Norway Cruises: How To See The Best Of The Norwegian Fjords
How to see the best of the Norwegian fjords from the comfort of a cruise ship. Plan your trip here with our complete guide to Norways cruises.
Cruise ships offer a unique way of seeing the best of the Norway. You can see the stunning coastline, some of the countrys biggest cities, small coastal communities and the world-famous fjords, all without needing to worry about accommodation, food or transport.
Some of the worlds biggest cruise ships call at Norwegian ports from time to time. Whenever a large ship is in dock, locals tend to come out to greet the ship. When the Adventure of the Seas called at Trondheim recently, guests were greeted with cannon fire and a local band.
But increasing cruise traffic is also causing controversy in some communities. So whats the best way to take a Norway cruise in a sustainable way? Pull up a comfy chair because were going to dive into some serious planning detail! Ready? Lets go
Ill start by talking about some of the reasons this kind of vacation is so popular. Then look at the types of cruise available, and some of the countrys most popular ports.
Learn Aboutsail Away Staterooms
Norwegians Sail Away staterooms offer the Best Fares available for Inside, Oceanview, Balcony, Club Balcony Suite staterooms, plus all of the usual perks that are included with your cruise, like complimentary dining and entertainment. To book, simply look for Sail Away under Stateroom Options for your cruise.
Read Also: What Cruise Lines Depart From Norfolk Va
Hiking Snorkelling And Exploring The Galapagos
The Galapagos Islands may be pricey, but you cant beat it in terms of a life-changing family experience. Hurtigrutens new expeditions on the MS Santa Cruz II are ideal for families with children over five. Youll spend three nights in Quito, including a chocolate tasting and a trip to the vast Cotopaxi volcano, then fly to Baltra to join the ship for six nights hiking, snorkelling and exploring by Zodiac inflatable. Expect to see iguanas, giant tortoises, sea lions, sharks, turtles, rays, penguins and blue-footed boobies, none of which fear humans.
Details Nine nights from £8,435pp, including flights, half-board in Quito, full board on the ship and drinks with meals, departing on July 19
Recommended Reading: Where To Find The Best Cruise Deals
Msc Cruises For Families
MSC are amongst the best cruises for families with ships packed with tons of great things to do for all ages. Their babies, kids and teen clubs have a range of activities and are partnered up with top childrens brands such as LEGO and Chicco. Offering multiple dining choices and plenty of onboard activities this family friendly cruise line are always a safe bet.
A Cruise Aboard The Nile Adventurer
Egypt is fascinating for kids, no doubt because of the tales of hidden treasures and mummies. Abercrombie & Kent offers short, family-friendly holidays featuring a night at the Sofitel Winter Palace in Luxor and a four-night Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan on the smart Nile Adventurer. Excursions include the Valley of the Kings, with a chance to go inside some of the tombs poking around the spice market in Aswan sailing on a felucca and taking a boat to Philae, a temple on an island in the Nile.
Details Five nights full board from £2,315pp, including flights
You May Like: What Cruise Ships Sail Out Of Jacksonville Fl
The Best Table On Board
With so many specialty restaurants to select from, there are so many special ways to cherish your love with a romantic dinner for two. Savor some of the most romantic settings on the ship and sophisticated French cuisine at Le Bistro, the most elegant restaurant in Norwegian Cruise Lines fleet. This specialty dining venue offers personalized service in an intimate atmosphere. Romantic oceanside seating is available at Le Bistro on Breakaway Class ships.
For truly intimate dining, book a suite in The Haven on Norwegians ships and enjoy a romantic meal on your balcony. Start the day off right with a romantic breakfast. Order room service and enjoy fresh fruits, pastries, and more right on your balcony. The dramatic sunrise at sea is the ideal backdrop for romance.
