Cruise Deals

Best Norwegian Cruise Line Cruise ships

When it comes to choosing the best Norwegian Cruise Line ship for your holiday, you’re truly spoilt for choice. NCL offers an impressive variety of ships, from sleek, modern vessels packed with innovation to smaller, more intimate ships perfect for a quieter escape. No matter your travel style or who you’re sailing with, there’s an NCL ship designed to make your cruise unforgettable. To help you decide, we’ve selected some of our favourites.

• Best NCL ships for adults

  NCL has plenty of cruise ships that are ideal for adults, whether you’re looking for modern luxury, exciting nightlife, or a more peaceful and refined experience.

  Norwegian Viva

  Norwegian Viva is the pinnacle of Norwegian Cruise Line’s luxury ships. It’s part of their newest Prima Class of cruise ships that’s designed to be more spacious and stylish than ever before. 

  Inside, you can treat yourself to a feast at the Indulge Food Hall, a high-end food court packed with global gourmet cuisine. Or maybe you’d prefer to let loose at the adults-only Vibe Beach Club, complete with hot tubs and a full-service bar. For a touch of relaxation, you could opt for the Infinity Beach on Ocean Boulevard, where you can feel at one with the crystal blue waters you’re cruising through.

  With all this, plus sophisticated entertainment, bars and restaurants during the evening, there are few choices that come close to Norwegian Viva.

  Norwegian Encore

  The Norwegian Encore places a focus on nightlife and entertainment, as you’d expect from its name. If craft beer is your thing, you’ll be right at home in The District Brew House, known for its extensive selection of craft beers served alongside incredible live entertainment. 

  Or, if it’s been A Hard Day’s Night, you can find live entertainment Eight Days a Week at The Cavern Club, where you can sing your heart out to Beatles-style performances. 

  The fun doesn’t stop there! There’s also an onboard casino, comedy clubs, and theatre shows alongside the same range of amazing dining options you’d expect from Norwegian Cruise Lines, from Cagney's Steakhouse to Le Bistro French restaurant.

  Norwegian Jade

  The Norwegian Jade is part of the Jewel class of ships in the Norwegian Line, making it a medium-sized vessel for those who don’t want the enormity of a ship like the Encore. 

  Itineraries will take you around Europe or South America in quiet comfort and luxury, thanks to a more laid-back vibe you’ll find on smaller ships. Laid-back doesn’t mean boring, though. There’s a limitless amount of fun you can have aboard Norwegian Jade, such as Broadway-style shows at the Stardust Theatre, live music, and comedy shows.

  If you’re looking to carry on the laid-back vibe, take a step into Mandara Spa’s adults-only Thermal Suite, where you can rejuvenate body and soul through saunas, steam rooms, thalassotherapy pools, and more.

• Best NCL ships for families

  If you’re travelling with kids, NCL has several ships specifically catered towards families. From thrilling water parks to engaging kids’ clubs and family-friendly entertainment, these ships offer something for every age group.

  Norwegian Encore

  The sheer size of the Norwegian Encore means that it’s not only a great choice for adults, but it’s great fun for the kids too.

  On board, they’ve got clubs for kids of all ages, including: Guppies (6 months - 3 years), Splash Academy (3 - 12 years), and Entourage (13 - 17 years). Outside of this, if you fancy a night between the parents, there’s also a Late Night Fun Zone that lets parents drop their kids off to keep them entertained while the adults enjoy a show, or one of the countless eateries spread across the cruise.

  Speaking of eateries, the Encore has all bases covered, with casual venues like the American Diner that’ll provide plenty of kid-friendly choices, all the way up to speciality dining showcasing French, Asian, and Latine cuisine.

  Norwegian Getaway

  Norwegian Getaway is ideal for fun-loving families looking for great value. The ship boasts excellent kids’ pools, multi-storey waterslides, and Broadway-style shows for the adults. 

  There are plenty of family-friendly restaurants, an ice cream bar, outdoor play areas, and activities such as mini golf and a ropes course, which is ideal for the whole family. With such a great range of on-board entertainment, there’s absolutely no reason that anyone should be bored!

