downloads & Guest Ticket Contract
- Norwegian Cruise Line Ships (Fleet Overview)
- Explore Cruise Destinations
- Norwegian Cruise Line Mobile App
- Accessibility & Special Needs Cruising
- Contact NCL – Help & Support
NCL Ship Classes Explained
Prima Class
Prima class ships include Norwegian Prima (2022) and Norwegian Viva (2023). Each is around 142,500 gross tons and holds ~3,100 passengers. Notable highlights include the industry’s largest go-kart tracks, a dramatic 10-story dry slide, and the luxurious Haven suites with exclusive lounges, dining, and private pool areas.
Image: Norwegian Prima
Prima Plus Class
Prima Plus class ships include Norwegian Aqua (delivered 2025), takes size and comfort further—about 156,000 GT and ~3,571 passengers. It offers even more space, an Aqua Slidecoaster (rollercoaster-waterslide), arcade, Glow Court, theaters, spa retreats, and wide cabin variety.
Image: Norwegian Aqua
Breakaway Plus Class
Comprising Norwegian Escape, Joy, Bliss, and Encore, these are NCL’s largest ships until the Prima era—ranging from ~165,000 to 169,000 GT and carrying up to ~4,200 guests.
Mega‑resort-style ships with diverse dining, entertainment, water activities, go‑kart tracks, high‑energy decks, and kid‑friendly zones.
Image: Norwegian Bliss
Dawn Class
Includes Norwegian Dawn (2002) and Norwegian Star (2001), both around 91,700–92,250 GT with ~2,300 passengers.
These ships offer a balanced experience with multiple dining venues, pools, sports courts (basketball, mini‑golf, golf nets), plus onboard entertainment and bars. More intimate and classic cruising feels.
Image: Norwegian Dawn
Sun Class
The smallest fleet ships, comprising Norwegian Sky (1999) and Norwegian Sun (2001), sized ~77,000–78,300 GT and ~1,900 guests.
Older vessels with fewer frills, yet maintaining NCL’s signature dining and social options. Great for travelers seeking familiar comfort or smaller-scale voyages.
Image: Norwegian Sky
Unique Norwegian Ships
Norwegian Epic
155,873 GT, ~4,100 guests. Unique features including a tube-and-bowl waterslide, standing alone in its class.
Pride of America
80,439 GT, ~2,180 guests. Only U.S.-flagged NCL ship, sailing exclusively in Hawaii, with a U.S. crew and no casino due to local laws.
Norwegian Spirit
Older vessel from 1998 offering world itineraries to Alaska, Asia, and beyond.
| Ship Class | Ships Included | Size (GT) / Capacity | Vibe Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prima / Prima Plus | Prima, Viva / Aqua | ~142–156k GT; 3,100–3,571 pp | Modern design, massive slides, go-karts, luxurious Haven |
| Breakaway Plus | Escape, Joy, Bliss, Encore | ~165–169k GT; ~4,000 pp | Mega-resort feel, top-deck thrills, wide dining variety |
| Breakaway | Breakaway, Getaway | ~145k GT; ~3,900 pp | Splash zones, pools, vibrant nightlife |
| Jewel | Jewel, Jade, Pearl, Gem | ~93k GT; ~2,350 pp | Peaceful cruising, solid amenities, less crowd |
| Dawn | Dawn, Star | ~92k GT; ~2,300 pp | Mid-size, sports & entertainment spots, relaxed pace |
| Sun | Sky, Sun | ~77–78k GT; ~1,900 pp | Compact, classic, fewer frills but cozy charm |
| Unique Singles | Epic, Pride of America, Spirit | Varies (76k–156k GT) | Specialized experiences — waterslides, Hawaii focus, legacy routes |
CRUISING FROM NORTH AMERICA
Norwegian Cruise Line continues to offer cruises from a number of U.S. and Canadian ports making getting to the ship easier than ever before. Your clients can choose the departure port that works best for them providing less travel time, more affordable options and in many cases, guests can drive to the port. Norwegian has ships sailing from:
- Seattle
- Los Angeles
- San Francisco
- New York*
- Boston
- Miami
- Tampa
- New Orleans
- Honolulu**
- Seward
- Quebec
- Orlando (Port Canaveral)
- San Juan
- San Diego
- Vancouver
*NCL is the only cruise line to sail from New York year-round.
**NCL is the only large U.S.-flagged cruise ship in Hawai’i offering the only 7-day, inter-island itinerary.