You May Like: What Cruise Lines Go To Hawaii From California
Creation Of Outdoor Living Areas
Rendering of Ocean Boulevard
Norwegian Cruise Line
Although the ship was in the making for some time prior to the pandemic, one striking design element is the innovative use of exterior deck space, which will encourage guests to spend more time outdoors and come closer to the sea. The new class significantly increases the amount of deck space, outdoor walkways and open-air experiences available to guests.
- Ocean Boulevard, a 44,000-square-foot reimagined outdoor living concept located on Deck 8, will allow passengers to walk around the entire perimeter without obstruction. Two Oceanwalk glass bridges will offer a surreal feeling of walking on water.
- The Concourse, an immersive, Instagram-worthy outdoor sculpture garden, will feature six dramatic installations designed by sculptor Alexander Krivosheiw.
Rendering of a Krivosheiw sculpture on The Concourse
Norwegian Cruise Line
- Infinity Beach will offer opportunities to relax at either of two infinity pools located on each side of the ship that are close to the ocean surface.
Recommended Reading: Norfolk Va.cruise
You May Like: Maui Sunset Dinner Cruise Kaanapali
A Gulet Cruise In Turkey
Who doesnt love jumping off the boat straight into the sea before breakfast? ScicSailings gulet cruises, on the traditional wooden sailing boat Notus, which sleeps 14, explore Turkeys shimmering Turquoise Coast from Ortakent, near Bodrum, with frequent stops to dive in and opportunities to explore ashore. The food on board is exceptional, but youll also have two nights on your own to try out local restaurants. Sleeping on deck under the stars is optional, although kids usually embrace it.
Details Seven nights all-inclusive from £3,814 for a family of four, departing on July 9. Fly to Bodrum
Royal Caribbean International For Families
Royal Caribbean international certainly know how to entertain!. They are known for all round family thrill seeking activities and are considered one of the best cruises for families. Their cruises are second to none with innovative ways to enjoy yourself with zip wires, splash zones and best known for multigenerational family groups.
The Oasis-class ships are the largest in the fleet and the largest ships in the world. These game changer ships are made to leave lasting memories. These ships have won awards for Best for Entertainment, Best Individual Cruise Ship and Best Large Cruise Ship, and its no wonder as they are packed with thing to do for all ages and you will have an absolute blast!
Don’t Miss: Ms Dixie Sunset Dinner Cruise
Havana Cabanas On Vista Class Ships
We recommend looking at the Havanna category of cabins to book a room if you have children 12 or over. Havana cabins are available only on Vista category ships .
The Havana Cabana rooms are lovely spacious with island-inspired decor and ocean-facing patios. In addition, you have access to a private area designated only for Havana guests: pool, hot tubs, bar area, 24-hour ice cream and pizza, and a breakfast buffet area. Beware! If you are a super-private person, then its essential to know that other guests can walk by your area. There is a walkway between your patio and the railings looking over the ocean.
Therefore if you like your privacy, opt for the balcony rooms instead. But if you can afford the extra cost and are very social, we love the additional perks that this area on Carnival Vista offers!
Luxury Cruise Experience On A Big Ship
Along with this, as you walk around it is clear that this is something more than just a Caribbean booze cruise experience. Everything from the chairs to the millions of dollars of artwork speaks to an elevated experience that rarely exists outside of small ship experiences like Norwegians sister brand, Oceania Cruises.
This thankfully extends to a carefully crafted cocktail program where they have even switched from standard barware glasses to Riedel. This may be a small change that most cruises will never notice but it was a welcome addition that brings the feel of the cocktail glass in your hand to the same level of the bartender serving it to you in The Whiskey Bar.
Read Also: Hotels Near New Orleans Cruise Port With Free Shuttle
Australia & New Zealand Family Cruises
Take your family on a cruise of a lifetime to the land down under! The recently refurbished Norwegian Spirit offers departures from Sydney and Singapore with 12- and 17-day sailings incorporating cruises for Australia and New Zealand, in addition to Indonesia and Singapore. You’ll have the chance to see kangaroos and koalas, learn about Maori and Aboriginal cultures, or go snorkeling with the vibrant tropical fish along the famous Great Barrier Reef. You can also visit world-class zoos, national parks, museums, and an array of fantastic beaches ideal for sunning or surfing.
