Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is one of the world’s leading contemporary cruise brands, known for flexible cruising, modern ships and strong value inclusions.
On this page, you’ll find an overview of what Norwegian offers, who it suits best, and how to choose the right itinerary, ship and cabin for your travel style.
As a CLIA Master Cruise Consultant, I help Australian travellers navigate NCL’s wide range of options and secure the best available value.
About Norwegian Cruise Line
Founded in 1966, Norwegian Cruise Line operates a modern fleet serving destinations worldwide, including Europe, Alaska, North America, Asia and the South Pacific.
NCL pioneered the concept of flexible cruising, often referred to as “Freestyle Cruising”. This provides guests with greater flexibility around dining, entertainment and daily schedules.
Today, Norwegian is particularly popular with couples, solo travellers and families seeking choice, comfort and value.
Flexible Cruise Style and Guest Experience
Norwegian Cruise Line offers a modern, flexible cruising style that puts choice and personal preference at the centre of your holiday. Unlike traditional ships with fixed dining times and set schedules, NCL gives you freedom over dining, entertainment and daily activities so your cruise fits your pace and preferences.
Onboard you’ll find:
Flexible Dining Options
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No fixed meal times
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No assigned seating
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A wide choice of restaurants and dining concepts
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Casual and elevated menus included in fare
Choice of Experiences
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Live entertainment
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Bars and lounges with different atmospheres
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Pools, spas, fitness and enrichment activities
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Options for quiet relaxation or social engagement
Personalised Pace
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Enjoy dinner at 6.30pm or 9pm — your choice
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Start your day early with coffee by the pool
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Or sleep in and enjoy brunch on your own schedule
Many travellers recognise this open approach as Freestyle Cruising, but today it’s best described as flexible cruising with choice built into every day.
What Is Included on a Norwegian Cruise
All Norwegian cruises include:
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Accommodation in your chosen cabin
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Main dining and buffet meals
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Entertainment and shows
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Use of pools, gyms and public spaces
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Port visits and scenic cruising
In addition, most sailings feature Norwegian’s Free at Sea™ program.
Understanding Free at Sea™
Free at Sea™ is Norwegian’s core value offering and is available on most sailings year-round.
Depending on the promotion and fare selected, this may include:
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Beverage package
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Specialty dining credits
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Shore excursion credit
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Wi-Fi package
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Reduced third and fourth guest fares
Inclusions vary by sailing, cabin type and promotion, which is why personalised advice is important.
Understanding Free at Sea Plus™
Free at Sea Plus™ is an optional upgrade that enhances standard Free at Sea™ inclusions. It typically includes premium beverages, unlimited streaming Wi-Fi, 50% off specialty dining nights, and prepaid service charges (where applicable). Two versions are offered, depending on whether service charges are already included in your fare.
Not sure which experience or inclusions apply to your preferred sailing?
Contact me and I’ll explain exactly what’s included and how to get the most value.
Who Is Norwegian Best Suited To
Norwegian Cruise Line is an excellent fit for travellers who want:
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Choice — Multiple dining, entertainment and activity options
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Modern ships — Contemporary design and amenities
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Good value — Optional inclusions with strong everyday benefits
This style suits a broad range of travellers, including:
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Couples
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Solo travellers
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Families and multi-generational groups
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First-time cruisers who want options
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Repeat cruisers who enjoy relaxed pacing
Solo Travellers and Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line is one of the more solo-friendly major cruise brands, offering practical options for travellers who prefer to cruise independently.
Many ships feature dedicated Studio cabins designed for single occupancy, often priced more competitively than standard cabins with a single supplement. These are located near exclusive Studio Lounge areas, providing a relaxed space for solo guests to meet and socialise if they wish.
NCL’s relaxed onboard environment also suits solo travellers, with:
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No fixed dining times
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Multiple dining venues
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A wide range of entertainment options
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Freedom to plan each day independently
Combined with strong value inclusions through Free at Sea™, Norwegian offers a balanced mix of independence, comfort and connection for solo cruisers.
Studio cabins are not available on every ship and can be limited on popular sailings. I can advise on the best ships and itineraries for solo travellers and help secure suitable availability.
Norwegian Cruise Line Fleet Overview
Norwegian operates several classes of ships, ranging from mid-sized vessels to large resort-style ships.
Key features across the fleet include:
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Balcony-heavy cabin design
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Modern stateroom layouts
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Multiple dining precincts
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Broadway-style entertainment
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Dedicated solo traveller studios on select ships
Choosing the right ship can significantly affect your experience.
