Norwegian Cruise Line

Imagine a holiday where the only thing on the to-do list is relax. That’s the philosophy behind Norwegian Cruise Line’s “It’s Different Out Here” promise, because the best holidays should feel easy, not regimented.

NCL pioneered Freestyle Cruising, eliminating rigid dining times, dress codes and fixed schedules so guests can eat where they want, do what they want and experience the cruise on their own terms. It’s a philosophy that has made NCL one of the world’s most awarded cruise lines for over a decade.

With 21 ships and 400+ destinations worldwide, NCL sails to Europe, Alaska, Hawaii, Asia and the South Pacific. For Australian travellers, Norwegian Spirit sails close to home from Sydney, an adult-centric ship offering a smaller, calmer experience across Australia, New Zealand and an extended South Pacific season from late 2026.

Wherever you sail, you’ll find world-class dining, award-winning entertainment and personalised service that goes further than you’d expect.

Stateroom and Suites

NCL’s accommodation spans every style and budget, from intimate Studios designed for solo travellers to expansive suites for couples and groups. Interior and Oceanview Staterooms offer great value, while Balcony Staterooms and Spa Suites step things up with private outdoor space and complimentary Thermal Spa access. For the ultimate experience, The Haven by Norwegian® is a ship-within-a-ship – a private enclave with dedicated concierge, 24-hour butler service and exclusive amenities not available to other guests.

Dining, Bars and Lounges

Forget assigned dining times and set seating. NCL’s Freestyle approach means you eat where you want, when you want and with who you want. Depending on the ship, you’ll find anywhere from 14 to 20+ dining options, spanning complimentary main dining rooms, casual buffet venues and specialty restaurants available at an additional cost. Bars and lounges vary by ship, from intimate champagne bars and cocktail lounges to adults-only outdoor venues like Spice H₂O on Norwegian Spirit.

Entertainment

When it comes to great entertainment, NCL offers something for everyone. From award-winning productions to live game shows, dance ensembles, and sparkling nightlife, you’ll find excitement to suit every mood. Headlining shows fill our main theatres with wonder and awe while live music, dance, and our dance parties turn the energy up a notch. Whether marvelling at world-class performances or singing and dancing along with beat, NLC leads the way in entertainment, day and night.

Facilities and Amenities

Most ships in the NCL fleet include the award-winning Mandara Spa, casino, duty-free shopping, fitness centre and multiple pool decks. Facilities vary by ship, larger vessels offer AquaParks, sports complexes and multi-venue entertainment zones, while Norwegian Spirit offers the adults-only Spice H₂O, Mandara Spa and nine bars and lounges in a more relaxed setting without the waterpark or race track elements.

Every NCL cruise fare includes your stateroom accommodation, complimentary dining across the main restaurants and casual venues, non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day (including coffee, tea, juices and water) and access to onboard entertainment and most facilities including pools, hot tubs and fitness centres.

Available at an additional cost: Specialty restaurants, alcoholic beverages, shore excursions, spa treatments, Wi-Fi and some onboard activities.

Free at Sea: NCL’s popular inclusions package can add drinks, specialty dining credits, shore excursion credits and Wi-Fi to your booking. A premium Free at Sea Plus tier is also available from AU$59pp/pd, adding upgraded beverages including Starbucks and unlimited Wi-Fi. Ask your Cruiseabout Advisor which offer applies to your sailing.

Youth programmes: On select NCL fleet ships, kids aged 3 to 17 can access Splash Academy and Entourage at no extra cost on sea and port days. Please note Norwegian Spirit does not operate youth programmes as she is an adult-centric ship designed for grown-up getaways.

Specialty restaurants are one of NCL’s genuine highlights, but they fill up quickly particularly on sea days and the first and last nights of any sailing. Popular venues like Cagney’s Steakhouse, Le Bistro and Onda by Scarpetta are in high demand across the fleet, and waiting until you’re on board often means settling for whatever time is left.

Book your specialty dining before you sail. If your fare includes Free at Sea dining credits, your Cruiseabout Advisor can help you apply these at the time of booking so there are no surprises on board.

Cruising with Children

Fun-filled adventures await your family on NCL ships! Let your little ones dive into excitement at Splash Academy (ages three to 12 years old), with age-appropriate activities and supervised programs. Teens (13 to 17 years old) can hang out in style at Entourage, enjoying sports tournaments, movies, and themed events. And the littlest cruisers – 6 months to under 4 years old – can enjoy the Guppies Programme, a space where parents and children can play together. Best part? It’s all included in your cruise fare! And, if mum and dad want a date night, late night Group Sitting is available at an additional cost.

On Shore Experiences

Experience the world up close and personal with NCL’s unforgettable collection of shore excursions on offer. Available to be booked directly with NCL, you can rest assured that there are no hidden costs for transfers or entrance fees, that you can modify or cancel your booking without penalty (up to 48 hours prior to arrival in port), that you’ll never get left behind if your NCL tour is late, all operators are properly insured, and you can take advantage of Norwegian’s dedicated pre-cruise specialists to help you choose your tours.

Accessibility

NCL’s commitment to accessibility ensures that every guest, regardless of their special needs, can freely embrace the joy of Freestyle cruising. With dedicated travel professionals trained to assist you before, during, and after your cruise, NCL goes above and beyond to make your experience extraordinary. From wheelchair accessible staterooms equipped with all the necessary amenities, to visual-tactile alert systems and sign language interpreting services, the cruise line strives to make your journey seamlessly accessible.