If you choose the 17-day Southeast Asia and Australian itinerary, your ports of call will include the world-famous Komodo island in Indonesia where you can see real Komodo dragons – from a safe distance of course. Other iconic Indonesian islands on this itinerary include Bali, Surabaya, and Semarang.
To maximize your hard-earned vacation dollars, be sure to take advantage of the Free Extra Guests promotion on select cruises. Sign up with your email to get other Norwegian cruise deals delivered right to your inbox. You won’t find a better way to give yourself the peace of mind that you’re getting the best deal available.
Great Design Great Restaurants
The Schooner Bar, a Royal Caribbean classic, is a must. We love the classical nautical design, ample seating areas, friendly bar service, and excellent atmosphere day and night. But if youre traveling with teens, visit The Tavern instead, as they will enjoy the big-screen TV sports games. Among all the specialty restaurants onboard, Chops Grill is the firm favorite with our teens.
Don’t Miss: How Do I Contact Celebrity Cruises
Family Cruises To Book Right Now
- Save this for later.
Paid moment from American Express and Delta
With complimentary summer-camp-like kids programs led by youth counselors, alongside a host of attractions, it’s no surprise the best family cruises deliver an environment where every family member can have fun on vacation. In addition to family time, kids get to hang out with other kids while parents and grandparents are free to be adults.
Youngsters are a major part of cruise ship design, from play rooms and teen clubs to crew members who know how to keep young people happy. Choose your ship wisely, because newer and recently renovated ships tend to have the most exciting attractions . Accommodations at sea can be tight, so splurge on the largest cabin or suite you can afford there is such a thing as too much togetherness on any trip. Beyond that, read our picks for the best cruise lines for familiesand get going with booking.
All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
Lindblad has partnered with National Geographic for a kid-friendly adventure program.
A Multitude Of Dining Options
You have a fantastic choice regarding their main dining restaurants . Try the American Dining restaurant a specialty restaurant with great food and decor reminiscent of a 50s diner with booths and authentic touches everywhere. I love this place.
On deck 17, we recommend Le Bistro, a French diner for those of you who want elegant dining and perfect service. Cagneys Steakhouse is excellent if you prefer a casual atmosphere and offers food to rival any great steak restaurant.
Back to deck 8, you find The Waterfront, a quarter-mile extended outdoor promenade deck that comes into its own at sunset. Relax at the bar at sundown, an excellent place to recharge your batteries before you choose evening entertainment.
If you are a music fan, NCL has built a replica of The Beatles famous Cavern Club here, you can hear Beatles music and listen to the tribute bands. If you love beer, pay a visit to the District Brew House, where you are spoilt for choice. And if you never tire of a pub atmosphere, visit The Local for pub-style food and drinks, and you can even try your hand at bowling.
At the Q Texas Smokehouse on deck 6, try authentic Texas-style BBQ and listen to country music. Head to The Social comedy club afterward. We recommend you pay at least one visit to Teppanyaki, where you can watch your entertaining chefs slicing and dicing skills its a fun family experience with a menu to suit all.
Read Also: What Cruise Line Goes To Barbados
The Disney Cruise Kids’ Club:
Disney takes a unique separate-but-together approach to its kids programming, mainly to accommodate siblings and friends traveling together. Disney Cruises kids’ clubs ages generally span from 3 to 12, with other options for teens. The Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab allow children ages 3 to 12, with programming geared toward younger children in the Club and older children in the Lab.