Spotlight: Norwegian Spirit
Norwegian Spirit will be a standout for Australian travellers over the next two years, with a homeport deployment that makes great cruising experiences more accessible, with fewer flights and simpler logistics.
Why Norwegian Spirit Matters for Australians
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Homeporting in Australia for upcoming seasons
Norwegian Spirit will offer seasonally based cruises from Australian ports, meaning more choice and convenience for local travellers without long repositioning flights. - A More Refined, Adult-Friendly Experience
Norwegian Spirit is not an adults-only ship, but her design, amenities and atmosphere naturally appeal to adult travellers. With no major waterslides or kids’ clubs and thoughtfully designed public spaces, Spirit delivers a calmer, more relaxed cruise experience. -
Perfect Size for Regional Itineraries
Spirit is a mid-sized ship, large enough for great amenities, yet intimate enough for ease of navigation and relaxed onboard life. -
Modern Refurbishment
Following a multi-million-dollar refresh, Spirit blends classic cruising appeal with updated dining, entertainment and stateroom designs. -
Lifestyle & Dining Variety
Guests can enjoy multiple dining options, bars and lounges, contemporary entertainment, themed nights and activity flows that suit both relaxed and social travellers. -
Cabin Mix for Different Travellers
From interior to balcony staterooms and suites, Spirit offers a broad cabin range. Solo travellers may find suitable options on board (depending on availability and sailing).
This makes Norwegian Spirit an ideal choice for Australians considering close-to-home cruising, longer Pacific itineraries, or repositioning voyages that include Fiji, New Zealand and beyond.
As part of my service, I can help you evaluate which Spirit sailings offer the best value, cabin availability and inclusions for your travel goals.
Popular Norwegian Cruise Regions
Norwegian Cruise Line operates strong programs in the following regions:
Alaska Cruises
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Glacier Bay itineraries
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Inside Passage routes
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Departures from Seattle and Vancouver
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Peak season: May to September
Hawaii Cruises
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Inter-island itineraries
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Round-trip sailings from Honolulu
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Visits to Maui, Kauai, Hilo and Kona
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No sea days between islands on select sailings
Canada and New England Cruises
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Autumn foliage sailings
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New England coastal towns
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Canada’s Atlantic provinces
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Peak season: September to October
Europe Cruises
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Mediterranean and Greek Isles
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Northern Europe and Baltics
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Western European ports
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Peak season: May to September
Australia and New Zealand Cruises
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East Coast Australia
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New Zealand fjords
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Trans-Tasman voyages
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Seasonal deployments
South Pacific Cruises
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Fiji, French Polynesia and Pacific islands
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Repositioning and seasonal sailings
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Longer voyage options
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Popular with experienced cruisers seeking extended itineraries
Cruise Tours: Combine Cruise and Land Experiences
Norwegian Cruise Line also offers Cruise Tour programs that combine a cruise with guided land touring before or after your voyage.
These itineraries are ideal for travellers who want to explore destinations beyond the coastline, with accommodation, transport and key sightseeing arranged.
Cruise Tours are available in selected regions, including Alaska, Canada and New England, and parts of Europe.
View current Cruise Tour options below.
Why Book Norwegian Through Holidays Beckon?
Booking through an experienced cruise specialist provides added protection and value.
When you work with me, you benefit from:
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Independent advice
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Cabin and ship expertise
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Fare and promotion monitoring
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Access to group space when available
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Ongoing support
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One dedicated point of contact
Before booking online, I recommend checking with me first. I can often improve cabin selection, value or inclusions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Norwegian Cruise Line good value for Australians?
Yes. With Free at Sea inclusions and regular promotions, NCL often represents strong value for Australian travellers.
Are drinks included on Norwegian cruises?
Most sailings include a beverage package through Free at Sea, subject to fare type and conditions.
Does Norwegian suit solo travellers?
Yes. Select ships feature dedicated solo cabins and hosted activities.
When is the best time to book?
Wave season and early-release periods generally offer the best availability and inclusions.
Final Thoughts
Considering a Norwegian Cruise Line holiday?
Let’s match the right ship and itinerary to your travel goals.
Meet Your Cruise Specialist, Philip
As a CLIA Top 100 Master Cruise Consultant in Australia, my accreditation provides me with specialist knowledge in the luxury cruise space, allowing me to offer expert guidance on selecting the perfect voyage. Read More