  To top it off, Norwegian Getaway is cheaper than most of NCL’s fleet, while still being jammed with activities, great food choices, and fun for all ages.

  Norwegian Bliss

  Norwegian Bliss is another top choice for families who want to do it all on their cruise holiday. It features a racetrack and a laser tag arena, plus Broadway-style shows that teens will enjoy.

  The ship also has large observation lounges that will allow you to observe wildlife, especially on Alaska cruises, where the Arctic waters are teeming with life. Food options are plentiful onboard, with the option for room service if you fancy a movie night under the covers.

  Multi-rooms and mini-suites are available on board, giving the kids privacy while keeping them within arm’s reach.

   With mini-suites and multi-room options, it caters well to families needing extra space.

  Norwegian Aqua

  As NCL’s newest ship, Norwegian Aqua is packed with oodles of family fun. Its biggest highlight is the Aqua Slidecoaster, the world’s first rollercoaster-and-waterslide hybrid at sea, alongside the thrilling 10-story Drop slide. Kids can also enjoy mini-golf, splash zones, and the high-tech Glow Court, while teens dive into VR games at the Aqua Game Zone. 

  For the adults, you’ll also be able to experience plenty of entertainment onboard, such as Revolution: A Celebration of Prince and even the chance to play an interactive game of The Price is Right.

  Dining is just as family-friendly, with casual food halls, global cuisine, and plenty of kid-friendly options. Spacious family cabins and suites, plus dedicated kids’ clubs, make Aqua a great choice for families who want the excitement of a cruise while catering to the hectic nature of family life.

• Best NCL ships for couples

  A cruise around some of the most beautiful scenery in the world is one of the most wonderful things you can experience with your partner, amping up the romance whether it’s a first-time trip or a wedding anniversary.

   The offerings below are famous for their romantic vibe that’s had lovers swooning since their maiden voyage.

  Norwegian Prima

  The Norwegian Prima is the sister ship to the Norwegian Viva and offers an equally luxurious experience for couples. It’s a mid-sized ship, which offers plenty of space for a bit of peace, while also having plenty going on to keep you entertained.

   This ship class is renowned for The Haven, an exclusive enclave with our most premium and spacious accommodation. There’s a 24-hour butler service and world-class amenities that aren’t available elsewhere, alongside exclusive outdoor areas that offer peaceful views of the sea while you cruise.

   There are excellent dining options on board reminiscent of a romantic meal in Paris at Le Bistro or shows that will have you feeling like you’re watching in New York. Or, if you and your partner are after a bit of adrenaline, you’ll be able to get the blood pumping racing around the world's first three-level race track at sea in go-karts.

  Norwegian Escape

  Taglined as the Ultimate Playground at Sea for All Ages, Norwegian Escape is ideal for couples who are still young at heart. Cruising to idyllic destinations like the Bahamas, the Caribbean from Miami and the Mediterranean from Rome, you’ll be able to soak up the sun while you enjoy your holiday with your life partner.

  You can expect oodles of fun from The Choir of Man show, which’ll have you raising your glass in cheers! Or, if you’re up for a laugh, the crew will tickle your funny bone at Headliner's Comedy Club, which is full of hand-picked comedians that are sure to have comedians right up your street.

   As for food, there are plenty of options. One of our favourites is Bayamo by Ocean Blue, featuring delicious seafood in a casual setting. Want something more formal? The main dining rooms feature a menu that changes daily, featuring the Chef’s Signature Dishes.

  Norwegian Viva

  Sister ship to the Prima, the Norwegian Viva is built for luxury, while not taking away from the experience of cruising across the oceans in a huge ship.

  The luxury and romance are perfectly exemplified by the Mandara Spa, which features floatation salt pools, saunas, steam rooms, and even an ice room. Once it’s time to get out of the water, you can warm up on a heated lounger in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows that give you an incredible view of the sea. 

  From there, the world is your oyster. There’s a cocktail bar, an arcade, a casino, taste-bud-tingling dining options, whether you’re after some casual street food or a formal meal, the Norwegian Viva has everything on board to create the atmosphere you’re looking for.