The Oceaneer Club offers several themed play areas that are different on each ship, including Andy’s Room , Monsters Academy and Marvel’s Avengers Academy, a S.H.I.E.L.D. command post where kids can interact with the Avengers through a virtual game. Disney Dream features a replica of the Millennium Falcon from “Star Wars,” where young ones can play pilot or learn lightsaber techniques from a Jedi Master. The Oceaneer Lab has an Animator’s Studio and a mini sound studio.
Disney’s ships also feature Edge, a tweens club for ages 11 to 14 that includes video games and karaoke. The teen club, Vibe , has a fun coffee shop feel. There is also a for-fee nursery available to care for the littlest cruisers, ages 6 months to 3 years.
Ncl Cruise Ships Newest To Oldest
NCLs cruise ships vary heavily in age. With Prima-class vessels debuting this year and on into the upcoming years, you can find the latest and greatest in cruising with Norwegian Cruise Line.
You can also find some old-school cruising style on the eldest ship in the fleet, which debuted in 1999. Here are the NCL cruise ships by age, so you can pick the right fit for your upcoming cruise.
| Ship | |
| 1998 | No Class |
Its worth noting that many of these ships have received substantial and even multiple refurbishments since their original builds. So, even if you took a cruise on Norwegian Spirit, for example, youd still be able to take advantage of refurbishments that occurred as recently as 2020.
Even ships that were built as recently as 2017, such as Norwegian Joy, have already been refurbished, to keep Norwegians cruise ships looking and feeling fresh.
Don’t Miss: What Is The Best River Cruise Line
Choosing The Best Norwegian Cruise Line Ship For You
Theres no single answer for which is the best NCL ship. It depends on you, your preference for cruising style, and who youre sailing with. While NCL pitches itself as a family-friendly cruise line, the newer ships definitely have a lot more to do onboard, and are more about the at-sea experience.
Older ships are smaller, quieter and more relaxed but they still have a fun vibe great for young couples who want to let their hair down.
2. Choose a trusted travel agent with a best price guarantee.
Please dont book with any old company just because they have a cheap deal. I recommend that you find the best price and then take it to a trusted travel agent who will beat it, as well as giving you the best service.
The Ships Of Norwegian Cruise Line Offer A Casual Yet Contemporary And Upbeat Environment
Norwegian Cruise Line offers a fun, lively experience, and the Freestyle format offers a less-traditional approach to dining with a more casual dress code. Combined, the ships of Norwegian Cruise Line are a favorite choice for families. Itineraries span the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, Mexico and more. Plus, receive a Costco Shop Card with every sailing.
Read Also: Cruises To Greek Islands 2022
Disney Cruise Line Disney Magic
- Number of guests: 1754
- Year: 1998. Updated 2018
Disney is hard to beat regarding family entertainment, nostalgia, and pure fun. From super musical theatre shows to superheroes , Disney offers up the heart-warming quality we have come to expect, year after year, cruise after cruise.
We love Disney Magic for its friendliness and intimacy. While the ship is old, the renovations and modernizations are bang up to date.
The family pool area may not be huge, but we dont think your kids will notice with all the other available activities. And for an escape, the adults can enjoy the larger adult-only pool at the front of the ship.
Service is paramount, as you would expect from Disney, and its service with a smile at all times. The staff pays attention to details, and everything in your cabin is geared towards making light of traveling with kids. Everything around you will be Disney, from the music you hear playing, the costume characters in the dining rooms, to your mickey-shaped deserts. So if you cant get enough of Disney, especially if you have young children, this cruise ship is for you, despite the high-end price tag.
Whats Good To Know About Princess Cruises
Princess cruises do Discovery Family and Animal Planet family Shore Excursions. Their dining options include special kids menus in the Main Dining Room. Princess also make it easy to sail together in comfortable Mini-Suites and larger groups can opt for a Family Suite which includes two interconnecting staterooms and sleeps up to eight on selected ships. Princess cruises also have the new Medallion at seathe all-in one app interacts with your Medallion and helps you with everything onboard from check in to disembarking.
Also Check: What Cruises Out Of Galveston