NCL Cruising
So, who are NCL? They are the brightly painted, funky looking ships. Founded in 1966, NCL have broken many boundaries of traditional cruising and revolutionised the industry over the years. Their new concept of giving guests more freedom and flexibility is sure to be a game changer. How many times have I heard “I don’t want to take a dinner jacket on holiday with me”, or “with so many people on one ship the queues must be endless!” NCL have changed this and their fleet of large ships are best described as relaxed and premium contemporary in style.
Who would an NCL cruise suit? Anyone who has never cruised before because they were worried about being bored. With a wide choice of things to fill your day, from the very active to pure relaxation – you would never be bored! These ships appeal to families for the same reason, and as the range of onboard activities is so broad, they suit the multi-generational family too - from grandparents right down to youngsters.
Solo travellers are often over-looked, but not by NCL - the first cruise line to build staterooms and common areas specifically for the single cruiser. The Studios are perfect sized cabins and the Studio Lounge is a great place to meet other solo cruisers. Perhaps you’ve taken a cruise before and would like to try a more relaxed and informal style? Or do you like a more intimate feel to your cruise experience and worry the ship is too big? If so, ‘The Haven’ is perfect for you.
Where do they sail? NCL cover a lot, but not all, of the oceans. Miami is a big port for them, with their ships sailing much of the coastline of the Americas, including Hawaii, and going as far west as Australia and New Zealand. Heading in the other direction, Barcelona is another large hub, offering a lot of European destinations, before heading further east to Asia. Can’t decide between Japan, Russia or Alaska for your next trip? Take a 15-day Transpacific Cruise from Tokyo which gives you a taster of all 3!
What onboard facilities do they have for families? What don’t they have! Families of all ages are well catered for – with everything from Aqua Parks to Ball Sports, from Video Games to Laser Quest, Rope Courses to Go Karting to Rock Walls. Splash Academy (ages 3-12, reduced to smaller groups of Turtles, Seals and Dolphins based on age) and Entourage (ages 13-17) are two complimentary supervised clubs for those times when the kids want to get away from the grown-ups. The fleet wide Guppies Programme is for parents and babies (6 months – under 3yrs) and offers hosted activities as well as open play. For a fee, the Guppies Nursery has been introduced as a drop off nursery on Norwegian Escape. Parents looking for a romantic evening can take advantage of the late night group sitting offered by the certified youth staff, for a small charge.
What can adults do onboard? The Mandara Spa…just the name sounds relaxing! Equipped with Finnish saunas, steam rooms, a Thalassotherapy pool and heated relaxation chairs this really is the place to unwind and enjoy some ‘me time’. The Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway have the first Salt Cave at Sea, and Norwegian Escape offers a snow room! There are different packages available for each ship, and discounts for pre-purchased 5 or 7-day passes.
For anyone concerned about the amount of amazing food they’re eating the gym is complimentary, with treadmills, bicycles, steppers and more, and open daily from 06:00-23:00. If you’re not self-motivated take part in a class for yoga, pilates, spinning...classes vary from US$12-$20. Or hire a personal trainer and go home fitter than ever before. Whilst you’re still pumped from the gym workout, why not head to the casino, where you can dabble in slot machines or try the table games like Black Jack and Roulette.
When you’re hungry… …there’s a choice of dining options, no set times, no set restaurants – you choose when, where and with whom. From buffets with live-cooking stations to pan-Asian restaurants and casual eateries, as well as up to three main dining rooms with daily changing menus and a la carte service, not to mention 24-hour room service. On top of the included choices you have speciality dining for an extra cost – which could be Japanese, Brazilian, Italian, French or a good old Steakhouse. Check out the “Free at Sea” package to have these included.
When the sun goes down… Award-winning entertainment is found on all the ships. Enjoy Broadway shows, live music, comedy, dancing and much more. Cirque Dreams is a theatrical dining experience, or watch a steamy display of Ballroom and Latin dance theatre with Burn The Floor, sing along to some great tribute acts at Legends in Concert or enjoy one of the Party Nights on deck. With live music at Fat Cats Jazz & Blues Club, rock’n’roll in Howl at the Moon and a Beatles cover band at The Cavern Club, there really is something for everyone.
Prefer a quiet place to retreat to? The Haven by Norwegian is an exclusive enclave hidden away at the top of the ship. It’s home to the most luxurious accommodation and a place where guests can bask in the tranquillity of The Haven Courtyard with a private pool and sundeck. Personal service is provided by your butler and concierge, who will take care of everything for you. You’re just steps away from all the unique restaurants and activities, yet you feel a world away in your peaceful bubble. As this is ‘luxury all included’ the entire Free at Sea package is also yours.
“Free at Sea” – a great new addition! From as little as £99 extra per person, on a 7-night cruise, you can choose two offers from a choice of five – Premium Beverage Package, Speciality Dining, WiFi, Shore Excursion Credit or Family & Friends Offer.
With all of these things to do you could almost forget that every day you are in a new port with many opportunities to explore incredible destinations…but that is a whole other blog!
Finding the right cruise. As you would expect, not all ships have every facility and amenity mentioned above, so if there is something that really appeals it’s important to ensure you’re on the right ship. That’s where I come in. Let me know your wish list and I’ll find the one for you.